Atkinson County Citizen

08/27/2025

Citizens of the City of Pearson and Atkinson County Meeting Update on Pearson’s Water & Sewer System

Today, myself and Senator Russ Goodman met with city, county, school board and state officials in Pearson to address the ongoing issues with the city’s water and sewer system. These systems are in urgent need of repair, and I am committed to finding a long-term solution for the families and businesses who rely on them.

We have identified state emergency funds that can be used to repair and restore Pearson’s water and sewer systems. However, because the City of Pearson has not submitted required financial audits to the state, the city is currently ineligible to receive these funds directly.

The path forward would require the City of Pearson to turn over operation of the water and sewer systems to the Atkinson County Commission. This would allow the county to apply for and access the state emergency resources needed to make the critical repairs. Chairman Liles has agreed to take on the systems so that we can access the funds to make the much needed repairs. Two city council members in attendance agreed that this proposal would help to get our systems back up and running reliably. Now the city just needs to vote to accept this proposal.

I am hopeful that the city council will do whats best for our citizens, and that is turn over the system to the county. I will continue working closely with local leaders, the Governor’s office, and state agencies to ensure we secure the necessary support. My top priority is protecting the health and safety of our community by ensuring clean water and a reliable sewer system for Pearson residents.

08/22/2025

08/22/2025

08/21/2025

City of Pearson Public Notice

The City-Wide Precautionary Boiled Water Advisory is still in effect until further notice.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our community’s water supply. Updates will be shared as soon as they become available.

07/29/2025

YARD SALE: Saturday, August 2, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. - 121 Kight Street in Homerville, behind car wash. Lots of items, clothes, small appliances, shoes, computer desk, other miscellaneous items.

06/25/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Pearson Mayor Robert Johnson announces that the city has cut off water service at "select locations" for the Atkinson County School System due to a bill dispute.

The Citizen will have more details on this in the next print edition of the newspaper.

Office of the Mayor – City of Pearson

Public Statement Regarding Water Service to Atkinson County Board of Education

Date: 06/25/2025

The Office of the Mayor of the City of Pearson is issuing this statement to clarify recent actions taken regarding the Atkinson County Board of Education’s water service.

Despite numerous attempts over several months to reach a resolution, the Atkinson County School System has failed to pay its water utility bills in full and is currently over $9,000 delinquent. In response, the City has made the difficult decision to discontinue water service at select locations operated by the Board of Education.

In an effort to avoid this outcome, the City Council met with Superintendent Dr. Wilbanks at City Hall several months ago and agreed to allow the school system to make monthly payments of $4,500 until the start of the new fiscal year, thereby giving the school board time to adjust its budget accordingly. Dr. Wilbanks, however, unilaterally determined that the school system would only remit $3,200 monthly and has claimed that the City Council approved this amount during a meeting on February 27. This claim is inaccurate, as no official meeting regular, special, or called was held on that date, nor was any formal action taken by the council to approve such a figure.

Out of respect for the students and to avoid disruption to their education, the City refrained from turning off water service while school was in session. Numerous notices were sent to the Board of Education, but these were disregarded. Additionally, Dr. Wilbanks declined to meet with city leadership, stating she would not do so until a formal mayor was established, despite Mayor Robert Johnson having been duly appointed.

After reviewing the school system’s usage and billing history, the City Council voted during its regular May session to establish a flat monthly rate of $6,200, still providing the school system with a discount of over $3,000 compared to actual usage. Despite being notified of this adjustment, the Board of Education continued to remit only $3,200, prompting the current enforcement action.

The City of Pearson values its partnership with local institutions, particularly those that serve our children. However, the superintendent’s continued refusal to collaborate in good faith and acknowledge the authority and good will of the City Council and Mayor’s Office leaves us with no alternative. This action is a necessary step prior to pursuing formal legal remedies.

We remain open to constructive dialogue and resolution but expect the same level of responsibility and mutual respect from our public partners that our citizens uphold daily.

Mayor Robert Johnson
City of Pearson

06/25/2025

The boil water advisory has been lift. Citizens and businesses can return to normal procedures.

Thank you,

City of Pearson Public Works

05/23/2025

Notice: The Citizen will be closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday, and our May 29 edition will be delivered a day later than usual next week. Hoping all of our readers and customers have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day.

04/24/2025

Taking applications for two more days.

04/17/2025

Graduation is about a month away, and the Atkinson County Citizen is starting to prepare for our annual Graduation Edition. Below is a form where you can salute your favorite graduate in this edition. Deadline is May 9. Don't miss out! High school graduation comes once in a lifetime!

04/15/2025