# July 23, 2026 Board of County Commissioners Town Hall

The July 23, 2026, Pender County Board of County Commissioners Town Hall focused primarily on community concerns related to traffic congestion, infrastructure development, and property taxation. Residents expressed significant worries about the impact of large housing developments on local roads, particularly Highway 17 and surrounding areas, highlighting issues such as inadequate turn lanes, traffic backups, and limited state funding for road improvements. County officials explained the limitations of local authority over state roads, the role of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT), and the challenges in securing funding for major projects like the Hampstead bypass and median projects. Discussions also covered the ongoing planning and construction of a new membrane wastewater treatment plant, including its environmental considerations and utility infrastructure. Taxation was another major topic, with residents voicing concerns over steep property tax increases and the county addressing misconceptions about tax hikes related to a vendor impersonation fraud incident. The county manager and commissioners emphasized ongoing efforts to engage with state legislators and improve communication with DOT to address infrastructure and tax issues. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were reported during the meeting, but updates on upcoming capital projects and infrastructure planning were provided.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** July 23, 2026

### Sources
- [July 23, 2026 Board of County Commissioners Town Hall](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlRod-nOd0I) - Pender County