11 - Town Meeting * Lou's Views

Lou’s Views

“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments

BOC’s Regular Meeting 11/18/25

Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here

Audio Recording » click here

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. Presentation of Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025 Audit Results – Elsa Swenson, Martin Starnes and Associates – (Finance Director McRainey, Town Manager Chadwick)

Agenda Packet – pages 22 – 36, plus separate packet

Audit 2025 DRAFT Report » click here

Audit Presentation » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Martin Starnes and Associates to present the draft of the fiscal year 2025 audit.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The audit was presented to the audit committee on 11/6/25. This audit is a draft as it cannot be finalized until the government shutdown is over.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend accepting the draft audit.

Financial Highlights

- - The assets and deferred outflows of resources of the Town of Holden Beach exceeded its liabilities and deferred inflows of resources at the close of the fiscal year by $47,713,244 (net position).

- - The government’s total net position increased by $5,796,947, primarily due to an increase in the governmental activities of $4,146,835 and increases in the business-type activities of $1,650,112.

- - As of the close of the current fiscal year, the Town of Holden Beach’s governmental funds reported combined ending fund balances of $20,486,001, an increase of $2,726,531 in comparison with the prior year. Of this amount, $3,410,317 is available for spending at the government’s discretion.

- - At the end of the current fiscal year, unassigned fund balance for the General Fund was $3,410,317, or 82%, of total General Fund expenditures for the fiscal year.

Economic Factors and Next Year’s Budgets and Rates
The following key economic indicators impact on the potential growth and prosperity of the Town:

- - Occupancy tax revenues continue to remain strong with collections exceeding $4.1 million. Holden Beach continues to be a popular tourist destination with rental property tax revenue collections continuing to spread into the traditionally off-season months.

- - Construction revenues on the island remain strong. People continue to build and remodel houses on the island.

Previously reported – November 2024

Financial Highlights

- - The assets and deferred outflows of resources of the Town of Holden Beach exceeded its liabilities and deferred inflows of resources at the close of the fiscal year by $42,043,999 (net position).

- - The government’s total net position increased by $4,509,963, primarily due to an increase in the governmental activities of $4,346,045 and increases in the business-type activities of $163,918.

- - As of the close of the current fiscal year, the Town of Holden Beach’s governmental funds reported combined ending fund balances of $17,759,470, an increase of $2,752,842 in comparison with the prior year. Of this amount, $5,347,024 is available for spending at the government’s discretion.

- - At the end of the current fiscal year, unassigned fund balance for the General Fund was $5,347,024, or 146%, of total General Fund expenditures for the fiscal year.

Economic Factors and Next Year’s Budgets and Rates
The following key economic indicators impact on the potential growth and prosperity of the Town:

- - Occupancy tax revenues continue to remain strong with collections exceeding $3.9 million. Holden Beach continues to be a destination for those seeking to escape the confines of larger cities with rental property tax revenue collections continuing to spread into the traditionally off-season months.

- - Construction revenues on the island grew by almost $200k even with high interest rates people are continuing to build and make improvements to their homes.

Update –
Auditor’s report for fiscal year 2024 – 2025 audit was presented by Elsa the project manager. At this time, they can only issue a draft audit because a required document from the federal government is still pending. The auditor Martin Starnes was able to render an unmodified/clean opinion, which is considered the best possible outcome that you can receive.

3. Annual Monitoring Report Results – Fran Way, Applied Technology and Management (Assistant Town Manager Ferguson, Town Manager Chadwick)

Agenda Packet – pages 33 – 48

Beach Monitoring Report Presentation » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Fran Way (ATM) will attend the meeting to discuss the annual monitoring analysis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The purpose of the presentation is to provide an overview of the status of the strand and dune system. Our beach engineer will cover accretion and erosion that occurred this year by different sections of the beach.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report as given.

Annual Monitoring Analysis

- Volume Change
- Shoreline Change
- Annually since 2001
- Nourishment Planning & FEMA Eligibility

Ongoing Beach Management Activities

- USACE 50-year Study
- FEMA Coordination
- LWFIX & Bend-Winder
- LWF Outer Channel Dredging/Navigation
- West End Analysis (OIB Terminal Groin)
- Permit Application for Offshore Borrow Area
- Likely Next Offshore Borrow Located

Applied Technology Management
ATM is a coastal engineering firm hired by the town to do the following:

- Annual monitoring, data collection and reporting
- Assess sand erosion
- Evaluate nourishment
- FEMA projects cost reimbursement support
- Meet government regulatory permitting conditions

Annual monitoring has been occurring since 2001. We have an engineered beach – which means it has been nourished and is being monitored.

