News
BOLIVIA, N.C. — Brunswick County is beginning the process of formulating a new long-term strategic vision to guide county officials as they chart a course for the future. The planning and visioning process will include extensive public input, both in the form of public meetings and an online survey. Chris May, executive director of the Cape Fear Council of Governments, will facilitate the public meetings. Once citizens have provided their input, the committee will develop…
With a final vote early this morning, the N.C. General Assembly approved a state budget for the 2015-17 biennium that achieves several NCACC goals and has little negative effect on county government. Governor Pat McCrory has signed the legislation. The budget contains a tax plan to help struggling areas of the state by expanding the sales tax base to some services and directing most of the proceeds to 79 counties, while other new revenue remains…
BOLIVIA, N.C. — Building permits issued in Brunswick County in fiscal year 2015 increased by nearly 25 percent compared to the year before. There were 2,714 building permits issued in Brunswick County during the 2014-15 fiscal year, including 2,295 residential construction permits and 419 commercial construction permits. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, there were 2,193 building permits issued, including 1,967 residential permits and 226 commercial permits. While the total number of building permits issued in…
BOLIVIA, N.C. — Brunswick County Commissioners Marty Cooke, Pat Sykes and Frank Williams have been recognized by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners for their achievements in the Local Elected Leaders Academy. The Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA), a partnership with the UNC School of Government, the N.C. Association of County Commissioners and the N.C. League of Municipalities, offers local elected officials the knowledge and skills needed to lead and govern their communities. Commissioners…
In recent weeks there have been news reports about a proposal to relocate a CSX rail line out of the City of Wilmington. The relocated rail line could skirt the edge of Brunswick County along the Cape Fear River, near the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo recently appointed a task force to look into the issue. I have since been approached about representing Brunswick County on this task force, and look forward…