08 - Town Meeting * Lou's Views

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

THB Newsletter (08/13/25)
Public Hearings on Proposed Bond Referendum for Pier
Following a legal notice published in the Wilmington Star News on August 3rd, the Town of Holden Beach is seeking voter approval for a $7.3 million bond to demolish the existing pier and build a new one.

What’s Happening
The Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings where residents can share their thoughts on the proposed bond:

- Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Both hearings will be held at Town Hall Public Assembly, 110 Rothschild Street.

The Bond Referendum
Following the public hearing on August 19th, the Board will decide whether to approve the bond order and request that Brunswick County place the referendum on the November ballot.Â If approved by the Board, voters will decide on November 4, 2025 whether to authorize up to $7,300,000 in general obligation bonds to finance:

- Demolition and removal of the current pier
- Construction of a new pier and related improvements

The currently proposed language that would go on the ballot is as follows:

Additional property taxes may be levied on property located in the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on bonds if approved by the following ballot question. Shall the order authorizing $7,300,000 of bonds plus interest to finance the capital costs of the demolition and removal of the existing pier and construction of a new pier, including any improvements related thereto, and providing that additional taxes may be levied in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds be approved, in light of the following:

(1) The estimated cumulative cost over the life of the bond, using the highest interest rate charged for similar debt over the last 20 years, would be $11,586,345 (consisting of $7,300,000 principal amount of bonds plus $4,286,345 of interest).

(2) The estimated amount of property tax liability increase for each one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of property tax value to service the cumulative cost over the life of the bond provided above would be $31.60 per year.

Your Voice Matters
Anyone who wishes to be heard on the questions of the validity of the bond order and the advisability of issuing the bonds may appear at either public hearing listed above.

You may also submit written comments to:

- Mail: Town Hall, 110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach, NC 28462, Attention: Town Clerk
- Email: heather@hbtownhall.com
- Deadline: Written comments must be submitted between August 3rd and 24 hours before the public hearing

More Information

- Full legal notice published in the Wilmington Star News on August 3rd.
- Visit https://hbtownhall.com/ and scroll to announcements to view other documents relating to the process.

The estimated amount of property tax liability increase for each one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of property tax value to service the cumulative cost over the life of the bond provided above would be $31.60 per year.

THB Newsletter (08/04/25)
Public Hearings on Proposed Bond Referendum for Pier
Following a legal notice published in the Wilmington Star News on August 3rd, the Town of Holden Beach is seeking voter approval for a $7.3 million bond to demolish the existing pier and build a new one.

What’s Happening
The Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings where residents can share their thoughts on the proposed bond:

- Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.Â

Both hearings will be held at Town Hall Public Assembly, 110 Rothschild Street.

The Bond Referendum
Following the public hearing on August 19th, the Board will decide whether to approve the bond order and request that Brunswick County place the referendum on the November ballot.Â If approved by the Board, voters will decide on November 4, 2025 whether to authorize up to $7,300,000 in general obligation bonds to finance:

- Demolition and removal of the current pier
- Construction of a new pier and related improvements

The currently proposed language that would go on the ballot is as follows:

(1)Â The estimated cumulative cost over the life of the bond, using the highest interest rate charged for similar debt over the last 20 years, would be $11,586,345 (consisting of $7,300,000 principal amount of bonds plus $4,286,345 of interest).

(2)Â The estimated amount of property tax liability increase for each one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of property tax value to service the cumulative cost over the life of the bond provided above would be $31.60 per year.

Your Voice Matters
Anyone who wishes to be heard on the questions of the validity of the bond order and the advisability of issuing the bonds may appear at either public hearing listed above.

You may also submit written comments to:

- Mail: Town Hall, 110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach, NC 28462, Attention: Town Clerk
- Email: heather@hbtownhall.com
- Deadline: Written comments must be submitted between August 3rd and 24 hours before the public hearing

More Information

- Full legal notice published in the Wilmington Star News on August 3rd.
- Visit https://hbtownhall.com/ and scroll to announcements to view other documents relating to the process.

Editor’s note â€“
This is what it will cost you based on the numbers presented

The average home price on the island is $1,034,831

($1,034,831 % $100,000) x $31.60 = $327.01 per year

$327.01 x 20 years = $6,540

I donâ€™t know about you, but I for one am not willing to ante up that kind of money for a pier I have never used and I donâ€™t ever plan to use.

THB Newsletter (07/30/25)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BOND ORDER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $7,300,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF THE TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA

WHEREAS,Â the Board of Commissioners (the â€œBoardâ€) of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina (the â€œTownâ€) has ascertained and determines that it is necessary to finance the capital costs of the demolition and removal of the existing pier and construction of a new pier, including any improvements related thereto; and

WHEREAS,Â an application has been filed with the Secretary of the Local Government Commission of North Carolina (the â€œCommissionâ€) requesting Commission approval of the General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds hereinafter described as required by the Local Government Bond Act, and the Town Clerk has notified the Board that the application has been accepted for submission to the Commission.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDEREDÂ by the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina, as follows:

Section 1. To raise the money required for the purposes described above, in addition to any funds which may be made available for such purpose from any other source, General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds of the Town are authorized and shall be issued pursuant to the Local Government Finance Act of North Carolina.Â The maximum aggregate principal amount of such General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds authorized by this order shall be $7,300,000.Â

Section 2. Taxes will be levied in an amount sufficient to pay the principal and interest of the General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds.Â

Section 3. AÂ sworn statement of the Townâ€™s debtÂ has been filed with the Town Clerk and is open to public inspection.

Section 4. The bond order will take effect when approved by the voters of the Town at a referendum scheduled for November 4, 2025.Â

The foregoing order has been introduced and a sworn statement of debt has been filed under the Local Government Bond Act showing the appraised value of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina to be $2,452,110,770 and the net debt thereof, including the proposed bonds, to be $ 12,639,326. The finance officer of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina has filed a statement estimating that the total amount of interest that will be paid on the bonds over the expected term of the bonds, if issued, is $4,286,345. A tax is authorized to be levied to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds if they are issued. The finance officer has filed a statement estimating that a property tax increase of $0.0316 per $100.00 of assessed valuation will be required to provide sufficient funds to pay the principal and interest on the proposed bonds.Â These estimates are preliminary, are for general informational purposes only, and may differ from the actual interest paid on the bonds or the actual property tax increases required to provide sufficient funds to pay the principal and interest on the bonds.Â

Anyone who wishes to be heard on the questions of the validity of the bond order and the advisability of issuing the bonds may appear at a public hearing or an adjournment thereof to be held at the Town Hall Public Assembly, 110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach, NC 28462, at 5:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as practicable, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. An additional public hearing is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the same location.Â

Any person wishing to comment in writing should do so by submitting comments to Town Hall, 110 Rothschild Street, Holden Beach, NC 28462, Attention: Town Clerk, orÂ heather@hbtownhall.com.Â Written comments must be submitted between the date of publication of this notice and 24 hours before the public hearing.

VisitÂ https://hbtownhall.com/Â and scroll to announcements to view other documents relating to the process.

Holden Beach sets public hearings for $7.3 million bond referendum
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners during its July 15 meeting introduced a $7.3 million bond order to fund the demolition and reconstruction of the town pier. The board scheduled two public hearings on the bond proposal: one on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. and another on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. The board is expected to vote on the bond order following the second public hearing. If the bond order is adopted, the board will likely also vote to set a bond referendum. If the referendum is approved, the referendum would be forwarded to the Brunswick County Board of Elections and appear on the November ballot for voter consideration. Estimated project costs include $200,000 for demolition, $3.3 million for the pier structure, $2.4 million for the work trestle and $1.4 million in contingency, totaling the $7.3 million not-to-exceed figure. The work trestle method is not the official plan for construction, but rather the method which would cost the most. Commissioner Page Dyer previously raised concerns at the boardâ€™s May 20 meeting about ensuring the voices of non-resident property owners â€” many of whom canâ€™t vote in Holden Beach â€” are still heard in the decision-making process. During public comment at the boardâ€™s June 17 meeting, resident Sylvia Pate recommended adding a Saturday hearing to accommodate those unable to attend a weekday session. The board followed through with that recommendation, hence the hearing scheduled for a Saturday. Town staff submitted an application to the Local Government Commission (LGC) on July 7 after meeting with the townâ€™s bond attorney and financial advisor. Although the application has been filed, the LGC will not consider approval until 2026, after voters weigh in on the bond referendum this fall. During the July 15 meeting, HDR Project Manager Will Fuller shared updates on the pier design and presented the engineering firmâ€™s draft maintenance and repair plan. The preliminary design features a 996-foot-long pier with a 16-foot-wide walkway leading to a 48-by-48-foot T-head, which includes a 30-by-30-foot covered structure. The size of the covered structure will likely be reduced due to concerns brought up about casting fishing poles, Fuller said. â€œWe went with that,â€ Fuller said, â€œjust because itâ€™s basically the biggest structure with which we would start. You wouldnâ€™t want to go any larger than that.â€ The pier is designed for passive recreational use, such as walking, fishing and public gathering. Amenities in the draft plan include benches, fish cleaning stations and lighting. The structure is planned with a 30-year service life, though it could be extended depending on the maintenance plan, Fuller said. The new pier would sit about 30 feet southwest of the current one. Fuller emphasized that the presented design is still preliminary and subject to change based on future discussions with the board.
Read more Â» click here

