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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.