011122 ws packet
WORK SESSION AGENDA
Date: Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Commissioners Meeting Room Harnett County Resource Center & Library 455 McKinney Parkway, Lillington
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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1. Call to order – Chairman Lewis Weatherspoon
2. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation – Commissioner Barbara McKoy
3. Discuss FY2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES ACT) Grant Supplemental
Funds, Barry A. Blevins, General Services Director
4. Development Services briefing on upcoming public hearings:
• Proposed Zoning Change: Case # PLAN2111-0001 Landowner / Applicant: Dan A. Smith & Max
D. Smith; 1.30 +/- acres; Pin # 0652-39-5267.000; From RA-30 to Commercial Zoning District; SR
# 1575 (Neil Smith Road); Hectors Creek Township.
• Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2112-0003 Landowner / Applicant: Sease 1995 Family LTD Partnership & William Patrick Sease; 6.52 +/- acres (two parcels); Pin #’s 1538-10-7948.000 &1538-10-5706.000; From Commercial to Industrial Zoning District; SR# 1709 (Hodges Chapel Road); Averasboro Township.
• Proposed Text Amendment: Case # PLAN2112-0001 Harnett County Unified Development Ordinance; Article VI, Section 6.5. To amend Harnett County’s UDO in order to comply with North Carolina Fire Prevention Code.
5. Discuss Proposal from Sanford Holshouser regarding Economic Development Organizational Structure Review/Enhancements, Coley Price, Assistant County Manager and George Wood, Interim Manager
6. Discussion of Board’s Legislative Priorities for FY 2022, Brian Haney, Assistant County Manager
7. Discuss and consider recommendation on HR Jetport Fuel Purchasing Contract, George Wood, Interim County Manager
8. County Manager’s Report- George Wood, Interim County Manager
• January 18, 2022 Regular Meeting Agenda Review
• Review applications to serve on Boards and Committees
• Upcoming meetings and invitations
9. Closed Session
10. Adjourn
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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CONDUCT OF THE JANUARY 11, 2022 MEETING
Live audio of the meeting will be streamed on the Harnett County Government’s YouTube Channel
at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU7mTF6HTD65x_98EhAMeMg/featured.
****PLEASE NOTE: This will be a voting meeting.****
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Board Meeting
Agenda Item
MEETING DATE: January 18, 2022
TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SUBJECT: Proposed Zoning Change: Case # PLAN2111-0001
REQUESTED BY: Mark Locklear/ Development Services
REQUEST:
Landowner / Applicant: Dan A. Smith & Max D. Smith; 1.30 +/- acres; Pin # 0652-39-
5267.000; From RA-30 to Commercial Zoning District; SR # 1575 (Neil Smith Road);
Hectors Creek Township.
Development Services staff recommends approval based on the Land Use compatabilty and
the long standing nonresidential uses of this sturcture.
Additional Information:
On January 3rd, the Harnett County Planning Board voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend
approval of application based the existing nonresidential use as well as Land Use
compatability.
One citizen (adjacent property owner) spoke in opposition in reference to increased traffic,
noise, and discomfort of not knowing what type of business may be located beside her home.
FINANCE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION:
COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
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STAFF REPORT Page 1 of 4
REZONING STAFF REPORT
Case: PLAN 2111-0001
Jay Sikes, Mgr. of Planning Services
jsikes@harnett.org
Phone: (910) 893-7525 Fax: (910) 814-8278
Planning Board: January 3, 2022 County Commissioners: January 18, 2022
Requesting a Rezoning from RA-30 to Commercial
Applicant Information
Owner of Record: Applicant:
Name: Dan A. Smith & Max D. Smith, Jr Name: Dan A. Smith
Address: PO Box 926 Address: PO Box 926
City/State/Zip: Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 City/State/Zip: Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
Property Description
PIN(s): 0652-39-5267 Acreage: 1.30
Address/SR No.: 42 Neil Smith Rd (SR # 1517)
Township:
(09) Johnsonville
(10) Lillington
(11) Neill’s Creek
(12) Stewart’s Creek
(13) Upper Little River
(01) Anderson Creek
(02) Averasboro
(03) Barbecue
(04) Black River
(05) Buckhorn
(06) Duke
(07) Grove
(08) Hectors Creek
Vicinity Map
Vicinity Map
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STAFF REPORT Page 2 of 4
Physical Characteristics
Site Description: Site is currently occupied by
one structure that currently houses the Kipling
Post Office and a photography studio.
