County highlights task forces’ accomplishments

Moore County Commission Chairman Nick Picerno recently reviewed the goals and objectives for the commissioners’ task forces with county staff and several accomplishments in 2024 were highlighted.

The Board established two commissioner-member task forces to focus on some of the most important issues affecting Moore County.

The task forces include the Budget Task Force, Economic Task Force, Homeless and Community Outreach Task Force, Land Use Plan/Unified Development Ordinance Task Force, Law Enforcement/Veterans Task Force, Opioid Task Force, Solid Waste Task Force, and Water/Sewer Task Force. 

Below are highlights provided by the county in a press release regarding the accomplishments achieved in 2024 through the task forces’ efforts.

Budget

*Reduced General Fund tax rate to $.310 for Fiscal Year 25.

     -FY 24 tax rate was $.330.

*Cost of Living Adjustments were built into the budget numbers.

*Increased funding for positions – HR, tax, veterans, permitting, and others.

*Increased funding to schools.

Economic

*Funding amount of $50,000 to the airport for airport-related projects and grant matches

*USGA’s long-term commitment to the area – Successful U.S. Open in 2024

*Public Hearing scheduled for Nov. 19 for economic development incentive with Reliance Packaging.

*Iron Horse Industrial Park grubbing and grading is complete. NCDOT is working on the design of the access road.

Homelessness & Community Outreach

*TeamWorkz funding for FY 25 is included in the budget.

*Hot meal event scheduled for Monday, Nov. 25. Public Safety is working with the Northern Moore Food Bank out of Robbins.

Land Use Plan/Unified Development Ordinance

*Held three citizen input meetings on the Land Use Plan.

*Formed Land Use Plan Steering Committee – four meetings have been held. Monthly meetings are ongoing. Expected completion in the fall of 2025.

Law Enforcement/Veterans

*Veterans

    -Added an additional Veteran Service Officer in FY 25

    -Veterans Treatment Court grant awarded.

    -Opened a satellite office at the VFW in Southern Pines

Law Enforcement

    -Completed the pilot Cadet Program graduating the first three cadets.

    -Chiller for Annex has been ordered. Installation is later this year.

    -Started process to add improvements to Animal Services Division

    -Introduced a new sheriff app for citizens.

    -Successfully worked through the 124^th U.S. Open.

Opioid

Submitted Impact Reporting to the state.

Allocated $240,000 to Samaritan Colony for FY 25.

Extended Adult & Teen Challenge contract to June 2025.

Municipal meeting was held Sept. 17.

Have held additional meetings to discuss ways to use opioid settlement funding toward prevention of opioid use.

Solid Waste

Reviewed recycling rates and adjusted for FY 25.

Five new passive gas vent wells have been installed.

Land swap almost complete for land buffer for C&D Landfill

Aberdeen Collection Site (excluding building) is almost complete. Expected to be open in Nov. for citizens. 

Scale replaced on March 21.

Household hazardous waste event to be held Nov. 16.

Water/Sewer

Reviewed and continue to review future water supply options. Currently exploring Southern Pines option.

Linden Road wells drilling is complete. Water main design is being finalized. Expected to be in production in the fall of 2025.

Thurlow Booster Pump Station upgrade is complete and in service as of  Aug. 14.

Contributed article.