Lincoln County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lincoln County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sheriff's training range rebuild
A $6.8 million two-story training facility with an 18-lane range failed to win approval 3-2. Commissioner Mullen questioned $1.6 million in grading costs and wants the range opened to the public for recreational shooting, a decision deferred until after construction.
New emergency command bus and COPS grant
The county landed a $900,000 federal grant and is replacing its 2007 and 2014 command buses with a $2.2 million new unit. Aging equipment and rising prices pushed quick action.
First responders memorial
A $68,336 memorial honoring five agencies, with new flagpoles, will be built in front of the new courthouse.
Jail security control system upgrade
A contract will move the sheriff's aging records and jail management systems to the cloud, funded by about $400,000 saved on vehicle purchases.
Code Enforcement Fines and Compliance on NC 16 Highway Properties
Two separate storage-facility owners accumulated tens of thousands in fines for unpermitted expansion. Commissioners set a precedent of requiring partial fine payment as a condition of approval, signaling a tougher stance on 'asking forgiveness instead of permission.'
AEDs in county parks
A $30,000 American Heart Association grant puts AEDs at parks that lack them, plus CPR training for coaches, seniors and youth.
Ambulance fleet reliability crisis
Five to eight county ambulances are out of service at any given time — two with blown engines, one wrecked, one with steering issues. Commissioners approved an unbudgeted $444,000 purchase to add capacity within three to four months.
Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Concerns
A resident warned the county runs only eight daytime ambulances across 300 square miles and criticized commissioners for ignoring the Sky Bell Foundation's offers to help volunteer firefighters.
School resource officer transition
The board approved adding one senior deputy sheriff to expand SRO coverage at a charter school.
Third school resource officer
A third SRO position was added for Lincoln Charter School's two campuses, with the school covering ten months of cost.
Abandoned structure enforcement
About five abandoned properties are headed to the board for approval to pursue court-ordered cleanup.
Atrium Health freestanding emergency department for Denver
Atrium Health wants to build a 24/7 freestanding emergency department with a helipad and medical office building near the Walmart. Leaders say East Lincoln's growth and traffic make it hard to reach emergency care during rush hour.
South Fork Fire Service Contingency
As part of the proposed offsets, the city would eventually take over fire protection for the South Fork volunteer district if that department can't sustain itself — but only 'if and when' South Fork asks, county officials stressed.