Harnett County approves $500K manager contract authority

On Nov. 2, Harnett County Commissioners approved contract authority changes, an emergency management grant, and an $84,300 water line project at the animal adoption center. Public comments expressed worries about violent crime and repeat offenders in Dunn.

With little discussion, the board approved a change in policy for managers approving contracts. Finance Officer Kimberly Honeycutt had advised that managers approve contracts of $251 to $500k with the manager immediately notifying the board. She said they should change terms from three years to five years for contracted services because they facilitate better deals.

Previously, a manager approved contracts up to $250k, and reported the approval at the next board meeting, but it has become an operational burden.

The board approved a $5,000 North Carolina Department of Public Safety FY26 Tier II Grant for emergency management.

They approved revisions to the Drug and Alcohol Policy for HARTS to meet compliance with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to receive state funds. The change is to not require mouth swabs for alcohol and to change the word “gender” to “sex.”

The board approved a water line upgrade and extension for the Harnett County Animal Adoption Center. The cost was estimated at $98,6k, but by changing the pipe diameter from 6 inches to 8 inches, it is now $84,3k.

The board honored Harnett County Veteran Hero Russell D. Dallas.

During public comments, James P. said the county courthouse had a current case Nov. 17 with two of his family members allegedly attacked with a handgun in a Dunn parking lot. He said the alleged gun owner had accused James a few days prior of being a narc because he was in the parking lot drinking water. He said as a former officer; he was close to engaging him when he arrived because the man was waving a gun. He said he wanted someone to take the crime out of Harnett and that the habitual criminals were known and to throw out judges who did not serve stiff sentences.

The next meeting is Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.

Nov. 3, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

Subscribe to Sandhills News and support this conservative journalism with advertising.

Submit news tips, events and interview requests to editor@sandhills.news.

Sandhills News is plain-English local government reporting that explains how decisions affect your land, taxes, schools and rights.

The board honored Harnett County Veteran Hero Russell D. Dallas.