Find Bladen County Property Tax Records Online

Find Bladen County Property Tax Records Online


Find Bladen County Property Tax Records Online

Publicly accessible data relating to actual property taxation inside Bladen County, North Carolina, encompasses assessed values, levy charges, cost statuses, and possession particulars. These information factors type a complete file for every parcel of land or property throughout the county’s jurisdiction. For example, a file may reveal the assessed worth of a residential property, the quantity of tax owed, and whether or not these taxes are present or delinquent. This data is usually organized by parcel identification numbers and proprietor names, permitting for environment friendly looking out and retrieval.

Entry to those sources gives vital advantages to numerous stakeholders. Potential homebuyers can analysis property histories and tax burdens earlier than making buying selections. Present property homeowners can confirm the accuracy of their assessments and tax liabilities. Researchers and analysts can leverage this information to review market traits, property worth fluctuations, and the general financial well being of the county. Traditionally, such information have performed an important function in sustaining clear governance and making certain equitable taxation practices. They supply an important mechanism for public accountability relating to how native authorities levies and collects income.

This understanding of those elementary points of actual property taxation inside Bladen County will function a basis for exploring particular subjects reminiscent of evaluation appeals, tax cost procedures, and exemptions. Additional exploration may embody evaluation of historic tax traits, the impression of property taxes on native companies, or the function of the tax assessor’s workplace.

1. Evaluation

Evaluation performs an important function inside Bladen County property tax information, serving as the inspiration upon which property tax liabilities are calculated. The evaluation course of determines the market worth of a property, which is then multiplied by the county’s tax charge to calculate the annual property tax owed. Accuracy in assessments is paramount, as an inflated evaluation can result in an unjustly excessive tax burden. For example, if a property’s market worth is incorrectly assessed at $300,000 when its true market worth is $250,000, the property proprietor will probably be overcharged on their annual tax invoice. This underscores the significance of understanding how assessments are carried out and the avenues accessible for difficult inaccurate valuations.

Bladen County, like many jurisdictions, employs certified assessors who consider properties primarily based on numerous elements. These elements might embody the property’s dimension, location, age, situation, and up to date comparable gross sales within the space. Common revaluations make sure that assessments replicate present market situations. Property homeowners have the precise to enchantment assessments they imagine to be inaccurate. This enchantment course of permits for the presentation of proof supporting a special valuation, contributing to truthful and equitable taxation. Understanding this course of and its implications is significant for property homeowners in search of to handle their tax obligations successfully.

In abstract, understanding the evaluation course of inside Bladen County is crucial for navigating the property tax system. Correct assessments are the cornerstone of a good and equitable tax system, and the power to problem doubtlessly inaccurate valuations safeguards property homeowners from undue monetary burdens. This information empowers property homeowners to interact actively with the system and ensures accountability within the native authorities’s tax administration.

2. Cost

Well timed and correct cost of property taxes is vital throughout the Bladen County system. Information of those funds are meticulously maintained and represent an important part of the general property tax file system. These information not solely replicate a person’s compliance with tax obligations but in addition contribute to the monetary stability of native authorities and the funding of important public companies. Understanding cost procedures, deadlines, and accessible strategies is crucial for property homeowners in Bladen County.

  • Cost Strategies

    Bladen County sometimes gives numerous cost strategies to facilitate handy tax funds. These might embody on-line funds through the county’s web site, funds by mail utilizing checks or cash orders, and in-person funds at designated county workplaces. Every methodology has particular procedures and timelines that have to be adhered to for the cost to be thought-about legitimate and processed accurately. For example, on-line funds may require establishing an account and linking it to the property’s parcel quantity. Mail-in funds require exact addressing and adherence to deadlines to keep away from late cost penalties. Understanding these nuances ensures a clean and environment friendly cost course of.

  • Deadlines and Penalties

    Bladen County establishes particular deadlines for property tax funds. Failure to remit cost by the designated date sometimes ends in penalties, together with curiosity costs on the excellent steadiness. These penalties can accumulate over time, considerably rising the general tax burden. Consciousness of those deadlines and potential penalties is paramount for accountable property possession. For instance, a cost deadline falling on a weekend or vacation may need particular grace intervals that property homeowners should concentrate on to keep away from penalties.

  • Cost Historical past and Information

    Sustaining correct cost information is essential for property homeowners. These information function proof of cost and could be important in resolving any discrepancies or disputes which will come up relating to tax liabilities. The county maintains a complete historical past of funds for every property, permitting homeowners to entry and confirm their cost standing. This data could be invaluable throughout property transactions or when addressing any inquiries associated to property taxes. For example, an in depth cost historical past can exhibit constant and well timed tax funds, which could be helpful when promoting a property.

