HOPE MILLS — The town’s Board of Commissioners voted to move forward on an economic development incentive during their regular meeting on Monday.
The incentive — being led by the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation — is for “Project Shade,” which promises to create a $10 million investment in real estate and equipment in Hope Mills. The as-yet-undisclosed industrial company intends to locate at 103 Tom Starling Road and looks to create at least 45 full-time jobs with an average pay of $38,000 by 2026. The town also stands to receive $50,000 annually in additional tax revenue.
The proposed business ran into some complicating issues, including the requirement of a gas line, according to Rob Patton Jr., executive vice president of the FCEDC. The business is asking the town to provide a grant to help offset the cost of the gas line extension, which is projected at $67,123.
Patton spoke in favor of the development during the public hearing. He told the board that investing in the company would increase the tax base by $10 million. Patton said in addition to the unforeseen gas line issue, at least $1 million in expenses would be needed to remedy stormwater control systems.
“If approved, your grant would pay $750 per 45 jobs created. They have to create that many jobs to earn that grant investment,” Patton said. “They would also have to put in the gas line and show their expenses. So this is not upfront; this is a performance-based grant.”
The Project Shade incentive passed by a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Bryan Marley and Joanne Scarola and Mayor Pro Tem Kenjuana McCray voted in favor of the incentive, while Commissioners Elyse Craver and Jerry Legge voted in opposition.
Board approves budget and corresponding fee schedules
The board also approved its $22 million budget — the largest in the town’s history — by a vote of 3-2. Marley and Scarola approved the budget, as well as McCray; Craver and Legge voted in opposition.
The town held two budget workshops, which included gathering public input. The top issue expressed by residents was concern around public safety.
“The FY2026 proposed budget reflects the Board’s commitment to community safety, continued provision of high-quality services to residents while we continue to meet the needs of a growing town by making strategic investments in services,” Mayor Jessie Bellflowers told CityView in an email statement.
“A key focus of the budget is driven by the need to expand public safety programs. For example, the police station will open 24 hours, 7 days a week, beginning July 1.”
Craver told CityView she voted against the proposed budget model because she wanted a budget that adhered to the revenue-neutral rate, which is now 41 cents per $100 of assessed value.
“When the goal is to avoid raising taxes, it is essential to eliminate unnecessary ‘wants,’” Craver said. “Unfortunately, this did not occur.”
Additionally, the board unanimously approved three budget amendments totaling $236,000. The board also moved to:
- Execute a memorandum of understanding of partnership with the T.J. Robinson Life Center.
- Authorize the town manager to execute the interlocal agreement between the Cumberland County Board of Education and the Town of Hope Mills for use of the facilities by the Parks and Recreation department.
- Approve the audit contract for accounting firm SharpePatel for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
The board’s next meeting is a public hearing at 6 p.m. on June 30 to receive public input on the proposed amendment to the town’s charter to allow for four-year staggered terms. The board’s regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on July 7 at Town Hall, where a vote on the charter amendment is scheduled to take place.
