[{"_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",6096616,"mediaKeyId","2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9","parentId",2831639,"title","Moore County commissioners approve 3% hotel tax increase to fund tourism product development","audioSeconds",4815,"startMs",5369000,"endMs",10184000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9&start=5369&end=10184","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9/thumbnail_5369000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6096616/Moore-County/North-Carolina/Moore-County-commissioners-approve-3-hotel-tax-increase-to-fund-tourism-product-development","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096616-36545e94d4ad44ac3191b428e9be86c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127383&Signature=hoIHj-QFUXduZh~NxoUl5Xg7gnfo-eIaa8CiHTVk2GlD~lS9N-mX9aJb8ZfZqOs79tTEaywBS4luZBmqhf2Xtya8FjaoFQOnQFh6mGkmO8Pz9-In94uGlMpd0a6qS5g~jNTWvNRrKdrUKASYZxX0yHbqkvyr6zkojt22ClmB-2isA9OeYA5tRg4PZyLgCTIojgZYDjuIOQqTUK7TTweBOH4G6wLHjuoKDfTKe45iOgpcoHnXzxK9M1su-Rgtf2cgHYLAvMhYwncLoKuJyK3eNLZ5LYTioDuJ5N0Ql4387j8WOmc5crt~Qx~7KA9fnlH~aQwFrbbDxxGJGaiYe~njqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Moore County, NC","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","Moore County commissioners voted unanimously March 18 to levy an additional 3 percentage points in the county room occupancy tax, increasing the local rate from 3% to 6% effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The measure, adopted by resolution citing Session Law 2015-256 and North Carolina General Statute 153A-55, follows a public hearing in which the county's Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) outlined a plan to channel the extra revenue into a tourism product development fund intended to finance attractions, capital projects and marketing that officials say will draw more visitors and overnight stays.

Why it matters: The CVB and local tourism stakeholders told commissioners the county's tax base already produces substantial visitor spending and job support, and that an expanded fund would allow the CVB to help finance projects and events beyond routine marketing. Commissioners heard from hoteliers, arts and cultural groups, agritourism operators, and small-business owners who said the county-wide payout would benefit both tourism and residents.

What speakers said
- Phil Wirs, president and CEO of the Moore County tourism development authority (the CVB), told the board the agency is required by state law to spend a majority of its revenue on marketing and may use a portion for product development. \"We get as many people from around the world to come here, spend all their money, and then go home. And then make plans to come back again and again and again,\" Wirs said, describing the CVB's goal of turning visits into repeat business.

- Kelly Miller, chair of the CVB board, described last year's one-time $821,000 grant program the CVB piloted from fund balance and said the product development fund would formalize and expand that capacity.

- Ryan Olafs, founder of Misty Morning Ranch (agritourism), said: \"This increased investment would stimulate economic activity, support local businesses, and create new job opportunities.\"

- Chris Dunn, director of the Arts Council of Moore County, asked that a portion of the funds be made available for arts and cultural organizations, citing a study showing more than $6.5 million in annual spending associated with the county's largest nonprofit arts groups.

- David Hensley, a local resident and retired Marine, said he was \"conditionally\" supportive and urged the board to earmark some of the capital-eligible funds for \"dual-use\" school facilities (athletic and performing-arts venues) that could host tournaments and events and produce room nights.

Opposition and concerns
Some commissioners expressed concern about the effect of a higher tax on people who travel to Moore County for non-tourism reasons (medical stays, funerals, local family events). Commissioners asked the CVB to consider whether targeted relief or coordination with hotels could mitigate burdens for those visitors; the CVB said it would raise the question with its board.

Fiscal detail provided to the board
County staff and the CVB provided five years of revenue history showing occupancy tax receipts and growth in short-term rentals (from about 25 to roughly 700 listings over several years). The CVB reported a fund balance of roughly $2.2 million and estimated annual collections (pre-increase) in the $3.6 million range, noting spikes in 2024 tied to the U.S. Open.