Surrounding Land Uses: Undeveloped land,
residential & agricultural uses, and several non-
residential uses.
Services Available
Water:
Public (Harnett County)
Private (Well)
Other: Unverified
Sewer:
Public (Harnett County)
Private (Septic Tank)
Other: unverified
Transportation:
Annual Daily Traffic Count:
8,800 on US 401 & 1,600
on Harnett Central Rd
Site Distances: Good
Zoning District Compatibility
The following is a summary list of potential uses. For all applicable
uses for each Zoning district please refer to the UDO’s Table of Uses.
CURRENT REQUESTED
RA-30 Comm
Parks & Rec X X
Natural Preserves X X
Bona Fide Farms X X
Single Family X X
Manufactured Homes,
(with design criteria) X
Manufactured Homes
X
Multi-Family X (with CUP)
Institutional X X
Commercial Services X
Retail X
Wholesale
Industrial
Manufacturing
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STAFF REPORT Page 3 of 4
Land Use Classification Compatibility
ZONING LAND USE
Comm Rural Center
Parks & Rec X X
Natural Preserves X X
Bona Fide Farms X X
Single Family X X
Manufactured Homes,
Design Regulated X X
Manufactured Homes
Multi-Family X
Institutional X X
Commercial Service X
Retail X X
Wholesale X
Industrial
Manufacturing
Evaluation
Yes No The IMPACT to the adjacent property owners and the surrounding community is
reasonable, and the benefits of the rezoning outweigh any potential inconvenience or
harm to the community.
REASONING: The impact to the surrounding community is reasonable, as there are
several nonresidential uses in this area and any new development would incur site
improvements.
Yes No The requested zoning district is COMPATIBLE with the existing Land Use Classification.
REASONING: The requested zoning to Commercial is compatible with the land use
classification of Rural Center Development Node. These nodes are usually market driven
commercial centers with a small scale, non-residential footprint less than 50,000 sq ft.
Yes No The proposal does ENHANCE or maintain the public health, safety and general welfare.
REASONING: The requested zoning would enhance or maintain the public health,
safety and general welfare due to the potential site improvements that could take
place.
Yes No The request is for a SMALL SCALE REZONING and should be evaluated for
reasonableness.
REASONING: Due to the Land Use compatibility and except for a street would be
contiguous to Commercially zoned property, this application does not need to be
considered for a Small Scale rezoning.
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STAFF REPORT Page 4 of 4
Site Photographs
Subject Property Subject Property (view from Kipling Rd,
across US 401)
Adjacent property & street view
Suggested Statement-of-Consistency (Staff concludes that…)
As stated in the evaluation, the requested rezoning to Commercial would not have an unreasonable
impact on the surrounding community and will maintain the public health, safety, and general welfare
based on the existing nonresidential uses in this area as well as compatibility with the County’s Land Use
Plan. Therefore, it is recommended that this rezoning request be APPROVED.
Additional Information
On January 3rd, the Harnett County Planning Board voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend approval of
application based on compatibility with the Land Use Plan and the existing nonresidential uses on site.
One citizen (adjacent property owner) spoke in opposition in reference to increased traffic, noise, and
discomfort of not knowing what type of business may be located beside her home.
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Board Meeting
Agenda Item
MEETING DATE: January 18, 2022
TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SUBJECT: Proposed Zoning Change: Case # PLAN2112-0003
REQUESTED BY: Mark Locklear/ Development Services
REQUEST:
Landowner / Applicant: Sease 1995 Family LTD Partnership & William Patrick Sease; 6.52
+/- acres (two parcels); Pin #’s 1538-10-7948.000 &1538-10-5706.000; From Commercial to
Industrial Zoning District; SR# 1709 (Hodges Chapel Road); Averasboro Township.
Development Services staff recommends approval based on the Land Use compatabilty as
well as the nonresidential zoning and uses within the area.
Additional Information:
On January 3rd, the Harnett County Planning Board voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend
approval of application based on the existing nonresidential uses on site and in this area.
