A member of the impaired-driving toxicology subgroup told the panel that a large share of fatal crashes involving THC also involve other substances, underscoring the need to consider polysubstance risks in retail and potency policy.

Sheriffs, troopers and Alcohol Law Enforcement testified that unlicensed vape shops are selling products that frequently test as illegal marijuana, are marketed near candy and children, and are creating testing and prosecution challenges that will require new equipment and funding to address.

Lieutenant Helms reported trends in call volume and said the department is researching legal guidance for e-bikes; Assistant Chief Wooten described a May commercial fire where alarms and sprinklers limited loss and noted the fire department won a state workplace-safety gold award.

A MAPS Group study recommends market‑based reclassification and phased catch‑up adjustments for public‑safety roles; town staff presented a FY2026–27 budget message outlining a $720,882 gap, a proposed two‑cent ad valorem tax increase and a 10% water/wastewater rate increase to protect staffing and core services.

Council members debated frozen fire and police positions, pay-study shortfalls and whether to use incremental property-tax increases to close a projected multi-million-dollar gap; police and fire chiefs warned that not refilling positions risks service levels and could prompt departures to neighboring agencies.

The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners and town manager responded to a 66-page Office of the State Auditor investigative report, defending emergency safety spending for schools and infrastructure while pledging corrective actions to strengthen internal controls. Residents expressed anger at the findings and called for accountability.

Police and fire leadership told the board the departments are short-staffed and facing equipment timing challenges: police have several vacancies and have lost officers to the sheriff's office; the fire department's call volume has grown sharply and reserve apparatus needs costly repairs.

Council members propose adding $19,000 for police IT software in budget discussions.

Oak Ridge Fire Department shares January statistics, including 75 calls and fire safety tips.