Duplin County staff provided multiple operational updates during the July 14 meeting. County staff announced a new Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) neighborhood revitalization home-repair cycle and asked residents in need to contact Chris Hatcher in planning for assistance referrals. The water department will begin operating July 15 from a relocated office in an old bank building in the Food Lion parking lot; staff said a drive-through payment window is planned but some intercom and technical issues remain to be resolved.

The county also publicized a community meeting that evening regarding volunteer fire department operations on Wards Bridge Road, prompted by concerns about high ISO ratings and insufficient volunteer staffing. Staff asked citizens to consider volunteering to help staff the substation. Finally, staff reminded commissioners that a Scotty McCreery concert is scheduled for August 22 at the county event center and that ticket sales are progressing.

Commissioners asked for the drive-through intercom to be made operational; staff said IT and vendors are addressing the issue so the drive-through can be used as soon as possible. No formal board action was taken; the items were informational updates.