Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Halifax County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in business jobs
JBB Packaging rail industrial access funding
The county moved forward a $100,000 NCDOT rail grant to extend the rail spur serving JBB Packaging, a growing local employer.
Project Chase expansion and building reuse grant
Director Cathy Scott reported improving indicators — poverty down to 22.8%, $8.2 million in building permits — plus projects like the Mattel water park at Exit 171, Exit 154 sewer extension, and new restaurants in Roanoke Rapids and Scotland Neck.
Child care affordability partnership
A statewide public-private program can split child care costs three ways between the state, employers and families — local employers are being recruited to join.
C-PACE financing program participation
The county wants to opt into the state's new C-PACE program letting commercial property owners finance energy and resiliency upgrades — at zero cost or risk to the county.
US 301 Site Access Road and Murphy Site Development
The access road for the US 301 industrial site is on track — preliminary design is done, with construction wrapping by early next year. Separately, an 83-acre site near the college is being positioned for warehouse distribution, pending a rezoning.
Opportunity Zone Nominations
The county will recommend three census tracts — Halifax/US 301 corridor, Weldon, and Enfield — for the new round of federal Opportunity Zones, which give investors capital gains tax breaks to invest in rural areas.
Farmers market revival
Residents asked the county to bring back the closed farmers market. The county manager is exploring new locations, possibly the 4-H property, and even a mobile market — the old site is being used for sheriff's storage.