James A. Leach

Sheriff's Department Budget Amendments

A total of $135,000 was shifted into sheriff vehicle and equipment accounts, though part comes from program and forfeiture funds rather than new tax money.

Sheets gas station rezoning on Fayetteville Road

The project is expected to bring roughly $10 million in private investment and about 30 full-time jobs paying roughly $20,000-$55,000 a year.

Hoke County Justice Center ribbon-cutting

The building is being handed to citizens debt-free.

Federal funding cuts hitting DSS and county budget

Uses lapsed salary dollars rather than new money; county covers about 25 percent of certain program administrative costs.

Long-delayed animal shelter project

Roughly a $500,000 private donation funds construction; county will bear operational costs.

Tractor-trailer parking in residential neighborhoods

Damage from heavy trucks is degrading subdivision roads the county and DOT must maintain.

County Fuel Point savings

About $288,000 saved in a year, roughly $31,000 per month staying in county coffers.

water restrictions

County anticipates investing millions into the leased system; prior legislative requests now total roughly $20 million.

Voluntary Agricultural Ordinance Update

None stated on the agenda.

Group Home Special Use Permits on Hector McNeill Road

2026 Employee Christmas Bonuses

Bonuses would come from county funds; the amount isn't stated on the agenda.

Regional Water Treatment Plant Partnership

County share of the grant application is $12,000; the plant itself would be grant-funded if awarded.

Animal Shelter Improvements

Project costs were last reported around $145,000 and are expected to have risen.

Jail and sheriff's office overtime shortfall

Roughly $528,000 shifted between budget lines with no new taxpayer money added.

Starz Truck Stop Special Use Permit

A $1,000 fine was supported for existing violations, with per-day fines potentially increasing under the ordinance.

Recognition of America 250 committee leadership

Economic development and commercial water capacity

Developers could invest in wells reimbursable up to $250,000 by state law — a figure county leaders say is far below actual well costs near $1 million.

Antioch area iron-filtration well and possible Lumbee Tribe EPA grant

Potential new federal grant dollars for water infrastructure, health services, schools, and home energy upgrades in Hoke County.

Lindsay Road widening utility relocation

Additional $50,000, all reimbursed by NCDOT.

Hazmat response training grant

$20,000 in grant funds, no local match mentioned.

Adoption of Agenda

Rezoning RZ-26-6, 8861 Fayetteville Road

Consent Agenda (Items A-F and H)

Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance Update (Item 5)

Sheriff's Budget Amendment — Asset Forfeiture ($20,000)

Sheriff's Budget Amendment — Overtime ($60,000)

Health Department Bad Debt Write-Off, FY 2026 ($25,264.96)

Board of Health Reappointment — Leah Leach

Industrial Park Waterline Extension — Tentative Award

Cancellation of October 19, 2026 Regular Meeting

Recess to Friday, October 9 at 10 a.m.

Approval of the Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes July 6, 2026

Approval of the Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 2026

Adoption of Agenda

Consent Agenda (items 2.a–2.e)

August tax collections and release/adjustment report

August tax refunds of $1,024.75

Declare 2016 taxes insolvent (G.S. 105-373(2))

Jail budget amendment — $55,000 to overtime

Sheriff's Office budget amendment — $49,785 to overtime

authorize, by resolution, placement of the 0.25% local option sales-tax question on the general election ballot

0.25% local option sales tax referendum

He could not support a tax increase and said the referendum would not address the current budget shortfall.