FAQs • Pitt County, NC • CivicEngage

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Animal Services

1. What hours are you open to the public?

Pitt County Animal Shelter is open BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

For appointment requests and other assistance, call 252-902-1726. The shelter is closed on weekends.

2. What are the fees to adopt an animal at the Pitt County Animal Shelter? What do they include?: The adoption fees are $125 for dogs and puppies, and $85 for cats and kittens. This fee helps to pay for the adopted animal to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before going to their new home.

3. What animals are currently at the shelter?

To see the animals at the Pitt County Animal Shelter, you can visit our website: www.petango.com/pittshelter

Animals that have a name displayed on the website are available for adoption. Animals on the site that only have an ID number, (eg. 98765432) are NOT currently available for adoption. If you are looking for your lost pet and think that one of the animals shown on the website may be yours, contact the shelter immediately at 252-902-1731.

4. How long do you hold stray animals or owner surrenders at the shelter?: North Carolina law requires stray and found animals be held for a minimum of 72 hours. Animals surrendered to the shelter by an owner have no minimum hold time.

5. How do I surrender my pet to the shelter?: Please call 252-902-1725 and speak with an intake specialist.

6. How do I volunteer at the shelter?: For more information on volunteering, CLICK HERE or call the shelter at 252-902-1730.

7. How can I donate to the shelter?

Donations of supplies or monetary donations (by cash, check, or debit/credit card) can be made at the shelter front office 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Monetary donations using a debit/credit card may also be made over the phone at 252-902-1725 during these hours. To make an online monetary donation, CLICK HERE.

Appointments are not necessary for in-person donations, but we do ask that you wear a face covering or face mask and call the office at 252-902-1725 when you arrive. For more information about donations or the supplies the shelter is currently in need of, CLICK HERE.

8. Can I bring my animal to the shelter to get a Rabies shot/vaccinations?

The shelter does not offer rabies, vaccination, or microchipping services to animals other than those in the facility. You must contact a veterinarian for these services for your pets.

Animal Services does hold an annual Rabies Clinic where members of the public are able to bring pets to receive their rabies shot. When the date and time is determined for the Rabies Clinic it will be announced and posted on the CALENDAR.

9. Who do I call when the shelter is closed and I need assistance?: In case of an after-hours emergency (after 5:00 pm on weekdays, on weekends or holidays), please call the Pitt County Sheriff's office at 252-830-4141.

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Board of Commissioners

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1. When does the Board of Commissioners met?: The Board of Commissioners meet the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month unless their is a holiday or conference. The first meeting of each month is held at 9 a.m. and the third meeting of each month is held at 6 p.m.

2. How do I apply for a Board/Committee?: One must complete a Statement of Interest to Serve application and the application must be on file 15 days prior to consideration for appointment.

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Community Schools and Recreation

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1. Do you accept debit cards?: Yes, we accept all forms of payment (cash, check, credit card and money orders) in our office.

2. Can anyone participate in your sports?: Yes. You do not have to live in Pitt County or be a Pitt County Schools student to participate in any of our sports.

3. What is the age requirement to participate in the senior exercise programs?: Our senior exercise programs are for anyone who is 50 and older.

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Comprehensive Animal Services Ordinance FAQ's

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1. Why was there a need for a Comprehensive Animal Services Ordinance?: Previously Pitt County had 4 stand alone ordinances concerning animals in Pitt County. We feel this is confusing to citizens and it would be much easier to understand and locate information concerning the laws and regulations concerning domesticated animals in Pitt County if it was all in one document. This comprehensive ordinance also ensures all enforcement actions to include fines are standardized.

2. What are the major changes in this Ordinance from what was previously in effect?: Added are clear definitions as well as a section on Large Commercial Dog Breeders and the owning of exotic animals. The nuisance ordinance was also eliminated. The Nuisance Ordinance we presently have was hard to enforce and feel we can do a better job addressing the nuisance behavior by the other ordinances such as Canine Control, Dangerous Dog, and Neglect. Also under Section 4 there are no longer 3 definitions of Dangerous Dog- the Potentially Dangerous Dog definition has been eliminated due to duplication and now just allow for Dangerous Dog or Vicious Dog that can be determined if qualifications are met.

