Hoke County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hoke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2026 Employee Christmas Bonuses
The county manager will report on Christmas bonuses for county employees in 2026, a use of county funds the board will hear about.
County Fuel Point savings
The county's in-house fuel point saved about $288,000 in 12 months — beating projections by over $50,000 — and is on track to pay for itself in about four more months.
Solid Waste Hauler Credits and Disposal Fees
Private haulers are collecting fees from customers while stacking up county disposal credits worth $150,000-plus each, some waste may be coming from outside the county, and unverified residency cost about $47,000 in yard debris fees. A revised ordinance targeting July 1 is in the works.
Quarter-cent sales tax referendum
Hoke residents already pay the extra 0.25% when shopping in Cumberland and Moore counties; putting it on the November ballot lets voters decide whether to capture that revenue locally for schools and public safety. It's advisory only — the Board would still have to act.
County Credit Rating and Debt Capacity
Chairman Leach warned the Board it can't keep plugging budget holes with fund balance — about $6 million of a gap remains after roughly $5 million was found. He urged creating new revenue and living within the County's means.
ABC Board Redevelopment and Distributions
The ABC Board wants to keep half its profits for 3-5 years to redevelop its Highway 401 site, which could shrink the county's annual cut that now runs about $150,000.
Private donations to county services
MSquare Construction's David Hassan gave $7,000 for the arson K-9 and $1,000 to the schools' back-to-school program — an example of local businesses reinvesting in the community.
Property tax releases and refunds
A church's 2025 property tax value was cut from $737,120 to $153,530 because of the building's deteriorated condition, significantly lowering its tax bill.
Surplus property dispositions
The county is selling two small leftover parcels — one at a modest profit, one at cost.
FY2027 county budget process
All department requests are in; department heads appear before the board May 19-20, and the manager aims to deliver a balanced recommended budget by June 1 amid rising service costs.
State fire code flow requirements and housing costs
Commissioners worry minimum hydrant flow rules force sprinkler systems on rural homes, driving up prices for first-time buyers — they asked their lobbyist to push for changes.
FY2025 audit results and county financial health
The county's annual audit came back clean, with property tax collections up about $2 million, rising sales tax revenue, low debt, and a healthy water/sewer fund. Commissioners discussed whether education spending should grow faster relative to public safety.
Surplus property sale on Aggies Lane
A small 0.48-acre lot the county declared surplus sold at bid for $3,017.68 — exactly what the county paid for it — after no upset bids came in.
Surplus Property Sale at 223 McLean Loop
The county is advertising a $5,000 offer on a 0.44-acre parcel it paid about $4,874 to acquire, clearing it from county inventory.
Year-End Purchase Order Cutoff
Starting now, departments can't create new purchase orders for non-essential items so finance can close out the fiscal year cleanly. Blanket POs, contracts, booked travel and emergencies are still allowed.
Penny Shortage Cash-Rounding Policy
Banks have stopped supplying pennies, so the county will now round cash transactions to the nearest nickel — totals ending in 1-2 round down, 3-4 round up. Card and check payments aren't affected, and signs will be posted before it starts.
Employee Insurance Renewal
The county's self-insured medical plan renews at an 8% increase for pool members — the medical renewal actually came back at 5%, but the county is holding an extra 3% to keep the pool stable. Dental held flat at 0%.
MetroNet fiber service clarification
Commissioner Thomas asked why the county pays MetroNet over $100,000; staff explained it's a separate secure fiber network for cameras and access systems across county buildings, distinct from the RiverTech computer network.
FY27 budget planning
Departments must submit requests by April 13, with workshops in May and June and adoption targeted June 23. Federal cuts, soft sales tax projections and rising costs loom over the process.
Sheriff's Office Axon contract and forfeiture funds
The sheriff's office got approval for an Axon contract worth about $271,660 plus budget amendments, using state asset forfeiture money and fund balance. The money is the sheriff's to spend; the board's role is just following finance procedure.
Tax reassessment request for 13-acre parcel
Jennifer Posey Powell asked the board to reconsider the $171,600 valuation on her 13-acre wooded parcel, pointing to similar nearby parcels valued far lower. The board directed the Tax Administrator to reopen the case and bring it back.