No one spoke in opposition
FINANCE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION:
COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
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Item 4
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STAFF REPORT Page 1 of 5
REZONING STAFF REPORT
Case: PLAN 2112-0003
Jay Sikes, Mgr. of Planning Services
jsikes@harnett.org
Phone: (910) 893-7525 Fax: (910) 814-8278
Planning Board: January 3, 2022 County Commissioners: January 18, 2022
Requesting a Rezoning from Commercial to Industrial
Applicant Information
Owner of Record: Applicant:
Name: Sease 1995 Family Ltd Partnership Name: Sease 1995 Family Ltd Partnership
Address: 8004 Foxwood Dr Address: 8004 Foxwood Dr
City/State/Zip: Raleigh, NC 27615 City/State/Zip: Raleigh, NC 27615
Property Description
PIN(s): 1538-10-7948 & 1538-10-5706 Acreage: 6.52
Address/SR No.: 3607 Hodges Chapel Rd (SR #1709)
Township:
(09) Johnsonville
(10) Lillington
(11) Neill’s Creek
(12) Stewart’s Creek
(13) Upper Little River
(01) Anderson Creek
(02) Averasboro
(03) Barbecue
(04) Black River
(05) Buckhorn
(06) Duke
(07) Grove
(08) Hectors Creek
Vicinity Map
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STAFF REPORT Page 2 of 5
Physical Characteristics
Site Description: currently occupied by the applicant’s business, which is a heavy truck shop & towing
facility and other items that have accumulated due to their business.
Surrounding Land Uses: Several non-residential uses, as well as residential and agricultural uses.
Services Available
Water:
Public (Harnett County)
Private (Well)
Other: Unverified
Sewer:
Public (Harnett County)
Private (Septic Tank)
Other: unverified
Transportation:
Annual Daily Traffic Count:
2,100 along this section of
Hodges Chapel Rd.
Site Distances: Good
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STAFF REPORT Page 3 of 5
Zoning District Compatibility
The following is a summary of potential uses. For all applicable uses
for each Zoning district please refer to the UDO’s Table of Uses.
CURRENT REQUESTED
Comm Industrial
Parks & Rec
Natural Preserves X X
Bona Fide Farms X X
Single Family
Manufactured Homes,
(with design criteria)
Manufactured Homes
Multi-Family
Institutional X X
Commercial Services X X
Retail X X
Wholesale X X
Industrial X
Manufacturing X
Land Use Classification Compatibility
The following is a summary of potential uses. For all applicable uses
for each Zoning district please refer to the UDO’s Table of Uses.
ZONING LAND USE
Industrial EMU
Parks & Rec X
Natural Preserves X X
Bona Fide Farms X X
Single Family
Manufactured Homes,
Design Regulated
Manufactured Homes
Multi-Family X
Institutional X X
Commercial Service X X
Retail X X
Wholesale X X
Industrial X X
Manufacturing X X
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STAFF REPORT Page 4 of 5
Site Photographs
site site driveway & adjacent property
street view & adjacent residence street view & I-95
View across the street
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STAFF REPORT Page 5 of 5
Evaluation
Yes No The IMPACT to the adjacent property owners and the surrounding community is
reasonable, and the benefits of the rezoning outweigh any potential inconvenience or
harm to the community.
REASONING: The impact to the surrounding community is reasonable, as there are
several nonresidential uses in this area.
Yes No The requested zoning district is COMPATIBLE with the existing Land Use Classification.
REASONING: The requested zoning is compatible with the existing Land Use
classification of Employments Mixed Use. This area is also within a Compact Mixed Use
development node. These two designations highlight growing areas of the County that
could include locations for employment and economic development opportunities, as
well as have access to major thoroughfares.
Yes No The proposal does ENHANCE or maintain the public health, safety and general welfare.
REASONING: The requested rezoning to Industrial would maintain the public health,
safety, and general welfare as the proposed zoning district will allow for similar uses as
which already exist.
Yes No The request is for a SMALL SCALE REZONING and should be evaluated for
reasonableness.
REASONING: Due to its size and since this parcel is adjacent to the same zoning
district, this application does not need to be considered for a Small Scale rezoning.
