Whiteville City Council Advances Major Annexation, Hears Community Concerns, and Approves Staffing Changes in March 24 Meeting

Whiteville City Council Advances Major Annexation, Hears Community Concerns, and Approves Staffing Changes in Wide‑Ranging March 24 Meeting

WHITEVILLE — The Whiteville City Council moved through a packed agenda on March 24, 2026, taking action on a major voluntary annexation, hearing community concerns from residents, reviewing departmental reports, and approving significant amendments to the city’s staffing and classification plan.

The meeting opened with routine business, including roll call, invocation, and unanimous approval of the agenda and minutes from the March 10 session. But the bulk of the evening centered on land use decisions, stormwater concerns, and internal restructuring as the city continues to grow.

Council Approves Annexation of 130.97 Acres at Quail Drive

One of the most consequential actions of the night was the public hearing and subsequent approval of Ordinance 2026‑O‑100, authorizing the voluntary contiguous annexation of 130.97 acres at 133 Quail Drive.

According to the annexation application submitted by AMC II, LLC, the property sits at the intersection of Quail Drive and James B. White Highway and is currently zoned ETJ/RA‑20. The developer is seeking rezoning to R‑6 and B‑3, signaling plans for a mixed residential and commercial development.

The annexation petition was certified in February, and the city advertised the public hearing as required. The ordinance notes that the land is contiguous to existing city limits and meets all statutory requirements for annexation.

The detailed metes‑and‑bounds description—spanning several pages—outlines the tract’s boundaries along U.S. 701 Business, Quail Drive, Mill Branch, and Alligator Run Road. The annexation becomes effective immediately, and the city will now record the new boundary with the Columbus County Register of Deeds and the Secretary of State.

City planning staff reported they are already working with DRG Engineering on a master plan for the site.

Residents Raise Concerns About Stormwater, Communication, and Neighborhood Impacts

Two citizen presentations highlighted ongoing concerns in West Whiteville and the city’s ecological planning.

AC Cutler: Ditch Maintenance & Mollies Branch

Resident A.C. Cutler, representing the West Whiteville community, addressed the council regarding:

• City‑wide ditch maintenance
• Stormwater impacts from the Mollies Branch project on Pinewood Subdivision
• Improving communication between residents and city officials

Cutler’s request emphasized the need for more consistent maintenance and clearer updates to residents affected by stormwater projects.

Helen & Charles Holden: Ecological Stewardship and Civic Landscape Projects

Whiteville residents Helen and Charles Holden presented a detailed ecological context report and requested council guidance on several civic landscape initiatives, including:

• Clarification on the Madison Park project’s grading, stormwater systems, and planting plans
• Exploration of a Cypress Landing canoe/kayak access point into the swamp
• Installation of “memory windows” interpreting local soils, hydrology, and ecological history
• Potential ecological enhancements at the DOT roundabout as a civic gateway

Their presentation framed Whiteville as a landscape shaped by subtle elevation changes, longleaf pine ecosystems, and historic Indigenous stewardship, urging the city to integrate ecological understanding into public projects.

Council received both presentations without immediate action.

City Approves Major Staffing and Classification Plan Changes

Council unanimously approved the 4th Amendment to the FYE26 Position/Classification Plan, which included several notable changes:

Position Title Updates

• Emergency Services Director → Emergency Services Director/Stormwater Manager
• Planning Director/Office Manager → Planning Director/Stormwater Coordinator
• City Clerk/Office Manager → City Clerk/Administrative Officer
• Event & Rental Coordinator → Community Engagement and Events Coordinator

These changes reflect expanded responsibilities, particularly in stormwater management and community engagement.

Staffing Adjustments

• Police Detectives increased from 3 to 5, correcting an earlier COPS Hiring Grant allocation
• Police Officers reduced from 8 to 6
• Evidence Technician changed from full‑time to part‑time
• Animal Control Officer position reduced to zero funded positions
• Recreation seasonal worker positions expanded from 2 to 5, now titled Facility Maintenance Seasonal Workers, to support mowing and grounds maintenance during peak seasons

The updated classification plan now includes 86 full‑time funded positions and 35 part‑time funded positions.

Budget Amendments Approved, Including Sewer Repair Funding Shift

Council approved several budget amendments:

Budget Amendment #2

• Reduced the city’s Fund Balance Appropriation by $257,760 due to savings from the “20 Point Plan.”

Budget Amendment #3

• Shifted debt service payments from the Wastewater Treatment Plant budget to Sewer Operations.

Budget Amendments #4A and #4B

• Transferred $173,000 from Water Construction to Sewer Construction
• Funds will support Pleasant Plains Road sewer repairs

Financial Forecast Presented

Finance staff delivered the FYE2026 Financial Forecast Analysis, reviewing anticipated performance against the current budget. No action was required.

Departmental Reports Highlight Busy February

Council received February reports from multiple departments. Highlights include:

Economic Development

• Launch of the Downtown Open‑Air Market beginning March 19
• Introduction of the Music in the Alley series
• Continued progress on Madison Street Park, with Phase 1 expected by August
• Social media engagement up 249% in February

Parks & Recreation

• Youth basketball and cheer seasons concluded
• T‑ball registration reached 90 participants
• Recreation Center membership at 82

Planning & Inspections

• 26 permits issued and 48 inspections completed in February
• Ongoing work on stormwater management and ordinance updates

Wastewater Treatment

• 42.8 million gallons treated in February
• 4.75 inches of rainfall recorded
• Completion of annual performance summary and quarterly monitoring

Council Comments and Adjournment

During council comments, members discussed upcoming budget workshops and home security system recommendations. Mayor Terry Mann welcomed new City Manager Sean Martin, who said he was glad to be “home.”

The meeting adjourned unanimously.

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