Pitt County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pitt County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.