Pitt County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pitt County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Highway 118 Intersection Safety Improvements
The board is being asked to pass a resolution supporting state safety improvements at the intersection of County Home Road (SR 1725) and Stokestown-St Johns Road (SR 1753). Residents who travel these roads could see better traffic flow and safety if NCDOT moves forward.
Inspections Vehicle Replacement
The Inspections department wants to buy new vehicles at a cost of $110,474 to keep inspectors on the road across the county.
County Commission Elections
Outside political PACs are spending big on Pitt County commission races—the seats that control the county budget, zoning rules, and local services. Who wins these races will shape local policy for years, so it’s worth paying attention even if county politics usually feels low-profile.
Michael Hammond Wholesale Farm Equipment Rezoning
Michael Hammond is requesting to rezone 15.18 acres of agricultural land on Moye-Turnage Road to general commercial conditional district for a wholesale farm equipment and hardware supply business. Neighbors expressed concerns about increased traffic, safety, and water drainage, while the applicant emphasized a quiet, family-run operation with indoor storage.
Pitt Area Transit Uber Grant Pilot
Pitt Area Transit secured multiple grants, including a $55,000 Uber pilot program for Ayden and Winterville, to improve rural and on-demand mobility.
Data Center Development and Proposed Moratorium
Numerous residents spoke during public comment urging the county to enact a moratorium on AI data centers, citing massive water and electricity consumption, noise pollution, and minimal job creation.
Library Logo Controversy
Farmville's library had to pull its brand new logo down after residents threw a fit, and now the mayor is stepping in to investigate what went wrong. It's a classic local clash over redesigns that escalated quickly enough to catch city hall's attention.
Animal Services Response Times and Enforcement
Multiple residents voiced frustration over inadequate animal control responses to loose livestock, aggressive dogs, and property damage in rural areas.
Lake Glenwood Dam Repairs and Flood Resiliency
The board debated whether to spend over $2.5 million to repair the Lake Glenwood Dam or explore decommissioning. Proponents emphasized its critical role in flood control and stormwater attenuation, while critics argued the cost primarily benefits a small number of homeowners.
Animal Services Spay and Neuter Clinic
Multiple residents voiced frustration over inadequate animal control responses to loose livestock, aggressive dogs, and property damage in rural areas.
County Administration Building Financing and Construction
The board moved forward with financing the new County Administration Building using limited obligation bonds, balancing debt service costs against fund balance reserves.
Pitt Area Transit (PATS) Relocation Contract
The county advanced plans to relocate Pitt Area Transit offices and fleet vehicles to the Technology Enterprise Center, aiming to improve operational efficiency.
Consolidation of Human Services Agencies
Pitt County is merging its public health department and department of social services into a single Consolidated Human Services Agency starting October 1, 2026. County leaders say the change will improve service coordination for at-risk families, though some residents and board members urged caution.
Automated License Plate Readers (Flock Cameras) Privacy Concerns
Residents raised strong objections to the expansion of Flock and automated license plate reader surveillance cameras, arguing they violate Fourth Amendment privacy rights.
New EMS Station Construction in Government Circle
The county is moving forward with architectural design and bidding for a new EMS station to improve response times in the northern part of the county.
John Durwood Lawrence, Jr. Commercial Rezoning
A landowner is asking to rezone 2.63 acres at County Home Road and Worthington Road from residential to general commercial. Planning staff supported the change because commercial uses already exist nearby and fit the county's long-term land use plan.
Jason Hardee Rezoning Request
Jason Hardy requested to rezone 1.55 acres on Black Jack-Simpson Road from rural agricultural to general commercial to bring an existing barbershop into regulatory compliance. Staff supported the request, noting community support and appropriate proximity to the Blackjack commercial area.
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Development
Pitt County is initiating the creation of its first Unified Development Ordinance to streamline zoning, subdivision, and environmental rules into a single user-friendly document.
Stacey Eastwood Rezoning Request
Stacy Eastwood requested to amend an existing general commercial zoning district on US 264 East to allow RV and boat storage alongside current golf cart and trailer sales. Planning staff recommended approval, finding the use consistent with the comprehensive plan and properly buffered from neighbors.
FY 2026-2027 Recommended Budget
Pitt County commissioners adopted the annual budget, funding local schools, student computers, and community arts programs. The spending plan passed 8-1.
Fire Service Funding and Feasibility Study
Consultants presented a comprehensive 700-page report highlighting mounting pressures on Pitt County's fire departments, including aging fire trucks, soaring equipment costs, and a steady decline in volunteer firefighters. The board will review the findings and consider structural recommendations like a county fire commission and centralized funding.
E911 Computer Aided Dispatch Software Cloud Migration
The county approved a contract amendment to move its E911 dispatch software to the cloud, saving over $73,000 and improving reliability.
Megasite Due Diligence Services
The county approved a $1.16 million contract with Timmons Group to perform essential environmental, geotechnical, and archaeological studies on the 3,300-acre megasite to attract industrial development.
