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Duck Town Council, at its June 4 regular session meeting, recognized two police officers, added a Town Code subsection allowing some additions to match nonconforming existing rooflines, appointed a Board of Adjustment panel, and approved a fiscal year 2025-2026 budget.

During the first of two special presentations, Duck Police Officer Richard Deaner was recognized for earning an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Professional Certificate Program.

Considered to be the highest professional law enforcement certificate available, eligibility is determined by a formula that combines formal education, professional training and work experience as a full-time law enforcement officer.

During Wednesday’s presentation, Police Chief Jeff Ackerman commended Deaner, who came to Duck with more than 13 years experience in West Virginia and Southern Shores, for being a hard worker who is well liked by the community. Ackerman said also that the certificate reflects a high level of professionalism, a commitment to higher level of education and additional training, and shows a strong commitment toward ongoing development in the field of law enforcement.

The afternoon’s second recognition saw Master Police Officer Nathan Mauffray receive the first Mighty Duck award for 2025, an award given to a staff member nominated by their peers for demonstrating the town’s core values for service, ownership, accountability and respect.

According to town manager Drew Havens, Mauffray went above and beyond the normal call of duty to assist a driver in crisis at a recent traffic stop.

“Drawing on experience and natural compassion his response exemplified what it means to serve with heart and integrity,” said Havens. “By choosing to act first and foremost as a fellow human being when someone needed compassion the most, not just as a police officer, he set a strong example and we are grateful for his commitment. Just because a man puts a badge on, he doesn’t stop being a human being.”

Havens explained that Mauffray remained roadside with the individual for an extended period offering support, conversation and empathy, showing service through responsiveness and ownership by actively engaging in problem solving. Then, before parting, Mauffray offered his own personal cell phone number, telling the driver he could reach out anytime. The next day the officer received a heartfelt text from the driver as proof that his actions made a meaningful impact.

Havens added that upon learning about the incident, “My first reaction was, knowing Nathan, it didn’t surprise me a bit that he went above and beyond. We are proud to recognize Sergeant Mauffray for leading by example and reminding us all of the power of empathy in public service. Yes, they’re here to do a job and protect the community, but the leadership and encouragement for officers to act in my mind is a model to be followed throughout the country.”

Mighty Duck Award nominations are submitted by town staff and reviewed by a staff-led SOAR Committee. The recipient is one who reflects dedication, a positive attitude and outstanding contribution to team and community for service, ownership, accountability and respect.

“This individual was clearly in a very difficult place,” added Ackerman, “and I believe with all my heart that Nathan saved his life that day.”

Following a Planning Board recommendation, council gave unanimous approval to add a subsection to 156.053 that allows administrative approval for single-family dwellings built prior to July 3, 2002 to have additions match the height of the existing roofline, provided the addition does not exceed the maximum building height of the zoning district by more than one foot.

Other construction requests for newer structures or in excess of the one foot limit still have the option to request a variance through the Board of Adjustment.

With Board of Adjustment member terms set to expire July 1, council reappointed the five current members – Olin Finch, Carol Powell, Miriam Rollin, David Flowers and Tim McKeithan – to new terms, along with Thomas Burton and Warren Stembridge as the two alternates who participate only if a regular member is not available.

With little discussion, the proposed FY 2025-2026 budget ordinance and 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan was approved on a unanimous 5-0 vote.

The FY 2025 – 2026 annual budget includes:

GENERAL FUND REVENUES
Ad Valorem Taxes – $5,566,115
MSD Taxes – $1,024,119
Local Government Sales Tax – $1,800,000
Real Estate Transfer Tax – $375,000
Occupancy Tax – $1,900,000
Grants – $52,686
ABC and Beer & Wine – $93,000
Utility Taxes – $420,000
Permits and Fees – $177,000
Interest and Asset Sales – $325,000
Transfers – $788,025
Debt Proceeds – $0
Fund Balance Appropriated – $385,300
Other Revenue – $217,600
Total Revenues – $13,123,845

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES
Governing Body – $177,124
Administration – $460,329
Finance & Human Resources – $260,127
Legal – $66,720
Information Technology – $186,706
Police – $2,475,817
Fire – $2,084,727
Ocean Rescue – $783,723
Communications & Special Events – $539,206
Community Development – $399,796
Inspections – $270,627
Public Facilities – $862,916
Streets & Highways – $268,433
Sanitation – $1,501,220
Environmental Protection – $1,378,825
Transfers – $1,305,655
Contingency – $101,894
Total Expenditures – $13,123,845

Other business for the day included approval of an easement agreement with Brightspeed of Eastern NC LLC, consent agenda approval with May 7 meeting minutes, a 2025 annual beach monitoring contract with Coastal Protection Engineering, a Coastal Protection Engineering Contract for pre-permitting coordination and native beach sediment analysis, authorization for online auction and donation of surplus police items and accessories to the Tyrrell County Sheriff’s Office, an amended and restated contract between the Town of Duck and the Duck Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., and $239,400 budget amendment for increased taxes received.

At the end of business, council adjourned until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2 for the next regular session meeting.

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