Holly Springs Council opposes substitute state bill, pauses annexations and approves city contracts

The Holly Springs City Council on Feb. 19 adopted a resolution opposing a substitute version of a state house bill referenced in the council packet as “house bill 10 29” and ratified signatures for the city. The council also approved a temporary, up-to-one-year suspension on accepting annexation applications for property located outside the city’s growth boundary and authorized multiple procurement and service agreements.

Mister Logan, who introduced the resolution opposing the substitute bill, summarized provisions in the substitute concerning council composition and term limits, saying the act would vest legislative authority in a mayor and six council members, set consecutive-term limits ("No person shall be eligible to serve as mayor or council member if he or she has served more than 12 consecutive years"), and change ward and at-large seat designations. Logan also noted the reapportionment maps supplied by the state did not show some parcels annexed since 2020. "That's just a quick synopsis of where things stand with the act today," he said.

The council approved the opposition resolution by a recorded voice vote of 4-0. The resolution text was included in the meeting packet; Logan said the substitute bill had not been approved by the House as of the meeting.

Separately, the council approved a resolution to suspend acceptance and consideration of annexation requests under section 5(d) of the city's 2022 growth boundary resolution (R-090) for up to one year. Logan described the provision as discouraging owners of property outside but contiguous to the municipal boundary from submitting applications without first consulting the county. That resolution also passed 4-0.

Council members also approved several contracts and agreements during the same meeting:

- A contract with DH Pace Company Inc. to replace aluminum front doors and hardware at the Kenneth Inman Public Safety Complex for the low bid of $11,987 (approved 4-0).

- An agreement with Molinar Jordan and Associates to provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing construction-administration services for the amphitheater/Town Center project; the agreement uses hourly rates provided in the packet (approved 4-0). The packet lists hourly rates; no single total contract cap was read aloud during the meeting.

- A scope-of-work agreement with Cindy Miller Communications for media relations and communications services at a fee of $5,500 for services through March 4, with an option to extend 30 days at the same fee (approved 4-0).

- Professional services to prepare Division 27 (communications/AV) written specifications for the new city hall from Solutions, Inc., at a fiscal impact of $18,000 (approved 4-0).

- Release of a performance bond (SU1200345) for InHarmony On The Lakes Southside Village Phase 1 covering installed stormwater structures (approved 4-0).

At the meeting close, staff reported that a contract with Hillbank had been executed and that bonds and insurance documentation were being obtained in advance of work expected to start in March. The council then voted to adjourn the public meeting and move into executive session for the purpose of litigation.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution opposing substitute "house bill 10 29": Adopted, vote 4-0. - Resolution suspending acceptance of certain annexations (section 5(d), Resolution R-090): Adopted, vote 4-0. - DH Pace Company Inc. — front door contract ($11,987): Approved, vote 4-0. - Molinar Jordan and Associates — MEP construction administration (hourly rates in packet): Approved, vote 4-0. - Cindy Miller Communications — scope of work ($5,500): Approved, vote 4-0. - Solutions, Inc. — Division 27 AV specifications for new city hall ($18,000): Approved, vote 4-0. - Bond release SU1200345 (InHarmony On The Lakes Southside Village Phase 1): Approved, vote 4-0.

Next steps and context

The council packet contained the full text of the opposition resolution and the draft annexation suspension. Logan said the substitute version of the state bill had not cleared the House as of the meeting; the council did not take additional formal steps beyond adopting the opposition resolution and ratifying signatures. The suspensions and contract awards are effective as of the meeting; the council moved into executive session on litigation immediately after the public meeting.