BOC’s Public Hearing 08/16/25

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet Â» click here

Audio Recording Â» click hereÂ

1. Public Hearing: Public Hearing on the Bond Order Authorizing the Issuance of $7,300,000Â General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina forÂ the Demolition and Removal of the Existing Pier and Construction of a New Pier, Including AnyÂ Improvements Related Thereto

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 1 – 8

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on required items related to the proposed GO Bond referendum.

- Required Public Hearing and Adopt the Bond Order
- Resolution Setting a Special Bond Referendum

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At the May meeting, the board decided to pursue a GO referendum regarding the pier. The following documents represent required actions as part of the process

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Consider approval of documents to move forward to the next steps in the process.

Update â€“
The Public Hearing was held to give the public an opportunity to address the Board of Commissioners regarding the pier Bond Referendum.

BOC’s Public Hearing / Regular Meeting 08/19/25

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet Â» click here

Audio Recording Â» click hereÂ

Public Hearing

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 12 – 19

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Consideration and possible action on required items related to the proposed GO Bond referendum.

- Required Public Hearing and Adopt the Bond Order
- Resolution Setting a Special Bond Referendum

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
At the May meeting, the board decided to pursue a GO referendum regarding the pier. The following documents represent required actions as part of the process

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Consider approval of documents to move forward to the next steps in the process.

Update â€“
The Public Hearing was held to give the public an opportunity to address the Board of Commissioners regarding the pier Bond Referendum.

Regular Meeting

1. Conflict of Interest Check

2024 Rules of Procedure for the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
(e) Conflict Check. Immediately after the approval of the agenda, the Presiding Officer shall poll each member to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event that a potential conflict is disclosed, the members will vote on a motion to allow or excuse that member with respect to the agenda item. If excused, the member may not participate in any discussion, debate, or vote with respect to the agenda item.

The Board was polled by Heather our Town Clerk. All of them declared that there was no conflict of interest with any agenda item at this meeting.

2. Public Comments on Agenda Items

At the two (2) Public Hearings, there were comments made by thirty-one (31) members of the public with an additional fifty-four (54) comments that were posted on the Townâ€™s website.

Public Comments 08/16 Â» click here

Public Comments 08/19 Â» click here

3. Consideration and Possible Action on Required Items Related to the Proposed General Obligation Bond Referendum â€“ Interim Town Manager Ferguson
a. Required Public Hearings and Adopt the Bond Order
b. Resolution 25-07, Resolution Setting a Special Bond Referendum and Directing the Publication of Notice of a Special Bond Referendum and Notification of the Board of Elections

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 12 – 19

Resolution 25-07 Â» click here

Previously reported â€“ July 2025
Required Items Related to the Proposed General Obligation Bond Referendum

Resolution 25-06 Â» click here

Bond Order Â» click here

Previously reported â€“ June 2025
Required Initial Board Actions to Pursue a 2025 General Obligation Referendum

Resolution 25-03 Â» click here

Resolution 25-04 Â» click here

Update â€“
Voting tonight was simply to approve moving forward with the bond referendum. The referendum is required in order for us to apply to getÂ loan approval from the Local Government Commission to build the pier. The motion was made to adopt the bond order and adopt Resolution 25-07. They also directed the town clerk to publish a notice of adoption. Commissioner Paarfus attempted to explain the state of affairs and recommended the town survey all property owners. Commissioner Thomas stressed that she supports the referendum in order that the public can decide whether to build a new pier.

A decision was made â€“ Approved unanimously

Voter referendum on Holden Beach issuing bonds for pier funding to be on November ballot
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to hold a voter referendum this fall on bonds meant to build a new pier. The Town of Holden Beach plans to issue $7.3 million in general obligation public improvement bonds to tear down the existing pier and build a new one. TheÂ town purchasedÂ the pier for $3.3 million in 2022, but disagreementsÂ over the costÂ of a new one led to delays in moving forward. With town leaders finally moving forward with issuing general obligation bonds, two public meetings were held on the proposal: one on August 16 and another during the regular meeting on August 19, where the Board then voted to approve the referendum. â€œIf we do not go ahead with that referendum, weâ€™re not going to be able to borrow money; the LGC wonâ€™t approve it,â€ Commissioner Tom Myers argued during the second meeting. â€œWe will basically be voting tonight not to have the pier.â€ Myers says the townâ€™s experience with the State Treasurerâ€™s Local Government Commission in the past when trying to get a loan to buy the pier â€œwas tough.â€ He says, â€œpledging the ability to tax taxpayers as collateral because we already committed the collateral when we bought the property the first timeâ€ and having voters officially approve the bond in an election would make the Local Government Commission more likely to approve of the townâ€™s moves. Commissioner Page Dyer says, â€œthe referendum gives the town seven years to make a decision on whether to use the bonds.â€ She says the $7.3 million is a worst case scenario, and town leaders could eventually decide to fund the pier in other ways, such as through donations or a public-private partnership. Commissioner Rick Parfus says itâ€™s unlikely the town will get the pier 100% financed, but â€œit will be really hard to get something done with this pierâ€ without the referendum. Election Day for this yearâ€™sÂ municipal electionsÂ is November 4.
Read more Â» click here

Pier Bond â€“ FAQâ€™s

What is the referendum for?
It is only for the demolition and removal of the existing pier and construction of a new pier. Â It does not cover the debt on the initial purchase, building a pier building, maintenance, or any operating costs. Â

â€¢ Can the bond money be used to construct a new pier building?
No,Â the bond money can only be used to remove the existing pier and construct a new one.Â Additional new debt may be needed to construct a building.Â (Source: Bond Counsel)

â€¢ Can the bond money be used to pay for the pier property?
No, the land was purchased in March 2022 at a cost of $3.2M financed at 3.18% over 15 years with an annual debt service cost of $260k.Â (Source: Audit Reports)

Why do we need to vote on a referendum?
Since the land was used as collateral for financing the purchase of the pier property, we will need to issue General Obligation bonds to fund the construction of a new pier, and General Obligation bonds require a voter referendum. (Source: State Statute Â§ 159â€‘61 (a))

When will we vote on the referendum?
The referendum will be forwarded to the Brunswick County Board of Elections and appear on the November ballot for voter consideration.

What will the referendum ballot say?
It will have a YES or NO vote on approving the bonds.Â The final wording will be set on September 5^th, but it is required to state: 1) total amount of the bonds; 2) the amount of the principal and interest payments to pay off the debt; and 3) the amount property taxes would need to be increased to cover the payments. (Source: State Statute Â§ 159â€‘61 (d))

Will property owners get to vote?
No, only registered voters who live on the island.Â However, the HBPOA is planning to conduct a survey to allow property owners to have their voice heard in the decision. (Source: State Statute Â§ 159â€‘61 (a))

â€¢ Will all registered voters in Brunswick County get to vote on the referendum?
No, only registered voters who live on the island.Â (Source: Board of Elections)

How much will it cost to build a new pier?
The engineerâ€™s Not-To-Exceed estimated construction cost is $7.3M.Â The estimated interest cost of the bond is $4.3M, making the total cost $11.6M. (Sources: HDR report; Bond Counsel)

Are grants available to pay for the pier?
Not at this time.Â Our lobbyist has been working with town staff to search for grant opportunities but they have not identified any.Â A PARTF grant of $500k was obtained for the purchase of the land in 2022. (Source: Budget Meeting Minutes)

How does this affect my property taxes?
The estimated amount of property tax liability increase for each one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of property tax value to service the cumulative cost over the life of the bond provided above would be $31.60 per year.

