[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6510401,"mediaKeyId","5383466-b6b28566b853d008b33dfdcba5e4cbc4","parentId",5383466,"title","Votes at a glance: Pender County commissioners approve grants, cameras and appointments; several capital purchases fail or are deferred","audioSeconds",490,"startMs",3300000,"endMs",3790000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5383466-b6b28566b853d008b33dfdcba5e4cbc4&start=3300&end=3790","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5383466-b6b28566b853d008b33dfdcba5e4cbc4/thumbnail_3300000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6510401/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Pender-County-commissioners-approve-grants-cameras-and-appointments-several-capital-purchases-fail-or-are-deferred","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510401-5e244b700f5e37c27eb5c7e74baceef1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771012717&Signature=lb5ICKdn5UBoLG6342ZzUDYfvsNhQYTRyrGfLMx08MOs-WsHLpmsyXLwETPvhc2pI2uJjwXb94umBwEcuBQaWSS6itZ4lU2WVTyOIeArHXpIq3TqPcL0VFR3eQva9-FTYj5T36f88zmMWKca8ixYel-5kxpHKkQ5KmPKOMH6E0D6TYD9~VZZRP-~VWo4~qUHFic84IKx4UnuStKp9zcuq5mW83lrJzWIt1nUHOkORdanAG3F5Nx1SV5UW4YfNVzKSzCiERKiXm16t3zVzaZ1rc1C4nJc-kBzQ~BL0~ZvYmH5mUWxYKR8kmzFtr2UGlmgJhN~ysnGu7x6jM5mWBW5Wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pender County","date","2025-07-15T10:44:45Z","article","The Pender County Board of Commissioners handled a range of consent, budget and appointment items on July 14. Key recorded outcomes include consent approvals that added an SRO memorandum of understanding, acceptance of grants, approval of surveillance cameras at convenience centers, several board appointments, and mixed results on multiple equipment and vehicle purchases.

Consent and routine business
- The board approved the consent agenda as amended to add agenda item 8.24, a memorandum of understanding to place two school resource officers (SROs) at Surf City Schools. The motion to adopt the agenda and the consent items carried.
- The board voted to excuse Chairman Burton from the meeting.

Grants and county programs
- The board accepted two United States Tennis Association grants totaling $31,540 for the Hampstead Kiwanis Park tennis-court project and approved the associated budget amendment (agenda item 9.3).
- The board approved installation of surveillance cameras at all county trash and recycling convenience centers (agenda item 9.2).

Capital and equipment purchases (votes and outcomes)
- Agenda item 9.4 (purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet 6,500 mechanic-body truck for centralized maintenance): motion failed; the motion resulted in a 2–2 split and the purchase did not carry.
- Agenda item 9.5 (purchase of a 2024 Ford F-150 for utilities): a motion was made but no second was recorded; the purchase did not advance.
- Agenda item 9.6 (purchase of a Kubota KX80 excavator for utilities): motion passed by recorded vote, 3–1.
- Agenda item 9.7 (purchase of three 2024 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel trucks): motion was made but lacked a recorded second and did not advance.
- Agenda item 9.8 (replacement dump truck for utilities): the transcript did not clearly record a final roll-call tally in the public record; staff indicated the truck was available and requested approval. (Outcome: not specified in the public transcript.)

Appointments and boards
- Veterans Commission: the board appointed six applicants to the newly established Veterans Commission and staggered terms (recorded as a unanimous vote). Appointed applicants included Jason Simas, David Everett, Justin May, Sam Guidry, Kenneth Ramsey and Dorian Cromartie (terms staggered per board direction).
- Pender County Housing Initiative: the board appointed four applicants to the initiative (Chardonnay Langley, Lacresha Keith, Charles Stanfield and Justin May) with the understanding additional vacancies will continue to be advertised.
- Beautification Committee: the board appointed Fred Skipper and Heidi Mysick to the committee.
- Fire Commission: the board filled two at-large vacancies and appointed Sherry Reeves and Ashley Morrison to the fire commission seats.

Other actions
- The board accepted the dedication of a water distribution system for Brookfield Branch Phase 1, Section 1 and voted to close the Rocky Point Water and Sewer District (motions carried at the meeting).
- At the end of the meeting commissioners voted to enter closed session to consider several listed items.

