Duplin Journal Staff

Veteran lawmaker and Duplin County farmer Jimmy Dixon (R-Duplin) has announced his decision to seek reelection to the North Carolina House of Representatives, ending recent speculation about a potential retirement and aiming for a ninth two-year term representing District 4.

In an exclusive interview with Duplin Journal, Dixon reflected on his tenure with characteristic humility and humor, acknowledging the personal sacrifices that come with public service, particularly the time spent away from his grandchildren.

“Probably the thing I’m most proud of is that my family still loves me,” he joked, before discussing what he considers to be his most significant accomplishments.

“But seriously, there are two special accomplishments that stand out,” Dixon said. The first, he explained, was restoring a five-district format for two county governing boards, a change he believes will bring lasting electoral stability to local government.

Equally important, Dixon noted, is that District 4 has a strong, sustained presence in Raleigh, which ensures that the needs of his constituents are addressed in critical decisions related to agriculture, education, energy and the state budget.

The Duplin County Republican currently serves as senior chair of the House Agriculture and Environment Committee and the Agriculture and Cultural Resources Appropriations Committee, and is vice chair of the Full Appropriations Committee. His influence extends across many of the legislature’s most consequential bodies, including the Rules and Operations of the House, Elections, Redistricting, Energy, and Regulatory Reform committees. He also serves as co-chair of the Environmental Review Commission, the Joint Agriculture and Natural Economic Resources Oversight Committee, and the Agriculture and Forestry Oversight Commission.

Dixon has championed stronger Right to Farm protections and played a central role in updating North Carolina’s Right to Farm statutes to help protect rural landowners and agricultural operations as the state’s population continues to shift outward from urban areas.

“This is very important as we continue to experience outflow from urban to non-urban areas.  Fifty years ago, people tried their best to get out of the country and into the towns. They messed up the cities and now they want to get back to the country — we have to manage that movement with strong Right to Farm messages to those who don’t know where food comes from,” he explained.

Dixon has also been vocal about the importance of improving workforce participation, particularly in encouraging individuals to re-enter the labor force.

“Getting the younger single males who can work to actually go back to work has been my desire,” Dixon said. “It is hard to control how the government spends money, so let’s limit how much of our money we let the government take from us. No tax on tips and overtime will incentivize people who want to work to work.”

He has expressed skepticism about current renewable energy development in Eastern North Carolina, suggesting that it is influenced more by political interests than practical needs.

“Renewable energy under the current models is a hoax of grand proportions that one day will be exposed as greed for money, not workable plans to solve our increased energy needs.  Natural gas, nuclear, and clean coal will rule the day when some of the crazies run out of other people’s money to spend,” Dixon said.

Earlier this year, Dixon sponsored HB 729, the Farmland Protection Act, aimed at changing how large-scale solar energy projects are handled, particularly in rural areas. This legislation would reduce the property tax break that solar companies receive, eventually phasing it out entirely, redirecting the extra revenue to support local counties.

“If it weren’t for that exclusion (in property taxes on solar facilities), the revenue for Duplin County would have been $1.3 million more than what it is, which would not be bad news for building schools or other things,” he noted during a Duplin County Commissioners meeting earlier this year. The bill also includes provisions for preserving farmland by allowing solar installations only on brownfields, non-agricultural land, or cleared timberland.

The pending legislation would also require decommissioning plans and financial guarantees for new and expanded solar projects to ensure that landowners and taxpayers are not burdened with the responsibility.

In recent weeks, speculation has swirled in local circles about whether Dixon would seek another term in office. In response, he has stated that he will continue to serve as long as he is able and as long as he has the community’s support.

“Recently, some of the current Duplin County Republican so-called leaders have speculated about my intentions to run again. When folks with real interest and concern ask me how long I plan to serve, I quickly point to Heavenward and say — as long as He blesses me with the strength to do so and the people of District 4 give me their confidence with their vote.”

Austin Obasohan served as Superintendent of Duplin County Schools (DCS) from July 2010 until his passing on July 24. He led the district for over 15 years, focusing on improving educational programs and fostering community collaboration to support student success.