Property tax increase of $0.0316 per $100.00 of assessed valuation
A home on the island with a value of $1,000,000 estimated cost will be:
($1,000,000 % $100,000) x $31.60 = $316.00 per year
$316.00 x 20 years = $6,320

Our current tax rate is 14 cents per $100
The new tax rate would be 17.16 cents per $100
This would be a 22.6% tax increase

If the referendum fails, can we still build the pier?
Probably not, since theÂ Local Government Commission would most likely not approve the debt, our fund balances are not sufficient to pay for it without borrowing money, and the Board of Commissioners would need to go against the will of the voters. (Source: Bond Counsel)

If the referendum passes, are we required to build the pier?
No.Â While theÂ Local Government CommissionÂ typically defers to voters, it is possible they still might not approve the debt.Â The Board of Commissioners could also decide to go against the will of the voters and not proceed with a new pier. (Source: Bond Counsel)

If the referendum passes, how long can we wait before issuing the bonds?
Seven (7) years.Â

How long is the term of the bonds?
The expected term of the bonds is twenty (20) years.Â

Can we insure the pier against storms?
No, a new pier will be uninsurable for wind or water, and we will still need to pay off the bonds even if the pier is damaged in a storm and is no longer usable.Â (Source: LGC)

What is the design of the new pier?
It is a wooden, pedestrian-grade, 996-foot-long pier with a covered â€œTâ€ at the end â€“ very similar to the design of the original pier, but taller and stronger for better protection from waves. (Source: HDR report)

How deep will the water be at the end of the pier?
Between 10 to 20 feet, depending upon the tide, according to beach profile elevation survey conducted by the engineer. (Source: HDR report)

How much will it cost to maintain the pier?
The engineerâ€™s estimated funding needs for maintenance, preservation, rehabilitation, and major capital replacement projects to extend its life to 50 years is $3.6M, which equates to $72,560 per year on an annualized basis. (Source: HDR report).

How much will it cost to operate the pier?
The engineer did not estimate operating costs, but they are anticipated to include water, electricity, insurance (liability, vandalism & fire) and personnel costs for staffing it.Â Â (Source: HDR presentation to the BOC)

How will the pier generate revenue for the town?
Operating revenues have not been estimated, but are anticipated to include admission and fishing fees, increased parking revenues, and increased occupancy tax revenues.Â Any increase in sales tax revenue would be insignificant due to the way it is allocated within the county. (Source: Town Budget)

Will the pier generate a profit?
Most likely no, since it is very doubtful if pier revenues will exceed operating and maintenance costs, let alone cover debt service costs. Â (Source: HDR report on lifecycle costs)

Can parking revenue pay for the pier?
Partially, but all parking revenues are currently being used to pay other expenses, including the debt service cost of the pier property purchase. These expenses would need to be reduced, and/or parking fees increased, before parking revenues could be used to cover a meaningful portion of the debt service cost of the bonds. (Source: Town Budget)

Can we save the existing pier?
Possibly, but according to our engineering studies, it would cost more than to replace it, and the old pier does not comply with current building codes and would not be as strong as a new one. (Source: HDR report)

How much will it cost to remove the existing pier?
The $7.3M Not-To-Exceed estimate includes removal of the existing pier.Â There is no cost estimate for removing the existing pier without replacing it. (Source: HDR report)

Will there be a new pier building?
Most likely, but there are no viable plans or cost estimates at this time, and the building design is dependent on the fate of the pier. Â There are significant PARTF grant restrictions on what functions the building can support (i.e., it must be dedicated as a recreation site for the use and benefit of the public for a minimum of 25 years). (Source: PARTF Grant Contract)

Is a Public-Private Partnership a viable approach to pay for the pier or the building?
Possibly, but it would be a very complex arrangement that must meet the requirements of the PARTF grant and would requireÂ Local Government Commission approval.Â (Source: NC Session Law 2013-401; House Bill 857)

4. Discussion and Possible Action Directing Architect Regarding Concert Venue â€“ Interim TownÂ Manager Ferguson, Randy Baker, Pinnacle Architecture

Agenda Packet â€“ page 20

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Pinnacle is working to create a master plan of the Block Q site by initially placing a concert venue on the site. At the July meeting, the board vocalized specifics they want to see regarding the site plan. The BOC can provide direction to the architect and staff in order to move the project forward.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Block Q site is under construction with a bathroom and associated parking. The next phase the BOC wanted to consider was a concert venue to try to have one in place by next season.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction for future renderings.

Previously reported â€“ July 2025
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Pinnacle is working to create a master plan of the Block Q site by initially placing a concert venue on the site. The attached site plan outlines the architect’s recommendation for placement of the facility.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Review site plan and make a motion to move toward more detailed drawings if accepted.

Randy stated that the firm, for this meeting, was just tasked with where the location of the concert venue should be on the site. Their recommendation is that it should be positioned in the south portion of the site and he explained the reasoning behind that decision. They are being asked tonight to just approve the location only, the design of the band stand has not been addressed yet. The motion that was made to approve the location that was submitted for the concert venue.

Site Location Recommendation Â» click here

I agree with Commissioner Paarfus that they should look at the whole area (Block Q, Pavilion, Jordan Boulevard) collectively and not proceed piecemeal but rather develop a comprehensive plan.

Editor’s note â€“
The phrase“begin with the end in mind”emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision of your goals before starting any task. This principle encourages you to envision your desired outcome, which helps in determining the steps needed to achieve it.

Update â€“
RandyÂ from Pinnacle Architecture was in attendance to seek direction regarding the design of the proposed concert venue. Commissioner Paarfus stated again that they should look at the whole area (Block Q, Pavilion, Jordan Boulevard) collectively and not proceed piecemeal but rather develop a comprehensive plan. Rick feels that the Board needs to establish guidelines only and let the architect figure out what and where things will go. The motion to move forward with the concert venue failed. The Board chose to develop a comprehensive plan for the whole area. Essentially they took a step backwards, now they will need to send out a new Request For Qualifications (RFQ).

No decision was made â€“ No action taken

5. Discussion on HDRâ€™s Summary Report for 30% Scope for the Pier â€“ Interim Town ManagerÂ Ferguson, Will Fuller and Bill Kincannon, HDR

Agenda Packet â€“ page 21, plus separate packet

HDR Summary Report Â» click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
HDR’s scope of work and performance schedule had a deliverable of 8/4 for a summary report of a 30% design plan. HDR will join us this evening to present the summary report under the current scope of work.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The board hired HDR as the engineer firm for work on the pier structure. They will be presenting their summary report for the first phase of work.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive summary report for 30% design.

Previously reported â€“ July 2025

HDR Draft Report Â» click here

HDR Report Supplement Â» click here

Project Information Â» click here

Â Key Points â€“

- - HDR’s recommendation that the Town of Holden Beach consider a pier replacement option only.
  - The projected construction cost not-to-exceed number of $7.3 million dollars is with the most conservatively priced construction methodology.
  - The total life cycle with reactive maintenance brings the projected annualized budget to be approximately $70K
  - The estimated cumulative cost over the life of the bond, using the highest interest rate charged for similar debt over the last 20 years, would be $11,586,345 (consisting of $7,300,000 principal amount of bonds plus $4,286,345 of interest).

Update â€“
The motion was made to accept HDRâ€™s summary report of a thirty (30) percent design plan for the pier. The HDR representative stated that they should have the sixty (60) percent design plan report completed for the next BOCâ€™s meeting.

A decision was made â€“ Approved (4-1)
Commissioners Smith opposed the motion

6. Police Report â€“ Lieutenant Dilworth

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 22 – 29

Police Report Â» click hereÂ

Frank reviewed the actions that were taken by them last month
School starts next week, be mindful of school buses
Cautioned beach goers to stay out of the water this week due to Erin

Low Speed Vehicle Safety Â» click here
Low-speed vehicles (Golf Carts) are required to follow the same traffic laws as every other motor vehicle, including travel lane regulations. They are required to be registered with the DMV and all operators must possess a valid driver’s license.All occupants MUST wear a seat belt, including children who must be secured in an age/weight appropriate child safety restraint.

Download our free app for important updates and notifications.

Staffing â€“

Having the full complement of eleven (11) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.

What he did not say â€“

Its Hurricane Season, be prepared – have a plan!

If you know something, hear something, or see something â€“
call 911 and let the police deal with it.