Formal action
The board adopted a written resolution levying the additional 3% room occupancy tax (Session Law 2015-256; N.C. Gen. Stat. 153A-55), setting an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, to allow time for administrative changes and for the CVB to finalize memoranda of understanding (for example, regarding airport commercial service subsidies). The resolution passed by voice vote.

What happens next
The CVB will return to its board to finalize a memorandum of understanding requested by the commissioners that would, if adopted, direct the CVB's use of the additional funds and confirm any commitments (the CVB also planned to consider a pledge that the new funds would not be used to subsidize commercial air service). The county will implement the rate change administratively so the new 6% rate takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Community reactions and outreach
During the hearing dozens of local operators and nonprofit leaders spoke in favor of the increase, saying it would support festivals, agritourism, the arts and new visitor amenities countywide. Several speakers asked the board to consider grant programs or explicit set-asides so current cultural organizations and schools could access capital or programming dollars tied to tourism development.

The board closed the public hearing before taking the final vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Moore County Board of Commissioners Meeting - March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Moore County commissioners voted unanimously March 18 to levy an additional 3 percentage points in the county room occupancy tax, increasing the local rate from 3% to 6% effective Jan. 1, 2026.","taxTitle","Moore County, North Carolina","taxId",71042,"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},6096599,"Votes at a glance: Moore County Board of Commissioners, March 18, 2025",7397,2743000,10140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9&start=2743&end=10140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9/thumbnail_2743000.jpg","/articles/6096599/Moore-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Moore-County-Board-of-Commissioners-March-18-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096599-99e0922a802d42a351bf0dd57bca8f6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127383&Signature=EgdtVRJ2aglCiZYGP3pWf8Y5~MYcmkXyMYDW0dag2h0EDzHZe3uAEAPje-xY0vhrjo4gewtkEvjrLN9XiEKLQe6WtJ0sRL-p-w2u1T0dYg0vje5wVjvRX4NeD5Eo~50sCG5ugoU-mIEAV-0mCm8kNT7-XvarciYnyl6jroulru0Nn561qI-QS6n16V8quv~KQrrrswFYBj-ajPjktjYTcfMd2fnUwhOl-xYOZIjRENsNIZ3ea04bMzFCMIFeYIQt-xOwwbkwR4ybWzfdRTqpRw0IqD23zY9mKTagbe4bgsZpBD190LAnLbpUGpPMYtUqG8Nq8QM3O86ek7q-9Akv-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its March 18, 2025 meeting the Moore County Board of Commissioners recorded the following formal actions and votes (voice votes unless otherwise noted). Items are listed in order of civic significance rather than agenda order.

Votes at a glance

- Occupancy tax increase (public hearing item C)
- Action: Adopted resolution levying an additional 3% room occupancy tax (Session Law 2015-256; N.C. Gen. Stat. 153A-55). Effective date: Jan. 1, 2026.
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote).

- Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendments (public hearing item A and B)
- Item A (Chapter 8: childcare home facility definition)
- Action: Adopted Planning Board land-use plan consistency statement and approved text amendment to Section 8.29 A1 and A2 to reference North Carolina statutory authority for childcare-home definitions and remove incorrect cross-references.
- Outcome: Approved (voice votes noted in transcript).
- Item B (Chapters 7, 8, 9, 19 and 20)
- Action: Adopted Planning Board land-use plan consistency statement and approved amendments to multiple UDO chapters (performance guarantees for major subdivisions; stormwater maintenance warranties; nonconforming situations; signs; definitions including built-upon area and bona fide farm uses to add boarding of horses; and others) to conform to recent state legislative changes (Senate Bills cited by staff).
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote).

- Runway 5 RPZ land acquisition (New Business A)
- Action: Approved grant amendment and project budget ordinance for acquisition of 185 Storage Drive and associated closing costs; authorized staff to complete project closeout under state grant terms.
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote). No additional county general-fund contribution requested; airport will use previously budgeted local match.

