Bladen County hires environmental health supervisor; septic permit backlog reduced by half

Bladen County introduced Kristy Priest as the new environmental health supervisor and reported progress reducing a backlog of septic‑system permit applications.

Kristy Priest, described by the county as an environmental health specialist with roughly 26 years of experience and 14 years of supervisory experience, told commissioners the office had cut outstanding septic applications from 90 to 45 since she began implementing a staffing plan. The office now has two specialists authorized to issue onsite wastewater permits — Priest and Chris Bordeaux — which county staff said will speed permit issuance and customer service.

Priest said she has been fielding public calls and working directly with customers to reduce delays. Commissioners asked about continued use of part‑time or contract employees; staff replied two contract employees from Columbus County were available but had not worked in the prior two weeks, and that current workload was largely handled by county staff.

County staff clarified policy questions about septic permits and building during a separate discussion of Bay Tree (a moratorium area): when an applicant submits a permit application, staff said the county must provide a permit decision either granting or denying the permit; any local moratorium or planning‑board restrictions on subsequent development remain the responsibility of the local planning authority.

Priest and staff also noted plans to authorize additional staff training (for example, septic and tattoo‑facility inspections were discussed) and said the county now has two food‑and‑lodging environmental health specialists, increasing the department’s capacity.

No formal votes were taken on staffing at the meeting; commissioners welcomed Priest and said they expect improved turnaround on environmental health services.