Lee County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lee County, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
End of County Care Management Programs (CMARC/CMHRP)
State agreement amendments confirm that Lee County's CMARC and CMHRP care management programs for at-risk children and high-risk pregnancies will end December 31, 2026, with those services shifting to private prepaid health plans.
Fire station expansion and zoning fix
The Pocket Volunteer Fire Department got its rezoning approved so it can add on to its Blackstone Road station, and a broader UDO change was heard to let all fire/EMS stations expand by right without special permits.
FY 2026-27 Fire District Tax Rate Increases
Six of seven volunteer fire departments want tax rate increases of 1.1 to 3.2 cents to cover pay, physicals, pagers, and 24-hour staffing expansion at four stations. One speaker described her department absorbing a $35,000 shortfall from a county entry error last year.
State Centralization of Child Protective Services (House Bill 1144)
The manager's report shows foster care placements jumped from roughly 20-25 to 55 children since January. Commissioner Martin urged the Board to publicize upcoming DSS information meetings so residents can help.
Public Comment Policy and Staff Protection
Commissioner Reives apologized to staff after recent public comments he said mislabeled and intimidated employees, and asked the Board to revisit its public comment policy at the July 13 meeting.
FirstHealth EMS Franchise Agreement
After talks with the low bidder collapsed, the county is granting FirstHealth the exclusive ambulance franchise. The contract costs about $1.77 million more than the current one and drives 1.7 cents of the tax increase.
EMS Contract Uncertainty
A 19-year public safety veteran warned the county may have no EMS provider after June 30, or one at a much higher cost, and said his public records request about contract negotiations has gone unanswered. Residents urged the board not to take the lowest bidder.
Veterans Treatment Court Funding
The District 12 Veterans Treatment Court — 13 years old, 136 graduates, under 10% recidivism — is asking Lee County for $150,000 a year as federal grants become unreliable. Harnett County has already agreed; without stable funding the program serving 16 local veterans could close.