Pender County managers report progress on Health & Human Services building, law enforcement center and Hampstead Library

Pender County project staff and contractors gave commissioners a progress update on three county capital projects — the new Health & Human Services building in Burgaw, the county Law Enforcement Center and the planned Hampstead Library — saying each is moving through construction with distinct milestones and budget notes.

Nick West, the county's project manager, introduced the contractors and said the presentations would cover schedules and budgets. Will Barber, a project manager for the firm identified in the presentation packet, said the Health & Human Services facility has completed exterior brick veneer and rooftop equipment installation and that "our anticipated, substantial completion date is 04/06/2026." He reported the project's progress-to-date billing at 72 percent and a remaining balance to finish of $13,000,000. Barber said interior finishes, ceiling trim work, bathroom tiling and landscaping remain and that the building has been energized and passed recent water tests.

Commissioners asked about the timing and whether a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) could be sought for parts of the facility before full…