Swansboro, North Carolina
Upcoming
Planning Board
The Planning Board will consider a text amendment to UDO § 152.130-135 regarding enforcement and civil penalties, following a discrepancy discovered by the town attorney. The board may vote to recommend approval to the Board of Commissioners along with a consistency statement.
- UDO Text Amendment to § 152.130-135 Enforcement and Review concerning code enforcement and civil penalties
Swansboro Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Special Meeting
Swansboro Tourism Development Authority
Recent meetings
Swansboro Tourism Development Authority Special Meeting
The Swansboro Tourism Development Authority will hold a public hearing and vote on adopting the FY 2026/2027 budget ordinance. The balanced budget was prepared in accordance with state law and presented to the board on April 9, 2026. No revenue or expenditure amounts were listed in the agenda.
- Public hearing on FY 2026/2027 budget
- Motion to adopt FY 2026/2027 Budget Ordinance and supporting documents
- Approval of April 9, 2026 regular meeting minutes
Board of Commissioners
The Board is considering adoption of the FY 2026/2027 budget ordinance, including a tax rate of $0.35 per $100 valuation, salary schedules, and fee schedule, which was tabled from June 9. Two public hearings are scheduled for text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance: one to correct a discrepancy in the definition of 'Fence (Protective)' and another to adopt updated Flood Damage Prevention ordinances from the National Flood Insurance Program. Consent items include meeting minutes, a budget ordinance amendment, and tax refunds totaling $188.27.
- Adoption of FY 2026/2027 Budget Ordinance with tax rate $0.35/$100, salary schedules, and fee schedule (tabled from 6/9/2026)
- Public hearing and potential adoption of Ordinance 2026-O4 amending UDO §152.016 (definition of 'Fence (Protective)')
- Public hearing and potential adoption of Ordinance 2026-O5 amending UDO §152.400-462 (Flood Damage Prevention)
- Consent item: Budget Ordinance Amendment #2026-7
- Consent item: Tax refunds totaling $188.27 for vehicle taxes
Appearance Commission
The Appearance Commission will vote on recommending final by-laws to the Board of Commissioners for adoption. Members will also discuss the possibility of diagonal parking on Front Street and review potential future projects including landscape enhancements and holiday lights. The agenda includes approval of previous meeting minutes and discussion of future agenda topics.
- Final by-laws vote to recommend to Board of Commissioners for adoption
- Discussion of diagonal parking on Front Street (no action required)
- Potential future projects: Saltwater Grill landscape enhancement, holiday lights, solar lights, and signs for completed projects
- Approval of May 21, 2026 special meeting minutes
- Discussion of future meeting agenda items and direction to staff
Historic Preservation Commission
The commission will receive updates on the Certified Local Government program activities for FY 2024-2025 and on required training for members. They may provide direction on how to satisfy training requirements by September 30, 2026. No major decisions or public hearings are scheduled.
- Certified Local Government program update for FY 2024-2025 from Planner Rebecca Brehmer
- Training requirements discussion for CLG program year October–September
- Minor work/staff approval application report for May–June 2026
Board of Commissioners
The Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026/2027 budget, followed by a vote on the budget ordinance, tax rate of $0.35 per $100 valuation, salary schedules, and fee schedule. Appointments to the Board of Adjustment and the Historic Preservation Commission are also on the agenda. Consent items include approval of April 1 special meeting minutes and an ONWASA administrative service agreement.
- Public hearing on FY 2026/2027 Budget Ordinance and Tax Rate ($0.35/$100)
- Consider appointments to Board of Adjustment and Historic Preservation Commission
- Consent agenda: April 1, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes and ONWASA Administrative Service Agreement
- Discussion of future agenda topics
Planning Board
The Planning Board will consider two text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. The first corrects a discrepancy in the definition of 'Fence (Protective)' in §152.016. The second updates the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (§152.400-462) to align with the 2026 NFIP model ordinances. Both items will be recommended to the Board of Commissioners for approval.
- UDO text amendment to §152.016 to correct definition of 'Fence (Protective)'
- UDO text amendment to §§152.400-462 to update Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance per 2026 NFIP model
- Comprehensive Plan Consistency Statement for each amendment
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider awarding a contract to Bobbitt Construction for the design phase of a new Emergency Operations Center/Public Safety Building at a cost of $952,741, along with a separate project management services contract with MPB for $254,345. They will also vote on an audit contract for the upcoming fiscal year and approve consent items including a resolution to withdraw from ECC and minor tax refunds.
