Parole concerns and big projects take center stage at Harnett Commissioners meeting

The Jan. 20 Harnett County Commissioners’ meeting discussed parolees congregating in Dunn’s business district and approved major public safety and infrastructure projects.

During public comments, Seth Gunderson, who owns Coffee on Broad in Dunn, said the “fiasco” created by parolees visiting the parole and probation office needed more observation by law enforcement. He said the temporary fix of having them in the public business district was a bad idea and that the parole office needed to be moved pronto.

When County Manager Brent Trout updated the board at the end of the meeting, he said the Department of Corrections had discussed the needs of the Dunn parole and probation office and was searching for a solution.

“They identified two of the individuals,” Trout said about the people urinating in the public alley.

Commissioner Barbara McKoy said the problem had been going on for many years.

Trout said there was not a specific chosen site, but the Department of Corrections supplied a list of requirements for the building.

The board honored Harnett County Hero, Cecil E. McNeill.

Lance Corporal Cecil E. McNeill received the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal for heroic achievement while serving as Assault Amphibian Crew Chief with 3rd Platoon, Company B, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force from Aug. 2, 1990, to March 12, 1991, during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner, assisting in the off-load of 109 assault amphibian vehicles from four maritime prepositioning ships in a record ten hours upon arrival in Southwest Asia. McNeill demonstrated notable perseverance by devoting long hours to maintenance to ensure vehicles were combat-ready, and during combat operations, while driving through a cleared lane in an Iraqi minefield under enemy artillery fire, he prevented his vehicle from overturning after it collapsed an Iraqi bunker. His decisive and alert actions prevented serious injuries to embarked infantry and crew. Displaying superior technical knowledge, he completed more than 148 operating hours and 1,098 miles without serious vehicle problems. His professionalism and tireless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The public comment period revealed several concerns.

A citizen spoke about industrial development and entrepreneurs and complimented the smart growth but asked for global companies to support entrepreneurs. The same person said the new security cameras at the sheriff’s department helped with transparency but questioned whether the people using the cameras would use them correctly.

Allen Longman criticized the water supply and said it was not filtered correctly, saying people would pay more for cleaner water. He said highly educated people would not bring their families, knowing the school district had low scores.

It is important to share that Harnett Regional Water’s 2024 report is available online here.

“We are very proud of our record of environmental compliance as evidenced by this water quality report. We did not have any water quality violations and produced excellent water for our customers as always,” reads the Harnett Regional Water report.

Eric Stephenson from Spring Lake said he supported conditional zoning to negotiate development with thoughtful planning. He asked for a clear capital improvement plan and wanted the information sent by text to citizens. He said that seniors built the county and needed more social workers.

During action items, the board approved the construction of a $1.4 million fire substation near 3224 Shady Grove Road on one acre of donated land. Emergency Services Director Larry Smith introduced the topic, saying it was a request from Anderson Creek Emergency Services.

“It will lower over 700 homeowners’ protection class ratings,” Smith said, because it will bring services closer. “It will also lower their tax rates.”

Brooks Matthews asked if it would eliminate the need for the west area.

Smith said there would still be service for Erwin and around the NC Highway 217 area.

The board voted to proceed with the purchase of 80 acres for $3 million to extend the airport runway after over 20 years of negotiations with the owner, John Britt.

Chairman Duncan Edward Jaggers said he wanted to see the courthouse’s third floor in use instead of being a storage area.

Commissioner William Morris said the space may be needed for another superior courtroom.

McKoy said they do not have the funds, and the use should be in the Capital Improvement Plan.

Trout said funding set aside may be feasible, but there was no plan in place for the third floor and that needed to happen first. He said presentations from those who wanted to use the space would help them decide.

The Tuesday, Jan. 27 meeting may be canceled if there is a power outage.

Jan. 23, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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