A Conversation with County Commissioner Tony Angell

As part of its ongoing effort to keep North Beach residents informed, the North Beach Preservation Alliance recently spoke with County Commissioner Tony Angell about several issues affecting the North Beach community. The discussion included the County’s proposed purchase of property adjacent to County-owned land, potential uses for the property, sand mining, infrastructure, and questions related to measures appearing on the November ballot.

Below are Commissioner Angell’s responses to the questions posed by NBPA.

County’s Proposed $5.6 Million Property Purchase

Regarding the recent/pending County $5.6 million purchase of the five Ocean Beach parcels owned by Carova Sands LLC and West Beach Properties LLC, adjacent to property owned by the County.

Can you disclose any proposed plans for the $5.6 million purchase of the Macon Brock and adjacent tracts? It is just as important to know what the tracts WILL NOT be used for. Is anything prohibited or restricted?

At this time, there is not a solid plan to the use of the property. Worst case scenario, it will not be homes. I would love to see it used as a park or nature access.

Is the County planning to sand mine on the beach and sand areas behind the primary dunes?

The county passed a text amendment that allows the county to mine sand on county owned property. This will be a source of sand to put into the roads, dig additional fire ponds, or expand existing fire ponds. The roads need material added to this and it was a way that we can achieve that goal. No sand will leave the beach.

Community-Related Issues

There have been infrastructure upgrades (electric and cable) on the North Beach. Is this in alignment with the UDU (Unified Development Ordinance) plans for this beach?

The UDO only governs the placement, easements and setbacks. In the vision plan we have expanded broadband internet as a goal, but other than that the UDO really only focuses on placement of infrastructure items.

Regarding the Upcoming November Ballot

What is the proposed school-board change on the November ballot? (re: party affiliation) Currently there is no party affiliation for the school board, this is why they do not participate in the primary as you can have an unlimited number of people from each party running for the same seat. In Currituck County no one running for school board has to declare their party affiliation. This is not something we as commissioners asked for. I was personally asked about this issue multiple times while campaigning for the district 1 seat. This is an issue that was asked about and we felt enough people wanted this change, so we asked the General Assembly to put it on our ballot.

What about the proposed sales tax? This was tried in 2024, but the messaging was terrible. This will equate to $0.25 per $100 purchase. Gas, medication, food items are all exempt (not prepared meals from a restaurant) This money is earmarked for Public Safety and Infrastructure improvements. I know that is vague, but the reality is with rising cost for building materials, school repair needs, and public safety needs, this is a need. We as commissioners have to ensure that we have the revenue to fund those items. With that being said we can get it from one place right now, and that is property tax. This tax is estimated to generate about $2.4 million per year. One cent of property tax generates just under $900k. The benefit to this is that visitors and guests will share the burden, not just property owners. This is a way that we can keep property tax low, while still generating the revenue needed. Why change the Board of Commissioners structure?

I am going to answer this with more of my personal thoughts. I feel this change is good for the county for a few reasons. When I was campaigning, I was spending the majority of my time outside of my district, with people I was not going to be representing. That bothered me but also bothered others. This was another item that was asked about multiple times while I was campaigning.

If I personally, was the best commissioner for district 1, and did (hopefully I am) do great things for the residents I represent, but let’s say others in the county didn’t like what I was saying about the issues that pertain to my district. I could win every single vote in district 1, everyone that I represent said yes, I want him to do more great things. But let’s say other districts wanted someone that was more in line with their stance on issues that were not necessarily the best course of action for district 1. They could vote for my opponent, and because there are more votes, I lose the election.

My problem with that is, if I win every single vote from the people I represent, the people that I do not represent can say nope, we out number your district and we choose someone else. Without this change you simply do not have the choice to pick your preferred representative and to me that feels broken.

Yes, we all make decisions for the county, yes we all vote on things that affect the county and its residents, but I represent district 1, and I feel that if other districts can influence the vote, it could lead to the largest population centers having the majority of influence for the BoC. Read more about the 2026 Electoral District Referendum Six-District Proposal here.

A Final Question

Any comments from your office to your constituents you wish to be published to our readers?

None - other than thank you for staying engaged and asking good questions.