Suggested Statement-of-Consistency (Staff concludes that…)
As stated in the evaluation, the requested rezoning to Industrial would not have an unreasonable impact
on the surrounding community based on the nonresidential uses, current zoning districts in this area as
well as compliance with the County’s Land Use Plan. Therefore, i t is recommended that this rezoning
request be APPROVED.
Additional Information
On January 3rd, the Harnett County Planning Board voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend approval of
application based on the existing nonresidential uses on site and in the area.
No one spoke in opposition.
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Board Meeting
Agenda Item
MEETING DATE: January 18, 2022
TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SUBJECT: Proposed Text Amendment: Case # PLAN2112-0001
REQUESTED BY: Mark Locklear/ Development Services
REQUEST:
Harnett County Unified Development Ordinance; Article VI, Section 6.5. To amend Harnett
County’s UDO in order to comply with North Carolina Fire Prevention Code.
Development Services staff recommends approval based on compliance with the NC Fire
Preventiona Code.
Additional Information:
On January 3rd, the Harnett County Planning Board voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend
approval of application based State regulations.
No one spoke in opposition
FINANCE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION:
COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
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Item 4
Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT
ARTICLE VI. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Section 6.5 Display of Address
6.5.1 Display Provisions
A. The owner(s) of any addressable structure shall post the approved street address number on the
structure for the purpose of health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Harnett County. It
shall be the responsibility of the property owner(s) to ensure that the display of the street address
numbers is properly maintained.
B. The height of the street address number displayed on a single family dwelling or detached residential
structure shall be a minimum of three inches (3”).
C. The height of the street address number displayed on a multifamily dwelling or nonresidential
structure shall be a minimum of five inches (5”) six inches (6”).
D. Street address numbers shall be of a contrasting color to the background so that they are clearly
visible.
E. The street address number shall be displayed on the structure in a location clearly visible from the
public or private right(s)-of-way or dedicated access easement day and night.
F. When the structure is not clearly visible or is more than 100 feet from the named road, the street
address number shall be displayed at the driveway that serves the structure. The display shall be
perpendicular to the roadway and shall be clearly visible from both directions of the public or private
right(s)-of-way or dedicated access easement day and night.
G. The street address number shall be displayed on both sides of the mailbox and on the mailbox door
when mail is delivered to the structure by the United States Postal Service.
H. E-911 Addressing shall have the right to authorize and approve alternate methods of displaying street
address numbers which meet the intent of this Ordinance when strict adherence to these standards
cannot reasonably be met.
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page | 1
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
HARNETT COUNTY UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Harnett County adopted the UDO on October 17, 2011 for the
purpose of promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of the county residents; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance was adopted under authority granted by the General Assembly of the State of North
Carolina, particularly G.S. 153A-340; and
WHEREAS, the UDO contains provisions for amending said ordinance and those provisions have been followed;
and
WHEREAS, the Harnett County Planning Board has reviewed the amendment to the article of the UDO as
listed below and recommends the adoption of the following amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF HARNETT
COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA that Harnett County Unified Development Ordinance Article VI: General
Development Standards, Section 6.5.1 Display of Address, Display Provisions; of the UDO shall be amended to
read as indicated in “Attachment”.
“Attachment” is filed with the Unified Development Ordinance in the Clerk to the Board’s Office.
Duly adopted this 18th day of January 2022 and effective upon adoption.
HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
_______________________________
Lewis W. Weatherspoon, Chairman
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Melissa D. Capps, Clerk
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page | 2
ATTACHMENT
ARTICLE VI. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Section 6.5 Display of Address
6.5.1 Display Provisions
A. The owner(s) of any addressable structure shall post the approved street address number on the
structure for the purpose of health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Harnett County. It shall
be the responsibility of the property owner(s) to ensure that the display of the street address numbers
is properly maintained.
B. The height of the street address number displayed on a single family dwelling or detached residential
structure shall be a minimum of three inches (3”).
C. The height of the street address number displayed on a multifamily dwelling or nonresidential structure
shall be a minimum of six inches (6”).
D. Street address numbers shall be of a contrasting color to the background so that they are clearly visible.
E. The street address number shall be displayed on the structure in a location clearly visible from the public
or private right(s)-of-way or dedicated access easement day and night.
