County Manager addresses concerns on ABC board structure and Pender EMS merger

Concerns over the Pender County ABC Board and the proposed merger of EMS and fire services dominated the July 14 Board of County Commissioners meeting, as residents voiced their frustrations and calls for transparency.

Shannon Lloyd, a local resident, urged the board to reevaluate the structure of the ABC Board, suggesting it should include two county commissioners to ensure accountability. Lloyd criticized the current system, claiming it fosters a "good old boy system" that hinders progress and transparency. She also raised personal grievances regarding her ban from ABC locations, alleging discrimination and a lack of due process.

The meeting also saw significant public outcry regarding the proposed merger of Pender EMS and fire services. Multiple speakers, including Jim Harris and Amy Schooley, expressed concerns that the merger could lead to decreased service quality and increased taxes for residents. They called for public town halls to discuss the merger, emphasizing the need for community input before final decisions are made.

Schooley highlighted the potential financial burden of the merger, estimating an additional $1.8 million in personnel costs annually, while others pointed out that the public had not been adequately informed about the implications of the merger. Connie Nelson labeled the merger a "hostile takeover," demanding more transparency and community engagement in the decision-making process.

In response to the public's concerns, the commissioners discussed the need for further review of the proposed personnel policies and the merger plans. Commissioner Tate suggested tabling the discussion to allow for more thorough consideration and community input, indicating a willingness to address the residents' concerns.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the issues surrounding the ABC Board and the EMS merger are far from resolved, with residents eager for more dialogue and transparency from their elected officials. The board's next steps will be crucial in determining how these significant changes will impact the community.