Update –
Fran presented the annual beach monitoring report, emphasizing the importance of the town’s participation in annual beach monitoring for maintaining a healthy beach and dune system, as well as retaining our engineered beach status. The report, which is used for nourishment planning and FEMA eligibility, serves as a baseline for sand volume comparisons after storms. The latest survey found that most sections of the beach strand remain stable, with accretion observed compared to baseline conditions. Beach equilibration has occurred as designed, and ongoing management activities have resulted in the beach strand being wider and healthier than it was twenty years ago.

4. Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon

Agenda Packet – pages 49 – 56

Police Report » click here

Jeremy reviewed the actions that were taken by them last month

Business as usual, normal amount and type of activity for this time of year

Korey Bishop is our new officer in the Police Department that makes ten (10)

They are interviewing internally for the open Detective position

Car break-ins are happening on multiple islands including ours

Crime Prevention 101- Don’t make it easy for them
Don’t leave vehicles unlocked
Don’t leave valuables in your vehicles

Public Service Announcement

Low Speed Vehicle Safety » 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

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

What he did not say

Public Service Announcement
Hunting season is underway, it is prohibited within Town limits
Hunting season runs from October till the end of January
Please notify the Police Department if you hear shots being fired

§130.01 DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS PROHIBITED; EXCEPTIONS.
It shall be unlawful for a person to shoot or project any stone, rock, shot, or other hard substance by means of a slingshot, bean shooter, air rifle, popgun, bow, or other similar contrivance, or to fire any pistol, gun, or other firearms within the town except on archery ranges, firing ranges, or in legally-established shooting galleries or ranges, or in the discharge of duty by law enforcement officers, provided that the use of firearms in the destruction of rodents, pigeons, squirrels, or similar animals or birds or reptiles that are considered to be a menace to public health or property may be permitted by special permission of the Chief of Police.

§130.02 HUNTING PROHIBITED.
It shall be unlawful for any person or group of persons to do any hunting of wildlife with dogs or without dogs within the town limits.

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

5. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans

Agenda Packet – pages 57 – 59

Inspections Report » click here

ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITS = 30
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITS = 560
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000 = 66
. • AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000 = 6
. • AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS = 2
. • AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UP = 45
TOTAL PERMITS = 635
PERMITS IN REVIEW = 9
CAMA ISSUED = 2
CAMA EXEMPTIONS = 12
ZONING ISSUED = 10
NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS = 6
DELINEATIONS = 8
CAMA SITE INSPECTIONS = 18

PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 10/01 – 10/31 = 91
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADE = 216

Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department is staying busy.

Contractors Information Seminar
The Planning & Inspections Department, supported by the town staff, hosted the fourteenth annual Contractors Information Seminar. Contractors and electricians were able to earn two (2) hours of continuing education credits.

6. Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey

Agenda Packet – pages 60 – 65

Finance Report » click here

Update –
Daniel briefly reviewed the Finance Report

7. Public Works Department Report – Public Works Director Benton

Agenda Packet – pages 66 – 67

Public Works Report » click here

Department Overview
The Public Works Department continues to focus on maintaining the quality of life for residents and visitors to Holden Beach through consistent operations and upkeep of town infrastructure . Our activities this month included routine maintenance, repairs, and preparedness for weather events .

Key Activities and Accomplishments

Roadway Maintenance & Repairs

- Boat dock: Crew went and cleaned the kayak launches from all algae and
- Bridgeview Park: Crew water sealed the picnic
- Road repair: Graded all dirt streets on east end of
- Campground: Brought in coquina and releveled camp sites and replaced
- Jordan Blvd Access: Crew trimmed the hedges and leveled dirt around the new
- Grounds: Mowed and trimmed entire

Festival and Holiday Prep

- Maintenance: Crew took blowers and our sweeper and swept roadways for festival
- Barricades: Placed out barricades and filled them with
- Holiday Lights: Crew has worked diligently getting all the snowflakes working and we are currently placing them

Water and Sewer

- Water Meters: Crew installed 6 new water services this
- Water Leaks: We had 4 water leaks. 2 of which were the little hydrants at the end of streets that had been hit with
- Water Meter Changeouts and Rereads: Crew completed a list with around 186 meters that needed to be reread. Crew repaired 43 meters and changed out l O
- Sewer Pits: No new pits this month.
- Service Calls: Crew ran close to 50 service calls this month . This included calls just to speak with a customer or cut the water on and off, sewer pit calls, (A lot slower than last month which is a good thing)

Capital Projects & Long-Term Maintenance

Ongoing Projects

- Meter Maintenance: We are continuing to repair and replace meters in an effort to get the reread numbers

Upcoming Projects

- Fire Hydrants: We are preparing to begin grinding and painting all of our Our plan is to be finished early spring.
- Lift Station 1: We are looking to replace vacuum pumps in Station l and re plumb the station as we go

Conclusion
The Public Works Department remains committed to serving the Holden Beach community with quality, timely services. Our team is focused on ensuring safety, cleanliness, and effective infrastructure. We continue to work diligently on ongoing projects and are prepared to tackle any issues that arise in the future..

