Pitt County Board approves economic agreement for Project Maverick job creation

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners convened on February 24, 2025, to discuss significant developments in economic growth and financial management within the county. The meeting highlighted a proposed economic development agreement aimed at attracting a new company, referred to as Project Maverick, which promises to generate tax revenues and create jobs in the region.

The board unanimously approved the conveyance of Parcel 62663 to Project Maverick, contingent upon the execution of the economic development agreement. This decision reflects the county's ongoing efforts to bolster its economic landscape by bringing in new businesses that can contribute to local employment and tax bases.

In addition to the economic development discussions, the meeting included a review of the January tax collection report. The report indicated a slight decrease in the combined tax collection rate for real and personal property, which stood at 95.63% as of January 31, 2025, compared to 96.02% the previous year. The Pitt County Tax Administration is actively pursuing outstanding taxes, ensuring compliance with North Carolina general statutes.

The financial report presented by Sam Crowe revealed that the county is on track with its budget, having collected 70.1% of anticipated revenues in the general fund while spending 53.8% of budgeted expenditures. This financial health is crucial as the county prepares for future investments and economic initiatives.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the potential for a multi-jurisdictional industrial park, a collaborative effort between Pitt and Greene Counties. This initiative aims to address the shortage of shovel-ready industrial sites in North Carolina, which has become a barrier to attracting large-scale investments. The counties are exploring the possibility of combining their resources to create larger, more appealing sites for prospective industries, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the market.

The proposal for the industrial park is driven by the recognition that many projects require substantial land areas, often exceeding what individual counties can offer. By pooling their resources, Pitt and Greene Counties hope to attract larger investments that would benefit both regions.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed a commitment to solidifying partnerships and pursuing further due diligence to ensure the success of these economic initiatives. The discussions underscored the county's proactive approach to economic development and its strategic planning for future growth. The next steps will involve formalizing agreements and continuing to seek opportunities for collaboration that can lead to job creation and increased economic vitality in Pitt County.