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JACKSON – Several local government departments in Northampton County now have a new space to call home.

The county’s new administrative building, located as an annex building next to the new courthouse in Jackson, is now open. A ribbon cutting event was held on Tuesday, Apr. 1 to commemorate the occasion.

“I think it’s so important that we now have a building where we have so many of our services in one place for the convenience of our citizens,” said Ed Martin, Chair of Northampton County’s Board of Commissioners.

The new building houses the Register of Deeds, Land Records, Tax Department, Finance, Human Resources, and the County Manager’s office all under one roof. It was constructed thanks to a $5 million federal grant that was awarded to the county in 2022 by former US House Representative G.K. Butterfield before his retirement.

Several local leaders and invited guests spoke during Tuesday’s event.

“When you have a ribbon cutting, it signifies a celebration, a new beginning,” said Commissioner Melvetta Broadnax Taylor. “And this is a new beginning for Northampton County. This is a new beginning for the citizens.”

Commissioner Kelvin Edwards recognized special guests and elected officials in the audience, and then Commissioner Keedra Whitaker introduced the keynote speaker, Tare Davis.

Davis, who is a former state trooper and current Warren County Commissioner, serves as the President of the North Carolina County Commissioners Association.

“This is history for us to stand here and be a part of the opening of this new government building,” Davis said in his remarks. “A government building that is established to work for the people.”

Davis talked about the importance of community, and how it took a lot of people to make the new administrative building a reality.

NC House representative Rodney Pierce couldn’t attend the event, but Northampton Board Clerk Deborah Gatling read remarks he sent.

“I commend the county’s efforts in this regard and can only imagine the pride felt by the county commissioners, county administration, and other employees in this accomplishment,” she said on behalf of Pierce.

Former NC House representative Michael Wray spoke to emphasis that “working together works,” which is ultimately how the building was able to be constructed.

“Nobody can do anything by themselves. It’s not about who gets the credit. It’s about the results for the people,” said Wray.

US Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd weren’t able to attend, but their representatives Trey Lewis and John Tayloe shared remarks on their behalf.

“First impressions are crucial,” said Lewis, referring to how nice the new building looks.

He said Sen. Tillis extends his best wishes and hopes the new facility will serve as a valuable resource for many years ahead.

Tayloe congratulated the county on their accomplishment in a time when resources are scarce.

“You’ve had the vision here in this county to forge a plan and see it through to completion,” he continued. “You now have a campus that will serve you well for generations to come.”

Commissioner Keith Edwards spoke briefly to say he was proud to see the building not only in his role as a commissioner, but also as a citizen of Northampton County.

County Manager Julian Phillips quoted one of his former bosses, saying, “You never want to be stagnant because being stagnant leads to complacency, and if you’re complacent, you’re going to die.”

Phillips said the new building was an example of the county avoiding stagnation and complacency.

“I want to continue to help Northampton to grow,” he emphasized. “We’re going to do it the right way.”

Martin then officially presented the keys to the building to Phillips.

“Use this building wisely and in the service of the citizens of Northampton County,” he said.

The event concluded with prayer from former commissioner Charles Tyner, who served as Board Chair when the construction project first began.

Attendees were then treated to refreshments and a tour of the building.