  • Delinquency and its Penalties

    Continued failure to pay property taxes can result in severe penalties, together with liens on the property and, in excessive circumstances, foreclosures. Understanding the method and implications of tax delinquency is essential for property homeowners dealing with monetary difficulties. Bladen County sometimes gives sources and applications to help property homeowners struggling to satisfy their tax obligations. In search of help and understanding accessible choices might help forestall extreme repercussions. For instance, cost plans or short-term deferrals is likely to be accessible to assist property homeowners keep away from foreclosures.

Efficient administration of property tax funds is an important side of accountable property possession in Bladen County. Understanding the varied aspects of cost procedures, together with accessible strategies, deadlines, record-keeping, and the potential penalties of delinquency, permits property homeowners to navigate the system successfully and keep compliance with their tax obligations. This contributes not solely to particular person monetary well-being but in addition to the general monetary well being of the county.

3. Appeals

The appeals course of performs an important function throughout the Bladen County property tax system, providing property homeowners a proper mechanism to problem assessments they imagine to be inaccurate or unfair. This course of ensures accountability and transparency throughout the system, permitting for changes to be made when discrepancies come up. Understanding the intricacies of the appeals course of is essential for property homeowners in search of to guard their pursuits and guarantee they’re taxed pretty. A profitable enchantment can result in a discount in property taxes, offering vital monetary reduction.

  • Grounds for Attraction

    Particular grounds should justify an enchantment. These sometimes embody demonstrable errors within the evaluation course of, reminiscent of incorrect property information (e.g., sq. footage, lot dimension) or the usage of inappropriate comparable properties in figuring out market worth. Merely disagreeing with the assessed worth is inadequate; concrete proof of error is required. For instance, if the evaluation incorrectly lists a property as having a waterfront view when it doesn’t, this factual inaccuracy would represent legitimate grounds for enchantment.

  • Submitting Procedures and Deadlines

    Formal procedures and strict deadlines govern the appeals course of. These procedures sometimes contain submitting a written enchantment to the designated county authority, typically the Board of Equalization and Assessment, inside a specified timeframe. Failure to stick to those procedures and deadlines can lead to the enchantment being dismissed. For example, lacking the submitting deadline by even a single day may invalidate your complete enchantment. Subsequently, meticulous consideration to element and adherence to established timelines are essential.

  • Proof and Documentation

    Supporting proof and documentation are important for a profitable enchantment. This may occasionally embody value determinations carried out by certified professionals, pictures of the property highlighting its situation, or documentation of current gross sales of comparable properties within the space. Sturdy proof strengthens the enchantment and will increase the chance of a positive consequence. For instance, presenting an impartial appraisal considerably decrease than the county’s evaluation, together with proof of comparable gross sales supporting the decrease valuation, can bolster the case for a discount.

  • Outcomes and Choices

    The appeals course of culminates in a call by the related authority, sometimes after a listening to the place the property proprietor can current their case. The choice might uphold the unique evaluation, decrease the evaluation, or, in uncommon circumstances, increase it. Property homeowners have the precise to additional enchantment the choice if they continue to be unhappy, typically by way of the court docket system. Understanding the potential outcomes and subsequent enchantment choices is essential for navigating the method successfully. For instance, if the preliminary enchantment is unsuccessful, realizing the procedures for submitting a subsequent enchantment in the next court docket can make sure that all accessible avenues for redress are pursued.

The appeals course of is intricately linked to the integrity of Bladen County property tax information. It supplies a mechanism for correcting errors, making certain truthful assessments, and sustaining public belief within the property tax system. By understanding the nuances of appeals, property homeowners can actively take part in making certain the accuracy of their assessments and contribute to a extra equitable and clear system general. This understanding not solely advantages particular person property homeowners but in addition strengthens the inspiration of the county’s property tax administration.

4. Exemptions

Property tax exemptions inside Bladen County signify particular circumstances that scale back or remove an proprietor’s tax legal responsibility. These exemptions, documented inside county property tax information, serve essential social and financial coverage targets. Understanding accessible exemptions and their eligibility necessities is crucial for property homeowners in search of to reduce their tax burden legally. Correct utility of exemptions contributes to a extra equitable and environment friendly property tax system.

  • Homestead Exemption

    The homestead exemption typically gives vital tax reduction to owner-occupied main residences. It reduces the assessed worth topic to taxation, thereby reducing the general tax invoice. Eligibility sometimes requires everlasting residency and possession of the property. For instance, a qualifying senior citizen or disabled veteran may obtain a bigger homestead exemption, additional decreasing their tax burden. This exemption goals to advertise homeownership and supply monetary stability to residents. Its presence inside property tax information is a key indicator of owner-occupancy and contributes to correct tax assessments.

  • Agricultural Exemptions

    Agricultural exemptions purpose to help and protect farming actions inside Bladen County. Land actively used for agricultural manufacturing, reminiscent of crop cultivation or livestock rearing, might qualify for lowered tax assessments. These exemptions acknowledge the financial and societal worth of agriculture. Particular acreage necessities or demonstrated agricultural revenue thresholds typically decide eligibility. For example, a household farm actively producing tobacco or corn may qualify for a considerable discount in property taxes, supporting their continued operation. This exemption’s presence inside property tax information displays the county’s dedication to sustaining its agricultural heritage.

