Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
25 issues in public safety
Student safety crossing Highway 17 in Hampstead
Commissioner Beth Burns is working to set up a meeting between the school district and NCDOT for a crosswalk and pedestrian signals near the Hampstead library, after students were seen dodging traffic on Highway 17.
Solid waste enforcement
With 83 cases this year and one code officer handling 20 zoning cases a month, the county added a dedicated solid-waste enforcement officer.
Feral Cat Management Policy
Residents pushed for a trap-neuter-vaccinate-return program, citing 1,150 cat intakes in eight months and warning that euthanization won't stop reproduction. An ordinance discussion was moved to October 19.
Opioid Settlement Funds Spending
Three consent items direct about $487,000 in opioid settlement money toward year three of the Health Opioid Coordinator, the Sheriff's DARE program, and Coastal Horizons' PORT recovery program.
Emergency Services Merger — REDLG Obligations
The merger took effect July 5 with no service interruptions, but the county is short about 26 firefighters and 26 EMS workers, causing overtime, burnout, and occasional ambulance or firehouse shutdowns. New hires and recruit classes should help by late October.
Pender EMS & Fire Merger
County staff were set to report that the July 2026 merger of fire and EMS services took effect without service interruption, but both divisions remain short-staffed — fire down 26 of 96 firefighters and EMS down 26 of 92 employees. Crews have been closing stations on occasion and working heavy overtime. The update was for information only, with no action requested.
EMS/Fire merger effective July 5
County staff were set to report that the July 2026 merger of fire and EMS services took effect without service interruption, but both divisions remain short-staffed — fire down 26 of 96 firefighters and EMS down 26 of 92 employees. Crews have been closing stations on occasion and working heavy overtime. The update was for information only, with no action requested.
Ambulance Fleet Replacement
The county bought five ambulances that were pre-ordered by the old Pender EMS & Fire board without county knowledge, plus tech upgrades. Several commissioners were frustrated by the surprise and the lack of competitive bids, but approved it because fleets are aging and new orders would take years.
Pelican Reef fatal crash and traffic safety
Commissioners raised speeding issues at Highway 133 in Little Kelly, a needed traffic light on Highway 117, and a fatal crash at Watts Landing Road and NC 210, which is slated for 2028 STIP improvements.
Courthouse Square safety hazard
Fennel reported holes in Burgaw's Courthouse Square causing falls and ankle injuries. Sawyer confirmed it's the county's responsibility and Parks & Recreation is assessing repairs.
Countywide physical security refresh
Phase 2 puts all county building security under one system for about $503,000; the price lock expires August 1.
High Hazard burn designation
Pender is now a High Hazard County — burn permits are required year-round within 500 feet of brush.
Pender EMS & Fire debt payoff
The board voted to pay $10.14 million of the merger entity's loans and leases from reserves, freeing annual debt payments and cutting interest, with the remainder paid off in five years.
Law Enforcement Center cost increases
A $556,371 railing change order was approved 4-1, delaying the jail opening while the sheriff's office and 911 move in first. Commissioner Springer also pressed for a price on a taller exterior fence.
Novant Health Pender Medical Center update
Novant reaffirmed its $50 million, 10-year commitment from the 2023 sale, and Scotts Hill Medical Center opens June 16, 2026 — a major addition of hospital beds, surgery and cardiac services for the county.
Law Enforcement Center Completion
Approved $272,527 for high-density storage in the new LEC; commissioners also pushed the contractor on lighting that bothers neighbors.
Staffing the expanded Law Enforcement Center and jail
Vice Chairman George flagged concerns about having enough custodians, grounds crew, and IT staff for the new Law Enforcement Center. Staff say those positions are covered in department budgets.
Fire and rescue funding requests
Seven fire departments, the rescue squad, the Forestry Service, and the Fire Marshal's Office made their annual pitches. Most asked for flat funding; Burgaw and Atkinson sought notable increases, and the Fire Marshal wants a new vehicle and an assistant.
Construction dust affecting nearby families
Resident Tina Best described heavy sand and dust blowing from the Point South construction site onto her family's 36-acre farm, with health impacts for sick family members. Staff and the developer offered to meet with her, but she said the developer hasn't returned her calls.
Project Lifesaver Fundraising
The Sheriff's Foundation is raising money for tracking bracelets ($400-500 each) for residents prone to wandering, at its June 5 Denim & Diamonds event.
Vaping in Schools
68 vaping incidents at high schools, 20 at middle schools and one at an elementary this year. Officials warn vapes may contain illicit drugs including fentanyl. The SBI presentation was postponed; CATCH My Breath education is being used.
Station 9 Fire Protection System
The new EMS & Fire Station 9 was built without code-required sprinklers; commissioners approved $98,561 to fix it.
Health Department strategic plan
The Health Department's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan with four goals was adopted, and the 2025 State of the County Health Report was presented.
Dental clinic X-ray replacement
The health department's 17-year-old, unrepairable dental X-ray machine will be replaced for about $55,945, with the cost recouped in roughly two years from clinic revenue.
Maple Hill Fire Department merger
Chairman Burton directed staff to call the Maple Hill fire chief and work toward a resolution on the department's merger.