County approves MOU with City of Dunn to explore water, sewer cooperation
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Summary
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of Dunn to explore northern‑county water needs and potential regionalization, with commissioners urging inclusion of PWC and neighboring jurisdictions in future planning.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of Dunn to explore water and sewer needs in the northern portion of the county.
County staff presented the MOU as an initial step to expand existing interlocal agreements and to evaluate regional options. Amanda Lee, general manager of natural resources, and Faith Phillips, assistant county manager, were on the dais to present and answer questions.
Commissioner Adams urged the board to broadly pursue regional planning that includes Public Works Commission (PWC) and neighboring jurisdictions, saying the county should be "forward thinking" about regional systems and funding opportunities. "If we're gonna get any funding, it's funding regional kind of things," he said, citing other counties’ regional efforts as models.
Vice Chairwoman Sheryl Jones moved to approve the MOU; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote. County staff noted the MOU is part of an ongoing regionalization effort the board has been briefed on earlier in the year.
Why it matters: Regional water and sewer planning can affect development, funding eligibility, and long‑term infrastructure costs across jurisdictions. Commissioners signaled the county intends to pursue broader coordination as part of an ongoing infrastructure plan.
