The Pender County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on May 8, 2025, focusing on key financial allocations and strategies for improving staff retention. A significant discussion centered around the proposed tuition reimbursement program aimed at enhancing employee retention rates. The program, which offers up to $5,000 for educational expenses, is designed to support staff pursuing higher education relevant to their positions. This initiative has been credited with improving retention, as employees who leave within six months must repay the funds, while those departing between six months and one year are required to return half.

Commissioners expressed support for expanding this program, with suggestions to increase the reimbursement amount and make it an annual benefit rather than a lifetime cap. The proposed changes to the personnel policy, which will be presented to the board soon, reflect feedback from previous meetings.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the county's fee structure for development projects. The fees, which generate revenue through various applications and permits, were noted to be comparable to those in neighboring counties, although some fees may be slightly higher. The commissioners discussed the importance of ensuring that the fee schedule is updated and reflective of the services provided.

Overall, the session highlighted the county's commitment to improving employee satisfaction and retention through educational support while also maintaining a competitive fee structure for development projects. The board plans to review the updated personnel policy and fee schedule in upcoming meetings.