News Lines in Moore, Lee and Harnett April 20-26

This news lines article includes a Teen News video at the end.

• Harnett County Commissioners approved a resolution on April 21 opposing changes to county tax authority.
• A public hearing on a proposed one-year data center moratorium is set for May 4.
• The House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform is advancing a constitutional amendment to limit property tax revenue growth.
• The proposal must pass the full legislature before appearing on the November ballot.
• The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners said the amendment’s broad language could allow stricter limits later.
• Commissioners approved waiving $10,000 in system development fees for certain high-revenue businesses without prior board approval.
• Vice-Chairman Matt Nicol raised concerns about data center growth, citing water capacity and infrastructure limits.
• Municipalities may decide independently whether to allow or pause data center development.
• The county will partner with Campbell University to offer free tax filing assistance.

• The City of Sanford added data centers to its Uniform Development Ordinance on April 21, following Lee County’s approval of rules with revisions the day before.
• Commissioners reduced proposed fines from $10,000 to $100 per day, citing legal guidance that penalties must be reasonable and consistent with other industries.
• Officials debated stricter standards, with some citing noise concerns while others warned of legal and financial risks, including potential lawsuits.
• The ordinance includes requirements for noise limits, buffers, landscaping and water-use protections, with added language to prevent strain on community services.
• Rules require data centers to use electricity, effectively blocking use of local gas sources such as Butler Well #3.
• Public speakers raised concerns about noise, water usage, environmental impact, limited job creation, and lack of long-term research, with some calling for a moratorium.
• Officials and industry representatives said infrastructure costs would be borne by developers, while others urged more study before approving large-scale projects.
• Moore County Commissioners reduced minimum residential front setbacks from 40 feet to 30 feet across all zoning districts.
• The board approved a $653,984 contract to replace 18,000 outdated water meters, citing compatibility upgrades and drought monitoring.
• Commissioners extended waste disposal services through 2031 with a one-time 2% rate increase.
• Officials also addressed drought conditions and public safety, including fire risk awareness and expanded school security support.
• On April 21, Gov. Josh Stein announced his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to keep North Carolina strong. The Governor’s budget raises starting teacher pay to the highest in the Southeast and provides meaningful tax relief to working families while ensuring North Carolina can continue to invest in critical needs, including public safety, public education, child care, workforce development, and health care. This budget complements the Governor’s targeted budgets to address critical needs and support ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, addressing immediate challenges while planning for long-term success. 

• During the April 21 public hearing, the Sanford Planning Board recommended a concept plan and rezoning for a 271-home subdivision, Parkside Village, on the historic Reeves Ridge Farm. On May 5, the city will vote on rezoning three parcels totaling 60 acres on Wicker Street across from Kiwanis Family Park from urban neighborhood and general commercial to Parkside Village conditional zoning. The historic Reeves Ridge Farm owned by Charles and Sarah Reeves will be converted into 127 single-family homes and 144 multi-family units within six apartment buildings. “If possible,” the application reads, “the existing historic house will be restored for a central amenity and clubhouse.”
• On April 20, the Moore County Board of Commissioners, joined by county planning staff, held a special work session to examine the proposed Highway Corridor Overlay District (HCOD), a set of zoning standards intended to guide development along major roadway corridors.
• Moore County Schools opened a communications survey on their website.
• On April 20, Central Carolina Community College trustees heralded record enrollment and approved cashless markets, renewed vendor deals, and donated a training pod for Deep River Elementary. Spring 2026 enrollment saw 6,397 students, a 5.8% increase over last spring.
• The Moore County Board of Education approved standard law enforcement with the sheriff’s department to replace its private security officer program at the April 20 meeting.
• Interim Superintendent, Jennifer Purvis, acting on school Policy 3660/7450, shook the board’s tight grip off privatized school resource officers.

• Ramon Gomez has excelled in some of Central Carolina Community College’s most intellectually challenging courses, facing fears and doubts as he tackled the toughest material, and emerged victorious. For his extraordinary academic record, his positivity, and the support he has provided to other students, Gomez was recognized with the 2026 Academic Excellence Award for Central Carolina Community College.
• A North Carolina House Oversight Committee hearing this week brought renewed focus to parental rights and age-appropriate materials in public schools, drawing lawmakers, advocacy groups and concerned citizens from across the state. Among those attending the hearing were members of Pavement Education Project, NC Values, Moms for Liberty, and Rev. John Amanchukwu, alongside Moore County resident and community advocate Jim Pedersen, who traveled to Raleigh to support the effort.
• The annual Sanford Dementia Caregiver Conference will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
• Peter Schweizer will speak to the Moore County GOP on May 12 at 5 p.m. Reservations required. info@mooregop.com
• On April 22, Moore County Economic Developer Partnership President Natalie Hawkins introduced speakers at the Moore County Airport April 22 meeting held inside a hangar. Speakers discussed commercial flights at the county airport.

• The article, “School Policy 2610 on legal fees: Lee’s protocol leads, Harnett’s tight control, and Moore’s taxpayer burden,” explains why attorney fees vary among the three districts.

Enjoy the Teen News video designed to engage youth with current events and civics.

April 26, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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