‘Concerned Citizens Focus Group’

Focus Group warns Moore County’s current financial path Is unsustainable

Opinion | Guest Submission

4:00 p.m. Jan. 19, 2026

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This guest submission is from the Moore County Concerned Citizens Focus Group.

A small group of Moore County residents has come together in response to several ongoing and competing local issues, including the visual and potential long-term impacts of the solar farm, persistent odors from the digester, deteriorating infrastructure, and recurring property tax increases. Concerned about the county’s fiscal direction and long-term sustainability, the group formed the Moore County Concerned Citizens Focus Group in August 2025 with the goal of making a positive and lasting impact on the community.

The focus group was established to encourage responsible and efficient use of taxpayer dollars, advocate for short-term relief such as a temporary property tax freeze, and promote transparency by making county financial information more accessible to the public. A central mission of the group is to engage citizens by sharing research findings, soliciting feedback, and fostering informed discussion to strengthen public awareness and accountability.

The core group currently consists of four members – Regina Adcock (radcick5@gmail.com), Robert Bracewell (moorecotnd2@gmail.com), Hampton Hoffman (hamptonhoffman@gmail.com), and Keith Moses (keithbmoses1@gmail.com) – all longtime residents of Lynchburg with deep roots in Moore County. While the members care deeply about the community and its leadership, they share concerns that the county’s current financial trajectory is unsustainable. The group emphasizes that its purpose is not to assign blame to current officials, but rather to work collaboratively with citizens and leaders to pursue sound budgeting, responsible spending, and thoughtful revenue planning that can help secure Moore County’s future without repeated property tax increases.

Through a detailed review of official financial records obtained from county and state sources, data were analyzed from 2005 through 2024. The findings indicate that overall property tax collections increased by nearly 70 percent above the rate of inflation during that period, while population growth was approximately 11 percent. Even after adjusting for inflation, homeowners are paying over 58 percent more in property taxes than they did in 2005. If property taxes had only kept pace with inflation, the county would have collected an estimated $4.9 million in 2024; instead, collections totaled approximately $8.1 million.

In addition, combined government and school spending rose nearly 37 percent above inflation, even after accounting for grant funding. Total spending increased by approximately $6.56 million more than the inflation-adjusted baseline, representing a 29.6 percent increase in total net expenses above inflation. The group notes that it is still in the process of retrieving, reviewing, and validating financial records and will continue to share updated data with the public as it becomes available. An overview of the financial data retrieved and analyzed to date will be available at the February 5 public meeting.

Overall, the analysis suggests that property tax revenues and government spending have grown significantly faster than inflation, while population growth accounts for only a small portion of those increases. Despite higher revenues, county infrastructure continues to deteriorate, and the group believes there is no comprehensive long-term revenue or financial sustainability plan in place to address infrastructure needs, future growth, pension obligations, or rising operating costs beyond recurring property tax increases.

The group’s initial goals are to: (1) collect and document official Moore County financial data to demonstrate opportunities for cost control, operational efficiency, and strategic revenue planning while maintaining essential services; (2) inform, engage, and educate citizens about the county’s budget and financial condition; (3) expand the focus group; and (4) encourage county leaders and elected officials to make financial responsible budget and spending decisions.

To date, the group has compiled and analyzed more than 20 years of financial data to identify long-term budget and spending trends. Work is also underway on a citizen-focused website that will provide registered Moore County voters access to financial data for review and verification, enable citizen polls, and collect public comments and suggestions. The website is intended to serve as a centralized, user-friendly resource for civic engagement and transparency and is expected to be available for beta testing in early February. The group plans to continue refining the site based on citizen feedback. Monthly focus group meetings are currently being held. An overview of the citizen-focused website will be available at the Feb. 5 public meeting.

The Moore County Concerned Citizens Focus Group encourages residents who want to make a positive impact to become involved. Citizens interested in learning more or joining the focus group are invited to contact any current member. Public input is welcomed and valued, and the group believes that informed and engaged citizens can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of Moore County. You are cordially invited and encouraged to attend the next public meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at 6:30 pm in the American Legion Building by the pool. We sure do hope to see you there!