“We are all truly saddened,” said Board of Education Chair Brent Davis, who confirmed the news. “He was such an amazing leader and wonderful person. He will be missed.”

Originally from Africa, Obasohan brought a global perspective and a strong belief in the power of education to shape lives. During his tenure, DCS underwent several key changes, including the consolidation of schools from 16 to 13. The district adopted the STEAMA framework (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math and Agriculture), which emphasizes personalized learning pathways, and prepares students for success in college, careers and life. His administration built upon previous successes while aligning the district’s goals with the needs of students and the community.

Guided by faith and a sense of purpose, he viewed public education as a calling and a platform to serve children, whom he referred to as “God’s most precious gifts.”

“I believe that God has a master plan for our lives, and I am thankful that He called me to serve in the field of education,” he told Duplin Journal in a 2024 interview. 

Throughout his time as superintendent, Obasohan addressed challenges facing the district, including those that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. He advocated for strong partnerships between schools and families to support student achievement.

“His leadership was never one of command, but of service, always focused on uplifting and guiding us all. Through his kindness, wisdom and humility, he touched the lives of each of us, creating an environment where we could all thrive and grow together as “One Family,” read a statement from the Duplin County Board of Education. 

Obasohan consistently advocated for restoring respect to the teaching profession and stressed the importance of recruiting and retaining highly qualified educators. He pointed out that teachers often take on multiple roles beyond instruction, including those of mentor, counselor and caregiver.

After serving the University of Mount Olive community for more than four decades, the George and Annie Dale Kornegay Arena is set to undergo a significant upgrade, beginning with the replacement of its original bleachers.

“This is a major upgrade,” said Joey Higginbotham, UMO athletics director. “It gives us a safe environment with the comfort fans deserve and elevates the atmosphere for high-level Division II athletics.”

The first phase, set to begin in December, will involve replacing the arena’s original 1984 bleachers with modern stadium-style chairback seating. The bleacher replacement is expected to be completed by January 2026.

Higginbotham noted that these visual and functional upgrades will greatly influence how the University is perceived by prospective student-athletes and the broader community.

“It will be the first thing recruits see when they visit campus,” Higginbotham added. “It creates a ‘wow factor’ and positions us as having one of the top facilities in Conference Carolinas.”

The legacy of the Kornegay Arena is deeply intertwined with the University’s identity. The facility has witnessed generations of students walking across its stage, athletes rising through its ranks, and families gathering to celebrate. With this new phase of investment and modernization, the arena is being reimagined for the future.

University President H. Edward Croom expressed gratitude for the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One’s $250,000 grant, emphasizing that such partnerships help the University fulfill its commitments to current and future generations.

“This project reflects our continued commitment to enhancing the student experience and ensuring that Mount Olive remains a destination of choice for students, athletes and the broader community,” said Croom.

KENANSVILLE — Duplin County is charting a new course for how it manages tourism, following a recent decision by the Board of Commissioners to dissolve the Duplin County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and reduce the county’s Room Occupancy Tax rate.

During the special-called meeting, held on June 30, County Manager Bryan Miller presented the change as part of a broader effort to streamline county services and create a more unified management structure. The move brings tourism directly under county oversight — similar to how the Health and Human Services departments already function.

“There have been several discussions in the past about the reorganization of tourism, specifically to bring tourism under the wing of the county,” said Miller. He explained that it would be similar to how Human Services and Health Departments operate.

Miller also pointed out that the TDA had never been properly established in its original form. He described a series of past efforts by the board to clarify the structure, including referring to the body as an Advisory Board rather than a true authority and inconsistencies in how TDA employees were designated as county employees. By dissolving the current entity, Miller said the county can now “hit the reset button” and, if needed, reestablish a tourism body in the future — this time with the proper framework in place.

Timing played a crucial role. Part of the impetus for the change stemmed from a review. Miller said the administration discovered that the county had a narrow window, as outlined in General Statute 153A-155, to pass a resolution in the current fiscal year to adjust the Room Occupancy Tax rate. Missing the deadline would have delayed any action for another year.

“We’re still working through the process. We do have a long-term plan, but it’s developing as we find out more and more what was being done,” Miller told Duplin Journal during an interview on Tuesday.