A reminder of the Town’s beach strand ordinances:
…..1) Chapter 90 / Animals / Â§90.20 / Responsibilities of owners
…….a) pets are not allowed on the beach strand except between 5p.m. and 9a.m. daily
…….b) dog’s must be on a leash at all times
…….c) owner’s need to clean up after their animals
…..2) Chapter 94 / Beach regulations / Â§94.05 / Digging of holes on beach strand
…….a) digging holes greater than 12 inches deep without responsible person there
…….b) holes shall be filled in prior to leaving
…..3) Chapter 94 / Beach regulations / Â§94.06 / Placing obstructions on the beach strand
…….a) all unattended beach equipment must be removed daily by 6:00pm

For a full list of beach regulations visit https://hbtownhall.com/visitors.

7. Inspections Department Report â€“ Inspections Director Evans

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 30 – 32

Inspections Report Â» click hereÂ

ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 31
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 560
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 72
.Â Â * AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 3
.Â Â * AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 2
.Â Â * AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UPÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 37
TOTAL PERMITSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 591

PERMITS IN REVIEWÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 10
CAMA ISSUEDÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 1
ZONING ISSUEDÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 8
NOTICE OF VIOLATIONSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = l0
DELINEATIONSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 3
CAMA SITE INSPECTIONSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 2

PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 07/01 – 07/31Â Â Â Â Â = 114
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 232

Update â€“
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department is staying busy.

8. Finance Department Report â€“ Finance Officer McRainey

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 33 – 35

Finance Report Â» click hereÂ

Update â€“
Daniel briefly reviewed the Finance Report

9.Town Manager Report â€“ Interim Town Manager Ferguson

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 36 – 37

Town Manager Report Â» click here

Christy reviewed the Town Manager Report

Greensboro Street / Sewer Lift Station #2
Sixth application for payment was submitted to funding agencies
82% complete based on the time line

Previously reported â€“ July 2025
Progress meeting between engineer, contractor, and town staff was held on June 26^th Fourth application for payment submitted to EPA
State still lags in sending payments and now they are doing a computer system changeover

Previously reported â€“ June 2025
Contractor given an additional seventy-two (72) days to complete the project
Construction schedule completion will now be around October

Previously reported â€“ April 2025
Construction schedule anticipates completion in August
Buy America Build America waivers granted by EPA

Block Q Restrooms & Parking
They have had numerous construction issues
Contractor had to have structural engineer back out to reevaluate some work performed.
Meeting with contractor, Pinnacle, and structural engineer occurred on August 7^th
Contractor was at the meeting to address the BOCâ€™s concerns
Timbo is monitoring the situation very closely and is confident we are back on track
The estimated completion date is now not till the end of September
The BOCâ€™s are concerned about the work being completed as required
If the project is not done by the deadline it could jeopardize the grant funding

Previously reported â€“ July 2025

Breaking News â€“ now the vendor is saying completion will be sometime late in October, which may create some problems for the Town

Contractor struggled early to meet expectations but staff has engaged in several meetings and things appear to be improving
Deliverable for completion remains optimistic for end of August but money will need to be reallocated for contract at July meeting
Pouring concrete, the week of July 1^st

Previously reported â€“ June 2025
They have some serious concerns about the work that is being done there
New project superintendent taking over

Previously reported â€“ May 2025
The bathroom on Block Q is scheduled to be completed by August 20^th
There will be a Ground Breaking ceremony on June 4^th at 10:00am

Previously reported â€“ April 2025
Extension applied for with the state

Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
Awaiting Project Partnership Agreement from Wilmington District

Previously reported â€“ July 2025
The Letter Report that Bob Keistler mentioned had the financial certification completed by finance officer
Wilmington District was submitting the Draft Letter Report for review

Previously reported â€“ June 2025
The Town was awarded $2.2M in Environmental Infrastructure Disaster Relief Funding for stormwater projects. To get started USACE requires the execution of the Project Partnership Agreement. The Town portion of the 2.2 million dollar project is 25%, which would cost us $550,000. The motion was made to approve the project partnership agreement with the USACE and have the town staff execute the paperwork.

Pier Site
Draft report ready and on agenda for consideration
Future Scope of Work Discussion

THB Newsletter (04/15/25)
Work has been completed and the pier parking lot and walkways are now open.
Please be mindful not to stand or sit under the pier structure.

General Obligation Bond Referendum
Required advertising took place in newspaper on August 3^rd
Public Hearings August 16^th and 19^th

Previously reported â€“ July 2025
Required advertising took place in newspaper onÂ June 27^thÂ
Staff submitted LGC application July 8^thMet with bond attorney and financial advisor on June 24^thto discuss how to proceed with application

NC Resilient Coastal Communities Program
The Town was selected to receive a technical assistance award through the program
ESP Associates has been assigned as our engineer firm and will receive $70,000
Staff will have an orientation session regarding our phase of the program on 09/09Â

Previously reported â€“ April 2025

N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program Â» click here

North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Â is accepting applications from eligible communities for no-cost technical assistance to complete Phases I and 2 of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program. The motion was made to complete an application to Resilient Coastal Communities Program by the deadline of April 25^th, if it isÂ at all possible.

Employee Updates
Chris â€œBeefâ€ Benton named as new Public Works Director
Senior Police Officer Jessica Camara is back on the job from medical leave
Department Shout Outs â€“ recognized staff going above and beyond what was required

Previously reported â€“ July 2025
Public Works Director Chris Clemmons has announced his retirement, after twenty-nine (29) years with the Town, will be at the end of this month

Misc.

Christy gave an update on theÂ status of the following:

Dredging at Lockwood Folly Inlet that was planned for July-August has shifted to September-October

Dredging for the Bend Widener, which puts sand on the beach, estimated cost of $1.5M with THB paying 25%

Congressman Rouzer put an appropriation â€œearmarkâ€ for $900K for us in the congressional budget

FEMA may now become a separate agency in the Presidentâ€™s cabinet.Â Unclear what will happen to it

More pumps for the sewer pump stations will need to be purchased after the lightning strike and fire

Completion date for the new sewer pump station is at the end of October

Tracking Tool
The BOC’s are looking for a status report on a monthly basis in order to track the progress of projects that they have prioritized.

- - #2 ADA Self-Assessment
  - #6 ADA bathroom (at block Q)
  - #7 Fire station Upgrades
  - #8 Improve Audio/Video for Town Meetings
  - #14 Block Q Site Plan
  - #18 Update Town Website
  - #19 Pier Repair/Replacement
  - #26 Investigate vacuum bypass system

The current status of each of the eight (8) items listed is in the Town Manager Report

What she did not say â€“

In Case You Missed It â€“

THB Newsletter (08/15/25)
Sewer System Update
It appears that Sewer Lift Station 4 was impacted by a lightning strike yesterday evening. Public Works crews have been working diligently throughout the night and today to keep the system running without interruption.Â They will continue to work on repairs throughout the weekend and into next week.

THB Newsletter (07/31/25)
Holden Beach in the News!
Travel & Leisure recently mentioned Holden Beach on their website. Continue reading to view an excerpt of the article or visit https://www.travelandleisure.com/calmest-beach-in-usa-holden-beach-north-carolina-11766139 to read the whole article and see why the Town was recognized as the calmest beach in the U.S.

There are many ways to judge a beach: the softness of its sand, the clarity of its water, the quality of the surf, or nearby activities and dining. But for thoseÂ seeking a peaceful escape, free from crowds and rogue volleyballs, tranquility is key. And when it comes to calm and quiet, one lesser-known U.S. beach stands out. Holden Beach in North Carolina has been named the calmest beach in the U.S., according to a study byÂ McLuck, a social casino platform. The team analyzed approximately 250,000 TripAdvisor reviews from 158 beaches nationwide, tracking how often words like â€œcalm,â€ â€œquiet,â€ and â€œrelaxâ€ appeared. Based on the percentage of reviews that mentioned these terms, Holden Beach emerged as the most serene destination of them all. Holden Beach is a quiet seaside town between North Carolinaâ€™s more popular coastal destinations of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. The town has just over 500 people and is primarily a residential community with a small commercial area. For that reason, beachgoers are treated to plenty of open space, natural beauty, and a welcome lack of buzzy beachfront boardwalks. In fact, in the study, over 38 percent of the Holden Beach reviews mentioned calmness.Â In its findings, the study noted that at Holden Beach, â€œuncrowded sands, small-town charm, and strict limits on commercial development may explain why so many people find it a peaceful haven. It’s a classic Carolina beach town where time seems to slow down with the tide.â€

THB Newsletter (07/02/25)
July Utility Bill Change
July utility bills will reflect the new wastewater base charge of $20 per month. This adjustment is necessary to address rising operational costs as previously discussed during the budget season.

