Local residents urge Harnett County to expand elder in‑home services and address park violence

Eric Stevenson, a Harnett County resident and caregiver, told commissioners the county’s in‑home elderly services are strained and asked the board to increase staffing and outreach. “There are only 2 social workers that can do in home visits for the elderly,” Stevenson said, and urged the county to “bring back some recommendations for the additional positions and even develop a better communication plan.”

Stevenson said his mother, who is living with dementia, required help that was difficult to find and suggested low‑cost outreach measures including bill inserts, flyers at pharmacies and senior centers, and targeted digital ads aimed at adult children who make care decisions. “Our seniors raised us… it’s time for us to do the same for them,” he said.

Larry Mitchell, a resident and veteran, thanked emergency responders and proposed a procedural change to public comment: if five or fewer people sign up, allow five minutes for each of the first five speakers instead of the standard three minutes. The suggestion drew interest from commissioners who said the board should discuss it and reach a unanimous decision before changing the rules.

In a separate public comment, parent Edwina Waltz reported her son was assaulted at Jack Marley Park on Nov. 22 and asked what the county is doing about gang‑related violence. Waltz said the incident has left her son afraid to go to school.

The board did not take immediate policy action during the public‑comment period. Commissioners moved on after public comment concluded and approved the consent agenda.