[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6673577,"mediaKeyId","2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a","parentId",2096338,"title","County presents employee-survey findings and November financial summary; commissioners note results","audioSeconds",433,"startMs",2965000,"endMs",3398000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a&start=2965&end=3398","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a/thumbnail_2965000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6673577/Lee-County/North-Carolina/County-presents-employee-survey-findings-and-November-financial-summary-commissioners-note-results","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673577-37d94bbc297118f068e42a428ada02b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1774823729&Signature=OvWg~HZXAb~ritmDrVpFlNQ8qlRtEqiBx1Ho39-HKTypUqpTu9ey8Z6Jx9fAoquylTVJujcCEXFmPWGy1NWG1myMKa9K1f1FGDsSoh59tTUfA4dchPOZ8UL95hE5bSkGYVLhTa72YNGCJkO-JudghmdfS7GeKY7G8oHvEVNhmOiKZh8uqiatCFfb~vCkb4ox5Jucbro4a6me8bQKqOWN7CN17BR1LfXCwaPLAalCMwd48wUuA1c~0muuysLeaviWdjhGFYh4T~Z-nvak~JbG~MjGy9HxHq-mjYEGYu6v-QBwDID3euzg-kICke9JSDVj7WBuoAQQHpwUBnrxtzERzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lee County","date","2025-01-09T21:04:09.653Z","article","County staff presented a summary of the second annual employee survey and the November 2024 monthly financial report at the Jan. 6 Lee County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Ben McCreery, who presented the employee-survey summary, said the survey (conducted in late September and early October) drew responses from roughly two-thirds of county employees. The presentation highlighted a jump in compensation satisfaction—from about 33% in January 2023 to 68% in the most recent survey—attributed in the presentation to pay-plan adjustments approved in recent budgets. Other findings included high reported job satisfaction and loyalty: 89% said they find their work meaningful and 87% said they plan to stay with Lee County. Respondents reporting they considered leaving in the previous six months declined from 24% in 2023 to 19% in the latest survey. McCreery said staff plan to use survey results in strategic planning and budget work and will continue efforts to address communication and employee input.

Candace Seismen presented the November 2024 monthly financial report, which staff included in the agenda packet. Ad valorem tax collections at the end of November were 48.32% of the adopted budget; staff noted that the spending target for that point in the fiscal year is 41.66% and that some departments exceed that target mainly because encumbrances and annual prepayments are included in the figures. Staff said removing encumbrances reduced the number of departments appearing over target.

Commissioners asked follow-up questions about how survey results will be used and whether department-level results could be shared while preserving anonymity. McCreery said department-level splits were withheld to protect anonymity for small departments and that staff will continue to develop engagement strategies and incorporate findings into strategic planning and budget processes.

Separately during commissioner remarks, Chair Kirk D. Smith read a Dec. 16 letter from the North Carolina Department of Commerce advising Lee County it has been awarded $950,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for a neighborhood revitalization program; the letter noted additional grant conditions must be satisfied before funds may be obligated.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lee County Board of Commissioners Meeting - January 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff presented results of the county's second annual employee survey showing increased satisfaction with compensation, and the county's November 2024 financial report; commissioners asked about follow-up steps and noted improved employee satisfaction metrics.","taxTitle","Lee County, North Carolina","taxId",55520,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673582,"Classified school employees urge full funding of proposed pay plan; commissioners, manager explain limits",3527,208000,3735000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a&start=208&end=3735","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a/thumbnail_208000.jpg","/articles/6673582/Lee-County/North-Carolina/Classified-school-employees-urge-full-funding-of-proposed-pay-plan-commissioners-manager-explain-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673582-d6f9dd27f95869ff52db04fb093d4c89/orig.mp4?Expires=1774823729&Signature=fthpevHmVwBmbj0HujIBIEhPBPQIOsSxt525BJN979DuX~b~ssMwF4GSGnTg3850NJnSLPr5xJer30tqhzGrA7l0q~oZEwD4lK~Lc8-LWCAcaF1~f2Y6MucjMRH~1WFR89plkuwNzKYaBUuN0g6Mk9bxkcWfxWNziY7~8sArNYpmv1PHFPQ4pLOIbe-mp4kx5zvl-EusuE3KVtJTMNJWJcZ2xCtqVA-IRNve~hPUVFazbWe-K5pwV7AB7ligmVeryy9ax3OCjDmwznlHE6Bw4NdTxlq5hhKLB00PKy4KuiNdYesxevtNRoVgYKDrnmum8vd2nFWOwxDSEWLxfLwFcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two classified employees from Lee County Schools addressed the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 urging that a recently proposed pay plan for classified school staff be fully funded.

