Pender County commissioners, manager start talking budget

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — The Pender County Commissioners and County Manager held their annual retreat in Hampstead on Friday. The focus of the special meeting was to talk about ideas for the budget.

“It was a chance for us to sit down as a board and talk with the manager and just to list our priorities,” Commission Chair David Williams said.

The group created a “bucket list” of items they want on the forefront next year. Topping that list: improving customer service and the Hampstead Bypass Project. The complete list includes working on a long-range strategic plan, leisure, parks and cultural activities, regional cooperation, management support and a fiscal plan.

The meeting was also a time to lay out expectations for members.

“Everybody needs to understand their roles, and sometimes you gotta reel yourselves back in and say, ‘OK. Let’s make sure we’re all working together and not taking a shotgun approach to things,'” Williams said.

The meeting was the first of its kind for County manager Randell Woodruff who was hired in December. Woodruff said his first few months on the job have been productive.

“It’s gone very well, but very busy of course. Getting up to speed, getting acclimated to the community and the region. And I think I’ve learned a lot, met a lot new people, and I’m excited to be here, I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly,” Woodruff said.

Commissioners didn’t vote on anything today.