- Contract award to Bobbitt Construction for EOC/Public Safety Building design – $952,741
- Contract award to MPB for project management services on the EOC/PSB – $254,345
- Resolution 2026-R7 authorizing withdrawal from ECC
- Audit contract with Anderson Smith & Wike, PLLC for $26,500 (not to exceed $29,000)
- Tax refunds totaling $161.71 (Jeffrey Duncan, Roger & Mary Newcomb)
Appearance Commission Special Meeting
The Appearance Commission will consider adopting a regular meeting schedule, review draft by-laws, and discuss the creation of a new Appearance Project Program for property enhancements. A potential project involving a property between Saltwater Grill, its parking lot, the gazebo, and the waterfront will be discussed, with a possible motion to assign a member to collaborate with the owner. The commission will also review a proposed sign design for completed project sites.
- Adoption of regular meeting schedule (9am on 3rd Thursday each month)
- Review of initial draft by-laws for the commission
- Discussion to create an Appearance Project Program for property enhancement/clean-up projects
- Potential project opportunity on property between Saltwater Grill, parking lot, gazebo, and waterfront
- Review of proposed signage for commission project sites, to be forwarded to Board of Commissioners if approved
Swansboro Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
The Swansboro Parks & Recreation Advisory Board will hold a largely administrative meeting, including the election of officers, review of board bylaws, and adoption of previous minutes. No new business or financial items are on the agenda.
- Election of officers
- Review of board bylaws
- Adoption of April 15, 2026 meeting minutes
Board of Commissioners Special Budget Workshop
The Board of Commissioners holds a special budget workshop to discuss the draft FY 2026/2027 budget. Staff was directed to revert to Scenario #7 pending guidance on Senate Bill 889 and to explore including Capital Improvement Plan set-aside funds. The board is expected to provide further guidance on the budget.
- Draft FY 2026/2027 Budget discussion with Town Manager and Finance Director
- Board previously directed staff to revert to Scenario #7
- Pending guidance on Senate Bill 889
- Exploring inclusion of Capital Improvement Plan set-aside funds
Flood Management Appeal Board Special Meeting
The Flood Management Appeal Board will review a proposed text amendment to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance based on the 2026 Model Flood Damage Prevention Ordinances from the National Flood Insurance Program. The board is expected to make a motion to recommend approval or denial of the draft ordinance to the Planning Board. The meeting also includes approval of the September 23, 2024 special meeting minutes.
- Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Text Amendment based on updated NFIP model ordinances
- Presenter: Rebecca Brehmer, CFM, CZO – Town Planner
- Recommended action: Motion to recommend approval or denial to the Planning Board
- Approval of September 23, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes
Board of Commissioners
The Board will consider awarding a $86,647.95 contract to Onslow Grading & Paving, Inc. for resurfacing streets at various locations. Commissioners will also discuss and provide direction on the draft FY 2026/2027 town budget. Two proclamations recognize Teacher of the Year Cason Justice and National Police Week.
- Award of $86,647.95 street resurfacing contract to Onslow Grading & Paving, Inc.
- FY 2026/2027 budget review and discussion – staff requests board direction
- Recognition of Cason Justice as Teacher of the Year
- Proclamation for National Police Week
- Approval of March 10, 2026 regular meeting minutes (consent item)
Swansboro Tourism Development Authority
The Swansboro Tourism Development Authority will review FY 2025/2026 year-end projections and a potential budget amendment. They will consider a grant funding request from the Swansboro Military Affairs Committee for activities including Military Appreciation Day. The board will also discuss a marketing/advertising service contract and set a date for a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget.
- FY 2025/2026 year-end projections and potential budget amendment
- Grant funding request from Swansboro Military Affairs Committee for yearly activities and Military Appreciation Day
- Marketing/advertising service contract with Front Row Communications
- Proposed FY 2026-2027 budget and setting a public hearing date
- Board projects and discussion items overview
Board of Commissioners
The Board will adopt consent items including a resolution in support of transportation safety projects on NC 24 and approve tax refunds totaling $1,221.77. They will also discuss a proposed Emergency Veterinary Fund for animals rescued during emergencies (no action needed) and consider an agreement with the Seaside Arts Council for a fiberglass swan project. A closed session is scheduled for legal consultation, real property negotiation, and personnel matters.