F. When the structure is not clearly visible or is more than 100 feet from the named road, the street address
number shall be displayed at the driveway that serves the structure. The display shall be perpendicular
to the roadway and shall be clearly visible from both directions of the public or private right(s)-of-way
or dedicated access easement day and night.
G. The street address number shall be displayed on both sides of the mailbox and on the mailbox door
when mail is delivered to the structure by the United States Postal Service.
H. E-911 Addressing shall have the right to authorize and approve alternate methods of displaying street
address numbers which meet the intent of this Ordinance when strict adherence to these standards
cannot reasonably be met.
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November 29, 2021
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
Mr. George A. Wood
Interim County Manager
Harnett County
455 McKinney Parkway
Lillington, NC 27546
Re: Proposal – Economic Development Organizational Structure Review/Enhancements
Dear George:
This is a follow-up to earlier discussions with you and other County and economic development
leaders. The below proposal contemplates Sanford Holshouser Economic Development
Consulting LLC (“SHEDC”) in conjunction with Nexsen Pruet PLLC (“NP”) performing the
following scope of work to evaluate Harnett County’s organizational structure for its economic
development programs, making recommendations as to any changes in that structure, and
amending any documents to effectuate any desired changes.
SHEDC will be the lead consultant in this matter. Rocky Lane and Ernie Pearson will be your
contacts for this work, but we may call on other SHEDC partners as needed to assist in
performing the work called for by this proposal. NP will be a subcontractor to SHEDC. Ernie
Pearson on behalf of NP, or a paralegal or other attorney designated by him, will assist in
preparing amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for Harnett County Property
Corporation (“HCPC”), organizational documents for Harnett County Economic Development
Council (“HCEDC”), and any agreements or memoranda of understanding between the County
and either or both of the above entities.
The services provided by SHEDC and NP will include the following:
- A review of all documents which formed and now govern HCPC and the HCEDC.
- A review of any agreement(s) between the County and HCPC and HCEDC.
- A best practice analysis of up to eight similar economic development programs in North
Carolina and other states which utilize a public/private economic development structure,
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Item 5
Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting, LLC
US Senator Terry Sanford (1917-1998) 4141 Parklake Avenue, Suite 200 919-653-7805 Fax 919-653-0435
NC Governor James E. Holshouser (1934-2013) Raleigh, NC 27612 www.SHEDC.com
in order to gather information on programs which are most successful and the underlying
organizational structures which facilitate and support those programs.
- Regular consultations with you and others on your economic development leadership
team to review our team’s on-going findings with that group and to incorporate that
group’s input into our final recommendations and report.
- Regular consultations with the County’s designated new economic development director
to elicit his input and incorporate that into our team’s recommendations and report.
- Preparing any needed amended Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for HCPC and
filing any amended Articles of Incorporation with the NC Secretary of State’s office.
- Preparing a new or amended agreement or memorandum of understanding between the
County and HCPC.
- Preparing any documents to provide for the continuation or termination of the HCEDC,
as may be needed.
- Reviewing a draft report with the County’s economic development leadership group, and
incorporating any changes into the final report.
- Appearing before and making a presentation on the final report to an audience that you
and your County’s economic development leadership group might designate.
- To the extent that the above scope of work requires additional, or amended elements, the
SHEDC team will accommodate those needs.
The SHEDC team’s fees for these services will be a flat fee of $8,250.00. SHEDC will be solely
responsible for the payment of any fees owed to NP out of that amount. In addition, the SHEDC
team will be reimbursed for any expenses. At present, we think those expenses will be limited to
mileage reimbursements and filing fees with the Secretary of State’s office. An invoice for this
fee and any expenses will be submitted at the conclusion of our work.
As to the timeline, the SHEDC team is ready to start work on this immediately. We can provide
a final report within thirty (30) days of the start date.
If you find the above proposal to be acceptable, please sign below.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
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Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting, LLC
US Senator Terry Sanford (1917-1998) 4141 Parklake Avenue, Suite 200 919-653-7805 Fax 919-653-0435
NC Governor James E. Holshouser (1934-2013) Raleigh, NC 27612 www.SHEDC.com
Sincerely,
Ernest C. Pearson
cc: Coley Price
Rocky Lane
The above proposal is accepted.
