Commissioner Williams Joins NCACC Group to Shape Legislative Priorities for All 100 Counties
County leaders met October 7–8 to discuss issues that affect counties across North Carolina. Their work will help shape the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ (NCACC) plans for state laws over the next two years.
The NCACC Legislative Goals Committee reviewed ideas from six groups. The groups studied farming and jobs, county government, health and family services, courts and public safety, schools, and taxes and county money.
Wayne County Commissioner Antonio Williams served on the committee and took part in the talks.
One issue is a planned change to the food help program called SNAP. Starting October 1, 2027, counties may have to pay part of the cost when some SNAP payments are wrong. County leaders say counties should not have to pay based on error rates they do not control. They are asking state leaders to stop, change or delay the rule.
County leaders also want the state to put more lottery money back into public schools. They want the share to return to 38%, as first set in state law. They also want counties to be able to use the money for school technology, safety and buildings.
The committee also reviewed ways to give counties more choice in how they use money from county services. More choice could help counties expand water and sewer service.
Other ideas call for money to fix and build water and sewer systems. This could help bring service to more people and protect clean drinking water and natural resources.
“There was much debate on what we need in our counties,” said Commissioner Antonio Williams, reflecting on the collaborative process. “We had to carefully craft the legislation so it made sense for local communities. Protecting our local budgets from being penalized by state SNAP payment error rates, expanding enterprise fund flexibility, and driving funding to modernize water infrastructure while protecting our drinking water is absolutely vital. The Big Beautiful Bill has counties in North Carolina having to search for innovative options to fill voids created by this. There were many other goals established during this session, and it is our collective hope that they will help our state legislators truly understand the plight of all 100 counties in North Carolina and put our state on the pathway to a vibrant future. The leadership of NCACC President Allen Thomas, all our committee members, and the association staff was outstanding. It was a true honor to represent Wayne County during these deliberations. Serving on this committee ensures that the grassroots concerns from right here in our community get a direct seat at the table when the state sets its legislative priorities.”
The ideas from the October meeting will go to the NCACC Board of Directors later this month for review. County leaders from across the state will vote on the final plan at the NCACC Legislative Goals Conference in Wake County on November 19–20, 2026.
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