Update –
Chris briefly reviewed the Public Work Report

8. Town Manager Report – Town Manager Chadwick

Agenda Packet – page 68

Town Manager Report » click here

Bryan reviewed the Town Manager Report

Greensboro Street / Sewer Lift Station #2
Staff met with the contractor on 11/3/2025
Flood door delivery issues and punch list completions
CO has not been issued yet, they are still waiting for the elevation certificate

Previously reported – October 2025
Staff met onsite with contractor and engineer on 9/23/2025
Contractor did not meet October 1st construction ending deadline
. •..flood door order error means projected delivery date of November 14^th

Block Q Restrooms & Parking
Contractor is now moving toward completion by of the middle of December
Grant extension was applied for with the state and timeline has been extended

Previously reported – October 2025
Contractor is moving toward completion by the end of October

Previously reported – September 2025
Apparently vendor still having issues
Contractor had to have structural engineer back out to reevaluate some work performed
Optimistic that they will still meet the grant deadline

Previously reported – August 2025
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 BOC’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 BOC’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 – July 2025

Breaking News 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 – June 2025
They have some serious concerns about the work that is being done there
New project superintendent taking over

Previously reported – 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 – April 2025
Extension applied for with the state

Ocean Boulevard Stormwater
Staff has facilitated data flowing from the engineer to the Corps

Previously reported – October 2025
PPA has been executed on both sides
A meeting is being scheduled with the staff and the Corps for next steps

Previously reported – September 2025
Corps developed PPA
McGill presenting on additional areas of concern as part of September agenda

Previously reported – August 2025
Awaiting Project Partnership Agreement from Wilmington District

Previously reported – 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 – 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
Future Scope of Work discussion TBD in the future

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.

NC Resilient Coastal Communities Program
Engineer contacted Tim with next steps, which includes forming a working group
Phase 1 of the program is being implemented
They need to select three (3) members of the community as team members

Previously reported – October 2025
Engineer to contact town staff once contracts are signed with the State

Previously reported – September 2025
The Town participated in an orientation session regarding Phase I of the program on September 9^th

Previously reported – August 2025
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 – April 2025

N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program » click here

North Carolina Division of Coastal Management 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 is at all possible.

LWF/Bend Widener Project
Funds have been sent to the USACE from the Town
The State has sent a check to them as well and they are awaiting confirmation of receipt
The sidecaster dredger Merritt was in the inlet on 10/25

Previously reported – October 2025
The County voted to provide funds back per our request

Previously reported – September 2025
The motion was made to approve Ordinance 25-14 to provide funds for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) Crossing/Bend Widener Project which is for the Lockwood Folly Inlet dredging. Christy is working with the county to recoup a percentage of the 25% local share.

Employee Updates
Christy Ferguson is now a liaison with local engagement of the ASBPA Coastal Advocacy Network

ASBPA / American Shore & Beach Preservation Association

Korey Bishop is our new officer in the Police Department
Jana Pigott has received her Plumbing & Inspection Level I certification
The Public Works department by recycling scrap metal generated revenue of $10,000
He pretty much recognized the entire staff for all they do

Previously reported – October 2025
Carey Redwine received her Electrical Inspector Level I certification

Previously reported – September 2025
We filled the vacant Public Works Supervisor position by promoting from within
Mark Thomas Senior Public Service Tech was promoted to Supervisor

County Fire Services

Previously reported – October 2025
Attended a meeting with the County and other municipalities to discuss fire services

In Case You Missed It

Public Works have put up snowflake decorations on the boulevard light poles
. • Purple streetlights are not part of the holiday decorations they are the LED’s failing