- Resolution 2026-R6 supporting transportation safety projects and initiatives along NC 24
- Tax refunds totaling $1,221.77 (vehicle tax) for multiple residents
- Agreement for Seaside Arts Council Swan Project (purchase, design, display of fiberglass swans)
- Introduction of Emergency Vet Fund Program by Fire Chief (no action needed)
- Closed session under NCGS 143-318.11 for attorney consultation, real property contract negotiation, and personnel
Appearance Commission Special Meeting
This special meeting of the Swansboro Appearance Commission is focused on organizational business: electing a chairperson and vice-chairperson, determining staggered terms for members, and setting a regular meeting schedule. The commission will also review legal requirements for committee operation and discuss the creation of draft bylaws for future approval by the Board of Commissioners.
- Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson per Town Code §152.034
- Determination of staggered 3-year terms to establish membership rotation
- Designation of a regular meeting date to be adopted at next meeting
- Discussion on creation of bylaws to govern internal organization and procedures
The newly formed Swansboro Appearance Commission held its first special meeting, electing Cynthia LaCorte as Chairperson and Doug Rogers as Vice Chairperson unanimously. The commission also designated three members (Larry Philpott, Linda Thornley, Claire Cole) to serve initial one-year terms to establish staggered terms and set a regular meeting schedule of every 3rd Thursday at 9am. Discussion on drafting by-laws was held but no final action taken; by-laws will be reviewed at future meetings.
- Elected Cynthia LaCorte as Chairperson (unanimous)
- Elected Doug Rogers as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
- Designated Larry Philpott, Linda Thornley, and Claire Cole for one-year terms expiring February 2027 (unanimous)
- Approved regular meeting schedule: every 3rd Thursday at 9am (unanimous)
Historic Preservation Commission
The Historic Preservation Commission will hold public hearings and vote on two Certificates of Appropriateness: one for a cedar shake roof replacement at the Jonathan Greene House (114 Elm Street) and one for alterations to the Bartley House Privy & Post Office (114 Main Street). The commission will also discuss a proposed rooftop bar addition at Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill (106 Front Street) and consider approval of minutes from a prior joint meeting.
- Public hearing and vote on COA-2026-02 for exterior alteration (new cedar shake roof) at 114 Elm Street (Jonathan Greene House, contributing structure in Swansboro Historic District)
- Public hearing and vote on COA-2026-03 for exterior alteration of the Bartley House Privy & Post Office accessory structure at 114 Main Street
- Discussion of a proposed rooftop bar addition at Preston’s Corner Bar & Grill (106 Front Street) with recommendation on next steps
- Approval of February 17, 2026 BOC & HPC Joint Special Meeting minutes
The commission unanimously approved two Certificates of Appropriateness for roof replacements with cedar shake shingles at 114 Elm Street (Jonathan Greene House) and 114 Main Street (Bartley House Privy/Post Office). They also reached consensus that a massing study should not be required for commercial additions like the proposed rooftop bar at Preston's Corner, clarifying that the requirement was intended for residential applications. A subcommittee was formed to review potential amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance, and the commission heard public comments on fence standards and grandfathered uses.
- Approved COA 2026-02 for exterior alterations (roof) at 114 Elm Street (unanimous)
- Approved COA 2026-03 for exterior alterations (roof) at 114 Main Street (unanimous)
- Interpreted that a massing study is not required for commercial additions under Section 11 of Historic District Design Standards (consensus)
- Formed subcommittee (Kingrey, Justice) to review potential text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance
- Discussed need for meeting with Town Manager and Town Attorney regarding historic district enforcement authority (no formal action)
Swansboro Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board will review a special event application from the Seaside Arts Council for the 2026 SwanFest and vote on a motion to recommend or not recommend waiving fees for use of Pugliese Pavilion. The board will also receive updates on the 2026-27 budget and discuss new programming, lighting, sponsorship opportunities, and a funding strategy for pickleball courts.
- Motion to recommend fee waiver for 2026 SwanFest at Pugliese Pavilion
- Update on 2026-27 budget
- Discussion of pickleball courts funding strategy
- Review of sponsorship/naming opportunities
- Discussion of lighting improvements
Board of Commissioners
The Swansboro Board of Commissioners will consider funding a visitors center renovation and awarding a construction contract. They will also discuss a budget ordinance amendment, receive a tax revaluation update, and provide direction on pursuing grants for pickleball courts. The meeting includes public comment periods and a closed session for legal and real property negotiations.
