Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Surveillance Technology Ban
Pender County just became the first place in North Carolina to completely outlaw automated license plate readers. It's a huge test case for balancing everyday privacy against modern police surveillance.
Vacant Board Seats Following Commissioner Brad George's Departure
Vice Chairman Brad George resigned from the board during the meeting, citing pride in his wife's career, leaving a District 1 seat vacant.
Flock camera surveillance concerns
A resident asked what data flock cameras collect, who can access it, and warned the technology has been misused before. Chairman Burton said the Sheriff's Office uses them for safety; the resident remained skeptical.
Future School Bond for New Schools
East-side schools are packed and growth keeps moving west. A future bond is likely the only way to fund new schools since the county can't levy impact fees. Leaders want an honest, attainable list so taxpayers know what they're voting for.
Government Staffing Dispute
Pender County's longtime attorney just walked out amid intense fights over property taxes and a new audit. This high-level drama means the county government is facing serious instability right now.
Resignation of County Attorney and Interim Legal Counsel
Trey Thurman, county attorney for nearly 30 years, resigned. The board then hired Hartzog Law Group as interim attorney 3-2 — over objections about hiring a firm with no contract — signaling real friction on the board.
Government Fraud and Cybersecurity
Pender County lost $650,000 to a sneaky email scam targeting a vendor, and local leaders are staying tight-lipped about the security failure. This massive slip-up means your hard-earned tax dollars are vanishing into thin air due to weak digital safeguards.
County Manager Termination
Pender County commissioners suddenly fired their top manager during a meeting. This major shakeup means new leadership will soon be steering local projects and policies.
Law Enforcement Cooperation
Pender County commissioners dropped a proposed ICE resolution after the sheriff raised red flags, so local cops won't be handling federal immigration enforcement for now. This keeps local police focused on standard community policing instead of taking on extra federal duties.