Two members of the public used the board’s public‑comment period on Dec. 1 to press Onslow County leaders on community safety and civic participation.

Kevin Rouse, who identified himself as a former chief of the Backswamp Volunteer Fire Department, urged the board to protect volunteer fire organizations and their heritage. Rouse said volunteer departments meet state certification standards and cautioned that a county study could unsettle volunteer groups. "Volunteers don't ask for anything. They do it out of the love of their hearts," Rouse said, adding that the county’s past contributions have helped build a strong local fire service.

Ari Rakowitz focused on civic engagement and privacy. "Less than 11% of registered voters participated," Rakowitz said, criticizing low turnout in the recent municipal election and urging improved access to voter information and support for the Board of Elections. Rakowitz also warned about surveillance risks, saying he was "especially concerned about how tools like the property assessment and license plate camera networks can be used for warrantless surveillance." He recommended better inclusion measures, including an ASL interpreter for meetings and improved captioning for YouTube livestreams.

Commissioners responded to the public comments during their remarks by thanking the speakers and acknowledging the service of volunteer firefighters. Commissioner Bennett and others emphasized that the county’s fire service strategic plan is intended to identify how to support volunteer departments over the next decade. No formal action was taken at the meeting to change volunteer‑service policy or county surveillance rules; those would require separate agenda items and further staff work.

The board moved on to its scheduled agenda items after public comment. Staff will continue work on the county's fire service strategic plan, and any policy proposals on surveillance, election administration or volunteer firefighting support would need to be brought back as formal agenda items for public consideration and potential action.