KEY INFORMATION:
- There will be a Transportation Authority Forum on Monday, May 18, 2026.
- The Manager’s recommended FY27 budget has been submitted.
- Call for applications for the Planning Board & Commercial Review Board.
- Road paving update.
- Beach access maintenance update and homeowner guidance on buried accesses.
REMINDERS & EVENTS:
- Dosher Hospital is giving a Fall Prevention Seminar on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
- The next regular Village Council meeting is on Friday, May 15, 2026.
- Village offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.
- The first hazardous waste collection of the year is coming up on June 4 & 5.
Transportation Authority Forum
A Transportation Authority Forum sponsored by Project Longevity and hosted by the Bald Head Association is taking place on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Bald Head Association Conference Room. For those who cannot attend in person, it will be available via Zoom live (link HERE), and it is expected the recording will be shared later. The Transportation Authority Chair, Robert Howard, and Vice Chair, Rex Cowdry, will be briefing Islanders about the transportation system and taking questions.
The Village fully supports the Transportation Authority’s efforts to move forward with the potential acquisition of the transportation system, consistent with the February Mayor’s Message emphasizing the importance of a community-centered, long-term solution.
Recommended Budget
Pursuant to the North Carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act (NCGS 159), and specifically North Carolina General Statute §159-11, the Village Manager presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (“FY27”) budget for Council’s consideration and adoption on May 4. It can be viewed HERE.
Changes made since the April 22nd budget workshop include:
- Added in funding for Unified Development Ordinance at $160,000 in Administration.
- Increased roads funding by $100,000 to $400,000.
- Increased transfer to the Capital Reserve Fund by $96,000 to $446,000.
- Reduced contingency from 3% to 1.7% (~$317,000). A reduction of ~$259,000.
- Increased proposed tax rate from workshop from $0.6250 to $0.6300 (overall reduction from current tax rate of $0.0207).
- An increase of $96,000 in tax revenue.
- Total change in Budget from 4/22: Up $98,000 from $18,837,200 to $18,935,200.
What do these changes allow the Village to do?
- Complete UDO work.
- Pave more roads in the upcoming Fiscal Year, while simultaneously setting aside more funds to be used for future paving needs (transfer to Capital Reserve Fund).
- Maintain a level of Contingency equal to approximately 1.7% of the Village’s proposed General Fund Budget
As mentioned previously, there will be a Public Hearing on the FY 27 budget on Friday, May 15, 2026. Islanders can sign up at this meeting to speak about the proposed budget. Islanders can also contact the Village Council at council@villagebhi.org.
All budget-related documents and information can be found on the “Annual Budget” webpage HERE.
Call for Applications
The terms of several members of the Planning Board and Commercial Review Board will be ending in June. The Village will be accepting appointment applications for both boards prior to the expiration of these terms. Those members whose terms are expiring shall reapply. The deadline for applications is Monday, June 1. The Village Council is expected to make the board reappointments/appointments at its Thursday, June 18, 2026, regular meeting.
The application can be downloaded HERE and hard copies are available at Village Hall.
To learn more about the Planning Board and its responsibilities, view the Village’s Planning Board webpage HERE.
To learn more about the Commercial Review Board and its responsibilities, view the Village’s Commercial Review Board webpage HERE.
Completed applications may be submitted via email to Darcy Sperry, Village Clerk at village.clerk@villagebhi.org or hand-delivered to the receptionist at Village Hall. Any questions can go to Ms. Sperry at her email address or by calling (910) 457-9700 ext. 1001.
Road Paving
All road paving is completed except for the intersection of Muscadine Wynd and South Bald Head Wynd. Work here is expected to last through Thursday (5/7) afternoon with crews re-opening the road daily overnight (5:00 p.m. through 7:30 a.m.). After finishing the paving work, the contractor will be doing shoulder work on 39 roads throughout the island. This work is expected to be carried through next week, weather permitting. No work will take place over the weekend.
Any updates will be posted on our social media channels and on our “Road Closures” webpage (HERE).
Beach Access Maintenance Update
Over the last several weeks, the Village’s contractor has been working to extend several beach access crossovers. Currently, beach accesses 20, 21, 24, 26, and 39 are completed. The remaining two beach accesses (15 and 19) should be completed in a few weeks.
Each year, the Village surveys its beach accesses to determine needs, prioritizes the ones that need repair, and selects a handful to include in the annual budget. If you notice any repair needs at the beach accesses, please submit a service request so the Village can evaluate and address the needs as soon as possible. You can submit a service request online HERE.
Buried Accesses
Oceanfront homeowners and/or their contractors shall not dig out beach access crossovers that become buried in sand. This activity is a violation of the Village’s dune protection ordinance. When buried, the crossover must be raised and extended and a new walkway built over the dune to prevent damage to the dune. In order to receive a CAMA exemption and building permit for this work, a sketch showing the proposed new section of the crossover and the dune, along with dimensions, list of materials, and homeowner information must be submitted to Development Services (sboyett@villagebhi.org). The crossover must be between 18” to 24” above grade and not exceed 4’ in width. Once all necessary information is submitted and reviewed, the Village may issue the CAMA exemption and building permit.
REMINDERS & EVENTS:
Fall Prevention Seminar
On Wednesday, May 13th, Dosher Memorial Hospital Physical Therapist Scott Passingham will give a seminar on fall prevention and balance at 10:00 a.m. in the meeting room at the Department of Public Safety. This educational session will provide attendees with simple exercises and tips to improve balance, build strength, and stay safe on their feet. Speaker Scott Passingham, Manager of the Dosher Therapy Services Department, has extensive experience in generalized strengthening, sports injuries, fall prevention, balance training, joint replacement recovery and rehabilitation, neurological disorders, and spinal issues. Scott enjoys educating his patients and empowering them to be active participants in their own recovery and long-term health. There will be time allotted for questions at the end of the presentation.
This event is free of charge, and all are welcome!
Next Village Council Meeting
The next regular Village Council Meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Meetings are held in the multi-purpose room in the Department of Public Safety (273 Edward Teach Ext.). The agenda for the meeting will be posted HERE. Zoom information for listening remotely can be found HERE.
If you are unable to attend, we will be publishing a written recap HERE, and there will be a podcast episode covering the highlights.
Memorial Day Holiday
Offices closed – Village offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. This includes the Island Package Center & Post Office and Public Safety administration. Please call 911 if you need a Public Safety Officer to come to you.
Trash Pick-Up – The Village’s solid waste contractor will go to the twice-weekly pick-up schedule starting May 25. So those who are on a Monday pick-up will also get a pick-up on Thursdays, and those who are on a Tuesday pick-up will also get a pick-up on Fridays through Labor Day.
Hazardous Waste Collection
This year, hazardous waste will be accepted at Public Works for four days, Thursday and Friday, June 4 & 5, and Thursday and Friday, November 19 & 20, at the Public Works Department (271 Edward Teach Ext.). During the first drop-off event last year, they had folks line up near the trash compactors. The vendor’s semi-truck is hard to miss. Times are to be determined since the barge cannot be reserved this far in advance. If there are barge delays or another circumstance in which the days need to be rescheduled, the Village will send out an announcement. Additional details can be found on the Village website HERE.
Thank you for reading this Village’s Voice announcement and for taking the time to stay informed on Village news and events. If you have any questions about the content in this announcement or about the Village’s departments and services, please reach out to us at public.information@villagebhi.org or (910) 457-9700 ext. 1025.