- Special Forces memorial lease intent (Presentations)
- Action: Board directed staff to pursue a long-term lease negotiation at a nominal rate and requested staff coordinate with airport authority and FAA processes; also authorized staff to draft a letter of intent to assist foundation fundraising efforts.
- Outcome: Approved as direction to staff (voice vote). Formal lease not executed at meeting.

- Civil Air Patrol resolution (New Business B)
- Action: Adopted a resolution recognizing and honoring the Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force Auxiliary and publicizing contact information for local squadron recruitment.
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote).

- Moore County EMS vehicle purchase (New Business D)
- Action: Approved purchase of two 2024 Dodge Ram Type 1 modular ambulances from American Response Vehicles (Houston-Galveston area council contract pricing) not to exceed $768,986; authorized chairman to sign upon finance and legal approval.
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote).

- Consent agenda
- Action: Approved the consent agenda as presented.
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote).

Notes and next steps
- Many motions were adopted by voice vote and no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript. Where additional approvals are required (e.g., a final lease for the memorial site or FAA grant closeouts), staff were directed to return with required documentation.
- The board requested additional information from boards and agencies in several instances (ABC board presentation on enforcement decision, CVB MOU for product fund, airport FAA-relief status for memorial parcel).","A summary of formal actions taken March 18 by the Moore County Board of Commissioners, including zoning text amendments, an occupancy‑tax increase, airport land purchase approvals, a Civil Air Patrol recognition resolution, EMS vehicle purchases, and initial direction on a Special Forces memorial lease.",{"_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},6096603,"Commissioners ask ABC board chair to explain plan to end sheriff enforcement and put implementation on hold",205,11036000,11241000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9&start=11036&end=11241","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9/thumbnail_11036000.jpg","/articles/6096603/Moore-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-ask-ABC-board-chair-to-explain-plan-to-end-sheriff-enforcement-and-put-implementation-on-hold","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096603-350df4315b685ae135db589441108e21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127383&Signature=Pca~3uhe34o5-fMAkawKVPYuKEnHBx-9TLr12pkeP0Jy6pUmcIRoxCcMvW5OF63iy7Dugk4OaIbLquLRiUL~tbQ2i-NZioVo5HW2fN64bY8MlASSp~ghIhnDiRkr8vBAZp~~FCuzKF5uRLQ-JJi0focOLhkJbOqFQWyLAdjZapnB4qRkzD~B0BcIfAT5ij6rrRQJY7gty-RP9oWKxOpOnpLUShbaLZpwclpiVZGzzHAN-1H1K4b0jN~eiFfikCAoL-u7sK2YYKch~rK12ybKTpnhWeSLYeJcgljyo92gJYBZkK3CnqAFjf4eXYcWKY7mE1HSiUvh6VkuxyTk~~Q3hA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Moore County Board of Commissioners agreed March 18 to request a presentation from the county ABC board chairman after commissioners expressed concern about the ABC board's plan to discontinue use of sheriff's office enforcement services.

Background
The issue arose after the ABC board informed the sheriff that it proposed to handle enforcement activities without contracting sheriff patrols. Commissioners and county staff reported follow-up discussions with the sheriff's command staff, who described longstanding coordination and resource sharing that supports ABC enforcement throughout the county.

Board action and rationale
Commissioner discussion focused on costs, public safety and continuity of enforcement. Several commissioners said the sheriff's office provides an established enforcement presence serving ABC stores and off-premises licensees, and that an in-house ABC enforcement force would require equipment, radios and training and would likely cost more.

By motion, the commissioners asked the chairman of the ABC board to appear before the Board of Commissioners to explain the decision and to provide financial and operational justifications. The board also requested that any steps to implement the change be placed on hold until commissioners review the documentation and can respond.

