Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Feral cat management and trap-neuter-release
Commissioners were scheduled to discuss policies for managing feral cats, including trap-neuter-release programs — a topic that touches animal welfare, neighborhoods, and wildlife.
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.
Burn bans for land clearing
A board member wants Pender County to join Brunswick County's push for restrictions on smoldering burn piles from land clearing, citing three burning lots seen along Highway 210. Staff will raise it with the county manager.
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.
Abbey Nature Preserve Tree Policy
A $31,869 variance amendment drew concern that the county is too lax on tree removal — commissioners asked staff to review the UDO and consider a tree policy.
Fate of the old DHHS building
Renovating the old DHHS building is likely off the table — asbestos and sewer problems make it cost-prohibitive, according to the facilities director.
Health Department strategic plan
The Health Department's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan with four goals was adopted, and the 2025 State of the County Health Report was presented.
Zoning text amendment on surfacing materials
A proposed change to Section 7.10.5 would give property owners and builders more options for driveway and site surfacing materials.
Dental clinic X-ray replacement
The health department's 17-year-old, unrepairable dental X-ray machine will be replaced for about $55,945, with the cost recouped in roughly two years from clinic revenue.
County Trash Fees for Private-Hauler Customers
Commissioner Tate flagged that residents who hire private trash companies still pay the county's trash fee because those haulers use county convenience sites. He asked whether the GFL contract pricing could be renegotiated.
Rocky Point Rezone (REZONE 2025-93)
Nearly 10 acres in Rocky Point got rezoned from General Business back to Residential Performance, meaning no commercial development on that tract.
Newspaper Advertising Spending
The county switched its legal ads to the Wilmington Star-News, and spending dropped compared to years with the Pender-Topsail Post and Voice — though the comparison isn't apples-to-apples since only legally required ads were placed. George asked for a better comparison.
Maple Hill Fire Department merger
Chairman Burton directed staff to call the Maple Hill fire chief and work toward a resolution on the department's merger.
Hampstead Kiwanis Park security cameras
The county wants to install cameras and licensing at the park but tabled the vote to find out how much the Kiwanis organization will pay toward it.