THB Newsletter (09/09/25)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Every year, Brunswick County Public Utilities and the towns, cities, and other utilities that purchase water from Brunswick County implement an annual flushing program. Public Utilities employees flush the water mains by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. The flushing cleans out sediment and allows routine maintenance of the more than 1,440 miles of water lines and over 7,789 fire hydrants in the Brunswick County service area. Flushing may result in discoloration and presence of sediment in your water. These conditions are not harmful and are temporary. During the annual flushing program, a slight change is made in the water treatment process to facilitate an effective flushing program. Throughout the year, Brunswick County Public Utilities adds combined chlorine (in the form of chloramines), to the water as the primary disinfectant. During the annual flushing program, chlorine is added in an uncombined state, commonly referred to as free chlorine. Free chlorine is more effective than combined chlorine at reacting with sediments suspended during flushing. This common practice is also used as preventive maintenance to kill bacteria that, though harmless when consumed by humans, can introduce unwanted taste and odor, and create issues with maintaining a disinfectant residual. Brunswick County will use free chlorine as the primary disinfectant from October 7, 2025, through November 2025. Depending on your location within the distribution system and usage patterns, it could take 7 to 10 days for your drinking water to transition from combined chlorine to free chlorine at the beginning of the flushing program. The annual change from chloramines to free chlorine for this brief period is required by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to promote optimal disinfection throughout the water distribution system. You may experience a change in the taste or smell of your drinking water while free chlorine is being used as the primary disinfection agent. If you are especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine, try keeping an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator. This will enable the chlorine to dissipate and reduce the taste of chlorine in your water. Remember drinking water has a shelf life. Change out the water in your refrigerated container weekly.

Note: If you have an aquarium or pond, always test the water that you add to your aquatic environment to be sure it is free of any chlorine before adding fish or other animals. Chemical additives with directions for removing either free chlorine or chloramines from water for use in fish tanks or ponds are available at pet/fish supply stores. Kidney dialysis clinics and customers on home kidney dialysis equipment should also be aware of this change.

If you have any questions regarding this process, contact Brunswick County Public Utilities at 910.253.2657, 910.371.3490, 910.454.0512, or via email, or contact your water service provider directly at pworks@hbtownhall.com.

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 November 12, 2025, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to January 30, 2026.

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 » click here

Upcoming Events

Turkey Trot / November 27^th
Tree Lighting / December 4^thSnowman Competition / December 4^th
Reindeer Dash and Santa Saunter / December 6^th
Sandy Paws Dog Parade / December 6^th

9. Block Q, Jordan Boulevard and Bridge Area Update – Town Manager Chadwick

Agenda Packet – page 69

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
The BOC reached a stalemate at the last meeting regarding the RFQ and a vote for moving forward. The staff offered to bring back a revised RFQ and path for moving forward to a stage for this budget year. After much discussion, the staff decided that it is more prudent to wait until the new board is seated to bring something forward so the board does not inherit a project and can discuss their thoughts and ideas on the topic.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
This action item is to update the board on work that was completed on this and how staff reached the above decision.

Previously reported – September 2025
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action to direct staff to develop a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for technical services to develop a comprehensive plan for the Jordan Blvd, Block Q, bridge area and former pavilion properties.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
There have been several proposals for the development of Block Q with amenities such as a band stand/pavilion, pickle ball courts, boat parking and vehicle parking. However, a comprehensive plan to develop not only block Q but the surrounding parcels (Jordan Blvd, former pavilion site, bridge area) is needed to make the most efficient use of the available properties to provide these amenities. Subsequent construction of these amenities could then be accomplished in phases according to priorities and budget availability. The intent is to allow a professional design firm to bring their expertise and creativity to bear in developing the master plan, considering all the property available. The BOC should provide some initial guide lines for the RFQ but shall not constrain the firm to those guidelines in developing the master plans.

Possible motion:
Instruct staff to develop an RFQ for a comprehensive design for Block Q, Jordan Blvd, bridge area, and the site of the former pavilion to be reviewed by the BOC.

They want to develop a comprehensive plan not only for block Q but also the surrounding parcels. The Board is trying to approach the development by keeping the end in mind. The plan is to only provide the vendor with guidelines of what they would like to see there. The motion was made to instruct staff to develop an RFQ for a comprehensive design for Block Q, Jordan Blvd, bridge area, and the site of the former pavilion to be reviewed by the BOC.

Previously reported – October 2025
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
At the September BOC meeting, the board directed staff to bring back an RFQ for a master plan for Block Q, Jordan Boulevard, the bridge area and the site of the former pavilion.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The purpose of the RFQ is to solicit professional design firms that can bring their expertise regarding all the property available. The following document is attached for your consideration and further direction.

TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend approval to distribute RFQ for a master plan as prepared by staff.

Editor’s note –
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is a document that asks potential suppliers or vendors to detail their background and experience providing a specific good or service. In this case, the buyer is only concerned about the vendor’s skills and experience. Professionals responding will be selected solely based on their qualifications and not on price. Once a firm is selected the Town will negotiate a contract for the desired services. Therefore, the response is not a bid.