THB Newsletter (06/06/25)
Concert/Public Safety Outreach Program
Concerts are held on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Members of the HB Police Department and Tri-Beach Fire Department will be onsite before the concert to provide important safety and community oriented tips from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Dog Reminders
Please remember that any time your dog is off your premise, they must be on a leash, cord or chain at all times. Also, dog owners must remove dog waste immediately after it is deposited by the dog when on public property or any private property, including vacant lots, without the permission of the private property owner. Dog waste stations are conveniently located throughout the island.

Emergency Operations Center
The EOC building is being used by Tri-Beach Fire Department while they renovate their fire station on Sabbath Home

National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 14, 2025, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2025.

News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
For more information Â» click here

Upcoming Events â€“

Concerts on the Coast
Live performances featuring local musical groups are held at the pavilion on Sunday evenings from late May to early September. The concerts are free of charge.

Summer Concert Schedule * Lou’s Views

10. New Fire Station Research Presentation and Possible Direction from the Board â€“Â Inspections Director Evans (Interim Town Manager Ferguson)

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 38 – 64

Fire Station Presentation Â» click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
BOC asked staff to research a new fire station so they could begin to consider its inclusion in the capital improvement plan for future years.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The Planning and Inspections Department has been working for several months to gather background information regarding a new fire station on the island. The presentation attached represents the research and provides the BOC with planning information.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Receive presentation. Suggest removing this item from the goal tracker spreadsheet until the BOC is ready to take further action.

Previously reported â€“ July 2025
The Planning Department is working on plans for a new fire station.Â Director Tim Evans talked to the State Fire Marshal and confirmed that the proposed fire station is the appropriate size, is in the appropriate location, and has the right staffing for a community of our size.

Changes to a Brunswick beach town fire station could improve response and rescue times
Following residential growth and a recent drowning, this Brunswick beach town is looking to revamp its partly operating fire station into a 24/7 station. The town of Holden Beach and Tri-Beach Fire Department are planning to replace an existing fire station on the island with an upgraded, full-time fire station. A permanently staffed station could mean quicker response times all around. The Tri-Beach Fire Department serves Varnamtown, Holden Beach and unincorporated Brunswick County from two stations located on Sabbath Home Road SW and Seashore Road in Supply. A rebuild of the station on Sabbath Home Road, originally built in 1968, is underway and ahead of progress, Tri-Beach Fire Department Chief Doug Todd said. The new station will have updated sleeping quarters, a slide instead of a fireman’s pole and larger bay doors to accommodate newer fire trucks. However, the department hopes another dream construction project will soon become a reality.

Giving the island a permanent station
The town of Holden Beach contracts with the Tri-Beach Fire Department to provide services for the island. There is another fire station at Starfish Drive on Holden Beach, but the building is owned by the town and only partially used. Though both stations in Supply are staffed by at least two people at all times, Todd said the station on Holden Beach is only staffed by two firefighters during the day from May 1 to Sept. 30. The existing fire station on the island is not fit for a 24/7 staff, said Todd, noting there are no sleeping quarters for workers to spend the night. If the town decides to go through with upgrading the station, he said, a rebuild will be necessary. During the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners meeting on June 17, inspections director Tim Evans told the board he is in the early process of making plans to upgrade the existing fire station for the Tri-Beach Fire Department to permanently move in.

Increases in residents and calls for help
Water rescue calls normally occur between May 1 and Sept. 30, Todd said. Occasionally, he added, a water rescue call is made in the evening after the staff has left the station. “Most of the [water rescue calls] we have in the off season have something to do with a fisherman or somebody that’s fishing, and we have a boat that we run out of the main station and that usually is what takes care of that call,” Todd said. Surrounding beach town fire departments, like Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach, have mutual aid agreements with the Tri-Beach Fire Department if additional help is needed, the chief said. However, having the beachside station staffed 24/7 will help with rescue and response times. “The biggest thing is, the island is getting to where it’s got more full-time residents, and we’re having a few more calls over there than what we normally have,” said Todd, noting the increase in calls for help occur later in the day.

Current and future staffing
With the growth the area is experiencing, Todd said more personnel is needed in general. The Tri-Beach Fire Department has 19 full-time employees, around 11 part-time employees and 12 volunteers, Todd said. Asked if the department has enough personnel to operate the Holden Beach station full time, the chief said yes. “We can get by with the staffing we have now to do that, but it would be nice to have three personnel at each station on duty at a time,” he said. Two people are staffing the stations in Supply during the day, Todd explained, and adding a third person to the shift will allow them to work more efficiently. “Like in the nighttime and in the off season, we have that now at our main two stations, and the staff have seen how much more efficient they can handle things when they get on a call by having that third person,” Todd said.

What’s next?
During the June 17 meeting, Evans said a needs assessment and a draft site plan have been completed. “We actually verified that the location of our current fire station is where it should be,” Evans said. The Starfish Drive station location is in the middle of the eight-mile-long island, Todd said. A house count must be done before the project can be brought before the commissioners with roughly estimated costs, Evans said. The town will also seek input from the state fire marshal regarding recommendations for future needs, he added. The fire department sent information to the town several weeks ago, Todd said. No updates on where the town is at in process have been released as of July 1.
Read more Â» click here

Update â€“
Timbo gave a slide presentation that reviewed the justifications and requirements for a new fire station on the island at an estimated total cost of $3,375,000. He recommended that we should put the fire station projectÂ into the Capital Improvement Plan which will improve our Community Rating System. The improved Community Rating System ratings could get us additional savings on our insurance premium rates. The motion was made to put the fire station project into the Capital Improvement Plan as an unfunded requirement.

A decision was made â€“ Approved unanimously

11. Discussion and Possible Action to Task the Audit Committee with Advising the BoardÂ Regarding Potential Improvements to the Collection of Occupancy Tax Revenues â€“ MayorÂ Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 65 â€“ 67

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action to task the audit committee with advising the BOC regarding potential improvements to the collection of occupancy tax revenues.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The audit committee met with the auditor on June 26^th and identified occupancy tax revenue collection as an issue worthy of further investigation.

TOWN ATTORNEY RECOMMENDATION:
If BOC is acting under 30.27(8)(9) of Town Charter toÂ ask Audit Committee to advise on collection of occupancy tax revenue, then Audit Committee may advise but does not have the ability to enact any policy. lt is advised that any advice or recommendations received be confirmed to be within the confines of the law prior to being acted on in any form by BOC
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Defer to attorney’s opinion on the subject. Any referral to the Audit Committee should take into account the BPART law as they review it.

Â§30.27 AUDIT COMMITTEE.
(A) Creation, name and number of members. There is hereby established an Audit CommitteeÂ which shall be comprised of a member of the Board of Commissioners and not less than two or moreÂ than four residents or property owners of the town as full members, plus one alternate.
(B) Powers and duties. The Audit Committee shall:

(1) Serve as an advisory committee for the townâ€™s Board of Commissioners (BOC);
(2) Assist and advise the BOC in its oversight responsibilities for the townâ€™s financial reportingÂ process, systems of internal financial controls and the external audit process;
(7) Periodically confirm the suitability of the townâ€™s internal control systems and/or policies,Â including information technology security and control;
(9) Perform other functions from time to time as shall be delegated or assigned to it by the BOC.

Previously reported â€“ July 2025
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action regarding recommended tasks for the Audit Committee.

Possible Action:
Task the audit committee with:

- Developing a draft BPART fund balance policy for consideration by the BOC
- Investigating and reporting back to the BOC on potential occupancy tax collection

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The audit committee met with the auditor on June 26^th. Several topics were discussed, and two were deemed worthy of further action by the audit committee:

- Drafting a policy to establish guidelines for the management and use of the BPART fund balance to ensure compliance with legal requirements, financial stability, adequate reserves, and support for Town initiatives.
- Investigating how the Town can best manage the collection of occupancy taxes on rentals made through platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and individual owner

It seemed pretty straight forward, they were requesting that the audit committee work on two (2) tasks, develop a draft policy, and make recommendation to the BOCâ€™s for their consideration. The Mayor challenged them questioning whether the committee is able to establish policy. The motion was tabled. The new motion was then made that directed the town attorney to investigate the issue and report back to them at the next meeting.