Officials present
Chief Deputy Andy Conway of the Moore County Sheriff's Office was in the meeting and answered procedural questions; county legal staff noted the ABC board operates under state law (Chapter 18 of the North Carolina General Statutes) and that the Board of Commissioners appoints ABC board members but does not directly supervise day-to-day ABC board decisions.

Next steps
County staff will send a follow-up letter inviting the ABC board chairman to present and will ask the ABC board to pause any implementation steps pending the presentation and commissioners' review. Commissioners discussed removal or non-reappointment of ABC board members as an option if warranted by the ABC board's response.","Following questions about a letter from the ABC board proposing to discontinue use of county sheriff enforcement services for ABC enforcement, the Board of Commissioners voted to invite the ABC board chairman to explain the decision and asked that implementation be paused until commissioners can review the rationale and financial implications.",{"_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},6096609,"Commissioners approve amended grant and project ordinance for Runway 5 runway‑protection‑zone land purchase",454,10845000,11299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9&start=10845&end=11299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9/thumbnail_10845000.jpg","/articles/6096609/Moore-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-approve-amended-grant-and-project-ordinance-for-Runway-5-runwayprotectionzone-land-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096609-e2415e98f17021db4a9cbe709de17946/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127383&Signature=Rfxe5tZAZvdj7AxERv~FDDsFJmN0aFwj9vtFkOQeCa2UC7XamBfm~Ln6eKMu4PgrbH1qN9snOCeM4hbxqwNUS4jbCVEDJ8KVo2bSLGvKs-hTepUCfLXbwq8PrOjTtrFC8D2WXptKfItMi1FRYv1w9pg18u1MjriSYaWh2tFCkKCE7t6LKfDYMOMoCfGT0SEtsjoKdpQyJcldPHGiWdj46qdX8-hr47dYfiGEjPGKcVlOjXh6dQCU~ACgndPIHCJzgrrqrbmNpRYkK1M7ENFCYjsOscSMh4BoeipGHfbBXiFlfNxAPDLM9RgXZw2Vj4N8pDPtvvXwukk6tCTr81Hdyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Moore County Board of Commissioners voted March 18 to accept a grant amendment and approve a project budget ordinance to complete acquisition of property in the Runway 5 runway protection zone (RPZ) near Moore County Airport.

Background and purpose
Airport staff described a multiyear acquisition effort for a parcel at 185 Storage Drive that sits within the RPZ at the approach end of Runway 5. The RPZ is a cleared area meant to reduce hazards in the event of an aircraft excursion. Airport staff said the project began in 2021 with a state aid-to-airports grant and that additional appraisals, surveys and negotiation increased the total project cost.

Funding and approvals
Airport Director Rick Cloutier told the board the state had previously approved grant funding and that the airport had budgeted the required local match across FY24 and FY25. No additional county general fund contribution was requested; the airport will use its available project funds to meet the local match. The board approved the grant amendment and a project ordinance revision that account for the final purchase price, attorney fees and closing costs.

Formal action
The motion to approve the grant amendment and project budget ordinance (Runway 5 RPZ land acquisition; project identifiers in airport documents) carried by voice vote. Staff confirmed at the meeting that no additional county-general-fund appropriation was required because the airport had set aside local match in its capital plan.

Why it matters
Clearing or acquiring property in RPZs is a standard airport-safety practice designed to reduce risk to people and property in the path of aircraft operations. Airport officials said closing on the parcel corrects a previously identified hazard area and aligns the airport with state and federal safety practices.

