Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
Cemetery Identification and Protection
The county manager was set to lead a discussion on how Pender County identifies and protects cemeteries — a concern for families with historic family burial grounds on rural land.
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.
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.
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.
Maple Hill Postal Service Operations
A resolution was on the agenda supporting continued USPS operations in Maple Hill, a rural community whose post office is a lifeline for residents.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Countywide salary study and career development plans
The county studied pay for every position against 26 surrounding counties and built career development plans for each department. The findings will shape how much the county spends on compensation next year.
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.
Solid waste: Montague Station and Transfer Station up-fit
The board picked the FEMA property option (about $337,000) to replace the Montague convenience site, rejecting a pricier Long Creek park share or expanded hours elsewhere. Details and a budget amendment come back April 20.
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.
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.