Commissioners tackle road safety, pass FY 2025–26 Budget without tax hike

KENANSVILLE — Concerns about hazardous road conditions and infrastructure needs took center stage on June 16 as county commissioners met to approve the FY 2025–26 Budget.

One significant concern raised was the accumulation of grass clippings on roadways after state-contracted mowing. Mayor A.J. Connors voiced the dangers posed by thick grass left on highways, especially after rainfall, which can make roads slippery and hazardous.

“I know the DOT contracts individuals to cut the grass on the side of the road, but by the time they come to cut, that grass is tremendously high, and when they finish cutting it, some of that debris — heavy chunks of that grass — is blown back into the highway. Yet they do not have a sweeper behind them to blow it off,” Connors explained.

He specifically noted that contractors often leave grass debris on the pavement, particularly on Carrolls Road near Highway 24, instead of blowing it onto the shoulder.

“It is a concern because it does get very slippery as bad as it’s been raining lately,” said Connors.

Commissioner Elwood Garner relayed a resident’s complaint regarding water backing up into a yard on Tram Road.

“Don’t know if it’s a culvert stop or an outflow stop, but water backing up in his yard next to the highway,” he told the board.

Chairman Dexter Edwards also relayed a resident’s complaint. This was about White Flash Road, where a beaver dam was removed a few months ago. Residents have noted that water is once again backing up toward the road.

“I’ve not been over to see it, but that’s what residents called and told me… Sounds like the beavers have gone back to work,” said Edwards. County Manager Bryan Miller was asked to

forward these issues to the Department of Transportation for further investigation.

The board then reviewed the fiscal year 2025–26 Duplin County budget. Miller explained to the board that since the public hearing on June 2, an additional $471,794 was added and offset by ad valorem revenue. This amount will be allocated primarily for insurance, equipment, personnel, and a capital improvement project at Duplin Commons — while maintaining the current tax rate of $0.58 per $100 valuation and fund balance of $7.7 million. The board adopted the budget unanimously.

In other business:

• Miller shared that ticket sales for the Aug. 22 concert featuring Scotty McCreary at the Duplin Events Center are strong.

• The board authorized the county manager to sign an amendment to the Daniels and Daniels agreement for two shell buildings at the airport and SouthPark. This amendment sets a guaranteed project maximum amount of $5.6 million based on contractor bids, which have already been received.

• The board voted to reschedule their first July meeting to July 14.