Carteret County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Carteret County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Beach nourishment project funding adjustment
The board set up a $31.7 million special fund for beach nourishment and approved the Bogue Banks 2026/2027 beach project agreement with the towns. That's the money that keeps sand on Bogue Banks beaches.
CCATS transit service funding for FY 2028
The county's public bus system depends on annual federal and state grants. Approving these applications keeps the Down East Express to the Triangle running daily and adds a Greenville Express connection, with rides to the Raleigh area costing just $20 one-way for county residents.
County leadership transition
Sharon Griffin is retiring as county manager, and the board picked Matt Reynal to hold the fort as interim manager starting November 2. Trey Ferguson takes over as county attorney October 1. The goal is a smooth handoff with Griffin staying through year-end to help.
Youth athletic field shortage
Four speakers from youth sports leagues told commissioners the county is running out of playing fields and losing tournament bids to nearby cities because it lacks a multi-field complex. They asked the county to prioritize fields in the upcoming budget and pointed to sports tourism dollars other counties are capturing.
Dangerous dog ordinance revisions
After recent attacks — including one on a county employee — the county is tightening its dangerous dog rules. New procedures would let animal control impound dogs, require secure enclosures, microchips, and registration, and add $500 fines. A resident who was attacked described how staff declined to classify her attacker as dangerous. More discussion and a vote come next month.
Highway 24 boat ramp progress
The county finally got all its state and federal permits in December 2025, and the gravel driveway should be done by early September. The ramp itself goes out for bid around January 2027, with opening hoped for late 2027 or early 2028.
Senior services respite program launch
The county will spend about $20,000 to start a weekly four-hour respite program giving caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia a break, with a $40 fee per visit and a goal of opening July 1. One in four county residents is over 65, and state block grant funds may sustain the program later.
Vacancy in the Office of Sheriff
Sheriff Asa Buck's departure created a vacancy the board had to fill under state law. The appointment of John Nyberg keeps leadership of the sheriff's office continuous through upcoming changes at the jail and the county's growth.
FY 2026-27 Budget and Tax Rate
The county locked in next year's budget at a 22.5-cent tax rate after a debate over cutting a penny. Commissioners Clark and Shinn argued surpluses show room to give money back; the majority pointed to a pending salary study, rising insurance costs, and sales tax uncertainty. A penny is worth about $14 a month to the average homeowner.
Outdoor Burning Ordinance Amendments
The county wants to require written permission from neighbors before burning within 100 feet of a residence. Breakwater Drive residents described years of overnight fires, smoke, and 911 calls with no enforcement tool. Commissioners want the five-house threshold removed so the rule covers any residence.