Throughout the United States, several cities and counties have merged to create a consolidated city-county government under one jurisdiction. Under this arrangement, the combined entity has the duties and responsibilities of a city and county as authorized by their state. It is normally done for simplification and cost savings. Camden County in North Carolina is an example of this type of government. I doubt this would happen in Beaufort County but there are many areas where the County and municipalities could cooperate.

BHM Regional Library and Brown Library are an example of how the county and City of Washington could possibly work together to benefit the citizens of Washington, the county and the BHM Library system.

The Washington BHM Library is actually the regional headquarters for BHM Regional Library and depository for books, periodicals and other media. The books, periodicals and media are circulated from the regional headquarters to the other libraries within the system. Along with being the headquarters it is also open to the public as a library.

The BHM Regional Library system includes eight libraries in Beaufort, Hyde and Martin Counties. Locations in Beaufort County include Aurora, Bath, Belhaven and Washington. Some believe a location is also needed in Chocowinity. BHM Regional Library is funded by state and local sources. In the 2015-16 budget, $202,500 was allocated by Beaufort County. The total BHM Regional Library operating expenditures in 2013-14 was $828,018. Brown Library budget for 2015-16 is $421,691.

It appears to me, the combination of the Brown Library and BHM Library Headquarters could result in a reduction of operating cost and improved efficiencies. Some of the cost reduction could be applied to improving the Brown Library and the BHM Regional Library system. The Brown Library would become BHM Regional Headquarters.

The BHM Regional Headquarters is housed in a historic building that contains one of the oldest courthouses in North Carolina. Dating from around 1786, it is the second oldest courthouse building standing in North Carolina. The actual courtroom can be viewed on the second floor.

I have visited the courthouse several times. The first time I visited, I didn’t even know it existed. From the outside the courthouse is an architectural treasure. It is a beautiful building. When I went inside last time, a worker gave me a big old time key and I went up there and viewed the courtroom by myself and enjoyed every minute of it. Washington has quite a few treasures and this is one of them. I encourage all citizens to visit the old courthouse at least once. Obviously, the courthouse is of great value to the community.

The building is not in good condition. It could receive needed repairs and upgrades and become a more significant historic attraction for the City of Washington and the County. Possibly some grants would help pay for it. The bottom floor could be reworked as a museum to compliment the historic courtroom on the second floor. Any attraction that helps bring visitors to Beaufort County results in additional travel and tourism dollars. Historic sites are very important and must be preserved.

The combination of the two libraries would need to be done carefully and require legislative approval. Over the years, the state has slowly reduced their allotment to the BHM Regional Library. To be successful, an agreement would need to be reached with the state that would benefit BHM Regional Library and the Brown Library. Combining the two organizations without cooperation and continued help from the state is prohibitive.

Beaufort County has many attractions throughout the county and is blessed with a large amount of water and other natural resources. Many places are as beautiful as can be found in America. Beaufort County also has a wonderful history that has been underdeveloped and utilized. The courthouse above the BHM Regional Library is an example of that history. It’s an important asset to have.

Make no mistake about it, travel and tourism is economic development and can be a driver of future economic growth in Beaufort County. With the decline of manufacturing in America, travel and tourism is becoming more important to rural communities throughout North Carolina and the United States.

Al Klemm is a retired Beaufort County commissioner.