Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Craven County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
21 issues with high priority
NCDOI Grant Match for Fire Departments
Six Craven County volunteer fire departments got state NCDOI grants and the county's $418,558 match, buying turnout gear, air packs, radios, extrication tools and pagers. Commissioners noted this keeps fire tax increases down.
NC Lottery Funds Distribution for Tucker Creek Middle School
The school board got $5.7 million in lottery funds released for the Tucker Creek Middle School addition, which is nearly dried-in and on track for next summer.
Foster Care and Adoption Placement Needs
A local behavioral health provider told commissioners children are sleeping in DSS offices and foster homes are scarce; she asked the county to opt into the special children's adoption incentive fund and support a family reunification program.
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport Expansion Grants
County Manager Jack Veit announced the county won a SCASIG federal grant aimed at daily commercial flights to Dulles Airport, adding to existing Breeze and American service.
Craven County Nature Park Development
Resident Anne Corby donated $10,000 for phase one of the bike trails, with construction starting this month at the new county nature park.
Craven Community College Health Sciences Expansion
College leaders requested a 5.29% funding increase for FY27 and highlighted major capital projects like the Corporate Training Center and Public Safety Training Center.
Medicaid Expansion Administrative Mandates and Staffing
New federal and state rules require Craven County Social Services to handle much tighter work requirements, frequent eligibility reviews, and verification checks. To prevent penalties and backpay, the board approved 13 new positions and computer equipment costing $622,880, which is fully covered by state and federal funding.
Election Voting
Early voting kicks off Thursday morning in Craven County, giving you a chance to cast your ballot early and dodge those annoying election day lines. Plan ahead and map out when you're going to vote!
NCDOT Traffic Reconfigurations and James City Congestion
Craven County is spending $400,256 to relocate over seven miles of fiber-optic cables along Highway 70 due to the I-42 expansion. NCDOT will reimburse most of the cost, leaving the county to cover a portion that doubles network capacity.
FY26 CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Grant
The county authorized $32,200 for court-ordered trash removal and demolition of dilapidated mobile homes at Sandy Ridge Mobile Home Park to protect community health and safety.
GREAT Grant Broadband Expansion Match
The county approved a $250,000 ARPA fund match to Brightspeed to complete broadband expansion across unserved rural areas, reaching over 1,800 locations.
CARTS Route Reductions and OnDemand+ Pilot Program
CARTS is proposing to restructure its fixed bus routes from three to two, introduce an OnDemand+ same-day microtransit pilot program, and launch the Greenville Express medical and life-necessity transit service. These changes aim to improve efficiency, reduce headways, and expand regional mobility.
School HVAC Upgrades and Capital Funding
The board acknowledged a $251 million school facility needs survey and approved $369,120 in lottery funds to replace broken air conditioning units at three schools.
Government Center East Project & Construction Contract
Craven County purchased an existing building at 1208 East Main Street in Havelock to serve as Government Center East, saving millions over new construction. It will house state and county services, a DMV, and an early voting site.
Water System Assessment Studies and AMI Meter Project Rollovers
The county approved funding to replace a failed 1992 water well pump on Dover Road to maintain reliable water service in Northwest Craven County.
Landfill Battery Safety and Recycling
Commissioners discussed worsening illegal roadside dumping across the county and coordinated with the Sheriff's Office to utilize inmate labor for litter cleanup. Additionally, the regional landfill approved a major cell construction project.
Animal Shelter Estate Donation and Future Use
The animal shelter received a massive $655,147 estate donation from Shirley Callahan, which the board transferred into a capital reserve fund. Commissioners also discussed potential future uses, including funding for a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program.
Jail Overcrowding and Inmate Medical Costs
The county jail is currently operating about 100 inmates over capacity, driving up required medical spending and prompting a $200,000 budget amendment. Commissioners discussed future facility expansion needs and the ongoing challenge of housing state and local offenders.
Industrial Park Expansion and Grant Funding
The county is purchasing 76 acres on Clarks Road from Weyerhaeuser for $475,000 to expand the industrial park and attract new economic development projects.
Consolidation of County Maintenance Facility on Martin Drive
Craven County is purchasing and consolidating its maintenance department into 3491 and 3493 Martin Drive, funded through a $679,955 budget amendment and future borrowing. This move frees up the old New Street offices for future court services.
Havelock Building Inspections Consolidation
Craven County will take over building permitting and inspection services inside the City of Havelock starting June 1, streamlining services under the county planning department.