Chair (At-Large)· 2024-12-02–2028-12-04
Samantha Martin
Lee County, NC
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 14
- Total speaking time
- 2:59:33
- Avg per meeting
- 12:50
- Segments
- 3453
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Top issues during term (20)
Data Center Growth and Proposed Moratorium
Supporters say a data center could add major tax revenue; opponents warn of higher utility bills, water costs, and property value losses.
2027 Property Reappraisal
New valuations will reset the tax base — your bill depends on whether the rate is set revenue-neutral.
Lemon Springs Meadows Rezoning Denied
While this boom brings new investment to the area, it could eventually lead to higher tax burdens or infrastructure costs to pay for the roads and schools we need to keep up.
Morgan Fields Subdivision Wells Concern
Well drilling costs fall on the developer/builder now, but future well failures would be homeowner expenses.
Economic development incentive agreements
About $12.9 million in rebated property taxes over seven years, offset by an estimated $600 million investment and 335 jobs.
State Directed Grants Totaling $730,600
Brings $730,600 in outside state money into the county with no local match required.
Early voting and election information
The elections chair estimated the chosen plan saves about $20,000 in poll worker costs.
Farmland conservation easements
The Farmland Preservation Fund now holds about $523,698 after the Board added $195,670 in rollback taxes.
End of County Care Management Programs (CMARC/CMHRP)
Not specified in the agenda materials.
Library Meeting Room Policy
No direct cost — this is about access and scheduling policy.
Spending leftover Athletic Park bond funds on countywide parks
Recreation spending generated over $15 million for the local economy in 2024, per tourism data presented.
School Bus Garage Financing
Financed through limited obligation bonds rather than upfront cash.
Pet grooming UDO text amendment
FY 2026-27 Budget and 5-Cent Tax Increase
Taxpayers get no increase this year, but the county is drawing down savings by about $4 million, setting up a likely increase next year.
Opioid Settlement Funds Allocation
About $20,182 coming to the county, restricted to opioid abatement uses.
FY28 transit grant applications
About $462,000 in combined local match across the four grants.
County performance audit
Up to $149,000 spent, with potential efficiency savings identified before budget season.
Boating Access Area near 630 Carbonton Road
County costs limited to routine mowing, litter control, and minor repairs, similar to two existing sites.
Middle school consolidation grant application
A 5% county match on a ~$35 million request, plus land acquisition costs outside the grant.
Filling the District 4 commissioner vacancy
None — no budget impact was noted for the appointment.
Decisions during term (262)
Recorded while Martin was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Consent Agenda (as amended)
Operation Green Light Proclamation
Proclamation Honoring Southern Lee High School 2026 6A Baseball State Champions
Project Sunshine Economic Development Incentive
Project Maize Economic Development Incentive
Project Volt Economic Development Incentive
September 18, 2026 Special Called Meeting Minutes
September 21, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
Historic Courthouse - Brownstone Water Table Restoration Work - Sole Source Request for Ciociola Conservation
Request to Apply for Reducing Infant Mortality in Communities Request For Application #A427
Refund and Release report for September 2026
Approve FY27 Activity 101-1 Maternal Health Services Additional Funds
Budget Amendment #10/19/26/07
Public Hearing for Project Mustang
Vote on Project Mustang
Consent Agenda Approval
Lemon Springs Meadows Conditional Zoning Request
Morgan Fields Subdivision Preliminary Plat
UDO Text Amendment for Pet Grooming Businesses
Voting record (31)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Motion to allocate $2,500 for the Outreach Mission, Inc. (OMI) shelter from various lines of the Board of Commissioners' department budget in FY 2026-27.
Allocate $2,500 to Helping Hands Clinic
She had earlier stated she would not be in agreement with the $2,500 allocations.
Allocate $2,500 to Outreach Mission, Inc. (OMI)
She had earlier stated she would not be in agreement with the $2,500 allocations.
Motion to allocate $2,500 for the Helping Hands Clinic from various lines of the Board of Commissioners' department budget in FY 2026-27.
Motion to approve to vote by ballot.
Motion to amend the Fire Advisory Board bylaws to establish an alternate position.
Motion to approve the FY 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance as presented with the updated Lee County Athletic Park (LCAP) fees included.
Motion to direct staff to conduct a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a County wide performance audit in FY 2026-27 and request that the audit be completed by the spring in time for the next fiscal year
Motion to approve the Agenda as presented.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion to recuse Commissioner Cameron Sharpe due to a conflict of interest.
Motion to approve the FY 2026-27 Funding of the Contract with the City of Sanford for Planning Services.
Motion to approve the FY 2027 - FY 2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as presented.
Motion to vote by ballot.
Motion to adjourn.
FY 2026-27 Funding of City of Sanford Planning Services Contract
Countywide Performance Audit RFP
FY 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance Adoption
Wants to give taxpayers relief this year using county savings.
Motion to approve a franchise agreement with FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Inc.
Approval of Agenda as Amended
Approval of Consent Agenda
Proclamation Honoring Marcus Mason
Zoning Map Amendment — 800 White Hill Road (RA to HC)
Zoning Map Amendment — 1138 Greenwood Road (RR/RA to HC)
EMS Franchise Ordinance — Second Reading
Franchise Agreement with FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Inc.
UDO Text Amendment Adding 'Data Center' Standards
Conservation easement policy amendment
Concerned that county funds could pay above-market per-acre costs for easements.