___________________________ Date:________________________
George A. Wood
Interim County Manager
.
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Harnett County’s
Legislative Priorities
Fiscal Year 2021
strong roots new growth
Adopted February 1, 2021
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Item 6
Top Legislative Priorities
Assist County in Expanding Broadband Access to Underserved Areas
Lack of access to high speed Broadband is a significant barrier to economic growth, and limits
educational opportunities and outcomes for residents. Broadband access has become even more critical
during the COVID-19 pandemic with more people teleworking and more students learning remotely.
Harnett County completed a Broadband Survey in 2019 and entered into a partnership with an ISP in
2020 to expand Broadband availability in Harnett County, however additional funding is required to
expedite expansion of this critical utility. We request funding to assist the County in creating a fiber optic
network to provide reliable high speed Internet to the county’s residents at an affordable price.
Broadband
Assist County with Economic Development Marketing Efforts
Harnett County currently owns three industrial parks, which it is marketing for industrial and commercial
development, along with a number of privately owned sites across the county. The County works with
EDPNC, the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, and others to increase awareness of these properties.
The County has seen varied success in selling these properties for industrial and commercial use. We wish
to make our legislators aware of Harnett County’s economic development efforts and product, and ask
that they assist us by advocating for Harnett County and sharing information regarding the availability of
funding, grants, and other resources to enhance our ongoing economic development marketing efforts.
Assist County in Creation of Industrial Parks and Sites for Economic Development
Harnett County is committed to the development and marketing of industrial parks to expand the
County’s economy and provide quality jobs for the county’s citizens. The County is currently seeking
additional properties in strategic locations for the purpose of developing additional product to market for
economic development purposes. While land is available in the county for economic development,
additional amenities are necessary to make these sites attractive for industrial recruitment. The County is
willing to pursue opportunities to take advantage of resources through EDA, Golden LEAF, CDBG, Utility
Account, Rural Economic Infrastructure, and other programs. We seek additional assistance in developing
sites for economic development to include utilities such as high-speed Internet (greater than 10 Gbps),
natural gas, water and sewer, streets, power, and other necessary infrastructure.
Economic Development
Assist County with Expanding and Enhancing Harnett Regional Jetport
Harnett Regional Jetport is an economic engine for Harnett County. In the past decade, the County has
rehabilitated runways and taxiways; and has improved the apron, taxiways and runways to accommodate
larger aircraft to expand the airport’s aviation and economic capabilities. To fully take advantage of the
Jetport’s economic development potential, it needs additional hangars and more land to allow for
future growth. Harnett County is preparing to make additional investments in the jetport in the form of
additional and improved lighting, apron expansion; and a badly needed new terminal and site
improvements. The current terminal was built in 1982 and is only 1,800 square feet, which does not meet
the 4,500-square-foot standard for the State’s Airport Development Plan for Blue Airports. The terminal is
more than 95% designed. We ask for additional appropriations to enhance what is currently available to
offset the cost to the County of making these critical enhancements for future growth of this important
resource.
Harnett Regional Jetport
Harnett County FY 21 Legislative Priorities February 1, 2021 1
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Top Legislative Priorities
Support Four-Lane Highways into Wake County
Harnett County does not have a four-lane highway into Wake County, which is a significant barrier to
growth and economic development. U.S. 401 and N.C. 55 are natural candidates to be widened to four
lanes. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) has launched a high -level study of
U.S. 401 from Harnett into Wake County, and a project that will widen N.C. 55 to four lanes going into
Wake County and create a bypass around the Town of Angier is planned and set for funding in the
coming years. Additional funding is required to extend the N.C. 55 widening project south to the Town of
Coats. We ask for continued support and assistance in moving these projects up on the priority list.
Support Creation of Bypass around City of Dunn
U.S. 421 is a major artery through Harnett County for commerce; however, travel slows considerably
through Downtown Dunn, especially at certain times of the day. The construction of a bypass around
Dunn that passes by Edgerton Industrial Park and the Food Lion Warehouse in Dunn would improve
travel through this area and would also enhance the appeal for commercial and industrial development in
this area. A bypass has been considered in the last several years and there is a project designation with
NCDOT. We ask for assistance in pushing this project forward as a priority for design and funding.
