August 17, 2026 Board of County Commissioners Meeting

The August 17, 2026 meeting of the Pender County Board of Commissioners included extensive discussions on water infrastructure and utility planning. The board reviewed a detailed historical overview of the county's water utility development, current capacity challenges, and future expansion needs, including a recent engineering study on water supply alternatives. The commissioners emphasized the urgency of applying for state and federal grants to fund critical water projects, with a grant application deadline of September 30, 2026. A resolution was adopted to establish the Pender County Infrastructure and Controlled Growth Initiative, a comprehensive long-range planning effort to modernize land use policies, coordinate infrastructure investment, and guide utility expansion. The resolution outlines a phased approach with public engagement, funding strategies, and intergovernmental coordination. Other procurement-related actions included approval of zoning amendments to support commercial development and solid waste collection expansion, as well as engagement of interim legal services. Public comments addressed water quality concerns, tax issues, and surveillance camera use. The board also discussed the need for improved grant writing capacity and timely tax bill distribution.