Emily York, who identified herself as a classified employee at Eastleigh Middle School, asked whether the county has a role in ensuring the pay plan is “fully funded for everyone.” She read language from a document noting the full hourly rate would apply only if the plan were fully funded and said many longtime employees had experienced long periods without pay increases. “We teach our students to be accountable, so we expect you to be accountable as well,” York said.

Deborah Godfrey spoke in solidarity with York. The chair asked the speakers to leave copies of their materials with the clerk; staff agreed to make copies for commissioners.

During the manager’s report later in the meeting, county leadership explained the limits of county authority over school pay. The manager said state funding formulas provide allotments for positions such as teacher assistants and teachers; local boards may supplement those allotments. Managers and staff noted the county is a funding source but does not control how the school board disperses state and local funds for individual salary decisions.

The manager also said the county heard classified-pay concerns at a recent conference of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and successfully advanced a legislative goal to support state funding for teacher and classified-school personnel recruitment and retention. That goal was placed high on the association’s statewide list of priorities to be advocated to state legislators.

Public commenters and several commissioners emphasized the complexity of school funding and urged continued coordination with the school board and state legislators to seek fuller funding of classified pay. Commissioners acknowledged the county provided additional current-expense funding in the most recent budget cycle but noted they cannot directly micromanage school board allocations.","Two classified school employees spoke during public comment asking that a proposed pay plan be fully funded; county leadership and the manager explained the county's funding role, recent actions, and that school-board decisions govern final pay distribution.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673587,"Commissioners approve 45-lot McMillian Lane subdivision preliminary plat",419,2520000,2939000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a&start=2520&end=2939","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a/thumbnail_2520000.jpg","/articles/6673587/Lee-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-approve-45-lot-McMillian-Lane-subdivision-preliminary-plat","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673587-4fb62ca246b962537b95ba37e6271cf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1774823729&Signature=ndolJxqZNcgDqPR5UgPCOpVncgpnxsouj1Dm9U5glV5-qpCCZaphk7QVV6qTE4nVpAplpekhDioUsLANOrWe~tCwUufPXPNiYf6rOhKzOKRgTQ8-NpqQQZU44yxsmi-xMgx~JwN-g6Jt8SPdh2tZlF8Umz1LwwfYmHJomE3NPMjXeTv15pviKk76Y4JKa-QDeRCO6rV-AJRFNeM5jdzNvd9r6WoCkkgLH7d5nZttl-PYO64iFkujfl1agWjO36BxOnqYGYFgBQhUacz3i4ppsEH63DzbOS02HGtuM8FLN0JmKghwYdMO1qiKNMdbQX8b09xxvnJuutRaLmzq1SJ8cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lee County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 approved the preliminary plat for a 45-lot major subdivision proposed by Lee County Development LLC on a 75.86-acre parcel identified as 39 McMillian Lane, located near the intersection of U.S. 1 and Oakleaf Road.

Planner Tanner O'Quinn told commissioners the subdivision would feature single-family detached homes served by public water and private septic systems. The developer applied for a subdivision exception to allow a privately maintained gravel emergency access road in lieu of a fully improved second entrance; the planning board met Dec. 16 and unanimously recommended both approval of the subdivision and approval of the exception.

