A recent investigation by Blackwater Reports into the activities of six out of seven Currituck County Commissioners has unveiled a series of more than 160 emails exchanged over two days in mid-January. The emails reveal what appears to be a clandestine meeting held without the knowledge of Commissioner Paul Beaumont, a clear violation of open meeting laws.

During this online meeting, commissioners, including County Attorney Megan Morgan, deliberated on matters affecting the county. Commissioner Beaumont was intentionally excluded from these discussions. The involvement of the County Attorney in such a secretive meeting raises questions about her responsibility to prevent such occurrences.

The alleged catalyst for these discussions involves accusations against Commissioner Beaumont for hiring InsightGlobal, an executive search firm, without proper authority. However, evidence supporting this claim is limited to an email from County Attorney Morgan, lacking additional documentation.

A timeline of the exchanges reveals discussions about potential actions against Commissioner Beaumont before the facts were known. The raw and unedited comments from the commissioners, without any basis in facts, are concerning. The involvement of the County Attorney in strategizing actions against Beaumont adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Key Points from the Timeline:

January 15, 2024 – Eight days before the facts are known:

• Commissioner Bob White suggests potential actions, including removal from the board against Beaumont without having all the facts. (See our Special Report on Removal of a Sitting County Commissioner NC here.
• Commissioner Selina Jarvis states Beaumont hired Insight Global without authority.
• Commissioner Mike Payment proposes a closed session and potential removal of Beaumont.

January 16, 2024 – Seven days before the facts are known:

• Commissioner Owen Etheridge suggests offering Beaumont the option to step down.
• County Attorney Megan Morgan offers to prepare a resolution for censureship (censorship).
• Morgan suggests forming a committee meeting that excludes Beaumont to discuss him further.

January 17, 2024:

• Morgan claims InsightGlobal confirmed Beaumont authorized the job posting.

January 19, 2024:

• Morgan insists that documents from InsightGlobal are public records and requests them. (Read our Special Report Private Records or Public Records? here.

January 23, 2024:

• InsightGlobal agrees to provide records as a courtesy.

While the investigation is ongoing, these revelations and the lack of evidence supporting accusations against Commissioner Beaumont raise serious concerns about the transparency and integrity of the county’s decision-making process.

Facts matter, and the public deserves a clear understanding of the events that transpired. Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.