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City manager rebuts annexation rumors, outlines utilities timeline, development and blight actions
Summary
In his report, the city manager denied social‑media claims that Hamlet would be annexed by Rockingham, cited N.C. statutes on annexation, updated the council on water/wastewater project timelines and condemned properties targeted for blight removal.
City Manager John used his report to update the council on utilities and development, clarify a circulating rumor about annexation and outline the city’s code‑enforcement work.
On utilities, John said the water treatment plant construction is projected to begin in January–February 2026 after DEQ required addition of a fourth filter that updated the bid; wastewater construction is expected in mid‑summer to fall 2026. He also said three asset‑inventory assessments (water, wastewater, stormwater) will span about 24–36 months.
John addressed misinformation about Hamlet being annexed by neighboring Rockingham, calling the claim false and citing North Carolina General Statutes 160A‑31 through 160A‑58 to explain why one incorporated municipality does not annex another. He said mergers or dissolutions require action by the state General Assembly.
On blight and code enforcement, John reported the condemnation process has begun: five of about 40 previously classified nuisance properties had initial hearings; one owner is transferring a property to San Hills Community Development for renovation and the other four received 90‑day notices after which the city may seek demolition authority if the properties remain unresolved.
John also described local development interest (a 14‑duplex proposal in South Hamlet and a larger acreage that could support up to roughly 300 homes), upcoming meetings with Amazon Web Services on emergency‑services coordination, and downtown events and small‑business openings.