Support Expansion of CAMPO’s Boundary within Harnett County
Harnett County is split between the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), the
Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), and the Mid-Carolina Rural Planning
Organization (RPO). This split has made it difficult to obtain funding and support for priority
transportation projects across the county. The 2020 U.S. Census presents an opportunity to expand
CAMPO’s boundary further into Harnett County to include locations that are strategic for the county ’s
continued growth and development. We ask for continued support and assistance expanding CAMPO’s
boundaries within Harnett County to include the Town of Lillington, Campbell University and Harnett
Regional Jetport.
Transportation US
401
Increase Lottery Payout to Counties
Since its inception, the North Carolina Education Lottery has provided valuable funding assistance to
school districts across the State including Harnett County Schools. However, the percentage of lottery
revenue school districts receive has continued to decline as more and more lottery funding is diverted for
other uses. We ask that the lottery payout be restored to its initial level of 40% of revenue. We also ask
that when counties receive grant funding through the Needs-Based School Capital Fund that counties are
made whole for any funding they would have received from the lottery beyond the annual amount of the
grant.
Education
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Additional Legislative Priorities
The Federal Impact Aid Program reimburses school districts for the loss of local tax revenue due to the presence of
the Federal Government. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education and funding is approved
each year by Congress through the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Subcommittee bill.
Because the Impact Aid Program is not fully funded (and hasn’t been since 1969), funds are distributed using a needs
-based funding formula, which results in Harnett County Schools receiving less funding per student than surrounding
counties. In 2019, Harnett County Schools received $879,239.01 in Impact Aid Funding, but would have received
$4,421,611.44 had the program been fully funded, a difference of $3,542,372.43. We request that Congress fully fund
the Impact Aid Program to address the impact of military-connected students on local school systems.
Appropriate Full Funding for the Federal Impact Aid Program (Federal)
Access to natural gas is a basic requirement for many businesses and industries. Despite population growth in
portions of Harnett County, the absence of natural gas has prevented the commercial and industrial development
that would normally accompany this growth. We ask for assistance in identifying opportunities to expand natural gas
capacity throughout the county through public-private partnerships.
Assist with Efforts to Expand Natural Gas Capacity (State)
Harnett County loses sales tax revenue due to vendors not properly designating the county location for delivery of
goods. A significant portion of the County has zip codes which are shared with surrounding counties. The use of the
five-digit zip code instead of the nine-digit zip code sometimes results in the wrong county being credited for taxes
when the delivery destination is in Harnett County. This is particularly important when it comes to building materials
being delivered to site for new construction and residents shopping online. Harnett County is working to educate
homebuilders and residents about this issue, however we seek State assistance, which could include requiring
vendors to use a central database maintained by the State, requiring use of the nine -digit zip code for reporting, or
developing a statewide addressing database.
Require Accurate County Assignment of Sales Tax for Delivered Goods (State)
Harnett County is among the fastest growing counties in North Carolina, and with that growth comes additional
demand for public services including the education of students. The County’s median home value is $148,400
(Source: N.C. Department of Commerce), which does not generate enough tax revenue to pay for the services the
home’s occupants will need. At present, more than 9,500 new homes are at some stage of development across
Harnett County, with nearly half (4,700) located in northwest Harnett County. This will create a significant burden on
our school system. We request assistance in coming up with a solution to help fund public education in the county.
Provide Additional Solutions to Assist with Funding Public Education (State &
Federal)
Few schools across the state were built with modern security needs in mind. The cost to modify schools to address
present-day threats is substantial. Harnett County Schools included $1,417,954 for school security measures in their
FY 2021 budget request. We ask for additional funding to help make our schools safer places for teachers to teach
and students to learn.
Provide Funding to Help Counties Implement School Security Measures (State &
Federal)
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Additional Legislative Priorities
Over the last several years, county health departments have seen funding reductions including to federal WCH grant
funding County health departments receive. County health departments have lost approximately $2.2 million since
2011 due to carveouts, which makes operation more difficult. This issue is of renewed importance due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. We request preservation of funding levels for county departments of public health.
