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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Surplus property dispositions
The county is selling two small leftover parcels — one at a modest profit, one at cost.