Letter to the Editor: A Call for Change

Moore County remains a wonderful place to live, but unchecked spending, growth require different approach

#Opinion | 8:00 a.m. June 20, 2026

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This guest submission is from Hampton Hoffman.

Moore County is at a crossroads. They don’t seemingly realize or care about that. Spending cannot go up every year without savings programs. I ran for District 2 council, but life dealt me a hand that led me not only to withdraw but also to move from Moore County. I love Moore County, and this broke my heart. I have looked at the numbers of the past years as recorded. They are ugly, but few people care enough to do anything. Over the last 20 years, property taxes have gone up all but one year. It is going up much faster than inflation (5.4% property tax increases).

“We have always done it this way.” This is so true. One business, Jack Daniel's, with revenue to the city, will not change much or have a major increase. No super growth. Costs are going up. Lynchburg/Moore County is a premium place to live. Subdivisions will go up. They will have powerful backing, so there is no way to stop this expense growth. Unchecked spending will cause the issues to arrive earlier.

I leave with this advice list for the people of Moore County, wishing I could stay for the election:

Stop rubber-stamping decisions. A small group appears to control the council, and some members who are deputies vote on their own raises. No one argues, asks questions, or discusses the issues. There is no discussion or debate, just shut up and vote yes. In the last meeting, one councilman was not allowed to ask questions. The mayor stopped any answers from department heads. Basically, vote yes, and let’s go home to dinner. Basically, it is “approve as is and shut up.” There is no desire to involve the public. Your opinions are not welcome.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. There is no plan for one, two, or five years. There is only the approved budget. Decisions should be based on what we can afford. We are floating through time, increasing property taxes at will. We are not thinking of future years. Demand for Moore County resources will go up. So will subdivisions and housing. None of the money increase is going to these issues. Roads too. Where is the plan? We have a planning committee, but they focus on current issues rather than an overall five-year plan.

It has always been done this way. This is the truest statement made. Votes are based on who you know and if you are local. No discussions of issues or voting records. While it is good to be connected, Moore County takes it to the extreme. Moore County needs to welcome all new thoughts and ideas. A few outsiders, if vetted and listened to, would help the county. The question should be what they stand for. Do they have qualifications, and can they ask intelligent questions? Not the current question – who your mother was and where did you graduate high school?

Who needs a purchasing department? This issue has appeared in state audits for several years. Moore County seems reluctant to add another layer of review because the current process makes approvals quick and easy. In business, a typical buyer is expected to save three times their salary through cost reductions. A purchasing department would also help prevent the one-bid system we appear to have now. For construction projects, work often goes to one vendor, and others may not bid because they believe the decision has already been made. The current government is unlikely to approve this change. It will likely require a change in leadership, since the mayor has not acted and has shown no support for it. The council and mayor choose which issues to address, and this does not appear to be one of them.

Stop playing government and govern. Going through the steps and following up is critical. These public meetings should be more informative and not rushed. I hope others will step up and say no more property tax increases.

Please consider the issues carefully and review each candidate’s position. Moore County is a wonderful place. There is more good than bad. This letter is meant to get the residents to think. I have nothing but respect for the current council and mayor. Still, change is sometimes needed. Unless the incumbent pledges to do more research and to not always vote yes, you should challenge them. You need to vote for change. If you live in Moore County, the time is now. I wish I could have followed up, but life took me on a different path. Chances are, I wouldn’t have been elected since I wasn't from Moore County. That doesn’t mean these issues aren’t real.

I will miss Moore County and pray for the best for all involved. I am sure I will be told by some, “Good riddance.” At some point, spending needs to be controlled. I am just stating the obvious in this letter.

With warmest regards,
Hampton Hoffman