OPINION PIECE

We would like to provide an update on the recent Currituck County Commissioners meeting held on January 16, where discussions about prayer at the senior center before meals raised some questions among our readers. During the meeting, County Attorney Megan Morgan explained the county’s position on prayer, referencing a letter (read it here) she sent to the Freedom From Religion Foundation on January 10, 2024, unbeknownst to commissioners.

Commissioner Paul Beaumont expressed concern that the board was not informed before setting policy in the letter to the FFRF. We obtained Morgan’s Position Description (PD) (read it here), which emphasizes her role as an advisor on policies rather than a policy setter. The PD clearly states her responsibility to “advise on all the policies” of the Board of Commissioners. In this instance, Morgan set a policy in her letter to the FFRF that the commissioners learned about after the fact.

The memorandum to the FFRF, which stated an immediate shift from voluntary prayer to a moment of silence, raised questions about the County Attorney’s authority to set policy. Morgan’s role is advisory, and Commissioner Beaumont’s concern aligns with the PD’s emphasis on analyzing, interpreting policy, and presenting recommendations to commissioners.

This incident, along with concerns about the Tulls Creek Elementary School construction lacking a proper easement, raises questions about the performance of the County Manager, Ike McRee, and County Attorney, Megan Morgan.

UPDATE: Ike McRee was County Attorney during the period this property was purchased.

Morgan’s PD indicates her responsibility to review contracts and inform the Board of Commissioners of legal issues in all departments. Regarding the school construction easement, the commissioners should have been advised before construction began (read more here). At the end of the day, both of these issues land squarely on the shattered plate of the county manager. McRee’s employment contract is up for renewal or termination this month. We know the commissioners have had myriad concerns about his appointment and performance over the past year. Several commissioners who have spoken with Blackwater Reports have expressed that McRee has not met their expectations. 

So now the big question is, will the commissioners retain McRee and possibly have more of the same disappointment for three more years, or will they seek to replace him with an experienced county executive as was the intent in the original recruitment terminated by these same commissioners. Read more about that here and here.