NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The state of New Hanover County has never been stronger, according to Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Rivenbark, The chair delivered the 2024 State of the County address on Monday afternoon.
He began by highlighting the county’s strong financial standing, marked by its 11th consecutive Triple-A bond rating from Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s. Essentially, this means the county has great credit. This helps the county fund projects like Project Grace with less impact to tax payers.
According to the presentation, the economic landscape is thriving due to strategic partnerships, leading to significant project announcements and investments, particularly along the U.S. Highway 421 corridor. The county is planning for future needs and growth by focusing on workforce housing, infrastructure development, and economic growth initiatives.
In education, Rivenbark emphasized the county’s commitment to the school system as it faces a multi-million dollar budget shortfall. This year, the county has contributed $140 million to New Hanover County Schools, with more than $5,000 spent per student.
In addition to the State of the County, the Board of Commissioners heard an updated on Port City United on Monday. Port City United is a county department focused on violence prevention. It has recently faced criticism after one of its employees was arrested in connection to a shooting in Wilmington.
County Manager Chris Coudriet shared the Mediation and Outreach division of Port City United remains suspended, with its employees on administrative leave pending further investigation by county leadership.
“We should pause and reflect on whether or not the things that we are investing in are doing what they are intended to do,” said Dane Scalise, county commissioner.
“We’re trying to do proactive things, from a county standpoint, to reduce incidents that you would never even hear about because someone was there to intercede before it became an issue,” said Jonathan Barfield, county commissioner.
Commissioners asked questions and shared their thoughts on the program. Dane Scalise remaining skeptical of its efficacy and Jonathan Barfield continuing to support its efforts.
“I don’t want the employees of New Hanover County to be at risk of violence. I think that you put a story out where a man said something to the effect of ‘everyday, we’re risking our lives.’ That doesn’t make me feel good. I don’t want county employees risking their lives,” said Scalise.
“The work that department is doing, the violence interrupters, is really one of the key and critical pieces of the whole puzzle. It’s part of the reason why PCU got started,” said Barfield.
The board is set to further discuss the future of Port City United during upcoming budget workshops for the next fiscal year.