The proposed lots meet existing residential-agricultural zoning dimensional standards, with the smallest proposed lot at about 40,126 square feet and the largest at about 65,128 square feet. A licensed soil scientist assessed the property’s suitability for individual septic systems; the county’s environmental health department must approve septic locations prior to construction.

NCDOT indicated no roadway improvements were required for the proposed access, which uses Sugar Maple Road (the former alignment of U.S. 1) rather than the main highway. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about plan compliance with Plan San Lee and whether sidewalks or other improvements were required; staff said the proposal conforms to the zoning and that sidewalks were not required. A motion to approve the preliminary plat carried with commissioners indicating “Aye.”

Staff will follow established permitting steps, including environmental-health approval of individual septic systems and any NCDOT permit processes for access if needed.","The board approved a preliminary plat for a 45-lot single-family subdivision on a 75.86-acre parcel off U.S. 1; the planning board had unanimously recommended approval including an exception for an emergency gravel access.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673590,"Commissioners table proposed changes to billboard rules after multi-hour discussion",1480,981000,2461000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a&start=981&end=2461","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a/thumbnail_981000.jpg","/articles/6673590/Lee-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-table-proposed-changes-to-billboard-rules-after-multi-hour-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673590-cf352e6530fc4cafd5d0419cffedd228/orig.mp4?Expires=1774823729&Signature=LSps8GNrA~0cVxDQ8yJEWzwWuded8KdfmcGnWJl3aXH1ZKgH7XmI1Rk5ARtjT2JInbH3mv02v0p3QJ04RLEY7lKUUsfdspIcR-xDmZpJpT7ULa5K3keGKNx4eRLIBgi17zcYeN4r8ckUNTTU1-1wkA9FF1TMVJczLBonnCx-h1n~P3Ign1fiYY0nZyoDtpZY-KFNpTsh2zcflo0w6Z2rDEgSUr-wJILKPZAo3s3tno1D~uGDfZiWVMJ~w7aFIk2iwWij48N37nNPMlNmLy66HnyxiXIqvAgp5Pi0JSoYm24d~11cTAixC9M9VY5Zh3mRfpm1lbb7WYQybg5mkIuCRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lee County commissioners on Jan. 6 moved to table a developer-proposed text amendment to Section 11.9.2 of the county’s Unified Development Ordinance that would alter how the county regulates outdoor advertising signs (billboards).

Planning staff presented the application submitted by Warren Stansil of Interstate Outdoor, outlining proposed changes including replacing a 100-foot buffer from residential zoning with a 500-foot buffer measured to dwellings, changing the method of measuring separation between billboards from a 1,000-foot radius to 1,000 linear feet along the same right-of-way, permitting changeable/digital copy subject to light-mitigation technology, requiring 2-mile spacing between digital signs along the same right-of-way, and specifying steel monopole construction for new signs.

Staff research summarized in the packet compared Lee County rules to neighboring counties and found most adjoining counties had stricter standards; the planning board recommended a modified approach that retained zoning-district limits for billboard placement, set a 500-foot distance to residential dwellings (with a notarized waiver process for adjacent owners within 500 feet), required 1,000 linear feet between signs measured along the same right-of-way, mandated a 2-mile separation for electronic/digital displays and allowed changeable copy using light-mitigation technology without endorsing a proprietary brand. The planning board voted 4-1 that the proposed amendment is not consistent with the long-range plan but also voted 4-1 to recommend approval of a modified text amendment.

Commissioner Martin moved to table the item, saying he wanted time to study potential visual impacts and property-value effects after recent local installations of digital billboards. Warren Stansil, representing Interstate Outdoor, said the stricter measures in his proposal were intended to limit proliferation of digital billboards and that a new back-to-back digital billboard could cost about $300,000 to construct, excluding site or utility work.

Commission discussion ranged from technical questions about the waiver’s durability after property sales and whether the proposed light-mitigation technology is proprietary, to whether nearby jurisdictions (the unified development ordinance is shared by multiple jurisdictions) would need to vote on text changes. Planning staff said only Harnett County among those reviewed used a neighbor-waiver approach and noted practical issues, such as waivers not showing in title searches and how to handle owner changes.

