Holly Springs and Fuquay Varina urge Harnett County to delay fluoride removal decision

The Harnett County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on April 21, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the potential removal of fluoride from the county's drinking water supply. Mayor Sean Mayewski of Holly Springs and Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour of Fuquay Varina both voiced their concerns regarding this proposed change.

Mayor Mayewski emphasized the longstanding partnership between Harnett County and Holly Springs, which serves approximately 52,000 residents with drinking water. He requested that the board defer any decision on fluoride removal until further review and input could be gathered from local governing bodies, residents, and health officials. Mayewski highlighted the importance of understanding the scientific data that Harnett County may possess, which supports the potential policy change. He also raised concerns about how altering fluoride levels could affect regional water interconnections with neighboring towns.

Similarly, Jim Seymour represented Fuquay Varina, which relies on Harnett County for its drinking water supply for around 48,000 residents. He echoed the call for a delay in any decision regarding fluoride, stressing the need for comprehensive discussions involving public health data and community feedback. Seymour noted the potential implications for water supply consistency if Harnett County were to change its fluoride practices, urging the board to consider the broader impact on regional partnerships.

Both officials expressed a desire for continued collaboration and communication with Harnett County as the board deliberates on this important public health issue. The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, allowing community members to share their perspectives on the fluoride discussion.

The board's next steps remain to be seen, as they weigh the feedback from local leaders and residents regarding the fluoride policy.