Next steps
Airport staff will finalize project accounting, complete required reports to the state grantor and proceed with any site changes required by the airport master plan and grant conditions.","The county authorized a grant amendment and project budget ordinance March 18 to complete purchase and close out of a parcel in the runway protection zone for Runway 5; the airport director said the airport used state grant aid plus local match already budgeted.",{"_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},6096612,"Board agrees to pursue lease for Special Forces memorial site near Moore County Airport",944,3639000,4583000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9&start=3639&end=4583","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2831639-5173d4a13d09943ff9a44fe2e6580ef9/thumbnail_3639000.jpg","/articles/6096612/Moore-County/North-Carolina/Board-agrees-to-pursue-lease-for-Special-Forces-memorial-site-near-Moore-County-Airport","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096612-ed03ba66a88ec9aeac8fbe9b1b3bec8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127383&Signature=NuMeeo4LoHJ-AUuena5hBv-SMPFFzXrcBzH-ulbtszN8DkUXCQz2rHY~IDpYmeiMz5-~TNyrGzImA0jedV43nyfKx8CNbeF8cf4--Y3mA8diAZAPnlYoPlsySqyWkIcizUL0oHXZrJJ4Qb4u9uHsI7ZJzWCtotZ3vDOD9eTjV8RqJ6BrHMCWhK4tAedSc5Tqvo9NQK5mK4as9NEfiW7ksz3ye72Og8fL4fxGfbzM5ymtS3v2VdhuLOBG38vZmTjk8xrIPnppE5fbzzTBFTbjODBh9cBPBhaFzTDvwLKDv11TwCgp2gz8UbZ9oOJGJ6MZVErEoGDHPSXnYd13HZfKkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A foundation led by retired Special Forces officers presented a plan March 18 for a National Special Forces Green Berets memorial park on roughly 15 acres adjacent to the Moore County Airport. After the presentation, the Board of Commissioners voted to pursue a long-term lease and to assist with preliminary approvals needed for the project.

The proposal and vote
Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Kurt Wiehmueller, president of the National Special Forces Green Berets Memorial Foundation, described a master plan that includes bronze statues, black granite memorial walls and a central Special Forces crest. The group requested a long-term lease (the foundation suggested a 99-year lease at a nominal fee) and a nonbinding letter of intent to help with fundraising.

Commission discussion
County staff and commissioners raised procedural questions about whether the parcel is airport property subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant assurances and noted the airport authority's prior involvement. Airport Director Rick Cloutier confirmed the parcel lies inside an area with FAA grant assurances and that the county would need to pursue a release or an FAA relief for non-aeronautical use. Cloutier said the airport had started a process to declare the parcel \"not needed,\" which would free it from certain grant obligations, but further steps were required.

Motion and board direction
A commissioner moved that the county pursue a lease at a nominal rate (board discussion referenced $1 per year) and request the delegation or a letter to federal representatives to help expedite FAA matters; the motion passed by voice vote. Commissioners advised staff to coordinate with the airport authority and FAA and noted that any formal lease would require tri-party arrangements if the airport retained control under existing grant assurances.

Why it matters
The proposed memorial seeks to locate near Fort Bragg and aims to attract visitors and events tied to the Special Forces community, the presentation argued. Commissioners indicated support for facilitating the project but emphasized that completion of technical reviews, airport authority coordination, FAA approvals and a formal lease approval would be required before any transfer or use of the property could proceed.

Next steps
County staff and airport leadership will continue to assess whether the parcel can be released from FAA grant assurances, develop a draft lease for board review and coordinate with the foundation on a possible letter of intent. The board asked staff to involve the airport authority in any tri-party lease discussions and to report back with recommended language and a timeline for approvals.

Formal action
The board passed a motion to pursue negotiations on a long-term lease at a nominal annual rent and to send a letter to federal representatives to expedite FAA consideration; staff were directed to research the necessary tri-party arrangements and the upset-bid/disposal procedures the county must follow for the property.","Retired Special Forces officers presented a concept for a National Special Forces Green Berets memorial park on county-owned land near Moore County Airport; the commission voted to pursue a long-term lease at a nominal rate and requested staff to coordinate FAA and airport authority steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

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Votes at a glance: Moore County Board of Commissioners, March 18, 2025

Commissioners ask ABC board chair to explain plan to end sheriff enforcement and put implementation on hold

Commissioners approve amended grant and project ordinance for Runway 5 runway‑protection‑zone land purchase

Board agrees to pursue lease for Special Forces memorial site near Moore County Airport