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.
Lindsay Road widening utility relocation
The utility relocation work tied to the state's Lindsay Road widening project is growing by $50,000 — but NCDOT reimburses it all, so no local tax dollars are involved.
Hazmat response training grant
A competitive $20,000 state grant will pay for training local emergency responders to handle hazardous materials incidents.
Arabia Road Rezoning for Auto Shop
Dwight Jackson wants to sell 0.85 acres behind the Arabia Road store to Marlon McNeil, a former Hoke County High School auto mechanics teacher, so he can own his shop instead of renting. The rezoning from residential-agricultural to highway commercial passed.
Recognition of America 250 committee leadership
The county honored Iris Flowers for leading the America 250 "We Are One" committee, which put together community celebrations of the nation's 250th birthday.
Paddock Acres development
A proposed ~220-acre equestrian-style community between U.S. 211 and North Old Wire Road, with 8-to-20-plus-acre lots — presented for information only, not yet formally reviewed.
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.
North Carolina Fall Festival 2026
Festival leaders previewed a free community lineup for October and flagged that the traditional turkey dinner can't return without help covering school-staff overtime. County leaders agreed to keep talking about it.
Surplus property dispositions
The county is selling two small leftover parcels — one at a modest profit, one at cost.
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.
Non-emergency medical transportation partnership
Local business Safe Journey Solutions asked the county and DSS to approve them as a Medicaid transportation provider so they can serve Hoke County patients; DSS will schedule a meeting with the owners.
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.
Community Forest Eagle Scout project
A Hoke County Eagle Scout candidate will build 15 informational posts along Community Forest trails, adding education value for hikers, bikers, and runners over about two months.