Update â€“
The motion was made to task the Audit Committee with advising the BOC’s on any potential improvements in the collection of occupancy tax revenue.

A decision was made â€“ Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion

Occupancy Tax Compliance

Previously reported â€“ Â July 2018
New software will redefine how New Hanover County tracks Short Term Rentals
The countyâ€™s new approach â€“ known as Short Term Rental Helper â€“ is produced by Bear Cloud Software, and was developed out of a similar, albeit slightly more extreme, set of circumstances. New Hanover Countyâ€™s use of STR Helper focuses largely on its tax revenue aspect. For Lisa Wurtzbacher, the countyâ€™s chief financial officer, the two important pieces are an online portal that allow rental owners to make monthly room occupancy tax payments online. It also allows the county to know when people who arenâ€™t paying ROT book a room or building online. Some people might think that thereâ€™s a punitive aspect to the compliance side, but thatâ€™s not really it â€“ weâ€™re just asking people to pay for what theyâ€™re using. If you have one property paying (ROT) and then another one not, thatâ€™s not a level playing field,â€ Wurtzbacher said. â€˜We think most people will find this system much easier to use (than the current mail-in system). We want it to a win-win.â€ The county plans to finalize its deal with STR Helper in April and roll out the program by July 1, the start of the countyâ€™s fiscal year.
Read more Â» click here

Your Reservation Has Changed: Regulating the Sharing-Economy
What can our county do to capture lost tax revenue?
STRs present counties with two kinds of tax revenue possibilities: sales tax and, in many places, occupancy taxes. And one common reason for STR regulation is to create a plan for tax collection. The sales tax applies to everyone throughout the state. However, a local act is needed to establish an occupancy tax.

Â Not all hope is lost for those wishing to collect the occupancy tax from local hosts. The Town of Ocean Isle has been extremely resourceful (and successful) in its approach to collecting the occupancy tax, and, according to tax collector Wendy Barbee, all it takes â€œis a little investigative work.â€ Barbee explained that the investigative work (which is handled by one customer service representative) includes scrolling through the online booking sites to identify new listings, locating those properties on the Brunswick County GIS, and notifying the homeowners of the requirement to pay the occupancy tax. To help with enforcement, the town sends a letter each December to property owners asking if they plan to rent their property in the following tax year. If so, the homeowner receives an occupancy tax coupon book to use in remitting the tax bill on a monthly basis. New homeowners are automatically sent a letter informing them of the obligation to pay local taxes on STR income. Barbee admits that the task of creating a master list of all STR properties was initially labor intensive. However, now the town primarily focuses on identifying new rentals, which they estimate to be about 40-50 properties per year. The takeaway here is that local governments may want to get creative in their tax collection efforts, even if they opt out of regulating the overall use of STRs. Educating homeowners on this topic and making compliance easy are ways to ensure that your local government does not miss out on a sizable portion of funding.
Read more Â» click here

New Hanover County has had a hard time collecting occupancy tax. They have recently started to use software program to track rentals against the receipt of occupancy taxes. Â The County is buying the software with Towns able to opt in. Â Brunswick County and the Town of Holden Beach both have a financial stake in making sure the 6% Occupancy Tax is collected. Ocean Isle has been successful in its approach of the collection of Occupancy Tax. They have increased collections and made it more convenient for their property owners to submit the tax. Maybe we should get more creative in our occupancy tax collection efforts too.

Previously reported â€“ April 2020
Discussion of Occupancy Tax collection from VRBO properties
Local occupancy tax collectors should put the burden on property owners to prove that they are either satisfying their occupancy tax obligations on their rentals or that they are not personally responsible for those taxes under the rules described above. If the tax collector knows of properties being rented on-line but not paying occupancy taxes and polite requests for payment have failed, the tax collector could send estimated occupancy tax bills to the owners based on the rates listed for those properties on-line. The bills could explain that the local government will proceed with enforced collection efforts unless the taxpayers provide documentation to disprove the local governmentâ€™s estimates of liability.Â

Previously reported â€“ Â November 2022
Occupancy Taxes and Airbnb
As the number of Airbnb and other short-term rentalsÂ continues to increaseÂ across North Carolina, more local governments grow concerned about the regulation and taxation of these properties. To help, my School of Government faculty colleague Rebecca Badgett and I created a half-day workshopÂ available for on-demand viewingÂ and aÂ related book on this sometimes controversial topic.Â One important issue we discuss is how local governments can best collect occupancy taxes on rentals made through third-parties such as Airbnb or traditional rental agents. The good news is that many short-term rental (â€œSTRâ€) websites and rental agents are sending monthly occupancy tax checks to North Carolina local governments.Â The bad news is that those checks are often lump-sum payments with no way to identify the rental properties to which they relate.Â This lack of detail makes it almost impossible to know if these third parties are satisfying their occupancy tax obligations. Whatâ€™s more, North Carolina law lets most property owners off the hook for unpaid occupancy taxes on rentals made through STR websites or rental agents. To make things even more confusing, the General Assembly recently amended the law governing tax liability for these third-party rental facilitators.
Read more Â» click here

Previously reported â€“ November 2023
How this Brunswick beach town is cracking down on short-term rental properties
Officials in one Brunswick County beach town are looking to keep a closer eye on short-term rental properties.
After discovering many short-term rentals in Sunset Beach were underreporting or not reporting proper accommodations tax to the town, town officials have signed a $45,000 yearlong contract with GovOS to help better monitor such properties in the town. GovOS is a software platform that works with state and local governments to streamline various processes involving property, licensing and taxing. GovOS promised its short-term rental software would help increase short-term compliance in the town. According to Sunset Beach staff, research on this subject in the town began over two years ago. GovOS estimated the town has 637 short-term rental properties. Of those, the company estimated that some 200 are fully in compliance with the townâ€™s accommodation tax ordinance. Accommodations tax is a tax on short-term rental properties â€“ properties that are rented through platforms such as AirBnB or VRBO. In Sunset Beach, accommodations taxes are levied at a rate of 6% of the gross rental income, which includes a 3% tourism-related expenditure tax, a 2% beach nourishment and protection tax, and a 1% county tourism and travel tax. According to Sunset Beach, the property owner or agent are required to pay the full 6% tax to the town with a tax report form monthly based on income from the previous month. Even if no rental receipts are applicable for that month, property owners or agents must file reports month. The software will allow the town to identify properties currently being used for short-term rentals â€“ a feat town staff has struggled with in the wake of the explosion of short-term rental platforms such as AirBnB and VRBO. Once the properties are identified, the software will report the short-term rental properties to the town along with a variety of information on the properties and their tax reporting history. The more properties that properly comply, the more accommodations tax revenue the town will receive. According to the townâ€™s budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, the town anticipates collecting some $775,000 in accommodations taxes, a figure that could be nearly doubled if this software is successful. The Sunset Beach Town Council heard a presentation from GovOS in September before awarding the contract in October, at the request of town staff.
Read more Â» click here

12. Discussion and Possible Action to Task the Audit Committee with Advising the BoardÂ Regarding Potential Improvements to the Management of the BPART Fund Balance â€“ MayorÂ Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 66 â€“ 68

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action to task the audit committee with advising the BOC regarding potential improvements to the management of the BPART fund balance,

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The audit committee met with the auditor on June 26^th and identified the BPART fund as an issue worthy of further investigation.

TOWN ATTORNEY RECOMMENDATION:
If BOC is acting under 30.27(8 )(9) of Town Charter to task Audit Committee, then it is requested that all laws regarding BPART be provided to the Audit Committee before the committee renders any advice. Audit Committee may advise or recommend but cannot enact policy. It is advised that any recommendations be confirmed to be within the confines of the law prior to being enacted as policy or acted on in any other form by BOC.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Defer to attorney’s opinion on the subject. Any referral to the Audit Committee should take into account the BPART law as they review it.

Update â€“
The motion was made to task the Audit Committee to advise the BOC’s regarding potential improvements to the management of the BPART fund balance policy.

