Brunswick County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Brunswick County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Absentee ballot review
The elections board was scheduled to review and act on absentee ballots, a key step in making sure valid mail-in votes count in the election. No record of the outcome is available.
Election
Brunswick County voters are getting an early look at the 2026 Board of Commissioner candidates to help them make up their minds. Checking out who is running now lets you figure out which local leaders actually share your goals before election day rolls around.
Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader Cameras
Following recent public concern and an internal audit identifying misuse, the board instituted a 30-day pause on new ALPR equipment procurement. Commissioners called for improved administrative and legal review to ensure transparency and proper training.
Village at Town Creek Planned Development (PD-181)
A new 176-home subdivision is planned on 60 acres near Winnabow, featuring open space and wider buffers near a historic church and cemetery.
UDO Text Amendments and State Law Compliance (HB 1222)
County staff proposed updating the Unified Development Ordinance to comply with state law changes under House Bill 1222, altering board approval authorities and traffic impact analysis requirements.
Tidebourne Landing Planned Development (PD-176)
A developer is proposing 274 single-family homes on 105 acres at the current site of the Shallotte Swamp Park, which would close the park. Neighbors raised concerns about flooding, wetland impacts, and traffic, though the developer added an ungated connection to improve neighborhood evacuation routes.
Open Burning Regulations and State Authority
The board discussed options for monitoring and addressing issues related to open land-clearing and prescribed burns that cause smoke and school closures, ultimately deciding to pursue legislative communication with state representatives.
State Legislative Goals for Infrastructure and Growth
Commissioners agreed to lobby the state for help with clogged drainage ditches, better road evacuation routes, and bridge funding. They are frustrated that rapid growth is straining local roads without enough state support.
Annexation
The town of Leland is starting its first round of annexations enabled by a new state law. If your property sits on the edge of town, you might soon find yourself officially living inside Leland city limits.
Rezoning Case Z-938 (Sunset Beach ETJ Removal)
Following its removal from the Sunset Beach ETJ by state legislation, a 2.65-acre parcel required county zoning within 60 days to avoid becoming unzoned. The board applied Commercial Low Density zoning, matching surrounding properties, despite resident concerns over traffic and stormwater.
Highway 211 Corridor Commercial Rezoning (Summerlin Commercial)
A developer requested rezoning 25 acres near Southport Supply Road from rural residential to neighborhood commercial. While nearby Winding River residents opposed it over traffic and compatibility concerns, supporters argued it will bring much-needed retail and grocery options closer to thousands of newly approved homes.
Water Conservation
Brunswick County just hit Stage 3 water conservation, meaning everyone needs to follow a new lawn-watering schedule or risk getting fined. It's a quick fix we all have to make to help keep the local water supply stable.
Traffic Congestion and Road Safety
Locals voiced deep frustration over worsening traffic gridlock on connector roads like Benton Road, Gilbert Road, and Old Lennon Road, noting that multiple new subdivisions are severely straining local road networks and delaying emergency response times.
Property Taxes
Brunswick County property tax bills are out now, and they feature updated fire fee rates for applicable residents. You will want to check your total balance and figure out your payment method before the deadline.
School Capacity and Rapid Population Growth
The board and public reviewed school capacity data indicating that several area schools, such as Supply Elementary and South Brunswick High School, are nearing or projected to exceed 100% capacity in the coming years due to rapid residential growth.
Christian Recovery Center Neighborhood Impacts
A local resident raised concerns regarding the Christian Recovery Center facility in Sanders Forest, citing neighborhood disruptions, trespassing, and safety issues from individuals leaving the facility. Commissioners agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting with residents and center representatives.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
The board was scheduled to hear about the annual Opioid Settlement Fund community meeting, which shapes how opioid settlement money is spent locally.
Barbie Branch Library Expansion
The Barbee Library expansion has secured the funding needed to begin the county planning process — a big step toward more space and services in Oak Island. FOLSOI fundraising is supporting the project.
State budget bill impacts on DSS
A legislative update was scheduled on how the state budget bill could affect Department of Social Services funding and services in Brunswick County.
Development Approval
Brunswick County just gave the green light to a massive 291-unit housing expansion in Southport, ignoring heavy pushback from locals worried about traffic. If you commute through this corridor, get ready for even worse gridlock on your daily drive.