3. Is there a tethering ban in this Ordinance?: There is not a ban on the tethering of an animal: however, a humane standard of keeping animals is addressed under Section 2. Cruel Treatment to Animals

4. Does this new ordinance change any rules or regulations as it concerns to hunters?: The only change that could possibly affect hunters Section 5 with regards to Large Commercial Breeders which is defined as “any person, persons, partnership or corporation that owns, has custody of, or maintains 10 or more female dogs or 10 or more female cats for the purpose of breeding offspring to sell or trade.

5. If I currently own exotic animals do I have to move or get rid of my animals?: No, there will be a 1 year waiting period to allow time for those currently owning exotic animals to acquire a proper permit. After the 1 year period the ownership of exotic animals will not be allowed unless the owner received a prior permit from the Pitt County Animal Services Department. Dangerous Exotic Animal is defined as: Exotic, or wild animals which belong to the Panthera genus venomous amphibians, venomous reptiles, non-venomous reptiles weighing over 50 pounds at maturity and wolves.” Unpermitted exotic animals will be banned beginning November 20, 2018.

6. Why the need for a Large Commercial Breeder Ordinance?: North Carolina and especially Pitt County is a place where many breeders choose to locate to operate their businesses due to lack of regulations. It is our desire that all animals in Pitt County are treated and cared for humanely and for citizens to be sold healthy animals. The standards set forth for those that qualify are the same standards that North Carolina law establishes for all animal shelters in Pitt County. We feel these rules and regulations are reasonable and the annual permit fee of $50 is not excessive. These rules and regulations go into effect on November 20, 2018.

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E-911 Addressing

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1. Why does our community want to change to Pitt County’s E-911 Addressing system?: Pitt County’s E-911 addressing system allows for the best possible response time during an emergency. Conversion works toward the goal of establishing a consistent addressing system throughout the entire county.

2. How will the addressing system affect my mail?: If you are using a post office box, there will be no change in the way you receive mail. However, you will need to post the assigned number on your structure where it can be seen from the street.

If you receive mail at your home/business, you should begin changing your mailing address as soon as possible. You can acquire a change of address card from your mail carrier or the local post office. As you receive mail, you should fill out the change of address section that is usually supplied by the sender.

You will be able to receive mail at your old address for one year while you are converting to the new E-911 address.

3. How do E-911 personnel know about my address change?: The first place you should notify of your new address is the telephone company. If you receive your mail at a post office box, let the telephone company know this new number is your physical address. If you will be receiving mail at the new address, let them know this new number will be your physical address as well as your mailing address.

Once the telephone company is aware that the new number is your physical address, that address is associated with your telephone number. When you dial 911, the dispatcher automatically knows where you are calling from.

4. How will the newly assigned numbers be different from what I already have?: The new number is based on an equal interval system, which allows one address assignment every 26.4 feet on each side of the road. This means that the greater the distance between you and your neighbor, the greater the number gap will be. This system allows for future growth so that every structure will have a unique address.

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Elections

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1. When is the deadline to register to vote?: The deadline to register to vote is 25 days prior to each election.

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Emergency Management

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1. Where are you located?: We are located at 1717 West 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27834.

2. What are your hours?: Our hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 - 5:00.

3. Who is the Director of Emergency Management?: Randy Gentry, Director

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Farmers Market FAQs

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1. Is there an admission fee?: No admission fee

2. What type of payment does the farmers market accept?: Vendors accept cash, checks or credit cards (select vendors only), SNAP/EBT, WIC Farmers Market coupons (summer only)

3. Is there plenty of space to park?: Arrive early as parking can be a challenge depending on the day and time you visit.

