Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Solid waste enforcement
A new solid waste enforcement officer position would be funded at $65,701 from the solid waste fund balance to step up code enforcement.
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.
Feral Cat Management Policy
Commissioners were scheduled to discuss feral cat management and trap-neuter-release policies — a topic that affects animal welfare, neighborhoods, and animal services workloads.
Emergency Services Merger — REDLG Obligations
The merger of county EMS and fire services is on track for July 2026. Commissioner Tate pushed hard on making sure veteran EMS/fire workers don't lose retirement benefits; staff explained longevity payouts and 401K rollovers for legacy staff.
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 board was to consider spending $2.89 million on five new ambulances with updated technology — the biggest single purchase on the agenda and directly tied to emergency response capacity.
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.