Wayne County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wayne County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Project Pioneer Economic Incentives
The county approved incentive grants for Scout Limited and Goshen Engineering to encourage local business expansions, capital investments, and job creation in Goldsboro and Mount Olive.
UNC Health Wayne Integration Agreement
Wayne County commissioners approved a major agreement to fully integrate UNC Health Wayne into the statewide UNC Health system. The deal brings a 15-year, $675 million financial commitment to improve local healthcare, upgrade facilities, expand specialty care, and establish a level three trauma center.
Regionalization Sewer Proposal
Commissioners discussed pursuing state legislation to consolidate wastewater systems countywide to improve efficiency, reduce operational hurdles, and foster economic growth.
QT Corporation Industrial Expansion at ParkEast
Wayne County and the Development Alliance partnered to construct a new 50,000 square foot industrial shell building to help recruit businesses to the area.
Juvenile Detention Housing Costs
The county faces significant budget pressures due to rising costs for housing juveniles in approved state detention facilities following state age-adjustment mandates. Expenses are running around $50,000 to $79,000 per month.
Opioid Settlement Fund Allocation
Wayne County is using national opioid settlement funds to launch a 24/7 paramedic-led response team to tackle the rising tide of drug overdoses and connect struggling residents with treatment.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 County Budget
The county manager presented the $291.2 million proposed budget, which maintains the current property tax rate of 62.59 cents while addressing inflation, rising healthcare costs, and employee compensation.
FY 2026-2027 County Recommended Budget
County Manager Chip Crumpler unveiled a $291.2 million recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year that maintains the current property tax rate of $0.6259. The spending plan uses $5.5 million in fund balance reserves, funds 11 new positions mostly in EMS, and provides employee salary adjustments.
Property Tax Relief and Revenue Protection
The county commissioners strongly opposed state proposals to cap or limit property taxes, arguing that such caps would force service cuts unless the state takes over the expensive public health, safety, and welfare mandates it forces counties to carry.
FY26-27 County Health Insurance Coverage
The board discussed whether to pass an 8% health insurance cost increase onto employees or absorb it through the county budget. Commissioners ultimately voted to fully fund the increase, protecting employees from extra monthly fees.
ParkEast Industrial Park Land Sale for Project Light
The county agreed to sell 31.48 acres in ParkEast Industrial Park to InLight Real Estate Acquisitions at a reduced price of $40,000 per acre to facilitate a major industrial development project.