A decision was made â€“ Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion

13. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 25-13, An Ordinance Amending OrdinanceÂ 25-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025 â€“ 2026Â (Amendment No. 2, AIWW Crossing Underruns) â€“ Interim Town Manager Ferguson

Agenda Packet â€“ pages 69 â€“ 70

Ordinance 25-13 Â» click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Recognize funds returned to the Town via the MOA process that resulted from cost underruns on Al\/1/W crossing projects in federal FY 20, 22, and 24. Additionally, recognize portion that needs to be returned to the County based on their participation in project funding.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
I apprised the BOC on several occasions in the past that we should expect funds back from the Corps for cost underruns on AIWWW crossing projects. This is an oddity in that to my knowledge this has not occurred before for us. The budget amendment attached represents funds from underruns in federal FY 20, 22, and 24 that have passed back through the State via the MOA and the Town has been presented with remaining funds.Â We owe the county back a portion they paid us toward the execution of the projects which will also be accomplished as part of the amendment.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Approve amendment to recognize funds. Since the source of funding for these projects that placed sand on the beach as result of the dredging was the Beach and Inlet Capital Reserve Fund, suggestion is to place the money in that fund.

PART IÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $153,015.15
PART IIÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $100,173.81

Â Update â€“
The motion was made to adopt Ordinance 25-13 which recognize the funds returned to the Town that resulted from cost underruns on the Lockwood Folly Crossing projects. A portion of the funds needs to be returned to the county based on their participation in the project funding. Just so you know, we never got money back from the USACE before.

A decision was made â€“ Approved unanimously

14. Mayor’s Comments

Its Hurricane Season, be prepared – have a plan!

From the Mayor’s Desk (08/20/25)
Hurricane Erin Update
Governor SteinÂ has signed a Declaration of Emergency for the entire State of North Carolina. NC Emergency Management has pre-positioned resources ahead of any impacts.

As of the 2:00 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, here are the specifics:

- Category 2
- Max sustained winds of 110 mph
- Moving to the north at 13 mph
- Pressure of 943 mb

Â Impacts to our area:

- Winds of around 20 mph with higher gusts up to 30 mph
- Rain possibility of 0.5 – 1.0 inches over the next two to three days
- Low risk of tornados
- 1 – 3 feet of saltwater inundation above dry ground with the highest being during the morning and afternoon high tide cycles on Wednesday and Thursday. Don’t forget that the increase in wave action is on top of this inundation. There are no surge warnings in place.
- High rip current risk along the beach. It is recommended people stay out of the water if possible.
- Hurricane Erin could strengthen into a Category 3 storm.

From the Mayor’s Desk (08/20/25)
Town Manager Position
The Town of Holden Beach is pleased to announce the hiring of Bryan Chadwick as our next town manager.Â The Board of Commissioners approved Mr. Chadwickâ€™s contract at their meeting Tuesday night. Mr. Chadwick, an ICMA Credentialed Manager, most recently served as the town administrator for the Town of Archer Lodge. He has over 25 years of local government experience, with a background in law enforcement and key leadership roles throughout this time. He has provided services in the towns of Newport, North Topsail Beach, Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores. Â Mr. Chadwick will begin his employment with the Town within the next 45 days. We are very excited to have Mr. Chadwick join us in Holden Beach and look forward to working together.Â

From the Mayor’s Desk (08/19/25)
Hurricane Season
As we are in hurricane season, continue to monitor local weather, tidal and surf conditions. The National Hurricane Center has issued an advisory with a high risk of rip currents for our area. Please be mindful as you visit the beach.

From the Mayor’s Desk (08/05/25)
We have had a good summer overall thus far! It has been hot!Â Now is the time we must turn our attention to the heart of hurricane season. Currently there continues to be activity offshore that requires observation. The next ninety days or so are the greatest threat.Â Please review your hurricane plan and be prepared to put it in action.Â We may experience some above normal tides without hurricane winds.Â Our oceanfront is in good condition overall. The sea oats and other protective vegetation is especially doing well.

15. Executive Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3), To Consult with the Town Attorney

Agenda Packet â€“ page 71

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discuss, Approve, or Reject Town Manager Contract.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
This contract has been prepared at the request of the Board for the Town Manager position.

16. Discussion and Possible Approval of Employment Agreement for Town Manager â€“ AttorneyÂ Moore

Update â€“
The motion was made to approve the employment contract with Bryan Chadwick for the town manager position.Â

A decision was made â€“ Approved unanimously

Town of Holden Beach hires new town manager
The Town of Holden Beach has a new town manager. In a Facebook post, the town announced that Bryan Chadwick has been selected to fill the role. â€œMr. Chadwick, an ICMA Credentialed Manager, most recently served as the town administrator for the Town of Archer Lodge,â€ the town stated. â€œHe has over 25 years of local government experience, with a background in law enforcement and key leadership roles throughout this time.â€ Chadwick has worked for the towns of Newport, North Topsail Beach, Indian Beach, and Pine Knoll Shores. The town states Chadwick will begin his employment within the next 45 days. The Board of Commissioners approved his contract at their meeting on Tuesday night. The previous town manager, David Hewett, was fired in Nov. 2024 in a vote of 3-2 by the board of commissioners. Mayor J. Alan Holden said at the time that he and the two commissioners who voted against terminating Hewett were surprised by the motion. The commissioners voted to appoint Assistant Town Manager Christy Ferguson as the interim town manager until a more permanent replacement could be found. â€œWe are very excited to have Mr. Chadwick join us in Holden Beach and look forward to working together,â€ the town stated.
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BOC’s Public Hearing 08/26/25

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet Â» click here NA

Audio Recording Â» click here NA

THB Newsletter (08/07/25)
Notice of Public Hearing – Planning & Zoning Board

The Town of Holden Beach Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., in the Town Hall Public Assembly to consider the following request:Â

Consideration of consistency statement to revise Section 157.087 of the Town of Holden Beach Code of Ordinances. Click here to view the proposed revision.

If you have any questions, please contact Town Hall at (910) 842-6080.

Zoning policy
All proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance must go through Planning & Zoning Board for review, comments, and a consistency statement. State statutes require that the governing board hold a public hearing prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any ordinance regulating development.

Â§157.087 BUILDING NUMBERS.

Â Â Â (A)Â Â Â The correct street number shall be clearly visible from the street on all buildings. Numbers shall be block letters, not script, and of a color clearly in contrast with that of the building and shall be a minimum of six inches in height. Numbers shall be provided on each unit in a duplex or multiple unit building and shall consist of the building number with a suffix letter (A, B, C, and the like). Numbers existing on the effective date of this chapter and at least four inches high and clearly visible from the street shall be allowed to remain. Replacement numbers shall comply with this section.

Â Â Â (B)Â Â Â Beach front buildings will also have clearly visible house numbers from the strand side meeting the above criteria on size, contrast, etc. Placement shall be on vertical column supporting deck(s) or deck roof on the primary structure. If no such condition exists for the building, or if a clearer line of sight position exists on the building, the numbers shall also be affixed to the primary structure. For buildings with a setback of over 300 feet from the first dune line, a vertical post shall be erected aside the walkway with house numbers affixed. The post shall not exceed eight feet in height above the base of the walkway. The post will be placed on the highest elevation of the walkway within 300 feet of the first dune line. In all cases the numbers must be clearly visible from the strand. Other placements may be acceptable with approval of the Building Inspector.

Â (C)Â Â Â Structures abutting the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, canals, and any public trust waters shall have house number affixed to the back of the structure or on the end of the dock/pier visible so as in case an emergency and per the North Carolina Residential Code Section R319.1

General Comments â€“

BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, September 16^th

2025 Municipal Elections

The following candidates have officially filed for Holden Beach municipal electionsÂ

Holden Beach Mayor
Mike FelmlyÂ Â Â Â Â Â 137 Carolina AvenueÂ Â Â Holden Beach
Alan HoldenÂ Â Â Â Â 128 OBWÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Holden Beach (incumbent)

Holden Beach Commissioner
Robert BrownÂ Â Â Â 109 Crab StreetÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Holden Beach
Sylvia PateÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â 11 Charlotte StreetÂ Â Â Â Holden Beach
Keith SmithÂ Â Â Â Â Â 105 DurhamÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Holden Beach
Maria SurpriseÂ Â Â 159 OBEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Holden Beach
Chad HockÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â 1222 OBWÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Holden Beach

Board of Commissioners Duties and Responsibilities include:

- - adopting the annual budget
  - establishing the annual tax rate
  - enacting local ordinances and Town policies
  - formulating policies for the conduct of Town operations
  - making appointments to advisory boards and committees
  - oversee long range plans for the community

2025 Municipal Election Guide Brochure (PDF)

It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …

The following seven (7) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:

- - - Accommodation/Occupancy Tax Compliance – 2018
    - Block Q Project/Carolina Avenue – 2021
    - Dog Park – 2019
    - Fire Station Project – 2023
    - Pavilion Replacement – 2024
    - Pier Properties Project – 2021
    - Rights-of-Way – 2021

The definition of loose ends is a fragment of unfinished business or a detail that is not yet settled or explained, which is the current status of these items. All of these items were started and then put on hold, and they were never put back in the queue. This Board needs to continue working on them and move these items to closure.

