Miss McFadden, the county presenter, opened the board’s review of the recommended 2027–2033 Capital Improvements Program, saying, “We do have 82 projects in our CIP.” She described the CIP as a planning document — not an authorization to spend — and said the county uses pay‑go, reserve funds and grant applications to fund projects.

The plan groups projects by status: completed projects (FY25–26), projects with executed contracts, a bulk group of scheduled projects, and future projects that lack full scope or funding. Completed items listed included a cooperative extension agricultural kitchen (completed March 2025), the county’s body‑worn camera program for the Sheriff’s Office (implemented February 2025), and the Harnett Regional Jetport master plan (completed last December). Miss McFadden noted ongoing school and college projects and site work remaining on the new Northwest Harnett Elementary School.

On funding, staff asked the board to continue annual contributions to several capital reserve funds. For Central Carolina Community College staff requested continuation of a $589,000 annual contribution that began in FY25 to build a maintenance and replacement fund. The Capital Reserves for EMS were highlighted: staff said the FY27 contribution should increase to $1,270,000 to cover a cardiac monitor replacement after an updated vendor quote rose substantially from prior assumptions.

Parks, recreation and greenway projects were described in detail. Staff said grants recently secured (including two $250,000 grants for Nils Creek Park design and engineering) will fund initial work and that the Greenway Trail capital reserve (annual $100,000) is used to match grant funds. On a proposed conversion of a county railroad easement from Lillington to Jim Christian Road into a greenway, staff said the conversion process (not construction) is covered by a Great Trail State program grant and that the county’s 50% match is available in the Greenway Capital Reserve Fund.

Several projects were noted as moving to design or procurement phases: broadband expansion (phase 2 underway in the county’s west), airport hangar development, school gym additions, ball field LED light retrofits and a new animal shelter (land purchased; architect and construction manager at‑risk contracts executed; construction projected to begin FY27).

Staff also flagged cost escalation risks and tradeoffs. The Neils Creek Park restroom/storage project’s estimate rose from roughly $440,000 in early design to bids approaching $800,000 because of on‑site sewer connections and other site work; staff said about $400,000 has been set aside but an additional $300,000–$400,000 is likely needed unless a different building type is selected. Commissioner questions focused on funding options, timing and whether prefabricated alternatives could reduce costs.

Miss McFadden closed by noting public input is scheduled next Monday and staff hopes to return the CIP for adoption so the board can use the plan during the operating budget process in January.

The board did not take a final action on the CIP at this meeting; staff requested direction and scheduled public input and an adoption vote later in December.