WINDSOR – A 15-year journey ended Monday.

In front of a crowd of county employees, dignitaries and local citizens, the Bertie County Department of Social Services (DSS) was officially dedicated during an afternoon ceremony and ribbon cutting.

“I spoke with (Bertie DSS Director) Morris (Rascoe) before we started and he said this has been a 15-year process,” said Bertie County Commission Chairman Norman Cherry Sr. “The employees of DSS deserve a hooray because it’s finally here.”

Commissioner Charles Smith, who serves on the DSS board, said he was proud to see the building come into existence.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with this group and to see this building coming up,” he said. “This building and the people in it will be used for the betterment of the people of Bertie County.”

James Peele, the Chairman of the DSS Board, said he was proud to see the building finished.

“I have heard rumors of this occasion for many, many years,” Peele said. “Here we are today to witness it as a reality.”

Peele thanked the Bertie County Commissioners and the Department of Social Services staff for their work and said that the new building would provide a renewed energy for staff.

Representative Annie W. Mobley (D-5th) congratulated Bertie County for their accomplishment as did Senator Ed Jones (D-4th).

“Those who help people most sometimes get the least,” Jones said. “I commend everyone here for trying to help those with the least.”

Bertie County Manager Zee Lamb thanked all those who were involved in the project’s success, including the Bertie County Commissioners, Rascoe and the staff of DSS.

“This is a great day,” Rascoe said during his remarks. “It has been a long time coming, but this is a building that Bertie County can be proud of. It was designed to get the work done effectively and efficiently.”

“Today is a good day,” he added.

After the ceremony, dignitaries participated in a ribbon cutting and then citizens were invited in for a tour of the new facility.