Moore County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moore County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Countywide Property Tax Revaluation
Tax Administrator Gary Briggs is scheduled to present the Schedule of Values for the upcoming 2027 property revaluation. This schedule forms the basis for property tax assessments across the county.
Highway Corridor Overlay District Review
The board is reviewing proposed amendments to Chapter 3 of the Unified Development Ordinance regarding the Highway Corridor Overlay District, with further discussion continued to November.
Residential Front Setback Reduction
The county lowered the minimum front setback for new homes in all residential districts. It helps infill builders match older neighboring houses and eases septic repair-area constraints, though some worry about smaller front yards.
East Moore Water District Phase V Project
The county is buying 1,600 smart meters that show real-time water use and flag leaks automatically. Staff also reported the county is in a severe D3 drought but has no immediate plans for restrictions.
Davis Community Center Future and Disposition
Community members and officials discussed proposals to restore and revitalize the historic Davis Community Center in northern Moore County for recreational and community use.
Automated License Plate Reader (Flock) Cameras
A local resident raised privacy and security concerns regarding the county's contract for automated license plate reader cameras.
Sewer Expansion and Workforce Housing Zoning
Sewer service along the Highway 211 and Seven Lakes business district is under review, including force main policy questions and whether the wastewater treatment plant has room to grow. This affects what kind of development that corridor can attract.
Moore County Airport Commercialization and Minimum Revenue Guarantee
The USGA pledged $150,000 toward the minimum revenue guarantee needed to attract commercial airline service. The county is the recipient of the funds but committed no taxpayer money.
Seven Lakes Sewer System and Roads
The Board took up the long-running questions of sewer service and road conditions in the Seven Lakes community, reviewing Phase 1 and Phase 2 plans. Sewer availability and road maintenance are major quality-of-life and cost issues for Seven Lakes residents.
Minor Subdivision Expansion and Rural Density
The county adopted new rules requiring private access easements and driveways in minor and exempt subdivisions to meet fire code standards, complete with recorded maintenance agreements. This ensures emergency vehicles can reach homes, though some board members worried about potential costs for rural landowners.
Employee Compensation and Pay Plan
County staff will receive a 3% cost-of-living raise as part of the updated position classification and pay plan.
School IT Facility Funding Swap
The county approved $600,000 for Pinecrest High School athletic projects and gave North Moore High School flexibility to use its prior funds for non-turf upgrades.
Sheriff Forensic Facility Capital Project Funding
The county is moving forward with a ~7,000-square-foot forensic facility near the Public Safety Center, intended to speed evidence processing and expand services like ballistics and internet crimes against children work.
Moore County Schools FY 2026-27 Budget Request
County commissioners and school officials are jointly urging the state to restore funding for art, music, and P.E. teachers so local tax dollars don't have to cover state mandates.
Drought and Fire Danger
The county is in a severe D3 drought with several hundred acres burned from escaped fires. Commissioners urged residents to avoid outdoor burning, protect pets and kids from heat, and watch neighbors.
Pinehurst Traffic Circle Redesign
The board endorsed NCDOT's new traffic circle design the same day Pinehurst's village council formally opposed it. Critics want an alternative that takes less private land, cuts fewer trees, and preserves the circle's safety record; the county says it's open to better ideas but wanted to show progress.
Mission Teens Group Care Facility Rezoning
A faith-based addiction recovery program, Mission Teens, can now open a facility for up to 31 residents in the former Grace Community Center. Neighbors raised concerns about supervision and security in a rural area; the applicant described a highly structured program.
Holly Grove Pines Subdivision Revision
The county approved a 25-lot conventional major subdivision on Holly Grove School Road after the developer downsized the project and collaborated with neighboring equestrian and lake communities to address stormwater and buffer concerns.
Union Pines High School turf field funding
The county put $600,000 toward turf fields at Union Pines and North Moore, and the CVB added a $120,000 grant. Now the board is demanding schools use about $480,000 in lapsed SRO salaries to close the gap — and floating a state audit if they can't.
CVB consultant access to traveler credit card data
A resident raised reports that a consultant for the tourism board accessed travelers' credit card and zip code information via RDU travel data. The board agreed to have the county attorney look into what authority allowed this.
Moore County Animal Services Operations and Euthanasia Rates
Residents and animal rescue advocates sharply criticized the county's animal shelter operations, pointing to high euthanasia rates, communication breakdowns, and a lack of veterinary staff. They urged the commissioners to remove animal control from the Sheriff's Department and place it under civilian management.
Election Results
Local election results are in, meaning a fresh batch of leaders is taking over to make decisions that directly impact your neighborhood. It is time to check who won and see how your local representation is shifting.