After discussion, the board voted to table the amendment. Commissioners asked staff to return with additional research — including examples from other counties, map data on recent zoning changes that could affect billboard locations, and clarity on waiver mechanics and duration — before the item returns for further consideration.","A developer-backed text amendment to Lee County's unified development ordinance that would change distance limits, allow digital signage and specify construction standards for billboards was discussed in detail; the board voted to table the proposal for further review.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673594,"Lee County commissioners approve rezoning of 14.6 acres on Deep River Road to light industrial",436,538000,974000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a&start=538&end=974","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096338-dc7fa9abaa2a1e228a5813c69ad34e9a/thumbnail_538000.jpg","/articles/6673594/Lee-County/North-Carolina/Lee-County-commissioners-approve-rezoning-of-146-acres-on-Deep-River-Road-to-light-industrial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673594-073f1b799e8f5079e94a02d9b12cc7b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1774823729&Signature=fKkz2prZQwYcdbCPu1qMuO7L92CjzdbYqg8GPTIlNDvI8iLgmbrXGSnRd3qF7A7JgVJ77PkAU4iwm9YfQNnfErOwFZTTRiygYAysmFeW9mznGg5VQBglBTZREvjslo7XiAFWmvOjtDnGEkjZLY5xiTXlDEHsTQJcrb36NoAujCMgDh1~fQhTSTAMATFrluS5pBS11RBgcU8Ev3lZx9ltcJwogHGl9gYSwfTxORWq4~NXAJvm1p3KG6xZ5qTSX934cEsNQVnbUx0fY2PcnVhPk5fR1QTpYqjeDmJa9seK1GbID148pSmf-S6DLFqaTsPlqZvlcR0jo0B9rqkUZyq9ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lee County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 approved a zoning map amendment to reclassify five adjoining parcels totaling 14.6 acres with frontage on Deep River Road from residential-agricultural to light industrial.

The rezoning drew on a recommendation from the county planning board, which met Dec. 16 and voted 4-1 to endorse approval, citing the property's location opposite an active quarry, adjacency to a parcel zoned highway commercial and proximity to U.S. Highway 1. Amy McNeil, planning staff, told commissioners the planning board concluded the site’s current “countryside” designation in the Plan San Lee long-range plan did not appear to fit the parcel given those surrounding uses.

The planning board’s report noted one resident spoke in opposition; the dissenting planning-board member cited concerns about traffic generated by the quarry. Commissioners first formally found that the proposed amendment is not consistent with the Plan San Lee land-use designation, then voted to approve the rezoning request. The motions were presented as the two required votes for a zoning map amendment: a finding on consistency with the plan and a separate decision on the rezoning itself.

Questions raised during discussion focused on traffic and the status of three smaller lots adjacent to the site. Planning staff said Wakestone Properties had purchased those lots and included them in the rezoning request. Staff also noted the planning board discussed the meaning of a “flex industrial” building and that the light-industrial classification allows a range of industrial uses.

Commissioners did not record roll-call vote names in the public transcript; the clerk announced the motions carried after members answered “Aye.” No amendments to the rezoning were noted in the minutes.

The county packet included the planning-board staff report and sample motions for the two votes, and staff reminded the board that state law (Chapter 160D) guides conflict-of-interest rules for local governing-board members before votes on development regulations.","The Lee County Board of Commissioners voted to rezone five adjoining tracts totaling 14.6 acres on Deep River Road from residential-agricultural to light industrial after planning staff and the planning board presented findings and recommendations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County presents employee-survey findings and November financial summary; commissioners note results

Classified school employees urge full funding of proposed pay plan; commissioners, manager explain limits

Commissioners approve 45-lot McMillian Lane subdivision preliminary plat

Commissioners table proposed changes to billboard rules after multi-hour discussion

Lee County commissioners approve rezoning of 14.6 acres on Deep River Road to light industrial