At the Jan. 6 meeting of the Anson County Board of Commissioners, residents used the public-comment period to press the county on localized infrastructure problems and on resources for veterans.

Delaine Fowler, who said she lives on South 109, told the board a water leak began after a stop sign was installed near Capel Dairy and that the leak has worsened to the point the county-reported water department has told her she may need a driveway replacement. "As soon as they put that sign in my front yard, a leak started...now it's at the point where they're gonna have to replace my driveway," Fowler said. Commissioners and staff advised her to provide contact information so water-department staff and the county could follow up, and noted that roadway signage is under the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s purview.

Fowler also described increased noise from heavy trucks and the absence of 'jake brake' signage, as well as ongoing litter near her property. Commissioners suggested DOT requests and local enforcement channels; staff said the county can forward requests to DOT and will have water-department staff investigate the leak.

Laura Laney, a volunteer with the Anson County Veterans Council, addressed the recent resignation of the county’s veteran service officer effective Jan. 1 (Bridal Gibbons) and said the county has had three veteran service officers in three years. Laney asked whether the county provides sufficient administrative support and budget for the position and whether opioid settlement funds are being used to assist veterans. She cited an estimate of roughly 1,500 veterans in Anson County and argued additional support could help veterans access federal benefits.

Terry Hayams urged the county to consider canine patrols and increased sheriff funding, saying the sheriff’s office needs drug-sniffing dogs and more budget support. He compared average deputy compensation figures, noting an apparent disparity between Anson County ("44 to 50,000 for a deputy") and Union County ("89,000"). Commissioners acknowledged the concerns, recorded that notes were taken, and indicated staff follow-up will be needed; there was no immediate commitment to new hires or budget appropriations during the meeting.

The board directed staff to follow up on resident complaints and concerns and reminded speakers to provide contact information so staff could investigate further. The meeting did not resolve the substantive staffing and funding questions raised; those items were left for future action or staff reporting.