Harnett County meeting recap: zoning approvals, budget hearing, appointments and procedural authority

Harnett County commissioners on May 19 approved two land-use actions after public hearings, held a public hearing on the fiscal 2025-26 budget, postponed a community action appointment, and passed a procedural motion extending signature authority for contract change orders.

After a public hearing, the board approved zoning map change case PLAN2504-0001; five citizens provided remarks during that hearing, according to the meeting recap. The board also approved text amendment case PLAN2504-0002 after a public hearing that drew no public remarks.

A separate public hearing on the fiscal 2025-26 budget drew six citizen remarks; the transcript records the hearing but does not state any vote or final budget adoption at this meeting.

The board discussed appointments to the Johnston Lee Harnett Community Action Group and decided to postpone that appointment/reappointment discussion. The board approved a motion authorizing the chairman to sign contract change orders that exceed the county manager’s signature threshold; the transcript lists that motion as approved but does not provide a vote tally.

As part of the session the board approved meeting minutes for a special session on April 21, 2025 and minutes for the Northwest Water and Sewer District meetings on April 29, May 5 and May 13. Commissioners also presented a proclamation honoring Treatment Court Month to the Harnett County clerk of court, the district attorney and the veterans court director; the proclamation presentation was ceremonial and names of recipients were not specified in the transcript.

Commissioner Jaggers recommended creation of a public safety board; the board directed staff to investigate that recommendation. The board announced upcoming public events including a town hall on May 22 with Commissioner William "Bill" Morris and a Charters of Freedom dedication on May 31 at Veterans Park.