Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Opening the first two pods of the new law enforcement center requires 23 detention officers, two sergeant reclasses, and two kitchen staff — trimmed from an original ask of 52-57. Commissioners worry existing vacancies aren't filled yet and question whether out-of-county inmate housing could help pay for it.
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.