In November 2025, I proposed a number of changes in the operations of the Northumberland County Board of Supervisors; see Let’s make some improvements to the operations of the supes in Northumberland County. One of the suggestions was to identify and post information about topics of interest to individual supervisors and the board as a whole on the county website. (See a screenshot of the post below.)
At a recent regular supes meeting, the topic of county-owned property came up and, as reported in Northumberland Board Members Say It’s Time to Make Progress on County Property,
Brann also pointed out that the county has been talking about reviewing the list of proper‑ties for two years but hasn’t gotten anywhere. He suggested the board select two to three properties each month and decide whether to sell or keep them. If the county decides to retain a property, the board should consider future use, including whether to cut it for timber or not.
“I’m at the point where we’ve talked a lot and it’s time to let’s do something,” said Brann. “We’re not going to get anywhere if we’re looking at a whole sheet of properties at one time.”
I agree that action must be taken. How ’bout the Board of Supervisors start with the advice from December?
At a minimum, the new page should contain the name of the supervisor who raises the issue or “takes responsibility” for investigating, researching, learning about, etc. and reporting back to the board; documents created in the process of investigating, researching, and learning about; supes’ meeting dates at which the topic was discussed, and a link to the vid (including timestamp); records for public hearings or meetings held on the topic; the applicable department/office; and communications from the public on the topic.
In addition, as noted in the article, intelligence about proximate property owner behavior should be included so as to provide the full picture of considerations and actions.
I will end with three final suggestions: First, commit to creating a system for data collection by the next regular meeting of the supervisors. Review the system and upload documents on the website by the October meeting. Second, engage skilled volunteers to assist with the system creation and staffing the process. Third, consider the need for permanent support staff (skilled in public policy) for the board.
