Moore Commissioners eye new animal shelter, school funding, water project and land use changes

Moore County Commissioners tackled major growth issues during their Aug. 19 community work session, from a new animal shelter to school funding, water independence and learned a new land use plan subdivision rule.

The meeting touched nearly every corner of county life. Commissioners agreed the county’s animal shelter is outdated and must be replaced. They also underscored the importance of securing the county’s own water supply, a move that would reduce reliance on outside sources dealing with their own water woes.

Education was another top priority, as the board pressed the school system to bring forward clear budget requests for new schools.

Land use was also on the table, with commissioners weighing updates to future development plans as Moore County continues to grow.

This session set the stage for decisions that will shape local infrastructure, education and quality of life for generations.

Vice Chairman Nick Picerno said making plans for a new animal shelter was critical because the existing shelter had limited space and was stuck out of sight behind the public works building.

“We want animal advocates to weigh in on this,” Picerno said.

Commissioner Tom Adams said animal advocates could help them find grants.

Commissioner John Ritter agreed with them, adding grants are for needs and to use them conservatively.

Picerno, looking at Superintendent Tim Locklair, Chair Robin Calcutt, and Vice Chair Shannon Davis, said the schools needed to provide a timeline based on Davenport Public Finance’s recommendations from the morning’s presentation.

“I’m sure they [Moore County Schools] have an eighty-five percent solution right now,” Chairman Kurt Cook said.

Davenport Public Finance recommended the school board present budget requests for specific needs, especially Carthage Elementary School, by Sept. 2026. This deadline provides time for the county to gather costs for projects for the statutory language required by the board of elections for the voters’ ballots, and to print pamphlets to educate the public.

Senior Vice President of Davenport Public Finance, Mitch Brigulio, said the county had an excellent credit rating and would not have a problem with financing projects with bonds or loans.

General obligation bond referendum ballot questions specify projects, can limit the use of the bond proceeds and will be used to fund the animal shelter and school projects. This type of bond increases the county’s credit rating, and citizens vote on the bond referendum.

“For the general obligation bond, begin this fall, have one year of planning for a vote in November in 2026. Board of elections verifies results by December. Go to the LGC [local government commission] and in April or June 2027, you’ll have the funds in the bank to pay for projects,” Brigulio said.

For the estimated $120 million to $160 million water project, Brigulio advised a revenue bond. It is a type for utilities, pledges a specific enterprise revenue stream and does not require a vote.

“The revenue bond option provides the most flexibility for utilities. Most put a mortgage on on a facility, then one group of investors can take control of the water project. If a developer puts a lien on it, other investors would not be comfortable [to offer a loan]. You are agreeing to pledge net revenue, with set rates and charges, and if you don’t meet the requirements, you must increase rates. If you don’t a third party comes in and tells you what to charge,” Brigulio said about revenue bonds.

Picerno advised hiring a hydrologist to locate water within the county and give the company a 90-day deadline.

Moore County is still $100 million in debt and 43% of payments are on the interest, according to Picerno.

Update on new Land Use Plans

Land Use Plan/Unified Development Ordinance Director Debra Ensminger reviewed updates on the new land use plans.

UPDATE: The Moore County Planning Board approved allowing subdivisions within subdivisions in Seven Lakes and Woodlake last month.

Commissioners delayed land use amendments to allow subdivisions within subdivisions at the Aug. 19 meeting indefinitely.

Aug. 20, at the work session, Planning Director Debra Ensminger said the new land use plans will allow subdivisions “by right” when the developments’ plans meet all requirements in areas designated for subdivisions, like Seven Lakes and Woodlake.

See the three videos below to learn how designated areas in the new plans that allow subdivisions will be automatically approved “by right” without commissioners’ approval, how infrastructure is incorporated and which three areas are targeted for towns.

Veterans Treatment Court

The Clerk of Superior Court Todd Maness and Kristin Gosztonyi requested a second state-level employee for the Veterans Treatment Court at 707 Pinehurst Ave. in Carthage.

The agency helps incarcerated veterans with mental health issues and is searching for more veteran volunteers for counselling.

Aug. 20, 2025

Stephanie M. Sellers