Commission Discusses Housing Market Decline and 911 Relocation Challenges

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting on August 14, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the local housing market and the ongoing challenges with the 911 relocation project.

Commissioners discussed the impact of housing construction on county revenue, emphasizing that new homes are a crucial source of income. Without a rollback in property taxes, the county relies heavily on growth from new construction to maintain its financial health. Last year, the county issued approximately 101 permits for new homes, and while there has been a slight uptick recently, projections indicate that only 58 new homes may be built this year if current trends continue. This decline in construction could lead to reduced revenue, affecting essential services like the jail fund and other community programs.

Commissioner Antonopoulos noted that the downturn in the housing market is not unique to Lincoln County, as neighboring areas are experiencing similar challenges. This broader trend raises concerns about the county's ability to sustain its financial stability and meet community needs.

In addition to housing issues, the meeting addressed the ongoing complications with the relocation of the 911 emergency services. After a planned move on August 11 was delayed due to technical difficulties with the service provider, efforts are now underway to coordinate with vendors to establish a new relocation date. The county is working diligently to resolve these issues to ensure that emergency services can operate effectively from their new location.

As the county navigates these challenges, the discussions from the meeting underscore the importance of proactive measures to support housing development and ensure the reliability of emergency services for residents. The Board of Commissioners remains focused on finding solutions that will benefit the community and enhance public safety.