Hoke County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hoke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Hoke County Justice Center ribbon-cutting
The new Justice Center should be substantially complete by July 14, 2026, with a possible August 1 occupancy and ribbon-cutting. The elevator installation is the main holdup.
Narcan Access and Recovery Month
Trillium Health Resources is putting Narcan boxes in all thirty county buildings and delivered 483 Narcan kits, funded by bottle tax dollars, to help reverse overdoses. The board declared September Recovery Month.
Homecoming Tailgate Security Funding
The homecoming tailgate draws thousands back to Hoke County and has been a sticking point over how many officers the sheriff can staff. Commissioners gave the county manager authority to spend up to $15,000 so the event stays safe.
Public health infrastructure funding
The Health Department landed $189,804 in state funding to boost staffing, training, and equipment — no local dollars required.
Animal Shelter Improvements
Longtime advocate Kathy Leandro pressed the board again — nearly two years after a pledged donation — for answers on the promised animal shelter project, citing rising animal abandonment and abuse.
Work Permit Ordinance repeal and code enforcement
The 26-year-old fire agreement is being rewritten, the Work Permit Ordinance is repealed July 1, and new code officer Terrence Moore brings 25 years of experience — all part of a wider development-ordinance cleanup.
Illegal handicap parking enforcement
A Paralyzed Veterans board member described being blocked out of accessible spaces and asked deputies to enforce N.C.G.S. 20-37.6, including on private lots; the board agreed to send letters to the sheriff and police.
Juvenile crime prevention programs funding
The Board approved $163,302 in JCPC-funded youth programs for next fiscal year, with only $10,000 from the county. Programs include Teen Court, mentoring, and a leadership academy that also needs a vehicle for transporting participating youth.
Jail Maintenance Repairs
The jail's air compressor is down and showers need work ahead of inspection findings, so the board moved $50,000 from the jail's printing budget to repairs — no new tax money involved.
County's first domestic violence shelter
The county is finalizing a groundbreaking date for its first domestic violence shelter, expected to take about nine months to build and possibly serve a dual role initially.