Pender County commissioners weigh major projects during budget discussions

PENDER COUNTY, N.C. — Pender County commissioners are continuing discussions on the county’s next fiscal year budget as leaders weigh funding needs tied to rapid growth and several large-scale projects across the county.

During a budget meeting Thursday afternoon, Pender County Health and Human Services Director Carolyn Moser appeared before commissioners to discuss staffing and funding needs for the county’s Health Department.

The department recently moved into a new 75,000-square-foot Health and Human Services facility in Burgaw that cost more than $40 million to build. County leaders say the facility is designed to help meet increasing healthcare and service demands as the county’s population continues to grow.

The building includes an expanded family visitation area and a multi-purpose room capable of accommodating up to 400 people.

County officials are also highlighting several other ongoing projects, including the new Hampstead Library, which broke ground this week off U.S. Highway 17.

Leaders say the $10.8 million facility will expand access to resources and create additional space for programs in the eastern part of the county. The library is expected to open in summer 2027 and will feature an expanded children’s section, study and multi-purpose rooms, and an outdoor courtyard.

“This is a culmination of years of effort by our community, our residents, our library staff, and our board of commissioners,” County Manager Colby Sawyer said.

The projects come as commissioners continue to face questions from residents over property reappraisals and potential tax increases.

“It’s our job as commissioners to ensure the funding is there, ensure the resources that they need or would like to go to, amenities I’d like to call some of them, are there,” Commissioner Brent Springer said.

Another county project, Pender Central Park, has already completed its first phase.

Commissioners are also overseeing construction of a new 100,000-square-foot Law Enforcement Center on Old Savannah Road in Burgaw. The facility will include administrative offices, patrol and training space, and a new detention center.

“The jail is needed. We’re over capacity at the jail. I can specifically speak on that and I’m not speaking for the sheriff but we’re over capacity there,” Springer said.

County leaders say the projects are intended to support long-term growth and improve services for residents as the county continues to expand.