JOCO CC Monday night meeting
JOCO Residents,
If you haven't watched last night's September 21, 2026, Johnston County Board of Commissioners Meeting, it is worth your time. The meeting highlighted what appears to be a growing disconnect between some elected officials and the concerns many residents have repeatedly raised about growth, infrastructure, and most importantly, water.
Listening to portions of the discussion, you would think water is some unlimited resource that can simply be willed into existence by future boards. It can't.
The reality is that every new development, every zoning change, and every long-term growth decision has consequences. Water doesn't magically appear because a future commissioner says it will. Responsible planning requires acknowledging limits, asking hard questions, and making decisions based on what resources are actually available.
What was especially interesting was the discussion surrounding buffers. According to Planning Director Braston Neewton, the public comments submitted during the UDO process showed significant support for a 75-foot buffer. He was transparent about what the raw public feedback reflected. Then the conversation shifted when questions were raised about whether there is currently a countywide buffer requirement. The answer given was no. From there, the discussion moved toward what future legislation or actions could potentially occur.
Residents can decide for themselves what that means, but don't let anyone convince you that elected officials aren't already aware of the policy options being discussed behind the scenes. The chess pieces are on the board. The question is whether the public is paying attention.
If you care about the future of Johnston County, show up.
Final UDO Session
Wednesday, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Johnston Community College Auditorium
Public comments submitted during the process are available through Johnston County's Planning and Zoning resources. The county has also published meeting agendas and recordings online.
The future of Johnston County should not be determined solely by whoever happens to be sitting around the horseshoe years from now. It should be shaped by the people who live here today, raise their families here, rely on these resources today, and will deal with the consequences long after the votes are cast.
Education before action. But first, pay attention.
Growth without a water plan isn't a vision. It's a gamble. And Johnston County residents are the ones being asked to cover the bet.
Lastly- HUGE SHOUTOUT to CC Bill Stovall, Johnston County Commissioner who showed up via online while on vacation and told them all how it is and will be. The only CC standing up for the people of this county.
Remember they are elected by the people, and election season is almost here.
That is all!
Carry on!
©2026 The JOCO Sass Dispatch
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