County introduces bond order for New Hanover County Schools and schedules budget public hearing

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners introduced a bond order and resolution to set a public hearing date for a general obligation bond for New Hanover County Schools, a procedural step the chair said is required to place the bond referendum on the November ballot.

"This is just one more of the steps that we need to take in order to get the bond referendum on the ballot for November," said a commissioner (S3) after the Chair introduced the item and recognized school board representatives in attendance.

Separately, the board confirmed a financial-results presentation for the nine months ending March 31, 2026 will be given on Monday, and the Chair opened a public hearing on the recommended 2026-27 budget, including economic development appropriations. Commissioner Zappel asked staff to examine potential funding approaches for the Community Justice Center and several economic development items before Monday's hearing.

A staff member advised presenting the budget as recommended while preparing options to add items later if the board chooses. "As a matter of fidelity to the recommendation, I would rather present without those items in there, but know that there's a way for you to accomplish them if that's the will of the board," the staff member said. Commissioner Zappel agreed with that approach.

The introduction of the bond order and the scheduling of the budget public hearing were procedural actions; no final votes on the bond or on budget amendments are recorded in this excerpt. The board concluded the agenda review and will convene again on Monday.