North State Journal Staff

WARSAW — Questions about fines, delayed public records and financial oversight dominated a tense February meeting of the Warsaw Board of Commissioners, as town leaders confronted mounting concerns over transparency. Mayor Wesley Boykin and the board of commissioners centered much of the three-hour long meeting on governance and oversight.

A representative from McDavid Associates updated the board on the town’s wastewater pretreatment program, which has faced multi-year permit violations tied to industrial discharges.

Consultants told the board the town has authority to issue fines of up to $25,000 per day per violation under its approved enforcement response plan. However, the town has not issued formal fines to industrial users despite repeated violations, placing it out of compliance with its own adopted program.

“The town submitted that plan to the state. The state approved it. In as much as that, the town has not fined these industries. It is in violation of its own town adopted enforcement response plan,” said McDavid Associates. “We’ve got oodles of violations every day. So, I mean, you’re talking millions of dollars a month in potential fines … So that’s one of the problems we have between the town and the state that we’ve got to reconcile. It’s because we adopted rules that said we were going to issue fines.”

Instead, commissioners said costs associated with violations, including state-imposed penalties, have been “passed through” to industries as surcharges. Confusion arose during discussion over the distinction between fines and surcharges, with some board members stating they had previously been told industries were being fined.

Town officials said grace periods were allowed while facilities, including Villari and C2NC, constructed or upgraded pretreatment systems. One facility experienced equipment failures requiring additional investment before meeting standards.

The wastewater discussion preceded presentation of the town’s annual audit by Austin Eubanks of Thompson, Price, Scott & Adams for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Auditors confirmed that all procedures were completed with one notable deficiency: expenditures in the Memorial Park Project Fund occurred without an adopted budget ordinance. The board approved a required response letter to the Local Government Commission.

Financially, the General Fund reported approximately $3.9 million in revenues and a net decrease of about $173,000. The unassigned fund balance totaled $3.6 million, well above the Commission’s recommended minimum threshold. The town’s tax collection rate was 97.64%.

The Water and Sewer Fund reported roughly $3.18 million in operating revenues and $3.4 million in expenses, reflecting an operating loss before accounting for capital contributions.

Commissioners also revisited a proposed Cash Flow Policy governing how the town handles cash, checks and electronic payments. Concerns were raised about internal controls, documentation of shortages and whether the finance officer had formally vetted the policy. One commissioner warned that adopting financial control procedures without clear finance department certification could blur accountability and complicate future audits. The board ultimately approved the policy with one dissenting vote, noting concerns about staff involvement.

After a contentious meeting, Boykin stressed the importance of civility, collaboration, and timely citizen responses, particularly regarding Freedom of Information Act requests. He criticized delays in processing requests. This came after Jessica Thomas, representing the Duplin County NAACP and Cape Fear River Watch, notified the board that a public records request submitted on Oct. 20, 2025, concerning a wastewater discharge incident had not been fulfilled nearly four months later. She reported receiving acknowledgment of the request by the town manager and assurances of rolling production but no documents as of late-February.

Duplin County’s electric grid is set for a high-tech upgrade that officials say will improve reliability, strengthen support for agriculture and position the region for future business growth.

NC Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC) and OATI recently announced plans to deploy next-generation smart grid technology in Duplin County, part of a broader effort to enhance grid resilience across rural North Carolina.

As part of the project, NCEMC will upgrade its energy management platform with OATI’s advanced Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), adding real-time monitoring, coordination and control capabilities. The enhanced system will allow utilities to manage electricity using live system conditions, forecasts and planning data — better integrating solar panels, battery storage, demand response programs and microgrids across the state’s 26 locally owned electric cooperatives.

“For the average household in Duplin County, this means your utility is using new technologies to better manage local energy resources, such as solar and batteries at customer sites and at substations, not only to provide backup power during outages, but also to help reduce energy costs for all customers,” said Ali Ipakchi, OATI chief visionary officer.

According to Ipakchi, the system helps prevent outages by reducing strain on the grid and can speed up restoration — in some cases automatically — by tapping into nearby energy resources while full service is restored.