Christy presented the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) document a comprehensive design plan for Block Q, Jordan Boulevard, the bridge area, and the site of the former pavilion for their consideration. Commissioner Paarfus was not ready to support this document as written. The vote to approve the RFQ failed. Mayor Holden attempted to do an end run by proposing that they bring back the previous plans so that they can move forward with a concert venue. After considerable discussion that mostly revolved around protocols the Town Manager intervened. The staff will incorporate comments from the commissioners regarding the RFQ. They will also look at moving forward with the original concert venue plan separately as another option. Staff will have something prepared for them by the next regular BOC’s meeting.

Update –
The staff decided that it would be prudent to wait until the new board is seated to discuss how to proceed.

No decision was made – No action taken

Know the difference between wants and needs?
One of the most basic concepts of economics is want vs. need.
A need is something you have to have.
It’s something you can’t do without.
A want is something you would like to have.
It’s not absolutely necessary, but it would be a good thing to have

10. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 25-08, Resolution Approving Truist Signature Card – Town Clerk Finnell (Town Manager Chadwick)

Agenda Packet – pages 70 – 71

Resolution 25-08 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 25-08, Resolution Approving Truist Signature Card.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Historically, the official signatories for the Town’s Truist accounts are the mayor, mayor pro tem and staff. Resolution 25-08 updates the current signature card by designating Mayor Holden, Mayor Pro Tem Myers, Town Manager Chadwick, Assistant Town Manager Ferguson and Finance Director McRainey as the official signatories.

Update –
Housekeeping item an update of signatories, adopted as submitted

A decision was made – Approved unanimously

11. Discussion and Possible Action on Moving Funds from the BPART Fund to the Beach and Inlet Fund – Commissioners Thomas and Paarfus
. a. Ordinance 25-16, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 25-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026 (Amendment No. 4)

Agenda Packet – pages 72 – 74

Ordinance 25-16 » click here

ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on moving funds from the BPART fund to the Beach and Inlet Capital Reserve Fund

The Beach and Inlet Reserve fund is significantly underfunded relative to the “$10M in 10-years” goal when it was established in 2018. The fund balance currently stands at just over $5M. Transferring $4M from the SPART fund will put the sand fund back on track to achieve its savings goal while still leaving a sufficient balance in the BPART fund.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:

- Holden Beach collects an Occupancy Tax of 6% on the gross receipts from rentals (S.L. 1997 – 364 HOUSE BILL 859)
  - 1 % of gross receipts from rentals is paid to Brunswick County monthly
  - 3% of gross receipts from rentals must be used for tourism development and other related programs within the town
  - 2% of gross receipts from rentals must be used for beach renourishment and protection
  - Up to half of our occupancy tax proceeds can be used for beach renourishment
- If the 2% of gross receipts had been escrowed in the reserve fund as originally planned, the balance would now be over $7M.
- If half of gross receipts had been escrowed, the balance would now be over $1OM
- There is a shortfall in our savings plan
- Currently, the BPART fund has a balance of around $8M. Transferring $4M to the Beach & Inlet Reserve fund will allow the sand fund to achieve its savings goal while still leaving a sufficient balance in the BPART

Possible Motion:
Approve the $3.3M budget amendment and execute the transfer of $4M into the Beach & Inlet Capital Reserve fund.

Update –
Commissioner Thomas explained the reasoning for the proposed transfer of funds. This brings fund balance up to ten (10) million which is necessary to do this have funds available for beach nourishment. By moving money to Beach & Inlet fund the Town will have restricted access to these funds, preventing the money from being spent for other projects. The Board approved the Ordinance as submitted and directed staff to execute the transfer of four (4) million dollars into the Beach & Inlet Capital Reserve Fund.

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

The engineering firm HDR evaluated the pier and concluded that repairing it would not be cost effective. HDR recommended that the Town of Holden Beach consider only the option of replacing the pier, not repairing it. The bond referendum to fund a new pier did not pass. It is unrealistic to expect that enough funds can be raised elsewhere to construct a new pier. Initially I was concerned that the new Board of Commissioners might attempt to use BPART funds as an alternative way to fund construction of the pier. But instead, the transfer of funds will now be allocated for beach nourishment, which is essential. I support their decision to prioritize beach nourishment over building a new pier. Diverting BPART funds to build a pier would leave the town without resources for beach nourishment after storms, putting the community at risk. Beach renourishment projects are extremely expensive and the current federal administration providing funds that we would need is uncertain. Without sufficient BPART funds, the town would most likely need to impose a special assessment on residents to pay for beach nourishment. Both the referendum and the straw poll survey showed that the residents overwhelmingly (63%) are opposed to being taxed for a new pier. If we had to do a special assessment essentially you will be taxed to pay for the pier despite that you overwhelming said NO to being taxed for a pier. Despite criticism from Commissioner-elect Smith, similar fund transfers have occurred before. Only last December we transferred almost three (3) million dollars from the BPART fund to the Beach Nourishment Fund without all the brouhaha. Even after the transfer, there will still be almost four (4) million dollars in the BPART account a substantial amount of money available for future tourism-related expenses.

