Brunswick Budget and Building

Good Morning, Leland, Town Creek, Navassa and more! Let’s make Tuesday great!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Brunswick County Budget Approved

• Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground on Build in Leland

• BCSO Offering Free Pet Vaccines Today and Tomorrow

THE NEWS

Brunswick County Budget Approved

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved a $313.1 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26 in a 3-1 vote. This marks a nearly 6% increase from the previous year, with the property tax rate remaining at 34.2 cents per $100 of value. The budget growth is attributed to the county's rising population.

Vice Chairman Martin Cooke emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable tax rate amid rising living costs. The budget includes a roughly 9% increase in school district funding.

Chairman Mike Forte was the sole dissenting vote, advocating for a half-cent tax increase to provide more funding for schools, public safety, and libraries—arguing that not doing so cost schools around $800,000.

Commissioner Frank Williams countered that the budget does support critical areas like law enforcement and infrastructure, particularly water and sewer projects. He also noted future planning efforts, including a potential school bond and addressing fire department staffing concerns in the next budget cycle. Read the rest of the story at wwaytv3.com.

Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground on Build in Leland

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity has begun construction on three homes as part of its first full neighborhood development, located off Highland Hills Drive. The planned subdivision will feature 10 houses, a park, and a basketball court.

Habitat partners with families who meet specific criteria, including completing volunteer hours, and provides an affordable fixed 3% mortgage. Executive Director Jason Gaver noted that due to rising land costs, the organization is shifting toward developing larger properties to build full communities.

Applications for the homeownership program will open to eight families in the third week of August. Read more and see the story at wwaytv.com.

BCSO Offering Free Pet Vaccines Today and Tomorrow

Brunswick County is offering free pet vaccinations to help keep pets healthy. No appointment is needed—just bring your pet (leashes and carriers encouraged).

Event Details:

• Tuesday, June 17 | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM at Dollar General in Longwood

• Wednesday, June 18 | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM at Han-Dee Hugo’s on Southport-Supply Road

Vaccines Offered:

• 1-year rabies vaccine (free)

• FVRCP for cats (protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia)

• DAPP for dogs (protects against Distemper and Parvo)

If you can't attend, vaccinations are also available at Brunswick County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services on Green Swamp Road in Supply.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Help Your Kids Get and Stay Organized

Teaching young people how to stay organized is a valuable skill that supports both academic success and personal growth. This program offers practical, age-appropriate strategies for parents, educators, and youth to develop effective organizational systems. With a focus on time management, school responsibilities, and keeping personal spaces tidy, the session is perfect for families aiming to build strong organizational habits from an early age. Tomorrow from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center - help your child get those skills. $18 for Leland residents and $20 for non-residents. Register here.

Trivia at Local’s Tavern

Tonight starting at 6:30 pm at Local’s Tavern:

Test your knowledge on a variety of topics while enjoying great food and drinks. Sherri will be hosting the event, so get ready for some challenging questions and a lot of laughs. Don't miss out on the chance to win some great prizes and bragging rights as the ultimate trivia champion! Local’s Tavern is located at 1107 New Pointe Blvd in Leland.

Do you have an event? Reach out to us! [email protected]

WEATHER

Tuesday

89 🌡️ 77 | ⛅ | 25% | 🌬️ SW 11 mph | Humidity 68%

Wednesday

91 🌡️ 76 | ⛅ | 45% | 🌬️ SW 13 mph | Humidity 64%

Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of Live, Laugh, Love Leland!

Forward this to a friend and ask that they sign-up! Have ideas, suggestions or comments? Send them to [email protected]

See you tomorrow!