Sampson County budget hearing highlights push to fund industrial shells, Newton Grove park work

At a special meeting, the Sampson County Board of Commissioners opened the proposed budget public hearing and heard public comments focused on economic development funding, including requests to fund speculative shell buildings in Clinton and continued work at the Joe Britt Warren Industrial Park in Newton Grove. Chuck Spel, who identified himself as chair of the Sampson County Economic Development Advisory Board, said the investments would diversify the county tax base and create jobs.

Spel told commissioners that the advisory board and partners, including Sampson Community College, view strategic investments as a long-term approach to building a stronger and more resilient tax base. "Economic development is not just about buildings. It is also about people," Spel said, adding that the college will be a “key partner in providing the trained workforce that makes the project successful.”

The hearing record shows no written comments and no prior sign-ups to speak on the general proposed budget. During the economic development portion of the public hearing, Craig Warren of Newton Grove thanked the board for progress on the Joe Britt Warren Industrial Park and said town residents are eager for work to begin. "We're hoping it will help bring some growth into the town of Newton Grove," Warren said.

After public comments, the board asked the county manager to prepare the budget ordinance "as it has been presented." The meeting included routine business: the board approved the meeting agenda by voice vote (counts not specified) and later approved a motion to adjourn. No formal budget votes or dollar amounts were taken at the session; funding levels and ordinance text were not specified during remarks recorded in the hearing.

The board closed the hearings and adjourned; the county manager will prepare the proposed budget ordinance for the board's further consideration.