Critical facilities such as hospitals, emergency shelters and water systems can directly benefit as this technology can create microgrids that keep these essential services powered during outages.

“The new technologies being deployed also allow these same resources to support the grid during normal conditions, helping reduce energy costs for the facility and for other customers in the region,” he explained.

Duplin County’s strong agricultural sector also stands to gain, according to Ipakchi, who told Duplin Journal that these capabilities are already deployed and in active use at one of the largest poultry operations in the region, though the company was not publicly identified.

“The system ensures constant, 24/7 power to the farm, as well as to a nearby housing community. In addition, the system can now use these same resources to provide certain grid reliability services that traditionally come from large power plants,” he added.

OATI says the new real-time capabilities represent a major industry advancement and will also support long-term economic development.

“Reliable and affordable electricity is one of the most important factors companies consider when choosing where to locate or expand. By investing in proven, modern technologies that improve reliability and reduce energy costs, the utility is helping make Duplin County a more attractive place for new businesses and expansions,” said Ipakchi. “These upgrades strengthen the region’s competitiveness and support long-term economic development.”

Ipakchi explained while Tri-County Electric Cooperative already offers several energy efficiency rebates and programs for its members, with the new technologies being deployed, the Cooperative will also be able to introduce modern demand response options that help residents save money.

“These programs work by rewarding members for shifting energy use to lowercost periods — for example, running appliances later in the evening — or by allowing the utility to make small, temporary adjustments to devices like smart thermostats during times of very high demand. In return, participating households receive bill credits, incentives, or reduced energy costs,” said Ipakchi.

“As these technologies continue to roll out, members can expect more opportunities to participate in flexible use programs that lower bills while helping keep the entire system reliable and affordable.”

While electric bills depend on many factors, leaders say the long-term goal is a more flexible, efficient grid that keeps power dependable and affordable for the community.

The next time a storm rolls through Duplin County, the lights may come back on faster — and in some cases may not go out at all — thanks to a new smart grid technology project.

In District 2, Tiffany Ferrell is stepping forward to challenge the status quo for County Commissioner in District 2 currently held by incumbent Dexter Edwards.

Tiffany Ferrell

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, what inspired you to run for county commissioner?
My name is Tiffany Ferrell, and I am a community advocate from Pink Hill who believes local government should be built on trust and accessibility. I am running because our District 2 residents deserve a leader who is truly part of the community—someone who shows up to every forum, answers every question, and remains visible long after the election is over. My inspiration comes from a simple belief: leadership is about service, not silence. I want to replace the current culture of secrecy with a culture of community that treats every neighbor with respect.

What are the biggest challenges you see in Duplin County? And how would you address things differently?
The most critical challenges in Duplin County are a lack of transparency and the widening gap between the Board and the people it serves. Decisions are often made behind closed doors, leaving taxpayers to wonder where their hard-earned money is going. My approach differs fundamentally from the incumbent’s because I will not hide from the public. While some choose to avoid community forums and public scrutiny, I believe that true accountability requires facing the voters directly. I will address things differently by being a present and active representative who welcomes tough questions rather than avoiding the people who asked them.

If elected, what concrete actions would you take in the first 90 days?
Within my first 90 days, I will take three concrete steps to open the doors of county government. First, I will push for an immediate independent audit of county spending to ensure fiscal integrity. Second, I will launch a “District 2 Direct” communication network, providing a dedicated email and phone line specifically for residents to reach me and provide feedback. Third, I will host a series of informal meetings across the district. Unlike the current trend of being unreachable, these informal meetings will be a permanent fixture of my term, ensuring that I am physically present to hear from you before—not after—major board votes are taken.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you?
The most impactful advice I’ve received is the quote, “Life is for service.” This resonates with me because service requires presence. You cannot serve a community you aren’t willing to engage with face-to-face. It is easy to hold a title, but it is much harder—and much more rewarding—to actually do the work of showing up for your neighbors. This advice drives my commitment to be the most accessible commissioner Duplin County has ever seen.