The two staff members previously employed by the TDA — a director and a deputy director — are no longer with the county as a result of the dissolution.

Miller emphasized that local input remains a vital part of the transition, adding that they met with the folks who are impacted by the change. “We’re hearing what people have to say — the people that are potentially impacted. And we’re taking their thoughts and recommendations seriously, and we’re going to move forward,” said Miller.

“The tourism positions will be absorbed,” said Miller. “Those duties will be reassigned to other people that are in-house now.”

Carrie Shields, the Assistant County Manager, will continue to oversee tourism from the county’s perspective, a role she has already been fulfilling.

“As you know, the tourism and tourism employees were employees of the TDA. Now that the TDA has been dissolved, I would imagine Carrie will continue to oversee tourism from an administrative standpoint,” Miller told Duplin Journal.

Miller also indicated that the funds previously allocated to the TDA would remain dedicated to tourism.

“Every penny of that, of the occupancy tax collections, by state statute, have to remain with tourism,” he explained.

Interestingly, despite lowering the Room Occupancy Tax rate, which previously funded tourism initiatives, the county may actually come out ahead financially.

“The gross loss would be about $58,000,” said Miller, “but because of the reduction in salaries, it’ll actually be a positive, I don’t know, $100,000 swing for the county in funds that are allocated for tourism.”

KENANSVILLE — With a unanimous vote, Duplin County officially put its financial playbook in writing — establishing guidelines for how it budgets, borrows and saves for the future. The new policy, adopted last week, aims to enhance transparency, protect reserves and ensure that taxpayers understand how their money is managed.

Presented by Ty Wellford from Davenport and Company, the policy outlines long-term fiscal guidelines, including best practices for budgeting, cash management, reserve levels, and debt limits.

“I think the timing is great for you all because you’re in a tremendous financial position right now, and that’s something that we did look at in greater detail,” said Wellford. He emphasized that the policy formalizes existing management practices, providing stability during transitions or economic changes.

“It just ensures the county is operating on sound financial footing. And the decisions that are made are made with, at first, our residents in mind, but the financial position of the county as well,” Miller told Duplin Journal.

Key elements of the financial policy include prohibiting one-time revenues from funding ongoing expenses, requiring board approval for budget amendments, and mandating quarterly financial reporting.

“Budget amendments have to come in front of the board for consideration, right? You can’t just amend your budget. The county manager and finance director can’t just amend the budget when they want to. The governing body will receive financial reports at least quarterly, showing year-to-date revenues and expenditures compared to the budget, right? That’s something you’ve got a nice report on this evening,” Wellford explained.

The policy sets a minimum reserve level of 25% of annual expenditures and outlines a balanced debt management approach, with metrics ensuring debt does not exceed 2.5% of the tax base and annual debt service remains below 15% of the operating budget. It also addresses compliance with state laws and liquidity for cash and investments.

“This is just cementing some of the things that you’re already doing very well,” said Wellford.

The commissioners asked questions to clarify the flexibility of the new policies, particularly concerning fund balance thresholds and the process for making amendments. Wellford explained that while there is no rigid recovery roadmap, the policy requires that a plan be developed, ideally within a three-year window or within a time frame deemed reasonable.

He also emphasized that the policy’s flexibility allows future boards to amend it if needed.

In other business

• Commissioners addressed flooding and drainage complaints from residents, particularly in Cedar Fork Church Road and Tram Road. County Manager Bryan Miller will follow up about those issues with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

• After a public hearing, the board approved a request from Louis Costello to name a private lane DC Heights Drive in Warsaw.

• The board appointed Commissioner Jesse Dowe as Duplin County’s voting delegate for the upcoming North Carolina Association of County Commissioners conference, with Commissioner Wayne Branch serving as the alternate voting delegate.

• Miller provided an update on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood Revitalization program, which is entering a new cycle. He encouraged the commissioners to contact Chris Hatcher in the planning department if they knew someone who was in need of their services. The CDBG program awards funds to local governments for projects that enhance housing, infrastructure and economic development, with a focus on benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The program often assists homeowners in addressing health and safety hazards.