Department of Social Services Staffing and Budget Concerns
Social workers and advocates urged the county commission to preserve funding for part-time contract workers in the child welfare and foster care programs, warning that cuts would increase workloads, staff burnout, and turnover.
Gary Cooper Automotive Sales and Repair Conditional Rezoning
An applicant wants to add vehicle sales to an existing auto repair rezoning request on US 264 East. Although upcoming state highway intersection changes could eventually alter direct highway access, the board moved the project forward with standard conditions.
Foster Care Caseloads and Respite Care Funding
Several social workers urged the board to protect funding for emergency foster care respite placements and contract workers, warning that budget cuts could force foster children to sleep in DSS offices overnight.
Opioid Settlement Fund Allocation
The county awarded $1.35 million in opioid settlement funds to 15 local organizations for treatment, recovery support, and naloxone distribution in the coming fiscal year.
Septic System Repair Grant Application
The county is applying for a $250,000 state grant to help low-income homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems and protect local water quality.
School Nurse Staffing and Funding Clarification
School nurses and advocates asked the board to fund three nursing positions at risk of termination, highlighting rising student health needs and nurse-to-student ratios.
Pura Vida Fund, LLC Rezoning Request
Pura Vida Fund is asking to rezone 12.56 acres on NC 43 South from rural residential to general commercial conditional district for landscaping, retail, storage, and contractor flex spaces. The planning board voted to recommend approval, and it heads to county commissioners next.
Pitt-Greenville Airport Funding and Air Service Expansion
Airport representatives requested a $250,000 appropriation to offset operational deficits and sought support for state legislation enabling ad valorem tax support.
Center for Family Violence Prevention Funding Crisis
Residents and survivors urged the county to provide emergency financial support to the Center for Family Violence Prevention after severe grant losses led to massive staff layoffs and service cuts.
State Budget Transparency Resolution
Community members asked the board to adopt a budget transparency resolution detailing how state and federal spending cuts impact county services.
Bobby Tripp Rezoning Request
A zoning map amendment requested by Bobby Tripp was scheduled for consideration.
Stonewood Solar, LLC Solar Farm Rezoning
Residents and farmers pushed back against a proposed 235-acre solar farm in Carolina Township, raising concerns about the loss of prime farmland, property values, and grid stability. Supporters argued the project provides clean energy, landowner rights, and long-term tax revenue without straining public services. Ultimately, the commissioners voted to deny the rezoning request, citing the negative impact on local farming.
Mr. Beast LLC Law Enforcement Security Contract
The county approved a $310,000 contract for the Sheriff's Office to provide 24/7 security for Mr. Beast LLC through January 2027. Commissioners questioned whether the standard $47 per hour fee covers the actual overtime costs of senior officers working the assignment.
Emergency Management Medication Logistics Transition
Because ECU Health is stopping its long-standing practice of supplying medications to county EMS units, Pitt County is creating a new full-time logistics position and allocating $235,921 from EMS reserves to ensure ambulances remain stocked.
Coastal Land Trust Conservation Property Partnership
Pitt County and the City of Greenville are partnering with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust to acquire 65.58 acres along River Walk Drive for a passive nature park and connecting greenway trails.
Subdivision Review Communication and Board Oversight
Following concerns raised by board members about being unaware of active subdivisions in the county, planning staff developed a detailed monthly tracking spreadsheet and proposed future web-based mapping tools to improve transparency.
East Carolina Research and Innovation Campus Partnership
The county entered into a five-year agreement to contribute $150,000 annually toward ECU's urban innovation hub in West Greenville, aiming to drive job creation, research, and economic growth.
Sheriff's Department Operations and Oversight
A local resident raised concerns regarding recent staff resignations, internal workplace practices, and past federal lawsuits within the Pitt County Sheriff's Department, calling for an independent investigation and financial audit.
Pitt County Strategic Plan Adoption
The board adopted a comprehensive five-year strategic plan outlining goals and objectives across four priority areas: community well-being, economic vitality, balanced development, and organizational excellence.
Sheriff Election
Pitt County voters are heading to the polls for the March 3 primary to pick their next sheriff. This race is a big deal because it decides who calls the shots for local law enforcement moving forward.
Sutton Property Rezoning in Swift Creek Township
A 45.62-acre parcel at County Home Road and Ivy Road is proposed to change from Rural Agricultural to Rural Residential, aligning with local land use plans.
Christopher E. Sutton Rezoning Request
Christopher Sutton requested to rezone 45.62 acres at County Home Road and Ivy Road from agricultural to rural residential to match neighboring properties. The planning board recommended approval, and the county commissioners will make the final decision.
Regional Digital Inclusion Plan Adoption
Pitt County joined neighboring counties in adopting a digital inclusion plan aimed at improving broadband access, affordable devices, and digital skills training.
Town of Farmville Building Code and Flood Damage Interlocal Agreements
Pitt County agreed to take over building inspections and flood damage ordinance administration within the Town of Farmville, funded entirely by permit fees.