Tommy Jones

The meeting agenda primarily concerns the approval of consent items, which include minutes from previous budget and regular commissioner meetings, tax releases for a church and an individual, and the approval of an audit contract. Regular agenda items include a public comments period, discussion and renewal of the Garbage Contract, an update on Utility Policy, and departmental reports from Fire, Police, Public Works, DreamWorks, Recreation, NC Lead Fellow, and Zoning. The board also planned for a closed session concerning legal and personnel matters.

The agenda for the meeting included the swearing in of a Mayor Pro-Tempore, Jack Hawes, and several consent items such as the approval of the resolution to surplus property. Regular agenda items featured an Audit Presentation by Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams, and Co. regarding the Fiscal Year Ending June 30th, 2025 audit, Grant Project Updates from McDavid Associates, and the adoption of a Black History Month Proclamation. Further discussions involved the approval of the Internal Control/Cash Handling Policy and the adoption of a Hazard Mitigation Plan Resolution. Departmental reports were scheduled for Fire, Police, Public Works, DreamWorks, Recreation, and Zoning.

The meeting agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the September 8th meeting and tax releases. During public comments, citizens raised concerns regarding the wording and mailing time of water bills, requested clarity on the transition of power for incoming officials, and asked for a change in venue for a swearing-in ceremony. Discussion of ongoing projects included an update on a $3 Million CDBG for the renovation of Well #3. Further discussion covered plans funded by a $7.5 million earmark for Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, such as replacing sewer lines and a pump station, and the need for a Stream Study for expansion. Departmental reports covered Dream Works program updates, Public Works activities including sewer line cleaning and holiday decoration scheduling, and Police Department activities, including handling missing persons cases, addressing shots fired incidents, increasing business checks, and organizing the 'Stuff the Cruiser for Christmas' toy drive. The Fire Chief provided statistics on call volume and suggested changing smoke detector batteries, while also noting potential LED lighting upgrades financed by Duke Energy. The Town Manager announced upcoming events and provided updates on the Sampson-Duplin Hazard Mitigation Plan and UDO updates.

The meeting included the swearing-in and seating of a new Commissioner, a reelected Commissioner, and a new Mayor, along with the appointment of a new Mayor Pro Tempore. The Consent Agenda, including previous minutes, was approved despite a discussion regarding adding an ABC Board appointment. Public comments addressed concerns about new housing construction traffic, the need for elected officials to seek training, a citizen's concern about utility shutoffs, and fiscal transparency regarding funds for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Departmental reports covered activity at DreamWorks, Recreation Department sports, Public Works metrics (including water leaks and meter readings), Police Department activities (including toy drive updates and policy questions regarding chases), and Fire Department call statistics. Further discussions included the status of a Capital Improvement Plan, mixed-use development concepts, and the upcoming schedule for training and budget preparation. The new Mayor outlined plans to establish five Community Advisory Committees focusing on areas such as Infrastructure, Wellness, and Development, and requested a full report on WWTP expenditures.

The meeting agenda for January 12, 2026, covered several topics. Key discussion points included Board/Committee Appointments for various town entities, a review of the Internal Control/Cash Handling Policy, and presentation of Departmental Reports from the Police Department, DreamWorks, Public Works, Recreation, Fire Department, and NC Lead Fellow. The Mayor also provided comments emphasizing a mandate for change, transparency, and the establishment of five new Community Advisory Committees to oversee areas such as administrative oversight, infrastructure management, waste management, community wellness, and community development. The Manager also provided updates regarding budget preparation and clarified financial details concerning the WWTP funding.