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Pender County moves to make Solid Waste a standalone department, proposes site upgrades and security
Summary
County staff proposed creating a director position to separate Solid Waste from utilities, invest in concrete pads, fencing and cameras at convenience sites, and examine long‑term land acquisition to replace leased transfer sites such as Willard.
Pender County staff told commissioners they seek to make Solid Waste an independent department separate from Pender County Utilities, adding a director position in the proposed budget and funding capital improvements at convenience sites.
Solid Waste supervisor Susan Barnhill and project manager Katie Lobner reviewed the convenience sites inventory, noting many sites had been leased on annual agreements and some leases constrain site improvements. Staff said the county purchased one convenience site in the last year and is pursuing options to relocate or acquire additional sites so the county can invest in concrete pads, improved fencing and lighting. Staff proposed initial capital work on three county‑owned sites (Shiloh, Atkinson and Calico Bay) and suggested a multi‑year plan to upgrade other sites where feasible.
Barnhill told the board that convenience‑site stickers and the distribution process cause regular public complaints, and staff are researching alternatives to physical stickers. Staff said enforcement and better contractor coordination with GFL (the county’s refuse contractor) are part of the response; Barnhill and commissioners discussed enforcement options, citation amounts and the need to strengthen ordinances and signage. The budget includes funds for security cameras at several sites and for site enhancements such as concrete, drainage and fencing; staff flagged the Willard site as undersized and recommended exploring relocation options or property acquisition, noting the county has leased some sites for two decades at roughly $1,800 per year.
The board queried whether fees and service parity are fair across districts and urged staff to examine fee fairness if services differ by site. Commissioners also asked staff to examine the GFL contract language and to look for county‑owned property near existing convenience sites that might host upgraded facilities. Staff recommended a capital project budget for a storage/laydown yard and said they will return with options and probable costs (staff estimated a metal building and fenced yard at roughly $150,000 as an initial request).
No formal vote was taken. Commissioners praised Barnhill’s management, asked for more information on potential land acquisition and program costs, and asked staff to return with proposals and cost estimates before final budget adoption.
