Proposal to make Gray's Creek a town divides the NC community in Cumberland County

GRAY'S CREEK, N.C. (WTVD) -- A proposal to form a new town government in Gray's Creek has split the Cumberland County suburb, as some residents push for increased local control while others question the need for change and the potential for higher taxes.

Dr. Robert Twaddell, who launched the petition for incorporation, said the area's growth has made local leadership increasingly important. "We hope to have that interest and have those signatures," Twaddell said.

Twaddell, a Gray's Creek resident of 22 years, has watched the community transform. "It's significant grew over the last 22 years. Even in the last five years, it's changed quite a bit."

The next community meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. All residents are welcome.

By the numbers

Census data show that Gray's Creek had just under 8,000 residents in 2000. That number is now just under 12,000.

Twaddell said the growth and discussions with area mayors inspired him to act months ago.

Why the push to incorporate?

"Offering the public safety, increased police protection, you know, coordinating with the fire techs and protection, deciding whether we want to contract with the county sheriff's department or establish our own small place department," Twaddell explained.

He also supports local zoning control and town-funded parks and recreation.

The proposal includes a six-cent tax increase to pay for these services.

Split community

Longtime resident Donna Hultberg opposes the effort, arguing that current services are sufficient and that incorporation would bring unnecessary costs. "We just feel like we've already got the county sheriffs take care of security out here or state police, depending on the highway. We've got fire protection. We've got trash pickup. The schools are county anyway. We feel like it's just that many more taxes added on to what we already pay," Hultberg said. "I was not happy with it. I didn't like the idea."

There's an online movement against the move.

"I've been thinking about this for the last several years," Twaddell said, noting that recent growth and concerns about possible annexation motivated him to begin the petition, which already has 200 signatures.

"Increased police protection, you know, coordinating with the fire techs and protection, deciding whether we want to contract with the county sheriff's department or establish our own small place department," Twaddell reiterated.

Hultberg remains cautious. "We just feel like we've already got the county sheriffs take care of security out here or state police, depending on the highway. We've got fire protection. We've got trash pickup. The schools are county anyway. We feel like it's just that many more taxes added on to what we already pay," she said. "I'm very nervous about the idea."

Becoming a town in Cumberland County

Forming a new town, or incorporating, in Cumberland County is a significant step that changes the way a community governs itself and manages local services. Here's what the process involves and what it could mean for residents:

• A petition is started by local residents who want to form a new municipal government.
• The petition must collect a required number of signatures, often a percentage of the area's registered voters. In Gray's Creek's case, 2,000 signatures are needed before the proposal can be presented to the General Assembly.
• After enough signatures are gathered, the proposal is submitted to the North Carolina General Assembly for approval.
• If approved, the area officially becomes a town, elects local officials, and sets up its own government structure.

Recent examples

Eastover, one of Cumberland County's most recent municipalities, incorporated in 2007 with just under 11,000 residents. Gray's Creek now has just under 12,000, according to census estimates.

What's next?

"If Gray's Creek is not ready for it, maybe somebody will, you know, take it in a couple of years. But this is a time that I said that I would present it to the community," Twaddell said.

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