CAMDEN — A Camden man delivered an emotional appeal to county leaders, urging commissioners to slow the pace of development and “keep Camden, Camden” as the board worked through a full slate of year-end business at its regular meeting.

Comeeting touched every corner of county operations—from animal services and construction projects to water capacity, bonding, and a statewide traveling exhibit.

The most recent meeting (Dec. 1) opened with the annual election of the board’s officers — Jason Banks was approved for another term as chairman with Troy Leary to another term as vice chair.

Albemarle Observer will be covering more Camden news in 2026. If you have any news tips, send them this way to mileslayton1969@gmail.com

Public Comment: “What we already have here is valuable and worth protecting”

During the public comment period near the start of the meeting, resident Dave Chick rose and told the board he wanted to share what he described as “my kind of end of the year statement.”

“Pretty much everybody up here knows what I’m passionate about when it comes to this county,” he began. “I’m getting emotional just thinking about it.”

Chick said he fell in love with Camden soon after moving here, and only later learned that his own family history is tied to the region. “I was not aware of all my soy roots come from Camden,” he said. “Had no idea. I had family in Carrituck… I didn’t know about Camden until the wonderful war of the internet and you get to see all your branches. And a lot… is from right here.”

Chick said that connection deepened his concern about the county’s future as development pressure intensifies.

“In times where growth is often seen as progress, where bigger is assumed to be better, and where developers promise prosperity if we only let them in,” he said, “what they fail to understand is that what we already have here is valuable and worth protecting.”

Chick described Camden’s identity as something money can’t replicate. “Our small town isn’t just a place on a map, it’s a way of life,” he said. “It’s neighbors who know each other by name, local businesses who remember your order, and wide open spaces that give our kids room to grow up and be grounded.”

He said outside developers often offer promises that don’t match the reality on the ground.

“When developers come in, they bring more than just buildings,” he said. “They bring traffic, noise, rising costs, and slow erosion of small community values. They promise jobs, but often the profits go elsewhere.”

He gave one recent example that frustrated him, telling commissioners he remembered a project that claimed to bring new employment. “When he spoke on the jobs that they were bringing, it was six people,” he said. “It’s six people and the company’s not staged here… none of the profits… would come to Camden.”

Chick warned that once farmland and open space are converted, “we can’t go back.”

“The unchecked development — we can’t go back,” he said. “Open land becomes parking lots and the family farms disappear under strip malls or neighborhoods.”

He also referenced the townhouse development on Horseshoe Road, saying it “doesn’t fit our community.”

“That place does not bring anything here,” he said. “If anything, it brings what I call temporary residents. You have three story townhouses with no yards, where the kids would play in their driveway.”

Chick acknowledged that some residents feel their voices don’t matter. “The unfortunate part is, I can’t get people to come here with me,” he told the board. “A lot of online people say it’s worthless to come up here and spend their time, but you’re not gonna get that from me.”

He closed by warning that Camden’s identity is fragile.

“They see land and divide streets to pave and dollar signs,” he said. “Where we see cornfields, pastures, and the heart of a close-knit community… Because once the field is turned into a parking lot, we can’t get it back.”

“This is about protecting Camden’s identity, not just for us, but for our children and our grandchildren,” he said. “So, might I say, we not let the outside developers decide what our town should become and let’s keep Camden, Camden.”

Animal shelter agreement approved after months of debate

The board revisited the contentious issue of animal shelter services, following extended discussion at the prior meeting.

“At your last meeting, we had a pretty extensive discussion about animal shelter and services,” County Manager Erin Burke said. She reported that Pasquotank County Manager Sparty Hammett had proposed modifying the agreement to “a one-year and seven-month agreement, which would essentially give them and us a full year of operating understanding.”

The board had asked whether Camden could secure designated shelter space. Hammett, she said, expressed concern that such a requirement could put Pasquotank “in violation of the contract” during unexpected surges in intake or disease outbreaks.

Burke added new information: the shelter’s newly hired manager has “extensive experience operating a small rural shelter serving Tri-County Animal Shelter and I have every confidence that she’ll be able to manage those needs appropriately.”

Commissioners questioned whether a one-year contract was possible, but Burke noted it would fall mid-budget-year for Pasquotank, creating difficulties.

Burke also told the board she had already begun developing “key performance indicators to monitor… animal control calls… and the sheltering response… because right now, that, that data is rather weak.”

Commissioners approved the the interlocal agreement for animal shelter service for one year and seven months.

County honors HR Director Beverly Fonville for five years of service

A presentation recognized Human Resources Director Beverly Fonville for five years of service ahead of her upcoming retirement.

“It’s my privilege to recognize Beverly Fonville for five years of outstanding service as Camden County’s human resources director,” Administrative Assistant Amanda Mathews said. “In that time, Beverly has supported staff across all departments and demonstrated exceptional professionalism and leadership.”