Editor’s Note –

Pier Bond Referendum:
No 351 votes (62.46%)
Yes 211 votes (37.54%)

Straw Poll Survey:
No 568 votes (63.04%)
Yes 333 votes (36.96%)

General Obligation Bond Referendum

This Board has outlined the necessary steps and costs for constructing a new pier and is presenting the decision to the community through a public referendum. The referendum allows for the public to decide whether to spend the money for a pier not just the five (5) Board members. Personally, I believe that most of the public would like to have a pier but the high cost may lead to limited public support. I just don’t think that the island property owners are willing to pay for it.

Holden Beach voters reject pier bond referendum
Voters in Holden Beach rejected a bond referendum to demolish the current pier and construct a new one. In a 351-211 vote, one precinct in Holden Beach showed voters were opposed to the bond referendum that would increase property taxes for town property owners. According to the town, the referendum included $7.3 million in General Obligation bonds, which only covers demolition and construction costs. The bonds do not cover debt from the original pier property purchase, construction of a new pier building, maintenance, or operating costs. For these reasons, voters like Mark Collman opposed the measure. “A structure like that that can’t be insured, it makes no sense to spend 12 million dollars plus on something that you can’t insure when you live in a hurricane zone,” Collman said. Other voters expressed uncertainty about the proposal’s details. “I’m just not sure if I want my taxes raised or not. I understand that but I am for doing something with the pier. I think the referendum was a little bit too early and not explained enough to voters,” said Lisa Holmes. f the referendum had passed, property owners may have had to pay an additional $31.60 per year in property taxes for every $100,000 of property value. The proposed pier would be a 996-foot wooden walkway with a covered “T” at the end, similar to the original design. The new pier would be uninsurable for wind or water damage. The town states that engineers estimate annual maintenance costs at $72,560 to keep the pier functional for 50 years. The town has not established operating revenues or determined if the pier will generate profit.
Read more » click here

Editor’s Note –
Pier Bond Referendum:
No 351 votes (62.46%)
Yes 211 votes (37.54%)

Brunswick town voters turn down funding to build a new pier.
Here’s what’s next.
Election Day unofficial results show a tax increase to pay for a new pier was not on the agenda for most Holden Beach voters. With the majority of Holden Beach voters on Nov. 4 rejecting the town’s public improvement general obligation bond referendum, what’s next for the Holden Beach Pier? The wooden Holden Beach fishing pier at 441 Ocean Blvd. West has stood for nearly 70 years. In 2022, the town purchased the pier and pier house property for around $3.3 million financed at 3.18% over 15 years with an annual debt service cost of $260,000, per the town’s website. Plans to use the $7.3 million bond, if fully approved, included demolishing the existing pier and building a new pier. However, general obligation bonds require a voter referendum and over 62% of the total 562 ballots cast by Holden Beach voters were against the bond. Though the town would have seven years to issue the bonds, the expected term of the bond is 20 years, according to the town’s website. Results are unofficial until the Brunswick County Board of Elections canvass on Nov. 14.

Voters went against a property tax increase
If the voter majority supported the bond, the estimated property tax increase was $31.60 per $100,000 property tax value per year to service the cumulative cost over the life of the bond. A Holden Beach home valued at $1 million would have to pay an additional $316 in property tax per year.

What does the pier and pier building look like today?
The pier and pier house closed to the public after the property purchase due to sea-beaten pilings and a host of safety issues. Town commissioners in March 2025 decided to demolish the pier building after being told the rotted pier structure will require extensive, costly repairs in order to be saved. The building was demolished but the pier remains standing.

What are the plans for the new pier?
Commissioners decided to have engineers design a new, taller, stronger full timber pier. The pier, if constructed, will be similar to the design of the original Holden Beach pier: 996-foot-long and pedestrian-grade, with a covered “T” at the end. The bond funds, if approved, did not include construction of another pier house. Plans to rebuild the pier house are currently undecided.

What if Holden Beach voters approved the bond?
If registered Holden Beach voters strongly supported the bond referendum, the town would have moved forward with adopting the bond resolution in December. Bond order approval from the Local Government Commission would also be required.