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Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

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1. What is the Local Emergency Planning Committee?: A Local Emergency Planning Committee or LEPC is a voluntary organization which is established in an Emergency Planning District designed by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). LEPCs are crucial to local hazardous materials planning and community right-to-know programs. The membership comes from the local area and should be familiar with factors that affect public safety, the environment, and the economy of the jurisdiction. That expertise is essential as the LEPC advises the writers of the Local Emergency Response Plan, so that the plan is tailored to the needs of its planning district. In addition to its formal duties, the LEPC serves as a focal point in the community for information and discussions about hazardous substance emergency planning, and health and environmental risks as well as natural disaster planning.

2. Why was the LEPC formed?: When a chemical incident in India killed and injured thousands of people in 1985, there was concern as to whether that same kind of incident could happen here in the U.S. In answer to rising attention President Ronald Reagan signed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) into law on October 16, 1986. Title III of that Act is known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). One of the first actions of the Act was for each Governor to appoint a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). This commission divided the state into Local Emergency Planning Districts and appointed members of that community to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

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Management Information Systems

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1. How can I obtain a county data extract?: Please check our Public Data Portal first. We have published a good deal of data here and you may download it yourself, free. If you need something else, contact MIS Request Services at 902-2521.

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PITTworks

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1. Who manages PITTworks?: The PITTworks Project is a partnership between several government, educational, and non-profit organizations that serve Pitt County. The lead partners are the Pitt County Department of Social Services, Pitt Community College, and the Pitt County NCWorks Career Center. Other partners include N.C. STRIVE, Literacy Volunteers of Pitt County, the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Region Q Workforce Development Board, Trillium Health Resources, Greene Lamp Community Action Agency, the Community Crossroads Center, and the Churches Outreach Network.

2. Will PITTworks find me a job?: No. PITTworks will help you, but only you can find a job for yourself.

3. What kind of help does PITTworks offer?

PITTworks offers three kinds of help.

If you are unemployed, or if you want to find a better or more stable job but you aren't sure what kind of work you should look for, PITTworks can help you explore possible career choices.

If you already know what type of work you would like to do, PITTworks can help you find a training program and financial aid.

If you already have enough training but are having trouble finding work, PITTworks can help you to navigate the local job market, learn to compete more effectively for jobs, and develop workplace skills to help ensure your success.

4. Who can enroll in PITTworks?

PITTworks is specially designed for people who are receiving Food & Nutrition Services ("FNS," also known as food stamps) from Pitt County Social Services.

Almost any FNS client can enroll in PITTworks as long as they are also: 1) between the ages of 18 and 59, AND 2) not working in paid employment for 30 or more hours per week, AND 3) not receiving unemployment insurance ("UI") benefits, AND 4) do not have a pending application for UI benefits, AND 5) not currently receiving Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability income, or Work First Family Assistance.

Unfortunately, regulations do not allow PITTworks to enroll people who are in the categories listed above. However, PITTworks can put them in touch with other employment and training resources.

If you do not receive food stamps but would like to enroll in PITTworks, please contact Pitt County Food & Nutrition Services at 902-1352 to see if you qualify.
Pitt County Food & Nutrition Services

5. Do I have to be in PITTworks to keep my food stamps?

No. Most food stamp clients will continue to receive their benefits whether or not they enroll in PITTworks.

However, federal rules require some clients to engage in 20 hours per week of certain work or training activities in order to keep their food stamps longer than three months. These clients may find that PITTworks is the best way to keep their food stamps, and to eventually find stable and well paid employment.

Generally, food stamp clients who want to continue receiving benefits are required to engage in work or training activities if they meet all the qualifications for enrollment in PITTworks, AND 1) are between the ages of 18 and 49, AND 2) have no one under age 18 living with them, AND 3) are physically and mentally able to work, AND 4) are not in school or training at least half time, AND 5) are not working in paid or volunteer employment for at least 20 hours per week, AND 6) are not taking care of a disabled adult.

