Behind the decisions: Duplin County responds to public scrutiny

Officials defend decisions in public statement, citing transparency and long-term goals

KENANSVILLE — In a rare and unusually candid social media post, Duplin County officials responded directly to growing public scrutiny over several recent decisions — ranging from a corporate golf membership and staffing changes to participation in regional events — saying they welcome the attention and are committed to building trust through greater transparency.

Officials said their decisions were part of a broader, long-term strategy to strengthen county services, enhance partnerships, and maintain fiscal discipline.

The county’s post comes amid mounting questions and online debate, particularly over how public dollars are being spent during a time of financial constraint. The message? ‘We hear you — and here’s the full picture.’

“We understand that on the surface, a golf membership may raise questions, and we welcome that scrutiny,” the county’s statement read. “But we view this as a targeted, strategic investment… one that opens doors, supports local institutions, and helps bring meaningful returns to Duplin County.”

County officials emphasized that these events have resulted in tangible outcomes, including hundreds of thousands in grant funding and strengthened relationships with key partners like Tri-County Electric and ECU Health Duplin.

“Tri‑County is a valuable partner that has provided $50,000 for the AirPark Master Development Plan and $30,000 for product development. These are not symbolic contributions; they are tangible investments in Duplin’s future … there was a separate tournament where County officials helped secure a $500,000 grant for local development.”

Still, officials acknowledged the optics can be tricky. “Public trust isn’t a guarantee,” the county wrote. “It’s something we must earn and maintain.”

County officials stated that they will continue to evaluate its use and impact, like they do with any other expenditure, to ensure it aligns with the county’s long-term goals and the public’s expectations.

The statement also noted that the membership “is available to all county employees.” This announcement raised questions from local residents, as golf clubs typically limit usage to a specific number of designated users.

Duplin Journal contacted the Duplin Country Club for clarification on how county employees can use the corporate membership, however, a staff member directed us back to the county administration.

Duplin Journal then reached out to County Manager Bryan Miller for further details.

“We’ve already made a statement on our Facebook page. I’m just going to point you to that,” said Miller. When asked if the county had a policy that explains eligibility or a sign-up procedure for employees who may want to take advantage of the new benefit, Miller responded that they are handling that communication internally.

“We’re addressing that with our employees,” Miller told Duplin Journal on the phone.

On the staffing front, Duplin County addressed changes within its Social Services and Health departments. Plans to privatize the Child Support Unit are expected to reduce annual costs by half without resulting in job losses, as all affected employees will have opportunities to transition within DSS. Similarly, consolidation within the Health Department aims to boost nurse compensation and retain talent.

Roles are being consolidated or privatized to save costs, with employees offered alternative positions — some with better pay. These shifts, the county said, are part of a broader effort to manage a $5 million deficit without cutting core services or raising taxes.

Duplin County emphasized that it has made strategic investments in public safety and employee compensation. Recent accomplishments include breaking ground on a $44 million detention center, opening a $3.7 million animal shelter, and completing a new Senior & Veteran Services Center — all without raising taxes.

County leaders emphasized their ongoing commitment to long-term community success, stating that every decision is made with the future of Duplin County in mind.

“We are committed to operating transparently, making informed decisions, and always keeping Duplin County’s long-term success at the center of what we do.”