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FAISON — The Faison town board discussed animal complaints involving excessive cats at a rental property and a report of an aggressive dog at another during the Dec. 3 meeting. In both cases, members said there was little the town could do.
Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall said the cat issue was being created by a resident who continued feeding and attracting strays. In the dog complaint, Tyndall said there was little evidence that the dog was aggressive.
In preparation for the town’s 250th anniversary, the Faison Improvement Group (FIG) presented a motion to place selfie murals on the baseball field and concession stand, a proposal previously discussed in November. The board raised concerns about maintenance, noting older murals were in need of repainting. FIG agreed to table the mural proposal and address maintenance needs before bringing it back.
FIG then presented designs for the welcome banners approved in November. The board approved Option 1, with “Welcome” at the top of the banner and “Thank you for visiting, come back soon” printed on the back. The banners will be installed at the main entrances to town.
Matthew Boney of Boney’s Amusements gave a presentation on the rides planned for the 250th anniversary celebration. Board members asked about deposits and contingencies for bad weather. Boney said the deposit is 10% and noted that some larger rides take several days to transport and set up. Mayor Billy Ward said the celebration date is set, rain or shine, because fireworks have already been secured. Boney said the company may need to keep the deposit if weather forces cancellations.
“We focus on clean, safe, fun,” Boney said. “We have been in business for 40 years and have not had one single incident.”
The board approved an $11,000 contract with Boney’s Amusements to provide four rides for the celebration.
Ward then swore in re-elected commissioners Sandy McCarty, Kenneth Avent Jr. and Juan Carlos Quintanilla. Sharon Lee swore in Ward for his new term as mayor. Ward thanked the board for its work and support.
Sheriff Stratton Stokes spoke with the board about the current state of county law enforcement and its impact on Faison.
“We are trying to do everything we can to save money as well as keep our citizens safe. Duplin County is the lowest paid county. Unfortunately, we become a revolving door for people who come here, get trained and move on to (somewhere else that pays more),” Stokes said.
He shared additional information about departmental operations and answered questions from commissioners about staffing and town coverage. The board thanked Stokes for his time and wished him good luck in the election.
Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Scott updated the board on programs.
“I’m having to turn away people because I don’t have the space or volunteers to house them all,” Scott said. “That’s something we are having to do with all our sports.”
Scott shared a fundraiser idea to offer personalized Stanley-style cups for donations at the concession stand, with proceeds funding scholarships for children. The board approved the idea.
Ward then read a retirement letter from Town Clerk Sharon Lee, who plans to retire at the end of March 2026 to travel more. The mayor and board reluctantly accepted her notice and approved advertising the position. Ward said Lee had provided ample time for the town to hire and train her replacement.
“They will have some big shoes to fill,” Ward said.
The board then discussed the meeting schedule for 2026 and approved keeping meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Members approved the 2026 holiday schedule and updated membership for the cemetery and planning boards, including several additions and removals.
The board approved two budget amendments, a budget ordinance and transferring $175,000 to another bank to earn more interest. Members also approved a county tax release for two residents and accepted an anonymous $5,000 donation to fund employee bonuses. The donor requested that full-time employees receive $500 each, with the remainder divided among part-time employees.
The board discussed holiday parties and meetings planned for later in the week and announced March 14 as the date for next year’s town parade.
The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.