Preserve Funding for Local Health Departments (State)
When a property is developed into a subdivision, the County requires the developer to build the roads to NCDOT
specifications with the intent that NCDOT will assume maintenance of the roads soon after most of the building is
done. As it stands, NCDOT requires that 75 percent of homes in a subdivision be occupied before the developer can
petition to have the roads taken over. This sometimes results in the developer pulling out of the project before the
roads can be taken over, which creates issues for homeowners in the subdivision. Harnett County Development
Services requests that the threshold be lowered and changed to 60-65% buildout and that occupancy not be a
Lower NCDOT Road Takeover Threshold to 60-65% percent Buildout (State)
House Bill 466 (Firefighters’ Line of Duty Diseases/Funds) would have expanded the list of cancers covered as
occupational diseases for firefighter’s death benefits (from 3 to 7) and appropriate funds to cover the additional
death benefits. House Bill 520 (Firefighters Fighting Cancer Act) would have expanded the types of cancers that are
considered occupational diseases for firefighters and covered by worker compensation act. Harnett County
Emergency Services requests support of these initiatives and that it be accompanied by a dedicated funding stream
so that it won’t negatively impact county budgets.
Support Legislation to Assist Firefighters who Contract Disease Related to Service
(State)
Currently, State and Federal grant opportunities for fire prevention programs are available to fire departments,
departments that provide rescue services, and local law enforcement agencies. The expansion of the grants program
to include county fire marshals offices would allow for additional prevention programs to provide smoke detector
installation in rural low income areas, purchase fire safety trailers/equipment and hold community -related fire
Expand Fire Prevention Grant Opportunities to include Counties (State & Federal)
Senate Bill 519 would have required licensing and permitting for individuals and firms that install and service portable
fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems. Harnett County Emergency Services views this as a critical public
safety issue. Licensing and permitting of these operations would ensure a standard and accountability for these
vendors, and would provide business owners with confidence that their systems have been installed by a qualified
contractor.
Require Licensing & Permitting for Fire Extinguisher & Suppression System
Installation (State)
Allowing flexibility in establishing their K-12 calendars would give school systems the ability to align the K-12
calendar with local community colleges, which would provide more opportunities for high school students to take
advantage of opportunities for higher education.
Give School Systems Flexibility in Establishing their K-12 Calendars (State)
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Additional Legislative Priorities
Harnett County is home to the first Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) in North Carolina. Established in 2013, the Court
has helped many veterans in Harnett County and the surrounding region who struggle with substance abuse and
other issues connected to their military service build fulfilling and productive lives back home. VTC accepts any
qualifying veteran from across the state who has the ability to travel to the court ’s weekly sessions. The Court has
been able to provide this service through federal grants, however grant funding is increasingly difficult to obtain. We
ask for additional support for this program, as well for the reinstatement of funding for other programs such as
mental health courts and drug treatment courts, which could provide assistance to residents who are not veterans but
would still benefit from these programs and services.
Provide Funding to Support and Establish Treatment Courts (State)
Since 1941, the N.C. General Assembly has appropriated state aid funding for public libraries in North Carolina to
promote and equalize public library service across the State. The Harnett County Public Library requests the
restoration of state aid funding of public libraries to the pre -2011 level of $15.7 million in recurring funding, as well as
the elimination of special provisions that distribute state aid outside of the equitable formula developed by the State
Library Commission. The Library also requests the appropriation of $500,000 in recurring funding to the NC Kids
Digital Library. Launched in 2017, NC Kids is a statewide eBook consortium that includes more than 37,000 eBooks,
audiobooks, and streaming videos for children that align with North Carolina’s summer reading program initiatives.
Appropriate Recurring Funds to Support State Aid for Public Libraries (State)
The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation (ADFP) Trust Fund provides payments to families for
placing conservation easements on their property while still allowing the land to be used for agricultural and timber
production. Due to limited funding for the program, projects have been turned down or have been only partially
funded. Harnett County Soil & Water Conservation District requests increasing the annual appropriation to ADFP
from $4.3 million to $6 million. The NCDA Farmland Preservation Office believes this appropriation will better equip
ADFP based on statewide applications.
Increase Appropriation to Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation
Trust Fund (State)
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