Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
34 issues with medium priority
Saw Dust Laydown Yard and Office Space project
A major site development plan for a sawdust laydown yard and office space is scheduled for technical review. Details on location and scale will be presented by staff at the meeting.
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.
Abbey Nature Preserve trailhead — $500,000 PARTF grant
The board was scheduled to accept a $500,000 state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund matching grant plus a budget amendment to build a trailhead at the Abbey Nature Preserve.
DSS funding for federal H.R. 1 implementation
The county was slated to accept $254,546.89 to cover extra social services administrative costs tied to federal Medicaid eligibility changes under H.R. 1.
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.
Feral cat management and trap-neuter-release
The county's animal ordinance is outdated, the shelter took in over 1,300 cats this year, and a resident has pushed for TNR-friendly rules. Staff will bring back an ordinance analysis and a model community cat program in October.
Topsail Township commercial rezone of 0.31-acre parcel
An 11.36-acre portion of three tracts could shift from planned development and residential performance zoning to General Business, opening the door to commercial uses near Topsail residents.
Topsail Township rezone to Office and Institutional
A property owner wants to rezone roughly a quarter-acre to open a specialty trade contractor office. It's a small commercial land-use change, but nearby residents may care about what kinds of business activity move in next door.
Small business office rezoning off US 17
A roofing contractor wants a tiny office on a quarter-acre near Union Bethel Road — about 12 vehicle trips a day. The board supported it with conditions but noted the applicant must still get NCDOT driveway approval and final Commissioner approval.
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.
Candidates Forum
Local Pender County candidates recently faced off at a forum to debate major issues like school funding, board drama, and how to bring the community together. It's a quick look at where everyone stands before you cast your ballot.
Commissioner Appointment Dispute
Pender County is caught in a messy legal battle over a disputed commissioner appointment, and critics say the whole process was completely botched. This political drama could seriously shake up who’s running the local show.
Maple Hill park and school building needs
Maple Hill was slated to see two investments: $308,713 in infrastructure improvements through Kimley-Horn and capital project funding for the Maple Hill Playground (paired with Long Creek Community Park).
Topsail Township Rezone from Residential to General Business
A small 0.31-acre parcel in Topsail Township was up for rezoning from Residential Performance to General Business, which would allow commercial uses. No outcome is on record.
Solid Waste Collection Allowed in Environmental Conservation District
A zoning text amendment would let public solid waste collection facilities operate in the Environmental Conservation district — deciding where waste-related uses can and can't go in Pender County.
8 PM Public Hearings: Special Use Permits and Zoning Map Amendments
The board was scheduled to hold public hearings at 8 PM on special use permits, zoning map amendments, and resolutions. These hearings directly shape what can be built where — but the specific applications are not identified in the available materials.
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.
High Hazard burn designation
Pender is now a High Hazard County — burn permits are required year-round within 500 feet of brush.
Water supply purchase orders
The county committed $900,000 across three suppliers to keep water meters flowing — 800-900 meters are installed or replaced each year.
Athletic field lighting final phase
$1.6 million to finish lighting the county's six oldest ballfields, tying all fields into one modern system. Installation could start in late October.
County fund balance use
The county has $68.6 million in fund balance, which drops to about $48 million after planned uses. Commissioners discussed whether to use some of it — one time — to help the schools.
2026 Personnel Policy changes
New policy folds volunteer, bereavement, and mental health leave into PTO, ends banking holidays worked, and incorporates Fire/EMS shifts — with on-call pay and EMS pay to be revisited.
Litigation Legal Coverage
Pender County just caught a break: a state association reversed course and will now pay the county’s legal bills in the Post & Voice lawsuit. That means local taxpayers may avoid footing the bill for a costly court fight.
Hotels in Industrial Districts
A text amendment would add hotels and motels as permitted uses in the Industrial Transitional and General Industrial districts. That could open more land countywide to lodging development.
Child Care Assistance Prioritization
The county adopted a policy setting the order in which families get subsidized child care funds; it passed 3-1.
Potential Tree Ordinance Changes
Commissioners want to curb clear-cutting that leaves land bare for years, expand tree mitigation to residential developments, and hold developers responsible for replacement trees that die. Changes will go through the Planning Board before any vote.
UNCW Medical School Support
The county formally backed UNC Wilmington's proposed medical school, which could bring medical training and healthcare jobs to the region.
Countywide salary study and career development plans
Every county employee is being re-evaluated for correct pay grade and step based on education, certifications, and experience. Long-tenured staff who never got degree credit are being moved up — but no retroactive back pay.
Cape Fear Community College request
CFCC wants $782,229 from the county, with the bulk going to a $650,000 roof replacement at the Burgaw campus.
Housing department property manager for Seven Oaks
Housing wants one property manager to oversee Seven Oaks so the director can handle broader responsibilities — a small ask with direct effects on county housing operations.
Youth services librarian for the new library
The library is asking for a youth services librarian to staff the new library building — a sign the long-awaited facility is getting closer.
Solid waste: Montague Station and Transfer Station up-fit
Haulers are waiting hours for empty trailers at the transfer station; Commissioner Tate asked staff to revisit the hauling contract, which was recently rebid with only one response.
Farmers and artisan markets text amendment
The county wants to let farmers and artisan markets run up to eight months in almost any zoning district, instead of the current 60-day limit in a handful of districts. Board members like the idea for local farmers but warned about loopholes — concerts, food trucks, big tent operations near neighborhoods — and want tight definitions before voting.