6. What if I have a physical or mental disability?: If you have a physical or mental disability that keeps you from engaging in work activities at least 20 hours per week, and if you are concerned about losing your food stamps, your FNS caseworker can help you document your disability. Please call 902-1352.
If you have a physical or mental disability, and are not receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income, and would like to find a job, PITTworks is here to help you. PITTworks cooperates with the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and with Trillium Health Resources to help disabled people get specialized training and help.

7. What if I have a criminal record?: PITTworks can help people with criminal records find jobs. The program works closely with L.I.F.E. STRIVE's Re-entry Program and the state Former Offender Initiative, which specialize in helping people who have criminal records. PITTworks also offers training and job search assistance that can help those with criminal records to rejoin the workforce. Former Offender Intiative

8. How can I enroll in PITTworks?: Contact your FNS caseworker at the Pitt County Human Services Center, 902-1352, or Deirdire Hill, Employment Services, at 902-1151. PITTworks Contact Information

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Planning

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1. When does the Planning Board meet?: The Planning Board meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Eugene James Auditorium within the Pitt County Administration Building.

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Public Information Office

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1. What day is trash pickup?: Pitt County Government does not offer a curbside trash pickup service. Several municipalities in Pitt County do offer a trash pickup service through their respective Public Works departments. Please call the Public Works department of your local municipality to learn more about the services they offer.

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Social Services

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1. Which building do I go to to apply for Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps), Medicaid and/or Child Support?: The Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps), Medicaid and Child Support programs are based out of the Human Services Center, which is at 203 Government Circle.

2. Which building do I go to to apply for Day Care?: The Day Care unit is located in the Pitt County DSS Annex building at 112 Health Drive, Greenville, NC.

3. Do I need an appointment to apply for services?: You do not need an appoint to make an application. Applications are accepted on a “first come, first serve" basis.

4. When is the best time to apply for services?: Applications are taken on a “first come, first serve" basis. The agency hours are 8am to 5pm. The agency does not close for lunch but there is sometimes a longer wait during lunch hours, since there may be more applicants seeking service at that time.

5. How does the Day Care waiting list work and how will I know if I’m eligible for child care?: Waiting List applications are screened based on the amount of gross income received and the need for services. The income guideline is based on the maximum gross income eligibility limits and the need for services is based on a family’s individual need. A family must need services to support their employment, education, a child with development delays or special needs. Once applications are screened, eligible families will be placed on a waiting list until funding becomes available. Once funding is available, those eligible families are notified by mail to schedule an appointment to apply for services.

6. How do I apply for Crisis or Emergency Assistance?: Applications for services are taken at all local county DSS offices. To apply, please visit the local county DSS office where you currently live. The Pitt County Office is located at 203 Government Circle, Greenville, NC 27834.

7. What information will be needed to process my Food Stamp or Medicaid application?: You will need the following items:
1. ID
2. 2 forms of residence if applying for Medicaid (one form for Food Stamps)
3. All income received in the prior month of application for all those applying. (example applying in May, will need all income for April)
4. If applying for Medicaid for a child - tax filing unit (who claimed the child on the taxes)
These are the basic items needed. Bringing this information to the interview will help us process your case quicker.

8. What documents do I need to bring when applying for Crisis/Emergency Assistance benefits/services?: If you are applying for assistance with utilities, it is helpful to bring documents showing that you are in danger of disconnection of utility services. You will also be asked to provide the following information in order to process your application: copy of utility bill, verification of income for the last month (if paid weekly, need last 4 paystubs; if paid bi-weekly, need last 2 paystubs; if paid monthly, need last paystub); and picture id. If you are applying for assistance with rent due to danger of being evicted, you will need to meet the following criteria: must have court ordered eviction papers signed by a Judge or his representative; rent must be 30 days past due; must be able to maintain; must have ongoing income; and must have an unforeseen circumstance to have happened to cause emergency.

