Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Tax bill printing error
Roughly 2,219 property tax bills went out with wrong amounts after a software rollback issue tied to Senate Bill 889's schedule-of-values requirement. Corrected bills should mail within days, but commissioners are demanding a deeper look.
NC Capital Needs Based Grant / Tier Status
The county's largest water grant application is due Saturday and just needs a board vote — but there was no quorum to approve it. The county manager's team has been working on it and hopes for alternatives before the next meeting.
PAS-TRAN Public Transportation Funding
PAS-TRAN is the county's only public transportation service, providing 21,128 rides last year including 1,811 wheelchair trips. The board was asked to hold a hearing on and approve $165,908 in local match funding for federal grants that keep the buses running.
Tax Collection and Foreclosure
The tax office reported a 97.71% collection rate and 254 active foreclosures (down from 377 in 2023). Commissioners debated foreclosure practices and asked whether legal work could be done in-house to save money; details went to closed session.
Housing Voucher Program Shortfall
Two housing items were slated: a Project Based Voucher housing assistance contract and a resolution to cover a projected Housing Choice Voucher shortfall using the county's unrestricted net position. Together they address how the county keeps rental assistance flowing for lower-income residents.
Proposed budget with 2-cent tax increase
County Manager Sawyer said the new budget coming June 15 includes a 2-cent tax increase. Groves flatly opposed it and Tate called it an insult to taxpayers given unresolved appraisal appeal errors.