What now?
“Funding the pier will be more challenging, since it is unlikely, at least in the short-term, that the Local Government Commission would approve an alternate form of financing for a project that did not pass at a General Obligation Bond referendum,” per the town’s bond counsel, as stated on Holden Beach’s website. The town website also notes that other forms of funding the pier have not been explored at this time and may be challenging based on costs outlined in the town’s capital improvement plan.
Read more » click here

Holden Beach Property Owners Association

UNOFFICIAL HOLDEN BEACH TAXPAYER STRAW POLL

HBPOA’s Role: Ensuring Every Taxpayer Has a Voice

Under its charter, HBPOA is committed to giving all Holden Beach property owners a chance to be heard whether or not they are eligible to vote in November.

To that end, HBPOA is conducting this Unofficial Straw Poll, asking each Holden Beach Household to vote Yes or No on the exact same Referendum that will be on the November 6 Ballot.

How the Straw Poll Works

- HBPOA is sending this Unofficial Straw Poll to each of the 2000+ Holden Beach Households by email and/or US Mail.
- Each Household may cast ONE YES or NO vote on the Referendum question regardless of the number of residents in the household or whether they are registered Holden Beach voters.
- Each Household has a Voter ID and a Password to ensure that only one vote can be cast per Household and to assure election integrity and voter anonymity.

This Unofficial Straw Poll is being conducted using Election Runner an independent third-party service used by many nonprofit organizations.

Go to https://electionrunner.com for more information.

Unofficial Straw Poll Results
The results will be posted on HBPOA’s website: https://holdenbeachpoa.com.

Straw Poll Survey:
No 568 votes (63.04%)
Yes 333 votes (36.96%)

901 total votes were cast – with only one vote per household

Municipal Elections

2025 Municipal Elections
Six (6) candidates were on the ballot running for three (3) available positions

THB Election Results

Candidate                          Position                   Term           Votes
Alan Holden Mayor Tenth 394      (69.61%)
Mike Felmly Mayor First 172      (30.39%)

Sylvia Pate Commissioner First 337      (30.31%)
Keith Smith Commissioner First 306      (27.52%)
Chad Hock Commissioner First 235      (21.13%)
Maria Surprise Commissioner First 234      (21.04%)

Editor’s Note –
Off-year elections are often noted for low interest and few voters at the polls. Based on the Mayor’s candidates vote count we had five hundred and sixty-six (566) voters out of eight hundred and fifty-two (852) registered voters or some 66.43% that turned out to vote. I’d say that it was a really good turnout especially for off-year elections.

Holden Beach Election Results
Through the Years …

Congratulations and thanks to our elected officials
for their service to the community.

General Comments

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

Apparently we had some website issues last month
. • Critical error when we updated to the latest version of WordPress PHP
Thanks for letting me know
A number of you were unable to open the most recent posts
. • 10 – Town Meeting
. • 10 – News & Views
It took a while but just this week the issues have finally been resolved by GoDaddy Please accept my humble apology for any inconvenience this may have caused

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

From 2024

Street Paving

Pavement Condition Survey » click here

Executive Summary
This report presents the results from a Pavement Condition Survey and analyzes the maintenance needs for the Town of Holden Beach’s street system. Right Angle Engineering, Inc. conducted a visual survey of the public (non-State maintained) streets that are maintained by the Town of Holden Beach. The results from this survey were used to determine maintenance needs and estimate their costs.

Maintenance Needs
Of the 12.8 miles of streets inspected, approximately 25% are in need of maintenance. The survey indicated a total estimated maintenance need for plant mix resurfacing of $1,021,874. This represents an average of $72,350 per mile for the entire town street system. It should be noted that this cost estimate is for pavement repair only. Additional costs can be incurred for drainage improvements, administration, utility adjustments, work zone traffic control, and other items. Please note that these costs are variable and can increase the total project cost significantly.

Previously reported – November 2015
Shane Lippard, Right Angle Engineering presented Streets Condition Survey report

Recommended we address it with a ten-year game plan, budgeting accordingly, tackling it on a yearly basis

Understandably we can expect our streets to continue to degrade while costs will continue to go up

In 2015 the Board implemented a tax increase of $.010 specifically for street paving and maintenance.

The penny worth of tax revenue earmarked for paving is money that is already in the budget.

Ad Valorem Tax
Estimated 2025 tax base is $2,452,110,770 with tax rate of $.14 per $100 of assessed value
. a) $24,521,107 X $.14 = $3,432,955
. b) $3,432,955 X 99.08 = $3,401,372
. • Tax collection rate of 99.080%

A penny worth of tax revenue ($242,955 ) is earmarked specifically for street paving and maintenance and is already in the budget. For the last five (5) years we have on average allocated only $115K. So, why aren’t we spending the entire $243K that has been earmarked for street paving?

Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.

Be prepared – have a plan!

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

No hurricanes hit the U.S. this year, but the storms that formed sent a warning
It’s the first time in a decade no hurricane has made U.S. landfall, even as near-record high ocean heat fueled monster storms.
This year marks the first time in a decade that there hasn’t been a hurricane landfall in the United States. That’s true even as several massive and menacing storms formed, many tracking perilously close to the United States. The Atlantic season, which officially ends Nov. 30, saw the likes of Hurricanes Erin and Imelda, as well as Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record that devastated Jamaica. But it didn’t take a hurricane landfall to have dangerous consequences in the United States. In July, the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry contributed to deadly and devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country and Tropical Storm Chantal caused destructive and fatal flooding in North Carolina, amid a global trend toward a moister atmosphere. “This season was a weird one,” said Philip Klotzbach, a senior hurricane research scientist at Colorado State University. Three storms catapulted to Category 5 intensity — the second-highest number on record for storms of that intensity within a single season. Four storms reached at least Category 4 strength. Four storms also rapidly intensified — Erin, Gabrielle, Humberto and Melissa — meaning that their winds accelerated by at least 35 mph in a day. Klotzbach emphasized that even a small number of intense storms could be more hazardous than many milder ones. “If those massive storms happen to hit something, the potential damage is a lot higher,” he added. In total there were 13 storms — one less than the long-term average. Early forecasts predicted as many as 19 storms this season, well above the number that have since formed. The exact number of storms is challenging to predict months in advance, so scientists often focus more on accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), which is a measure of storm wind strength and duration. Klotzbach added that the year had slightly more ACE than normal, even with fewer storms, underscoring the strength of the systems that did form. No tropical activity is expected in the next week, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Fueling the monster storms
This year’s powerful array of storms was linked by a factor that lies deep below the ocean — high ocean heat. This excess heat is fuel for storm intensification. More than 80 percent of the Atlantic was covered by above-average ocean heat during the season, the third-highest amount on record since records began in 1958, behind only 2023 and 2024. Part of a concerning trend, the near-record high ocean heat — in the top 10 percent of historical observations — covered almost 40 percent of the Atlantic basin. Before 2022, this metric had never been higher than 30 percent, making the recent ascension of ocean heat particularly notable. Instead of churning up cooler waters from below, violent storm winds instead found more warm water beneath the surface, enabling storms to remain or become more intense. But high ocean heat alone doesn’t cause storms to form. A tropical storm begins as a cluster of thunderstorms. When that cluster taps into an unstable atmosphere — one in which warm, buoyant air is rising — it can organize and intensify. That instability is driven by the temperature difference between the warm ocean surface and the much colder upper atmosphere. This vertical gradient, known as the lapse rate, helps set what experts call the potential intensity — the upper limit on how strong a hurricane’s winds can get. “The thing that really powers the hurricane is how fast you can transfer heat from the ocean to the atmosphere. The bigger the temperature difference, the faster you can transfer heat. The faster you can transfer heat, the more powerful the hurricane can be,” said Kerry Emanuel, a professor of atmospheric science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But that gradient was not particularly strong this year in some parts of the Atlantic, illustrating why this temperature difference matters more than the sea temperature alone. And it forms part of the reason a warming planet may have fewer tropical storms, but more intense ones overall. “This past summer, the sea surface temperatures across much of the tropical Atlantic were warmer than normal, which is part of what led people to predict that there would be a very busy season,” Emanuel said. But because the air above was also warm, potential intensity was lower than normal. That was partly responsible for why there were fewer than normal storms originating in certain parts of the tropical Atlantic, he said. Then there was the Caribbean, where monster Hurricane Melissa formed. There, the potential intensity was high. There’s little to suggest that this extra ocean heat will subside in 2026, which means it will probably be a key factor again next hurricane season. However, one climate driver that contributed to conditions that were more conducive to hurricanes in 2024 and 2025 — La Niña — will probably fade early next year. It’s unusual to have at least two consecutive years without a hurricane landfall in the United States. It has happened only six times since records began in 1851, the last times in 2009 and 2010.
Read more » click here

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with family and friends

and all of the memories that make you thankful!

November 27, 2025

Do you enjoy this newsletter?
Then please forward it to a friend!

Lou’s Views . HBPOIN

. • Gather and disseminate information
. • Identify the issues and determine how they affect you
. • Act as a watchdog
. • Grass roots monthly newsletter since 2008

https://lousviews.com/