Pender County DSS director Wes Stewart announces retirement after eight years of service

The December 2, 2024, Board of County Commissioners meeting in Pender County, North Carolina, commenced with a warm welcome and congratulations to newly elected commissioners. The meeting featured significant discussions, including a heartfelt farewell to retiring Department of Social Services (DSS) Director Wes Stewart, who has dedicated eight years to the county.

Assistant DSS Director Amanda Howard, representing Director Stewart, expressed gratitude for his leadership and commitment to the community. She highlighted his ability to foster a positive work environment and his dedication to improving services despite challenges. Stewart, in his remarks, acknowledged the support from his staff and the community, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and kindness in service delivery. He expressed pride in the department's progress and looked forward to the future of DSS, even as he prepares for retirement.

Following the tribute, Finance Director Meg Blue and Budget Analyst Jacob Orman presented the county's budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. They announced that Pender County had received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, a notable achievement reflecting the hard work and collaboration of the finance department and other county departments.

The meeting also included a public comment segment, where only one resident, Mr. Hill, addressed concerns regarding the noise ordinance. The commissioners then moved to the consent agenda, which was approved unanimously without any items being pulled for further discussion.

Sheriff's Office representatives presented resolutions to honor two retired sergeants, Tom Turner and Steven Klein, by awarding them their duty weapons as tokens of appreciation for their service. Both resolutions were approved unanimously by the board.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to recognizing dedicated service, maintaining transparency in financial matters, and addressing community concerns. The next steps include ongoing preparations for the new DSS facility and continued efforts to enhance county services.