County Manager Erin Burke followed with personal remarks.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Beverly in the spring of 2021… and she has remained steadfast in her professionalism and her dedication to Camden County,” Burke said. Fonville, she added, “has decided to start enjoying grandmother-hood a little bit more,” and will retire effective December 31, with her last office day on December 19.

Moratorium update: wastewater modeling underway

Burke delivered an update on the county’s development moratorium tied to wastewater limitations.

“So, all the sampling in the river has been completed,” she reported. “The Timmons Group is working on building out the model for the wastewater discharge. And that information will be turned over to the state in the next… five or six months.”

Commissioner Banks noted that “everything is supposed to be done by July of next year.”

Once the model is approved, Burke said, the county can “finalize the engineering details.” Work also continues on securing state funding tied to the previously approved $10 million water and wastewater grant package.

Administration building expansion approved

Next, commissioners reviewed a long-delayed project to finish the attic space in the county’s administration building.

Burke presented a proposal from See Thru Construction — quote of
$116,172.05 for this project. Staff request; seeking approval of Budget Amendment in the amount of $120,000 to allow for a 5% contingency.

Burke vouched for the Currituck-based company: “I’ve known Cithro Construction for probably nearly 20 years… they do quality work… and they’re one of the few construction companies that actually survived the recession in Dare County.”

The board approved the $120,000 unanimously.

Commissioners move ahead on lease with Harmoni Towers

An extended discussion followed about a proposed ground lease with Harmoni Towers to allow construction of a new telecommunications tower in South Mills—part of a broader push to improve service countywide.

“This is a bit of an interesting proposal,” Burke said. “One of the things that was identified was working to get some additional tower sites in the county.” Harmony Towers had first contacted the county more than a year ago.

They are seeking to build a monopole tower at 175 McPherson Road, on land facing Ecopark Boulevard. Officials have also encouraged the company to consider other sites, including Shiloh, where residents struggle with weak cell service.

“One of the benefits that this company has is that… they look to partner with local government agencies because they like to have the opportunity to provide additional service… for emergency responses,” Burke said.

Commissioners asked whether the tower could be shifted to a less central spot on the parcel. Burke said that was feasible: “I don’t think that they would object to moving that a little bit further… to line it up with one of those ditches.”

A motion followed “to approve the drafting of a lease agreement with Harmony Towers with consultation with the county attorney.” The vote passed unanimously.

Water and sewer report shows growing demand, active development

Public Works Director Chaz Sawyer presented a detailed monthly water and sewer update.

“There was 191 distribution work orders submitted with 100% completed,” he said, though he cautioned future reports may show minor backlog as staff addresses cracked or broken meter lids.

Sawyer also noted “the water treatment plant treated a total of 17,300,000 gallons… that is 78% of capacity.” Usage typically dips in fall but is expected to rise again by May. “We’re working on getting well site four accomplished before then,” he said.

The South Mills Wastewater Treatment Plant processed an average of 14,279 gallons per day, “14% capacity,” while the courthouse-area plant was at 56%, fluctuating with school attendance.

Sawyer also highlighted progress in the Camden Lakes development.

“Those water lines have been installed, pressure tested, and chlorinated,” he said. After bacteria testing and engineer sign-off, the lines will become part of the county system. Several commissioners noted recent low water pressure.

“There were a few days when they have to pull… that much water that quickly, that it will cause pressure issues,” one said. Sawyer described the “hard flush” process needed to clear new lines.

Commission accepted the report, praising Sawyer for his work.

County Manager updates on high school construction, exhibits, cybersecurity and farmland lease

Burke’s monthly manager report included updates on the new high school, Treasure Point, and preparations to host the statewide American Revolution Experience exhibit.

“Camden County was selected as the only location in northeastern North Carolina to house the American Revolution Experience exhibit,” she said. The traveling exhibit will be displayed in the library throughout January, with scheduled field trips for students.

She also reported Camden has received a $67,000 cybersecurity grant and is preparing for the county’s transition away from the regional library system.

Burke informed commissioners that longtime farmer Calvin Mercer of Mercer Farms would no longer farm the land near the county’s spray field. She recommended advertising the roughly 180 farmable acres through closed bid to ensure fairness.

“I got a whole bunch of head nods, so I’m gonna move forward with, with drafting it,” Burke said.

Commissioners reaffirm school funding commitments

Commissioner Tiffney White read a prepared statement emphasizing the board’s escalating investment in public education amid public concerns about teacher supplement pay.

“I understand the concerns that have been raised regarding supplement pay,” White said. She cited a “55% increase” in operational support from FY 23-24 to FY 24-25, with another 8% increase the following year. “In total, this represents a more than 68% increase in school funding in a very short period of time.”

Once allocated to the school system, she said, “state laws give the Board of Education… the responsibility and discretion to determine how school funds are allocated.”

Commissioner White added that he wants commissioners to tour school facilities “to see what all the capital needs projects are… so that we are in the know.”