Where the transcript does not record a named mover, second or a roll-call tally, this summary notes the outcome as recorded or as not specified in the public record. The board did not adopt the proposed personnel policies at this meeting; that item was tabled to Aug. 4, 2025.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 14, 2025 Board of County Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The July 14 meeting produced a mix of approvals and defeats: the board approved surveillance cameras at convenience centers, accepted a USTA grant for tennis courts, appointed members to several advisory boards and tabled or declined several vehicle purchases; the personnel policy update was tabled to Aug. 4.","taxTitle","Pender County, North Carolina","taxId",75713,"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},6510405,"Commissioners table proposed personnel policy update to Aug. 4 after request for further review",444,3347000,3791000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5383466-b6b28566b853d008b33dfdcba5e4cbc4&start=3347&end=3791","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5383466-b6b28566b853d008b33dfdcba5e4cbc4/thumbnail_3347000.jpg","/articles/6510405/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-table-proposed-personnel-policy-update-to-Aug-4-after-request-for-further-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510405-79d7d7c1429ad84177876ef942d2ab17/orig.mp4?Expires=1771012717&Signature=Tqe~cVlkzgrT1OmsbWM15b2~zJZOhGWaaVatet0YuvC~UBl76IANXMPOnJEWsI~QCr3ihh9jxVtUpn1GBd974zrMOpHpzcOHHoq7rF5Jh1goCOlwLdhvUvb52OUNsClBQzA-mJwSsHaSSwazaLmrtkNRemMtQH-Gy8kRN45K87t375FkedxdLL1gm1l93dbYIHH5XVSY0dUHHcs1n~d4q6CN6o8LDtBtCHoQqY75KgSoOmBtqBe8YEYDahzV9lr5Jn372-SYboCTX40TRAk6l~Xu3vGdqeT-SbQaZ3lqQaoc~JtbfrDgE~iXv-kB5aszujj~nRJTX4~c2q2AIn59hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Commissioners voted July 14 to table consideration of the county's proposed 2025 personnel policies and to rehear the item at a date-certain meeting in August.

A county staff speaker asked the board to adopt the revised personnel policies and make them effective July 1, 2025; she said processing the change on that date would cause 18 employees eligible for a revised longevity policy to receive bonuses. “Should you elect to adopt the personnel policies tonight, that they be effective 07/01/2025,” the speaker said.

Commissioner Tate said he was not comfortable voting without additional time to meet with staff and the county attorney and asked to table the item. Tate moved to table the item; the motion carried by a 3–1 vote with a date-certain to return the item to the board on Aug. 4, 2025. County management said it would publish a draft agenda for a possible special meeting within 48 hours so departments could continue operations that depend on approvals.

The motion to table leaves the personnel policies unadopted; staff will provide the additional materials and a meeting date for commissioner review before the board considers final adoption.","The board voted 3–1 to table the proposed 2025 personnel policy book and asked staff to schedule a special meeting so commissioners could review outstanding questions before voting.",{"_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},6510411,"Residents call for more town halls and a pause on proposed Pender EMS and fire merger",4558,2668000,7226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5383466-b6b28566b853d008b33dfdcba5e4cbc4&start=2668&end=7226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5383466-b6b28566b853d008b33dfdcba5e4cbc4/thumbnail_2668000.jpg","/articles/6510411/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Residents-call-for-more-town-halls-and-a-pause-on-proposed-Pender-EMS-and-fire-merger","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510411-0a6e2cb2a0bd5154e4ace5d1864a5b1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771012717&Signature=HxlPNOVNXbl7NBJz3l4kuUd9URwoJmE4qsK3Mh3Y7-cbzfND4Ce6D2alabZSxr3IK9m1aeQO4QYxat9m9tO5z2iZ-SgtCfNGXNmJcmkFM-tl6ABOl8uzfc-kARP~d5yO~fm-T02SAWPIikkEwztiwMww3SPi9XpjOoLViSciM-Abs-VyWPka-Rysy9UckjJYNNJkONZ~hL5bPjFO4-3Zzl9jt5JtakwrTmJmhtyF39Zph10LDx8czyNbZMnimgJev53B1y7d9Jios9U5CNeoyNEqDC42OHdC-c4AnA51GMGccf060Ptgop630xeoXKjD5DlwBbE718d1XiPbGMur0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents told the Board of Commissioners on July 14 they are concerned about the proposed county merger or takeover of Pender EMS and local fire services and asked the board to slow the process and hold more public meetings.

Speakers including Jim Harris and Amy Schooley said the merger represents a significant structural change with long-term financial and operational implications. “We're looking at $1,800,000 in new personnel costs each year,” said Amy Schooley, a Hampstead resident, during public comment.

Harris, who identified himself as a Hempstead resident, asked the board to hold at least two to four town halls with multiple commissioners present and to publish the proposed agreements in advance so residents could ask questions during those meetings. Connie Nelson and other speakers described the transaction as a “hostile takeover” and said the public has had little opportunity for input while memoranda of understanding are still being finalized.

Several commenters also said they had heard that EMS and fire personnel were leaving jobs ahead of the transition, which they said could affect service immediately as well as after any consolidation. Commenters asked the board to disclose which geographic areas would be included in the consolidation, and why some areas would be treated differently.

County Manager (title provided in meeting) told the board the memorandum of understanding is intended to memorialize key factors for the parties and that public engagement is planned; she said some town halls were held earlier in the process and additional engagement could be scheduled, including possible fall meetings tied to a finalized agreement. “The MOU for now is just to make sure that we will memorialize the factors that are important to each of the parties so that we're all on the same page,” the manager said, and she indicated the final agreement timeline includes work through the remainder of the year.