HHS/EOC Building Phase 2 Construction
The county approved a guaranteed maximum price of over $62.6 million for the second phase of the Health and Human Services and Emergency Operations Center building.
Water Capacity and Fire Flow in Southern Brunswick County
Fire officials warned commissioners that rapid growth in Calabash is outpacing the local water system's capacity, creating dangerous fire suppression risks for historic and commercial waterfront areas.
Development Authority
Brunswick County is pushing new legislation to shake up how local development is managed. If you care about how your neighborhood grows and who calls the shots, this is worth keeping an eye on.
Gray Bridge Planned Development Postponement
A 400-unit residential development proposal was pulled from the agenda because the developer failed to submit required documentation. Residents during public comment raised ongoing concerns about infrastructure strain, wetlands, and traffic impacts associated with large-scale projects.
Development Process
New state bills could completely shake up how development works in Brunswick County, and local leaders are already at odds over the changes. Depending on how this plays out, it could seriously speed up or alter how fast your neighborhood grows.
Southport Wastewater System Rehabilitation
County staff proposed a $6 monthly increase to the base wastewater service charge and a $1 volumetric increase, marking the first sewer rate adjustment in 20 years to help fund massive infrastructure upgrades.
Teacher Affordable Housing Initiative
The school board requested county support to set aside 12 acres for a 24-unit affordable apartment complex for teachers funded by an interest-free credit union loan. Commissioners enthusiastically supported the project to help recruit and retain educators.
Inmate Medical Services Contract Amendment
The board debated and approved a contract amendment for jail medical services with Wellpath LLC, featuring a 2.7% cost increase and telehealth psychiatric care.
Employee Health Plan Renewal and GLP-1 Coverage Policy
County commissioners renewed employee health insurance with a 6% rate hike and voted to drop GLP-1 weight loss drug coverage to save $1.5 million.
Highway 87 Water Transmission Main Project
The county secured $13.1 million in federal Army Corps funds and added $6.9 million in county funds to build a major water transmission line along Highway 87.
Employee Compensation and Market Study
A new market study shows Brunswick County is lagging behind market averages for key positions like deputies and paramedics, with implementing recommended grade adjustments costing roughly $5.75 million in base salaries alone.
Volunteer Fire Department Contract Negotiations
The county is negotiating new contracts with volunteer fire departments to improve emergency response standards, but pushback from chiefs over performance metrics and capital equipment ownership has stalled agreement.
Election Candidate Questionnaires
Get the rundown on 2026 Brunswick County commissioner candidates before you vote. It's a fast way to figure out who actually shares your goals for local government.
First Responder Compensation and Staff Retention
Sheriff John Ingram and commissioners discussed the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining deputies and first responders amid rising local living costs and competition from municipal agencies offering higher starting pay. The board acknowledged the upcoming pay study refresh but debated whether existing revenue streams can support substantial compensation increases without raising taxes.
Municipal Elections
Brunswick County just flipped its local government with some major election upsets, bringing in fresh faces to shake up city hall. If you live here, expect some new directions and different priorities from your local leaders soon.
Housing Development
Plans to build a 200-home subdivision in Brunswick County are paused after locals raised red flags about worse traffic and flooding. If you live nearby, at least your commute and yard won't get any worse for the time being.
Water Infrastructure Grant
Brunswick County is chasing state and federal grants to fund major water infrastructure upgrades. Commissioners are finally acting on loud resident demands for cleaner, safer tap water.
Flood Risk Ordinance
Brunswick County is revamping its local rules to deal with rising flood risks, which means you might soon see stricter building guidelines in your neighborhood. These changes aim to better protect local properties from worsening floods.
Budget Debate
Brunswick County's new budget proposal keeps property tax rates completely steady so homeowners won't face any surprise increases this year. It's a rare bit of financial relief that lets you breathe a little easier when tax season rolls around.
Development Moratorium
Brunswick County officials ditched plans for a temporary building freeze after facing legal hurdles, meaning local development is going to keep right on moving. If you've been tracking real estate or new construction in the area, the status quo remains unchanged.
EMS agreement dispute
Southport leaders are fighting back against Brunswick County's new EMS agreement, calling it a blatant power grab that could shake up emergency medical care in your neighborhood.
Emergency Declaration
Brunswick County officials just declared a state of emergency and called for voluntary evacuations as severe weather moves in. You'll want to check local alerts immediately to see if your specific neighborhood is in the path of the storm.