Chad C. Beane

The 2025 Harnett County Community Health Assessment provides a comprehensive review of community health and identifies key challenges. It establishes three core priorities: Access to Food and Nutrition, Mental and Behavioral Health, and Recreation and Community Connection. This assessment aims to guide the development of a Community Health Improvement Plan to foster a healthier Harnett County by 2030, where data-informed decisions meet emerging needs and ensure all residents have access to conditions necessary to thrive, integrating health into the county's growth strategy.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, followed by a remembrance presentation for Hornet County Heroes. Public comment included discussions regarding citizens leaving the county for employment and support for the Veterans Court, noting its success in aiding veterans transitioning from military service. The agenda proceeded with the approval of the consent agenda. Public input was heard regarding the recommended Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2027 to 2033, with citizen feedback focusing on the large funding request for new school facilities ($549 million), the perceived lack of amenities for adults compared to children's facilities, and suggestions for incorporating public input processes, clarifying debt indicators, and funding for items like an indoor recreation center and an indoor shooting range. A public hearing was conducted for the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the demolition of a condemned structure at 19 Andrea Court. Furthermore, the board accepted a proposal from Southern Disaster Recovery Debris Management Removal following an RFQ process. Finally, the request to add a new Election Specialist position to the Board of Elections was discussed and approved to manage increased voter growth.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions focused on operational updates, including the receipt of 'Ballot on Demand' equipment, despite missing some printers, with plans to integrate it into early voting sites by Thursday or Friday following training. Budget review covered projections for the general election, noting it is smaller than municipal or primary years. A proposal to research vendors for more robust election worker training, incorporating online modules, was introduced. Discussions also addressed compensation for election staff, agreeing to investigate fair raises in consultation with county HR. The board reviewed and approved the lists of Republican, Democratic, and Unaffiliated workers nominated for early voting, emphasizing that approval of the list does not confirm assignments, which remain flexible. There was also discussion regarding the life cycle of current voting machines, which are currently deemed satisfactory but will require inclusion in the 7-year capital improvement plan.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and a recognition ceremony for Robert F. Baker, Technical Sergeant, who was awarded the Airman's Medal for heroism during an incident at Pope Air Force Base in 1994. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the January 20th, 2026 meeting. A presentation was given regarding the results of the 2025-2026 compensation study, noting that the consultant firm Pontifex Consulting Group was selected due to their expertise and 12-month support offering. The presentation detailed the importance of external competitiveness, internal equity, and process equity for attracting and retaining talent, noting that the labor market is beginning to level off, although retention remains a key concern. Additionally, an economic development quarterly update highlighted five shortlisted manufacturing projects with significant job and capital expenditure potential, three of which could be located in Dunn or Lillington. The update also noted five new unique building submissions and five new project properties being submitted. Challenges to attracting projects, such as lack of product inventory and insufficient power capacity, were discussed. Progress on site readiness for Hornet 87 East and the Robin Hood site was reviewed, including securing additional funding from Duke Energy for due diligence on the latter.

The meeting commenced with a presentation honoring James L. Mount Castle with the Soldiers Medal for heroism in Vietnam in 1966. Key agenda items included a hearing and subsequent approval for a refund of excise tax overpayment due to a duplicate deed recording. The board discussed and gave consensus to establish a conditional zoning process to manage growth, mitigate impacts from development, and address housing affordability, noting it aligns with the Hornet Horizons 2040 comprehensive land use plan. Approval was granted for the Harriet County Public Library to apply for a $5,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for a 'Big Read' initiative featuring the book 'Demon Copperhead'. The board also approved the finalization of land purchases for the Northwest Northeast Water Treatment Plant, funded by HRW reserves. Further approvals included contracting with Edifice LLC for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for the Animal Adoption Center, adoption of a capital project ordinance for the animal service facility, and a resolution to change the date of the legislative luncheon to February 2nd, 2026. Finally, authorization was approved for Parish Partners for the design and bidding of the runway extension at the Hornet County Regional Jetport, and appointments/reappointments to various boards and committees were approved.