Commissioner Gross urged county staff and the parties to organize additional town halls sooner than currently scheduled, saying it would help answer questions and reduce public confusion. Commissioners agreed to work with staff to schedule additional community meetings and to provide clearer financial and operational information before a final agreement is presented to the full board.

No formal vote on the merger itself was recorded at the July 14 meeting; speakers repeatedly requested town halls and more detailed financial analysis before the board advances or approves any final agreement.","Multiple residents urged the board to slow or halt the proposed county takeover/merger of EMS and fire services, citing cost, transparency and staffing concerns and asking for county-led town halls before final agreements are signed.",{"_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},6510416,"Pender County planning team moves comprehensive land use plan toward public hearing after second engagement round",1116,774000,1890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5383466-b6b28566b853d008b33dfdcba5e4cbc4&start=774&end=1890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5383466-b6b28566b853d008b33dfdcba5e4cbc4/thumbnail_774000.jpg","/articles/6510416/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Pender-County-planning-team-moves-comprehensive-land-use-plan-toward-public-hearing-after-second-engagement-round","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510416-b65670e248d87ed26ff56282c24d51b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771012717&Signature=CTIhYvjj5vcnyI-zjqiPM6GEbZdxUcvvWiPjkc9bmKpeV2S9yzCKVPS2u2HK6auVBd5dgRKR-L7H3jKr7L1GU7Ini3isvC42mGFhQnrOFODgiXe9GLF9h6akj6MDAhoCKqFVExUv~2eeOKJwfPsnjTY1ARZ1SR7flnUBMoLobsx3R9ijb1ZmcmldnQ4ABWHx3z24Goc-q7lA0gcZw7~TFFEYpAqO9JkTA6NMdJ~AqyMpxtQJz2D3PTjcGCZptTHrAL~k5x8ws2yz4MKBoS8673wSXgzZOm0U1AOaImXopj4QbcYuYtYZCp7ir7Dx465sqgdoQVWAYGF91nr8vZ6Khw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pender County officials said July 14 they will move the county's comprehensive land use plan into the public hearing stage after two rounds of public engagement and technical review.

Consultant Leanne King and county planning director Daniel Adams briefed the Board of Commissioners on the outreach outcomes and next steps for Imagine Pender 2050, the county's comprehensive land use plan update. King said the project is nearing the adoption phase of a 20-month process. “We are moving through our 20-month process and are about at month 14 or 15,” King said.

The presentation said the second engagement window included five community meetings and an online survey conducted April 28–June 6. The team reported 271 online survey responses for that window and roughly 128 in-person attendees; cumulatively the planning team said it has received more than 1,600 survey responses across both engagement rounds, compared with about 1,300 for the previous plan adopted in 2018.

King reviewed summary findings from the public review draft. Respondents strongly supported the plan's first vision theme—coordinating growth, preservation and infrastructure—(about 81% combining “support” and “strongly support”). Support for the fiscal-health theme was roughly 70% (with 14% neutral and about 17% opposed). On the future land use map, about 45% of respondents said they supported or strongly supported the planning guidance, 29% were neutral and about 26% did not support it to some degree, the consultant reported.

King said the engagement produced specific, mappable feedback the team is using to refine the future land use map. “We were lucky to get a fair amount of detailed information from folks so that we can make adjustments to that map moving into the public hearing draft,” she said. County staff also highlighted recurring community requests for conservation and agricultural preservation, more parks and recreational facilities, and attention to transportation and public-safety infrastructure as growth continues.

Adams told commissioners the planning team is coordinating with the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management for preliminary review under the Coastal Area Management Act certification process. Once the division issues its preliminary comments and the planning board provides an endorsement, the county will publish a public hearing draft and schedule hearings for formal adoption.

Commissioner Groves complimented staff and the steering committee for the outreach, saying the results show community alignment on priorities. Commissioner Tate asked for the county's population figure to provide context for participation rates; staff said the county population is about 70,000 and that the second-round participation represented roughly 2% of the population, a figure the consultant characterized as typical for long-range comprehensive plans in larger municipalities.

The planning team provided a timeline to finalize edits to the public hearing draft, brief the planning board and return to the commissioners for a public hearing and adoption vote. Staff said the public engagement documentation and revised draft will be posted on the county website for review before public hearings are scheduled.","County staff and consultants reported higher-than-expected participation in the second public engagement round for Imagine Pender 2050 and said they will finalize a public hearing draft for adoption after a preliminary state coastal review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Pender County commissioners approve grants, cameras and appointments; several capital purchases fail or are deferred

Commissioners table proposed personnel policy update to Aug. 4 after request for further review

Residents call for more town halls and a pause on proposed Pender EMS and fire merger

Pender County planning team moves comprehensive land use plan toward public hearing after second engagement round