9. How do I apply for the Day Care waiting list?: Call Pitt County Social Services at (252) 902-1111 or (252) 902-1110 and ask for a worker in the Day Care unit.

10. When caluculating eligibility for Day Care, is the countable income used before or after taxes?: Before taxes.

11. How long is the Day Care waiting list?: Our current waiting list dates back approximately 18 months. There is no way to predetermine how long your wait will be. Once funding becomes available, we will serve families based on the month they applied for childcare as funding permits.

12. Where am I on the Day Care waiting list?: The waiting list is maintained according to the date you get on the list. You can call anytime to (252)902-1111 or (252) 902-1110 (Mon-Friday, 8am-5pm) to check your waiting list ranking.

13. When can I apply if I am pregnant and interested in getting on the Day Care waiting list?: If you are pregnant and planning to return to work, you can apply for the waiting list before your due date.

14. If I reside in another county and am currently receiving Day Care services, can the it be transferred to Pitt County?: No, Day Care services do not transfer from County to County.

15. Are there any emergency funds for Day Care?: Day Care Subsidy currently has no funding available to assist in emergency situations. However, you may contact (WFFA) Work First Financial Assistance at (252) 902-1111 to inquire about eligibility, 200% or (TANF) Benefit Diversion in Pitt County.

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Tax Administration

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1. When are property taxes due?: Property Taxes are billed in July of each year and due on September 1st, but are not considered late and subject to interest being added or enforced collections measured until they become delinquent on January 6th.

2. How is my real estate value determined?: Real estate is valued based on the condition on January 1st of that year, applied to the schedule of values adopted by the County Commissioners. All properties are revalued every four years and a new schedule is created.

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Tax Foreclosure Properties

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1. Does Pitt County sell Tax Lien Certificates?: North Carolina State law prohibits the selling of property tax liens.

2. Is there is a list of pending foreclosures for interested buyers?: A list of properties scheduled for an upcoming sale is listed on this website. However, we do not list properties that do not have a definite sale date scheduled. The Tax Office does not maintain or provide a mailing list of these properties.

3. Can you pay someone’s delinquent taxes and become the owner of the property?: No. Paying someone else’s taxes will not entitle you to any legal ownership to the property.

4. Are these properties involved in mortgage or bankruptcy sales?: These sales are generated from delinquent tax liens only. They are not related to any mortgage company or bankruptcy foreclosures. The County has no knowledge of foreclosure proceedings being conducted by a mortgage company or a bankruptcy court.

5. How often do you have foreclosure sales?: Pitt County has foreclosure sales throughout the year. Properties for sale are advertised two consecutive Sundays prior to sale in The Daily Reflector. Notices of Sale are also posted on the Courthouse bulletin board for 20 days prior to the sale.

6. Where are the sales conducted?: The foreclosure sales are conducted on the Courthouse steps on the Third Street entrance to the building, next to the office of the Register of Deeds. During inclement weather, at the Sheriff’s discretion the sale may be held inside the building.

7. On what days are the sales held?: The sale dates are randomly selected and are generally scheduled to occur at 10 a.m. on the specified sale date.

8. How much is required as a deposit on the day of the sale?: A 10% (ten percent) deposit of the highest bid at the initial date of sale is required. This bid must be made in cash or certified bank check made payable to ‘Sheriff of Pitt County’. Personal checks are not accepted. The deposit must be presented to the Deputy Sheriff conducting the sale within 30 (thirty) minutes of the conclusion of the foreclosure sale. Many major banks are conveniently located near the Courthouse.

During the upset bid process, the minimum bid on any property must be the greater of $750 or 5% of the last winning bid. The deposit on such an upset bid must also be the greater of $750 or 5% of the submitted upset bid. The deposit must be made in cash or certified bank check made payable to ‘Pitt County Clerk of Court’. Personal checks are not accepted.

