Harnett County Commissioners Discuss Growth, Transparency, and Community Priorities

A Look at the July 20 Commissioners Meeting

By Eric Stevenson

The July 20 meeting of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners covered a wide range of issues that will shape the county's future from data centers and youth vaping to zoning, emergency services, and taxpayer accountability. While opinions varied throughout the evening, one thing became clear: residents are engaged, and the conversations taking place today will influence Harnett County for years to come.

Public Comment Continues to Shape the Conversation

The meeting began with public comments, where residents addressed topics including property taxes, the Sheriff's Office, data centers, and the growing number of vape and smoke shops throughout the county.

Public comment remains one of the most important opportunities citizens have to influence local government. County commissioners cannot fully understand community concerns unless residents are willing to participate. Whether officials ultimately agree or disagree with a speaker's position, hearing directly from citizens helps shape future discussions and policy decisions.

Data Centers: A More Nuanced Discussion

One speaker offered a perspective that demonstrated how public opinions can evolve. After conducting additional research, she explained that her concerns were no longer centered on whether data centers should exist but rather on how they should be developed.

She suggested that if data centers are approved, developers should:

• Pay for their own infrastructure.

• Operate with complete transparency.

• Avoid non-disclosure agreements.

• Receive no special tax incentives.

• Minimize impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

She also raised an interesting point that deserves consideration: she expressed greater concern about the continued expansion of large residential developments than data centers because of the demands those developments place on schools, roads, public safety, and county services. While reasonable people may disagree with her conclusions, the discussion highlighted the importance of evaluating growth from multiple perspectives rather than viewing every development issue through a single lens.

Sally's Law and Youth Vaping

Another significant public comment came from a member of the North Carolina Tobacco 21 Youth Council, who encouraged commissioners to support legislation commonly referred to as Sally's Law.

She shared the story of 15-year-old Solomon Winn, who died after becoming addicted to vaping, and cited concerns that youth vaping rates in North Carolina remain significantly higher than the national average. She also referenced previous enforcement actions involving local smoke shops.

Regardless of where residents stand on every aspect of the proposed legislation, seeing young people actively participate in local government is encouraging. Civic engagement is strengthened when the next generation feels empowered to speak before elected officials.

Rezoning Request Sparks Broader Conversation About Vape Shops

A rezoning request along Highway 87 initially appeared to be a routine commercial land-use matter. County staff explained that the request aligned with Harnett County's future land-use plan and surrounding commercial development.

However, the discussion soon expanded beyond the individual property.

Several commissioners questioned whether current zoning regulations provide enough flexibility to address concerns regarding vape shops and smoke shops. Questions were raised about the potential use of conditional zoning and possible updates to the county's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

Rather than focusing solely on one property owner, commissioners appeared to be considering whether current regulations adequately reflect the county's long-term growth objectives.

Smart Growth Versus Growth Without Planning

During public comment, I shared my own perspective after listening to earlier testimony about youth vaping.

I suggested that allowing the applicant to return through a conditional zoning process could provide the county with additional oversight regarding future development. My comments were not intended to oppose business development but to encourage thoughtful planning.

As Harnett County continues to grow, the question is no longer whether growth will occur, it's is whether that growth will happen intentionally or by default.

Several commissioners discussed reviewing the Unified Development Ordinance to determine whether additional planning tools may be needed in the future. That broader conversation may ultimately prove more significant than the individual rezoning request itself.

Manufactured Home Park Amendment Approved

Commissioners also approved an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance allowing manufactured home parks to maintain on-site sales offices in order to meet state licensing requirements.

The amendment does not permit the display of model homes or the sale of other vehicles but instead removes a regulatory barrier that could make it easier for these businesses to operate while remaining compliant with state law.

Although this item generated relatively little discussion, it illustrates how local government often makes practical adjustments that affect businesses and residents without attracting major public attention.

New Animal Services Advisory Board

Animal Services has remained an important topic in Harnett County over the past year.

Commissioners discussed the creation of a new Animal Services Advisory Board, whose responsibilities will include:

• Improving communication.

• Supporting Animal Services.

• Encouraging pet adoptions.

• Promoting responsible pet ownership.

• Identifying concerns before they become larger problems.

I believe this is a positive step. Continued oversight, regular public reporting, and proactive communication can help strengthen public confidence while ensuring Animal Services continues moving in the right direction. Transparency builds trust, and trust is earned through consistent communication.

Investing in Emergency Medical Services

The Board also approved the purchase of new LIFEPAK cardiac monitors for Harnett County EMS.

While equipment purchases rarely generate headlines, investments like these have a direct impact on emergency medical care. Reliable cardiac monitoring equipment can make a critical difference when first responders are treating patients during life-threatening emergencies.

This serves as an important reminder that county government affects residents in ways many people never see.

Questions About the Morgue Project

One agenda item that drew my attention involved an additional $164,088 requested for the county's new morgue project.

According to the discussion, the additional funding would cover installation of a domestic water line and fire hydrant after fire protection requirements from the Town of Lillington were identified.

The need for public safety infrastructure is not in dispute. However, when taxpayers see change orders exceeding $160,000, it is reasonable to ask questions, including:

• Was this requirement known during the original design process?

• If not, what changed?

• How much of the additional cost is attributed to labor, materials, engineering, water line installation, and the hydrant itself?

These questions are not accusations. They are examples of responsible public oversight. Providing detailed explanations helps build confidence in government spending decisions.

Questions Worth Following

Several issues remain worth monitoring in future meetings, including:

• The status of Harnett County's impact fee legislation.

• Future discussions regarding Board of Elections compensation.

• Possible updates to the Unified Development Ordinance concerning vape shops.

• How frequently the Animal Services Advisory Board will report to the public.

• Lessons learned from the morgue project change order.

These are not criticisms of county government. They are questions that informed citizens should continue asking as projects move forward.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the July 20 meeting demonstrated local government functioning as it should. Commissioners asked questions. County staff provided information. Citizens spoke on issues important to them. That exchange of ideas is essential to effective local governance.

Harnett County continues to experience significant growth. As that growth accelerates, thoughtful planning, transparency, and active citizen involvement will become increasingly important.

Whether you attended the meeting in person or watched online, staying informed matters. If you have never attended a Board of Commissioners meeting, consider doing so. Local government has a greater impact on our daily lives than many people realize, and engaged citizens help build stronger communities.

What stood out to you from the July 20 meeting? Share your thoughts in the comments below.