Currituck County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Currituck County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sponsorship of Residents for Changing Tides Treatment
The board will consider spending opioid funds to sponsor one or two Currituck residents seeking treatment at Changing Tides. It's a question of how far county opioid settlement money goes toward direct treatment access.
Kratom sales regulation
Chairman O'Neal flagged Kratom — nicknamed "gas station heroin" — as an unregulated, addictive product kids can legally buy locally. He asked the Sheriff and county attorney to consider a sales ban like Dare County's, possibly by the next meeting.
Volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention crisis
Volunteer firefighter rosters have dropped more than 40% in ten years while calls and population rise. The Board discussed recruitment strategies, benefits, and a possible county Fire Marshal position. Losing volunteers could eventually hit taxpayers.
School bus driver shortage
The district is short eight drivers, running 43 routes with 35 drivers, forcing double runs and delayed pickups. Board members are weighing a pay increase, college partnerships, and pressuring the state to fix slow driver certification.
Bus incident and video retention
A parent says young children were dropped off an hour early with no adult present, and the bus video he requested to review was recorded over. He's still waiting to hear what corrective action was taken.
Recovery Court Update and Fundraiser
The county's opioid program launched a jail recovery program, distributed 340 Narcan kits credited with saving two lives, and is adding re-entry services. Judge Trivette asked for continued support as the recovery court grows and seeks state funding.
Quarterly Overdose and EMS Statistics
Jennifer Hoit presented the latest quarterly numbers on overdoses, Narcan administrations, and mental health EMS calls — a snapshot of how the crisis is trending locally.
Opioid settlement participation
Judge Trivette asked whether the county or board could create a social media presence to celebrate recovery success stories and raise awareness of under-publicized efforts like Narcan leave-behind kits. Members noted that setting up such an account is a lengthy process.
Opioid advisory appointments
The board reviewed the updated resolution on how the county will spend its opioid settlement money next year. The plan has already been approved by the County Commissioners, so this was a review for board members.
Student Mental Health Services Awareness
Student surveys found 44% of students didn't know what mental health services exist and 55% weren't likely to use them. The board is pushing a 'where to get help' campaign, anonymous reporting options, and an April 30 wellness fair at Shawboro Elementary.
Adequate fire service for Moyock area
A Moyock resident again urged the county to fix the lack of adequate fire service in his area — an issue he's raised with the board repeatedly. Chairman O'Neal said the county has identified a few potential station sites.
Pedestrian safety crossing Shortcut Road
Board member Steve Hedrick raised a sobering point: a child was killed crossing Shortcut Road near the high school two years ago, and Shortcut Farms' kids would face the same road to reach the elementary school. He urged the county to start planning a safe crossing — a light, crosswalk, or footbridge.
Corolla fire station traffic signal
Corolla's fire chief told the board the new shopping center will back traffic up in front of the fire station, delaying trucks and ambulances. The county can't require a signal as a permit condition, but commissioners, the developer and the fire department all agreed to lobby NCDOT together.