- Visitors Center Renovation: request to appropriate up to $46,760 and award $91,460 construction contract to Steele Construction
- Budget Ordinance Amendment #2026-6 / #2026-6A: multiple departments requesting fund adjustments
- Pickleball Update and Funding Strategy: board direction sought for grant preparation and consultant procurement
- Closed Session: to consult with attorney and negotiate real property contract terms under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) and (5)
- Onslow County 2026 Tax Revaluation Presentation by Tax Administrator Kevin Turner
The Board unanimously approved Budget Ordinance Amendment #2026-6A, which allocated $97,760 for visitor center renovations and $3,700 for park playground and splash pad repairs. They also unanimously authorized proceeding with grant preparation and consultant procurement for a pickleball court initiative. Additionally, the Board approved 4-1 a motion to add geographic survey data to the February 24, 2026, meeting minutes. Consent items, including prior meeting minutes and a special event application, were approved unanimously.
- Unanimously approved consent agenda: February 10 and February 11, 2026, meeting minutes and special event application for Little Pink Houses of Hope
- Unanimously authorized proceeding with grant preparation and consultant procurement for pickleball courts ($20,000 for consultant, $130,000 to capital reserves)
- Unanimously approved Budget Ordinance Amendment #2026-6A for visitor center renovation ($97,760) and park repairs ($3,700)
- Approved 4-1 (Ayes: Herbert, Conaway, Vannoy, Pieratti; No: Eckendorf) addition of survey data to February 24, 2026, meeting minutes
Swansboro Tourism Development Authority
The Swansboro Tourism Development Authority will consider multiple funding requests, including for the Visitor Center Revitalization Project, PirateFest, Swansboro Festivals ($6,500 for software and advertising), and the Tree Lighting Ceremony/Flotilla. The board will also discuss the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget and set a date for a public hearing on the budget. A travel reimbursement of $300 for National Travel & Tourism Week is also on the agenda.
- Motion to approve funding request for Town of Swansboro Visitor Center Revitalization Project
- Motion to approve funding request for PirateFest Special Event
- Motion to approve funding request for Swansboro Festivals; allocate $6,500 each year or match Onslow County Tourism funds
- Motion to approve funding request for Tree Lighting Ceremony/Flotilla Event
- Discussion of proposed FY 2026-2027 budget and setting a public hearing date
The Swansboro Tourism Development Authority approved funding for the downtown visitor center renovation, PirateFest advertising, festival marketing, a replacement Christmas tree, and staff travel. These projects fund local tourism events and a public facility that will provide shower and bathroom access for residents and transient boaters. The board tabled a $5,000 visitor analytics software purchase pending a detailed implementation plan. A special meeting was scheduled for May 7 to review the proposed FY 2026–2027 budget and hold a public hearing, which will determine future tourism spending and audit requirements for the town.
- Approved $21,000 TDA contribution for visitor center renovation (unanimous)
- Approved $2,000 for PirateFest television advertising (unanimous)
- Approved $6,500 for festival advertising; tabled $5,000 analytics software (unanimous)
- Approved $2,000 for replacement downtown Christmas tree (unanimous)
- Approved $300 travel reimbursement for National Travel & Tourism Week (unanimous)
- Scheduled May 7 special meeting for budget workshop and public hearing
Board of Adjustment Special Meeting
The Board of Adjustment will hold an evidentiary hearing and vote on a Minor Special Use Permit for Brezza Lofts, a mixed-use development of condos and retail on Lot 8 of Ward Farm Town Center. The board will also elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming term.
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair
- Brezza Lofts Minor Special Use Permit for mixed-use condos and retail on Lot 8 (1.22 acres, zoned B-3 Traditional Business)
- Applicant requests permit under Section 152.210 of town code
- Recommended action: hold evidentiary hearing, then motion to approve or deny
Board of Commissioners Special Budget Workshop
The Board of Commissioners will hold a special budget workshop to review and discuss the preliminary draft budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. The draft was prepared by the Town Manager and Finance Director after meetings with department heads. No action will be taken; the session is for information and guidance only.
- Preliminary draft budget for FY 2026-2027 presented by Town Manager Jonathan Barlow and Finance Director Sonia Johnson
The Board of Commissioners reviewed a draft budget showing a projected deficit of $1,382,942 against a revenue-neutral tax rate of $0.26 per $100 valuation. Discussion included rising costs for insurance, retirement, and personnel, as well as various capital outlay requests. The Board directed staff to return with prioritized lists and budget scenarios tied to different tax rates.
- Directed staff to provide a clearer list of departmental priorities
- Requested budget options showing different spending levels tied to possible tax rates