Lost in the Sauce â€“

From 2024

Hurricane Season
For more information Â» click here.

Be prepared â€“ have a plan!

No matter what a storm outlook is for a given year,
vigilance and preparedness is urged.

Hurricane Season Outlook Update:
Colorado State University Projects 12 More Storms, Including 8 Hurricanes
Hurricane season still has a long way to go before it ends in November. Here’s a look at how many additional storms are expected.
Atlantic hurricane season has just entered what’s historically been its busiest and most damaging stretch, and the final outlook just issued by Colorado State University is giving a glimpse of what to expect in the coming months.

Updated Outlook By The Numbers

- Led by Phil Klotzbach, CSU’s tropical meteorology project team is forecasting 16 total named storms, including the four that have already formed this season: Andrea, Barry, Chantal and Dexter.
- That means 12 additional storms are predicted through the rest of summer and fall, with 8 of them expected to intensify into hurricanes. CSU says 3 of those hurricanes could become Category 3 or stronger, or so-called major hurricanes.
- The number of tropical storms predicted and hurricanes predicted is the same as the July outlook, which is when numbers were dropped by one each compared to earlier outlooks from June and April.
- The new outlook remains slightly above the 30-year average number for both hurricanes and storms, but below the tally of 18 storms, 11 hurricanes and five Category 3-plus hurricanes in 2024. CSU added that confidence in the August forecast is lower-than-normal.

The Season So Far

- The number of named storms this season has been a bit above the average pace. Tropical Storm Dexter formed on Aug. 3, which is 12 days ahead of when the average fourth storm has historically arrived, based on the 1991-2020 average.
- However, by another metric called the ACE Index the season’s activity was just 24% of the average to date as of Aug. 5, according to CSU. Instead of just tallying up the number of storms, the index sums up how long storms last and how strong they become. Since this season’s storms have been short-lived and weak, the ACE index is trailing well behind pace for now.
- Despite the weak nature of this year’s storms so far, they have been impactful. Tropical Storm Barry’s remnants played a partial role in fueling the deadly July Fourth Texas flood. Just two days later, Tropical Storm Chantal brought 4 to 12 inches of rain to North Carolina, triggering damaging, deadly floods in a narrow strip between Raleigh and Greensboro.

Forecast Factors Ahead

- The primary reason for the slightly more active than average outlook is plenty of warm water fuel in the Atlantic to aid in the formation and strengthening of tropical storms and hurricanes. “Sea-surface temperatures in the eastern and central tropical Atlantic have anomalously warmed over the past few weeks and are now somewhat warmer than normal, although not as warm as they were last year at this time,” Klotzbach wrote.
- Higher-than-average Caribbean wind shear observed in June and July is the top uncertain factor. This change in wind speed and direction with height in the atmosphere can be a hostile factor that tropical storms and hurricanes sometimes battle. The outlook said increased amounts of Caribbean wind shear in June and July have historically been correlated with less active hurricane seasons.
- Another factor weighed in the forecast is the lack of El NiÃ±o conditions expected for the peak of the season. This warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean alters global wind patterns in a way that contributes to less active hurricane seasons. Instead, neutral conditions are in place, which means water temperature in the equatorial Pacific are near average. Neutral conditions have historically tipped the scales toward a more hospitable atmosphere for Atlantic tropical storms to form, although La NiÃ±a conditions (cooler equatorial Pacific waters) are usually most favorable.

Outlook Doesn’t Measure A Season’s Impacts

- - What this hurricane season outlook cannot tell you is whether or not your area will get struck this season and when that might happen.
  - A season with fewer storms or hurricanes can still deliver the one storm that makes a season destructive or devastating. In 1992, Andrew delivered a catastrophic Category 5 strike on South Florida in what would have been an otherwise forgettable season with just seven storms.
  - You can also see the opposite case. The 2010 season was very active, with 19 storms, 12 hurricanes and five Category 3-plus hurricanes. All 12 hurricanes missed the mainland U.S., although Hurricane Earl did pass near enough to produce storm surge flooding in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and downed trees and power lines in eastern Massachusetts.

Read more Â» click here

With hurricane season relatively quiet so far, forecasters warn storms are coming
While seemingly a quiet season so far, officials say things could quickly spin up with favorable ocean temperatures and conditions out there. The historical peak of hurricane season is mid-September
Tropical Storm Dexter? We hardly knew you. But Tropical Storm Chantal was a different story, especially for parts of central North Carolina. Still, the first few months of the 2025 hurricane season have been rather so-so, with some huffing and puffing from tropical waves forming in the Caribbean and Gulf, but not a lot of action from them when it comes to threatening the U.S. mainland. But as we prepare to move into the meat of hurricane season, when historically the tropics heat up just as water temperatures reach their apex, officials are warning residents âˆ’ especially those along the coast âˆ’ not to drop their guard. “Based on everything we see right now, it looks like the Atlantic is just heating up and it should stay active over the next couple months,” said Corey Davis, North Carolina’s assistant state climatologist. “The water across the basin is plenty warm enough for storms to form, and we’ve seen a couple of examples already of storms forming right along our coastline.”

What’s happened so far?
In the weeks before the June 1 start of hurricane season, forecasters almost unanimously predicted an above-average 2025 hurricane season due to relatively warm tropical Atlantic waters and neutral El Nino conditions âˆ’ although one not as busy as the 2024 season. While impacts haven’t been too bad so far, and wind shear and sand from Africa have helped hinder storm development, that prediction has held. “With four named storms and still a month to go before the climatological season peak, it feels like weâ€™re pretty much on schedule for that,” said Dr. Michael Mann, a meteorologist and scientist at the University of Pennsylvania. “But who knows what might still happen. Some of the climate predictions are calling for the development of La NinÌƒa conditions this fall, and if that happens we could see things ramp up further.”

What could happen in the coming weeks?
While slightly tweaked downward, updated seasonal forecasts issued recently by NOAA’s National Hurricane Center and Colorado State University are still calling for up to 18 named storms, with winds of 39 mph or greater, and 2-5 major hurricanes of Category 3 or stronger. â€œMany of the factors we identified ahead of the season are still at play, and conditions are largely tracking along with our May predictions,â€ said Matt Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAAâ€™s National Centers for Environmental Prediction, in a release. Davis said the reason officials are maintaining their above-average predictions is due to several factors, including the warm waters in the Gulf and Caribbean that are near last year’s bath tub-like levels. Tropical Storm Helene formed in the Gulf last year thanks to the steaming water temperatures and carried all that moisture and strength hundreds of miles inland, pummeling parts of Georgia, Western N.C., and Tennessee. “That warm water also increases the risk of rapid intensification, and that will become even more of a threat as we near the peak of the season in September, when the water is warmest,” Davis said.

When is the historic height of hurricane season?
According to the National Hurricane Center, the most active time for tropical storm activity is around Sept. 10, although peak season is generally seen as running from mid-August through mid-October. Among the notable storms that have hit the Wilmington area during that window include Hurricanes Bonnie on Aug. 26, 1998; Fran on Sept. 5, 1996; Florence on Sept. 14, 2018; Floyd on Sept. 16, 1999; Matthew on Oct. 8, 2016; and Hazel on Oct. 15, 1954. But Davis said in recent times it hasn’t been hurricanes that have caused the most pain and suffering in the Tar Heel State. While it’s been five years since a hurricane made landfall in North Carolina, with Isaias hitting Brunswick County in early August 2020, the state has been hammered by recent storm systems âˆ’ fueled by climate change, experts say âˆ’ that brought intense precipitation and deadly consequences to both ends of the state. Along with Helene out west, that included the no-name storm last September that surprised officials with its intensity and swamped Pleasure Island in New Hanover County and much of Brunswick County.Â Davis said it’s those storms, and not just the ones that grab all the headlines and online focus, that folks also should prepare for, especially with the state’s long-standing problems in many areas of handling even moderate rain events. “It’s a good reminder that people don’t need to wait to hear that ‘hurricane’ buzzword to start preparing for impacts, especially heavy rain and flooding,” he said.
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