Onslow leaders praise local gains, say budget uncertainty and housing shortages loom

Lorett Legan, president of the Jacksonville Enslow Chamber of Commerce, opened the State of the Community luncheon and framed a day of remarks from military, county, city and health‑care leaders on local accomplishments and looming constraints.

Panelists front‑loaded achievements: Mayor Sammy Phillips cited Jacksonville’s 2025 All‑America City recognition for environmental stewardship and a $16 million NOAA grant for five river and estuary projects including oyster restoration; Coastal Carolina Community College President Dave Heatherly noted 537 awards at the college’s recent commencement; and Onslow County Chairman Tim Foster highlighted mobile integrated health care and park improvements funded this year.

Why it matters: leaders said those gains support economic growth and quality of life, but several cautioned the county faces a difficult budget window. Foster said the county proposed lowering the tax rate from $0.65 to $0.55 per $100 valuation, but a 2026 property revaluation means some homeowners will still see higher bills. He also warned a pending state measure (referred to during the event as Senate Bill 889) could change which valuation the county must use, forcing contingency plans and potential cuts to services.

Panelists also said housing supply is constrained. Mayor Phillips and others described ongoing single‑family, townhome and apartment development but said demand still outstrips supply, particularly for homeownership and transitional housing. Officials said the city and county are working with partners including United Way and the military to expand options.

Local partnerships got repeated emphasis: municipal, county and military leaders described intergovernmental service agreements for things such as fire suppression and traffic signal operations, and credited mutual‑aid arrangements for enhancing response capacity in hurricanes and other emergencies.

What’s next: the county must finalize a balanced budget by July 1 while monitoring the state action on revaluation. Panelists urged public engagement as officials finalize contingency plans.