Community Members Criticize Eagle Crest Leadership for Integrity and Safety Concerns

Washington County officials faced intense scrutiny during the Regular Quorum Court Meeting on August 21, 2025, as community members raised serious concerns about integrity and safety related to local addiction services. The meeting highlighted a contentious debate over the operations of Eagle Crest, a facility providing temporary housing for individuals in recovery.

A key speaker, who identified issues of integrity involving county leadership, accused the CEO of Eagle Crest and the county's chief executive of failing to disclose conflicts of interest. The speaker emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for residents, arguing that the facility's lack of proper safety measures, such as sprinklers, posed a significant risk to clients. "I want them to be in a safe environment," the speaker stated, urging the court to take action to protect vulnerable individuals.

Public comments reflected a mix of support and criticism regarding the county's handling of Eagle Crest. Kenneth Lovett, a Fayetteville resident, called on the court to prioritize the needs of the community and ensure that decisions are made transparently and ethically. Meanwhile, Stacy Bennett, a local resident, defended the facility and criticized accusations of discrimination against its residents, arguing that the county's actions could be seen as an admission of wrongdoing.

Despite the passionate discussions, a motion to pass a related ordinance failed, with several justices voting against it. The outcome left many community members concerned about the future of addiction services in the area and the county's commitment to addressing the needs of its residents.

As the meeting concluded, the implications of the discussions were clear: the county must navigate the complexities of providing essential services while maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of its most vulnerable populations. The community awaits further action from county officials as they seek to address these pressing issues.