What concrete steps would you take/support to improve transparency and ensure residents’ feel acknowledged?
To ensure residents feel acknowledged, I will advocate for a complete overhaul of how the public interacts with the Board. I support making all public records easily accessible and ensuring that meetings are structured to prioritize citizen input. Most importantly, I will bridge the gap by showing up consistently. When an elected official skips forums or avoids community events, it sends a clear message that the public isn’t a priority. I will change that by being a commissioner who is always available, listens with empathy, and ensures that the “people’s house” is actually open to the people.

Dexter Edwards

Who are you beyond the commissioner role — your background, passions. If you had a free afternoon with no obligations, how would you spend it?

I am a life-long resident of Duplin County. I graduated from East Duplin High School and received a degree in Animal Science from James Sprunt Community College. I have recently retired from Smithfield Foods as General Manager, after 48 years. I am dedicated to the agriculture community and the citizens of Duplin County and continue to strive to make this a successful community that our citizens can remain in Duplin County and make a successful living. I am a member of the Beulaville Free Will Baptist Church where I serve as a Deacon. I am a Conservative and a Christian and believe in treating all people with dignity and respect. If I had a free afternoon I would spend it with my wife and grandchildren.

You’ve served Duplin County in this office for many years. What are two of your biggest accomplishments as county commissioner?

In 2014, when I became a commissioner, our tax rate was 73 cents per $100 of property value and our fund balance was $6.2 million. Working with our staff for better utilization of our funds Duplin County tax rate is 58 cents per $100, and our fund balance is now $35.8 million. At this same time period, we have been able to build the new K-8 school organization. We have also built the new Duplin County Transportation Center, Service for the Aged/Veterans Facility, Duplin County Animal Shelter, and completed a new Duplin County Jail. We have been able to accomplish this by funding from the General Assembly and good fiscal management.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you?

The one piece of advice I received was to listen to everyone’s concerns but then evaluate the pros and cons of the overall impact prior to making your final decision. I have tried to take that piece of advice to heart. Although it is difficult sometimes you have to make the decision in favor of the most positive impact for the majority.

What are the biggest challenges you see in Duplin County in terms of infrastructure, tax rates and sustainable development in the county?

The first goal for the county is to secure a strong county manager that can unify a team of dedicated employees. After this we need to secure affordable funding to complete the high school facility projects. We must also continue to insure our county employee compensation programs remain competitive and comparable while keeping our tax rate affordable.

What concrete steps would you take/support to improve transparency and ensure residents’ feel acknowledged?

We need to continue to post our public held meetings with recordings available for those not able to attend.

KENANSVILLE —  As Duplin County’s primary elections draw near and early voting is underway through Ïeb. 28, voters will have the opportunity to weigh their choices among both long-serving incumbents and first-time challengers in several closely watched races. North Carolina’s primary elections give voters a direct role in deciding which candidates will advance to the general election ballot representing their respective political parties.

To help inform the electorate, Duplin Journal contacted candidates in contested primary races and invited them to participate in a Q&A designed to highlight their priorities, experience and vision for the district.

Inside this edition Duplin Journal will feature responses from the candidates who accepted Duplin Journal’s invitation, organized by each contested race.

In County Commissioner District 2, Tiffany Ferrell is mounting a challenge to the status quo, running against longtime Commissioner Dexter Edwards, who has served for more than a decade and has historically faced little opposition since his first term.

The Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court race includes a Republican primary contest between Amy Price and Crystal Strickland. Meanwhile, incumbent Sheriff Stratton Stokes faces two Republican challengers, Eric Southerland and Tony James.

At the state level, House District 04 will see incumbent Republican Jimmy Dixon competing against newcomer Marcella Barbour in the GOP primary. Legislative races continue in the North Carolina Senate as well, where Senate District 09 incumbent Republican Brent Jackson faces a primary challenge from fellow Republican William W. Barbour.

The 2026 statewide primary is on March 3.