WINDSOR – Dues paid to the Mid-East Commission are well spent.

The Bertie County Board of Commissioners found out just how true that statement is last week (March 14) when they heard a report from Mid-East Director Tim Ware.

Ware provided his annual report in which he explained some of the ways the Mid-East Commission helps the county.

He reported the county paid $5,032 in dues and received more than $1.2 million in return during the year.

“You are not required to be a member of the Mid-East Commission, but we are glad you have seen the benefits of being members,” Ware said. “We believe you receive a good return on the investment of the membership dues.”

Ware reported Bertie County citizens had a couple of ways of benefitting from Mid-East Commission programs.

More than 3,600 people in the county have received help through the Home and Community Care Block Grant. That includes in-home aid, adult day care, congregate meals, home delivered meals, transportation, volunteer development and assistance.

The county received $272,372 in funding through the grant.

Bertie County also receives assistance through the Workforce Development arm of the Mid-East Commission. That support helped 247 adults, youth and seniors receive training for jobs.

The Mid-East Commission spent $964,460 in Bertie County in workforce development.

In total, Bertie County had 3,855 people served by programs of the Mid-East Commission and received a grand total of $1,236,832 compared to the just over $5,000 in dues.

Ware’s report concluded that Bertie County received $246 for every $1 paid in dues last year.

In other business, the board:

• approved paving the parking lot for the County Office Building;
• agreed to the Criminal Justice Partnership Program budget;
• voted to have legislation introduced adding animal farming to the Voluntary Agriculture District legislation; and
• accepted a bid for the purchase of two small pieces of property at 306 Hospital Drive subject to upset bid.