During last week’s Board of Commissioners meeting in Oakboro, Bob Harvey spoke during open forum, answering a question from the board regarding how to make donations to support Oakboro STEM Choice School.

Harvey said a new 501c nonprofit organization, Oakboro STEM Choice Citizens Support Group Inc., has been set up to support the school. The account is held by Uwharrie Bank and donations can be made at the local bank branch.

The funds collected by the 501c will be used for programs and projects benefiting Oakboro STEM School. Project priorities will be set with the school principal and board.

“It’s an opportunity for the people in Oakboro who want to contribute to that school to come out and do it,” said Harvey.

In other matters:

• The board approved the accounts payable in the amount of $116,201.55.
• Bob Harvey also spoke during open forum regarding the importance of one-on-one contact between the board and citizens when problems arise.
• Lisa Marker, troop leader for Girl Scout Troop 2160, spoke during open forum on behalf of a Girl Scout Cadette pursuing the Girl Scout Silver Award. For her project, the scout sought the board’s approval to build a wooden enclosed book shelf for a free community book exchange. The board spoke in favor of the project.
• Police Chief TJ Smith presented the police report as follows: 494 neighborhood/business checks, 89 calls, seven arrests and eight citations. Smith said the recent low country boil at the Oakboro District Park went well.
• The board set the tax rate for the 2017-2018 fiscal year at .41 per $100 valuation. The tax rate remains the same as last year.
• The board set the date and time for the bid opening for the new community building at the park for June 30 at 1 p.m.
• The board reappointed Daniel Smith as the CVB representative.
• The board approved the purchase of a F250 four wheel drive truck for the maintenance department at a cost of $25,122.
• Parks and Recreation Director Daniel Smith said he was contacted recently by LandTrust for Central North Carolina regarding an outdoor program for children in grades six through 12. The program would focus on nature, conservation, service projects and getting kids outdoors. Smith said he is working to partner with LandTrust to bring the program to Oakboro.