  • Exemptions for Disabled Veterans and Senior Residents

    Bladen County, like many jurisdictions, gives property tax exemptions particularly for disabled veterans and senior residents. These exemptions acknowledge the contributions and vulnerabilities of those populations. Eligibility standards sometimes embody age, incapacity standing, and revenue limitations. For instance, a disabled veteran with a service-connected incapacity may qualify for a full or partial exemption, easing their monetary burden. Equally, senior residents with restricted incomes may obtain tax reduction, enabling them to stay of their houses. These exemptions, mirrored inside property tax information, exhibit the county’s dedication to supporting its veteran and senior communities.

  • Spiritual and Nonprofit Group Exemptions

    Properties owned and operated by qualifying spiritual or nonprofit organizations are often exempt from property taxes. This exemption acknowledges the societal advantages these organizations present. Eligibility hinges on the group’s function, actions, and adherence to particular regulatory necessities. For example, a church or a nonprofit hospital offering important group companies may qualify for a full exemption. This exemption’s inclusion inside property tax information displays the county’s recognition of the important function these organizations play throughout the group.

Property tax exemptions inside Bladen County considerably affect particular person tax liabilities and replicate broader social and financial coverage targets. Cautious consideration of those exemptions, documented inside county property tax information, is crucial for correct tax evaluation and administration. Understanding these exemptions empowers property homeowners to navigate the complexities of the system and guarantee they obtain the tax reduction for which they’re eligible, contributing to a extra equitable and environment friendly property tax system general. This intricate relationship between exemptions and property tax information underscores the significance of correct record-keeping and public entry to this data.

5. Possession

Establishing clear possession is paramount throughout the Bladen County property tax system. Correct possession information, meticulously maintained throughout the county’s property tax information, are elementary for correct tax evaluation, billing, and assortment. These information straight hyperlink tax legal responsibility to the accountable occasion, making certain accountability and environment friendly income assortment. Understanding the complexities of possession inside this context is essential for anybody concerned in property transactions or tax administration inside Bladen County.

  • Establishing Possession

    Possession of a property inside Bladen County is usually established by way of a deed, a authorized doc that transfers possession from one occasion to a different. This deed, recorded throughout the county’s register of deeds, turns into an important part of the property’s tax file. It supplies irrefutable proof of possession and establishes the occasion liable for property taxes. For example, when a property is offered, the switch of possession through the deed triggers a corresponding replace within the property tax information, making certain that the brand new proprietor receives future tax payments. These information, subsequently, play a pivotal function in sustaining the integrity of the tax system.

  • A number of House owners and Joint Possession

    Properties can have a number of homeowners, a situation typically encountered in joint possession conditions. Bladen County’s property tax information meticulously doc these a number of homeowners, outlining their respective shares and liabilities. This detailed record-keeping is crucial for distributing the tax burden accurately and making certain that every one accountable events contribute their justifiable share. For instance, if a property is co-owned by siblings, the tax file will replicate this joint possession, permitting the county to invoice every proprietor their proportional share of the property tax. This meticulous record-keeping simplifies tax administration and prevents disputes arising from unclear possession constructions.

  • Possession Modifications and Transfers

    Modifications in possession, reminiscent of gross sales, inheritance, or foreclosures, necessitate corresponding updates inside Bladen County property tax information. These updates keep the accuracy and forex of the tax rolls, making certain that the proper particular person or entity is held liable for property taxes. For instance, if a property proprietor passes away and the property is transferred to their heirs, the county’s tax information have to be up to date to replicate this modification. This course of ensures a clean transition of tax legal responsibility and prevents problems arising from outdated possession data. These well timed updates are elementary to sustaining the integrity and effectivity of the tax system.

  • Possession Disputes and Resolutions

    Disputes relating to property possession can come up, creating complexities throughout the Bladen County tax system. These disputes might contain unclear titles, boundary disagreements, or conflicting claims of possession. Resolving such disputes typically requires authorized intervention, with court docket judgments serving as the premise for updating the county’s property tax information. For example, if a boundary dispute arises between neighbors, its decision by way of a court docket order necessitates corresponding updates to the property descriptions and possession information throughout the tax system. This ensures that property taxes are assessed and levied in opposition to the rightful proprietor, as decided by the authorized course of. The mixing of authorized selections into property tax information underscores the significance of those information in reflecting correct and legally acknowledged possession.

Correct and up-to-date possession data inside Bladen County property tax information varieties the cornerstone of a purposeful and equitable property tax system. This exact record-keeping ensures that tax liabilities are accurately assigned, contributing to the environment friendly assortment of income and the truthful distribution of the tax burden. Understanding the nuances of possession inside this context supplies precious perception into the complexities of property taxation and underscores the vital function these information play in sustaining the monetary stability of the county.

6. