Resident input to shape the future of land use in the county
Story by: Lara Manetta
Photos by: Sage Russell
Monday, June 15 marked a particularly lively Pamlico County Commission meeting, with a full house of observers. While no members of the public commented, they were able to watch and listen while commissioners worked through the issues below:
Pamlico can make its voice heard with CAMA hearing and survey
Beth Bucksot presented an update on Pamlico County’s Coastal Area Management Act Land Use Plan (CAMA LUP). This plan is a blueprint that will help balance local growth with protection of our area’s natural resources. The blueprint was first developed in 2004 and updated in 2012. Continued growth has brought about a need to update to fit the county’s current realities.
Organizers are continuing to seek input from the public to shape future land use in the county. They are are holding a public hearing to get input from residents. The hearing will be held from 4 to 6 pm at the Pamlico Library at 13896 NC-55, Bayboro, NC 28515 on June 23.
Residents can also express their priorities through the land use survey, which will be available here until July 31: https://engagekh.mysocialpinpoint.com/index.php?cID=1184
Opioid settlement funds utilized to expand healthcare access
Pamlico County’s Consolidated Health and Human Services Board has been working to expand and improve healthcare access in the county.
They’ve identified objectives that can help achieve these goals:
- Ensuring 24/7 coverage and providing redundancies during healthcare worker vacations and emergencies.
- Developing rural health residency programs to increase access to healthcare.
- Meeting regulatory compliance requirements and reducing risk of burnout and liability.
They have decided dual Medical Directors will ensure coverage and expand access.
Money from Pamlico County’s share of opioid settlement funds will be used to help compensate two Medical Directors who will work in tandem. Their plans include expanding community resources that include telehealth offerings to include mental health, endocrinology, cardiology and other needed areas.
Commission approves upgrade to LED lights in courthouse
Duke Energy proposed an upgrade to LED lights to reduce energy usage and save money. The upgrade will cost $1,622.24 after discounts and incentives. The new lighting is expected to save $1,954.80 over five years.
Sheriff to sell truck acquired through asset forfeiture
The Sheriff’s Office requested approval to sell a 2002 Ford Ranger. The vehicle was acquired through asset forfeiture during a narcotics investigation. All proceeds from the sale will be provided to the Pamlico County Board of Education.
Sheriff's Office to Enter into Contract with Inmate Medical Services
The Sheriff’s Office asked to enter into a contract with Inmate Medical Services (IMS) for healthcare services at the jail starting July 1, 2026.
The move comes in the wake of unspecified issues with a previous vendor. Moving to the new provider will increase jail health costs by $100,000. This amount has already been accounted for on the 2026-2027 budget.
Campground ordinance approved
The commissioners approved an ordinance that would regulate campgrounds, tiny homes and model parks. The ordinance applies to properties offering more than three lots of spaces for RVs, tents, tiny homes, and modular cabins.
Under the ordinance, property owners would need to observe maximum densities to ensure unfettered access for emergency vehicles as well as abide by guidelines for water sanitation and pest control.
Additional notes
The commission approved a request for approval of budget amendments.
A public hearing regarding the 2026-27 budget has been rescheduled to June 29, 2026.
The county commissioners opted not to purchase the Pamlico County Middle School. Offering to allow the county to purchase school properties that are no longer of use is required by law. The next step is to offer the property on the open market.
The commission went into closed session to discuss a situation requiring attorney-client privilege.
