The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to accept new terms from Cumberland County regarding the sales tax interlocal agreement originally established in March 2023.
Cumberland County is transitioning from a per capita tax distribution model to an ad valorem model, which allocates taxes based on property value rather than population. In 2023, the county extended the agreement for two years, but that term is set to expire on June 30, 2025.
Under the newly approved amendment, the county will allow the town to retain 50% of any sales tax revenue received in fiscal year 2025 that exceeds the amount received in fiscal year 2022. Previously, the town was required to return to the county any excess sales tax revenue over the fiscal year 2022 amount.
According to fiscal year 2024 data, the town owed Cumberland County $311,905.42 in sales tax revenue collected above the fiscal year 2022 benchmark. The town is projected to receive a similar amount this year, resulting in estimated savings of $156,000 due to the amended agreement. These estimates were outlined in Hope Mills Finance Director Drew Holland’s agenda form submitted to Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin.
Before the vote, Holland informed the board that town staff recommended approval of the amendment.
Cumberland County Commissioner Kirk deViere was present at Monday’s board meeting.
After the vote, Mayor Jessie Bellflowers expressed gratitude to deViere, chair of the county board.
“This is another example of the collaboration and partnership between the municipalities and the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. This is a generous offering to help minimize the loss of sales tax revenue to the county,” Bellflowers said. “I applaud him and the leadership of the Board of Commissioners for drafting this interlocal agreement and presenting it to all the municipalities.”
Other board business
Firehouse Subs grant accepted
The board also unanimously approved the acceptance of a Firehouse Subs grant totaling $18,605, which will fund 15 body armor vests for the Hope Mills Police Department.
Surplus declaration and budget amendment
The board declared several town-owned bookshelves from the Public Safety Building as surplus property and authorized their disposition, or transfer of ownership, to the Fayetteville Police Department. A corresponding budget amendment was approved in the amount of $21,425.
New Crime Information Center
The Police Department is converting the former Records Bureau room into a Crime Information Center. The renovation will cost $21,402.18 and will be financed by asset forfeiture funds.
Quarterly report approved
The town also approved the quarterly report from Witt O’Brien’s, a grant services firm. An agreement for $30,000 was initially executed on July 16, 2024, and was amended on February 2, 2025 by an additional $30,000, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $60,000. As of March 25, 2025, the town has paid $35,962.50, leaving a balance of $24,037.50 under the contract.
Closed session
The board also met in a closed session to consult with the town’s attorney regarding matters covered by attorney-client privilege, discuss personnel matters, and consider positions on acquiring real property. After the session, the board sealed the meeting minutes and reported that no action was taken.
The next Hope Mills Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.
