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KENANSVILLE — During the October meeting of the Duplin County Board of Commissioners, leaders discussed a proposal for a federal grant aimed at housing improvements, received a legislative update from Representative Jimmy Dixon, and heard public concerns about transparency.
Josh Outlaw from The Adams Company conducted the second of two required hearings to formally announce the county’s intent to apply for a Community Development Block Grant under the Neighborhood Revitalization category. The county is seeking the maximum amount of $950,000 in federal grant funds to support housing-related improvements. The proposed project involves the demolition and reconstruction of four homes located at the following addresses: 1299 Botanicus Road in Mount Olive, 401 North Monk Street in Magnolia, 120 Cedar Lane in Rose Hill, and 1637 Highway 24/50 in Warsaw.
“We will also include three alternates, which will just be rehabilitations in case someone isn’t eligible,” explained Outlaw. These alternate properties are located at 114 Moore Street in Teachey, 703 Penny Branch Road in Warsaw, and 1061 Pastor Branch Road in Rose Hill. The project’s total budget will consist of $855,000 for housing and $95,000 for grant administration.
Because of funding limitations, only four homes could be selected. Outlaw noted that community participation has improved, with more residents becoming aware of and responsive to available grant opportunities.
County officials also discussed the refinancing of the 2016 Limited Obligation Bonds, which could result in an estimated $1.5 million in savings over the life of the debt. Proposals were sent to lending institutions in late September, and a final lender selection is expected by Nov. 3, with formal approval of financing documents anticipated at the Dec. 1 Board of Commissioners meeting.
North Carolina House Representative Jimmy Dixon addressed the Duplin County Board of Commissioners to share updates on the state budget, the Farm Act, and to express gratitude for the board’s service. Reflecting on his own transformation — from criticizing local leaders to becoming a supporter — he emphasized the importance of building up rather than tearing down public institutions.
Dixon highlighted the productive relationship between the county and state leadership, crediting Duplin’s governance for helping secure major funding. Over the past three budget cycles, he and Senator Brent Jackson were able to direct $88 million in state funding to Duplin County.
On the budget front, Dixon warned that continued reliance on a permanent continuation budget — while preventing shutdowns — has created complacency. He shared a major sticking point in current negotiations between the House and Senate involves income tax rate “triggers.” The House wants to adjust them to reflect inflation and prevent future deficits, while the Senate sees that move as a tax increase. Dixon explained that without a change, the state could face a $3–5 billion shortfall within three years.
Finally, Dixon provided insight into delays in passing the 2025 Farm Act. Disagreements between the House and Senate over raw milk sales, present use value definitions, and herbicide labeling have stalled progress. He emphasized the importance of provisions like protecting crop theft penalties, composting for equine mortality, and school absence flexibility for equestrian students. He then took questions from the public.
Jessica Thomas, a Sarecta resident and leader of the Duplin County Coalition for Accountability and Transparency, raised concerns about the handling of the $1.5 million allocated last year for clearing and snagging the Northeast Cape Fear River. She questioned why the funds appeared to be directed only to the river’s first section and expressed alarm that Alliance Integrated Solutions may have bypassed the county’s standard bidding process, which typically involves oversight from the Soil and Water Board and the Board of Commissioners.
“That money is eligible for anything from Chinquapin to the ocean,” said Dixon, acknowledging the project; however, he did not directly address the other concerns.
On broader state issues, Dixon stressed the urgent need for a statewide employment strategy, highlighting the significant shift in the job market over the past 15 years. Previously secure public sector jobs now face intense competition from private employers for skilled workers. He also raised concerns about over 65% of the General Assembly’s non-partisan research staff nearing retirement within seven years, which he believes poses a challenge for long-term policy development.
Additionally, he addressed a rumor about Senate Bill 50, which would allow universal concealed carry without training for those as young as 18.
The county’s personnel policy review process continues, with plans to involve larger working groups, including legal input, before a final version is presented to the board for review and approval.
