CAMDEN COUNTY — At 67 years old, Garland Rountree still works to afford the $2,500 annual property tax bill on his home off Belcross Road — all while maintaining 400 feet of private road on Lister Drive himself because the county doesn’t service it.

“I’m paying $2,500 a year for taxes. They don’t do nothing to the road,” Rountree told Camden County commissioners at their January 5, 2026 meeting, explaining that despite retiring in 2021, he doesn’t qualify for senior tax deductions due to income requirements.

“I’ll be 68 tomorrow,” he added, asking the board where he could turn for relief.

The meeting also saw commissioners unanimously establish a Unified Development Ordinance Review Committee to update land-use regulations, approve updated personnel policies, and listen to a report on a major water main break that occurred early Saturday morning.

Roundtree and his wife have maintained their stretch of Lister Drive since 2007. He questioned whether utility companies that recently ran lines down the private lane should contribute to maintenance costs, noting he’s “grasping for straws” to find any relief while continuing to work well past retirement age so as to afford his property taxes.

“At 67, I can’t get a deduction on the taxes,” he told commissioners. “So where do I turn? Where do I go to try to get some kind of relief on this, if there is some relief?”

County leadership asked Rountree to provide contact information for follow-up on potential solutions to his situation.

Policy Updates Approved

The board unanimously approved updates to two county personnel policies. The substance abuse policy reinstates random drug screenings, which had been previously removed. The disciplinary policy received clarifications regarding categorization of infractions as moderate or severe, along with updated guidance on appropriate responses to violations.

Step Toward Development Ordinance Review

In a significant move for county planning, commissioners adopted Resolution 2026-01-01, establishing a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Review, Revision, and Update Committee. County staff explained that the committee will conduct a comprehensive review of land use regulations to ensure they remain appropriate for Camden County’s rural character.

“The Board of Commissioners recognizes that Camden County is a predominantly rural county with large agricultural heritage, low density development patterns, limited public infrastructure and significant natural environmental resources,” the resolution states.

However, County Manager Erin Burke cautioned that current state legislation preventing “down-zoning” could limit the county’s ability to make certain protective changes. Officials encouraged residents to contact state representatives about this restriction, which they say could hinder efforts to preserve Camden County’s rural character.

The committee will serve in an advisory capacity to the planning board and commissioners. Applications to serve on the committee are available on the county website, with the board hoping to appoint members by their February meeting.

The Board of Commissioners will hold a quasi-judicial hearing at 6p.m. Jan. 13, 2026, with their next regular meeting scheduled at 7 p.m. Feb. 2, 2026.