9. Where do I go to place an upset bid on a property?: Foreclosure sale upset bids must be submitted in person at the Clerk of Court’s Office, Third Floor of the Civil Department, at the Pitt County Courthouse. The property’s physical address and docket number must be provided to the Clerk's Office in order for the Clerk to access the correct record to process your bid.

10. Does the 10-day upset bid period include weekends and holidays?: The day of the foreclosure sale is conducted counts as day 1. Saturday and Sunday are also counted. However, if day 10 falls on the weekend or a holiday, the next working day shall be counted as Day 10.

11. Does Pitt County offer financing?: Pitt County does not offer financing. It is the bidder’s responsibility to secure any necessary financing prior to bidding on any property.

12. When is my full/final payment expected?: Full and final payment of your winning bid is due upon the presentation of the Sheriff’s Deed, which is typically 10 days following the confirmation of your winning bid.

13. What kind of deed will I receive?: You will receive a Sheriff’s Deed, and in accordance with G. S. 105-375, “The purchaser at the execution sale shall acquire title to the property in fee simple free and clear of all claims, rights, interests, and liens except the liens of other taxes or special assessments not paid from the purchase price and not included in the judgment.”

14. What happens to property when no one raises the County's opening bid at a foreclosure sale?: If no initial or upset bid is submitted on a foreclosure property, Pitt County will be confirmed as the winning bidder on the property by the Clerk of Court, and such property may become surplus property to be sold at a later date.

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Test Category - Veteran Service Demo

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1. Test Question: Test Answer

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Under Our Wings

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1. How can I help?: - By providing a home for children that can not reside with their own family.
- By providing respite care for a child.
- By tutoring a child with special needs.
- By providing for a child’s needs, such as with school supplies and clothing
- As well as many other opportunities that are waiting for you.

We will be glad to sit down one-on-one or in a group and talk to you about the opportunities that are available to you for sharing your skills and talents with our youth.

2. Who can help the Under Our Wings program?: Anyone interested in the future of our children and the community.

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Veteran Services

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1. Where is Pitt County Veteran Services located and what are the office hours?: We are located at 1717 W 5^th Street, Greenville, NC 27834 (Development Services Building). Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on major observed holidays.

2. Does Pitt County serve veterans and/or dependents from other states and/or counties?: Pitt County Veteran Services assist veterans/dependents whom reside in Pitt County. The North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs office (state office) serves any veteran/dependent that reside in North Carolina.

3. How do I obtain a copy of my military discharge (DD214)?: Contact Pitt County Veteran Services at 252-902-3090 for assistance with ordering your military discharge. You may also request a copy directly from the National Archives Records Center at www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records.

4. How do I receive VA health care?: You must complete VA Form 10-10-EZ , have a copy of your DD214 and contact the eligibly office at your local VA Healthcare center. They will determine your eligibility into the VA healthcare system. See the "How to Apply for VA Health Care" website here for more information.

5. How do I apply for VA Home Loan Guarantee?

Bring a copy of your DD214 to your local county veteran services office. They will complete VA Form 26-1880, attach a copy of your DD214, and both will be sent to the Dept. of Veteran Affairs for further processing.

If you currently have a lender you are working with, the lender can request the loan guarantee electronically.

6. Does Pitt County Veteran Services have funds to help veterans and/or dependents pay bill such as utilities, rent, grocery, etc.?

No, individuals are referred to community resources, such as Pitt County Department of Social Services.

Apply online for services and benefits with NC ePass. For assistance completing the online application call Pitt County Department of Social Services at 252-902-1110.

7. Does Pitt County Veteran Services provide transportation to veterans?: No, Pitt County Veteran Services does not provide transportation. Individuals are referred to community services, such as Pitt Area Transit System (PATS). For more information click here or call 252-902-2002.

8. I currently receive VA Pension or Compensation and I need to change my direct deposit information.

Veterans and/or recipients of VA monthly compensation can change their direct deposit information by contacting the US. Dept. of Veteran Affairs at 1-800-827-100 or online with VA.gov.