WINDSOR – It was an even swap that satisfied both parties.

Last week, the Bertie Board of Commissioners agreed to a deal with a private landowner in an exchange of property titles.

As Bertie moves forward to construct a new Department of Social Services building on South King Street, there was one minor problem n the site chosen for the DSS facility was landlocked by another property owner.

To settle the matter, the Bertie Commissioners and private property owner William Pittman worked out a land exchange deal.

On their end, Bertie will gain a lot measuring 200 feet wide and 420 feet deep on the south side of King Street.

“This will give us direct access to the property where we plan to construct the new DSS building,” Bertie County Manager Zee Lamb said.

In return, Pittman will receive Bertie County property consisting of a house and lot located on the south side of King Street, adjacent to and east of the Bertie Memorial Hospital property. That lot contains nearly 160 feet of road frontage.

The house on that lot was most recently used by the county as office space for its recreation department.

According to Lamb, Pittman plans to build a pharmacy at that location.

Both parcels are valued at approximately $45,000 each.

Following a scheduled public hearing on the issue, where no one spoke for or against the proposal, the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the land swap.

In other matters heard by the Board during last week’s meeting:

Approved the transfer of $112,382.25 in capital reserve funds to pay for the wastewater project at J.P. Law Elementary School.

Heard an update from County Engineer Charles Joyner and then approved the exterior water lines for the Innsbrook project.

Following public hearings, approved the closeout of the 2001 CDBG program and gave the green light to a Scattered Site Housing program.

Appointed County Planner Traci White to the Coastal Resources Advisory Commission.

Named Commissioner Norman Cherry Sr. to serve as the local management entity on the area Mental Health Authority.

The next meeting of the Bertie County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5.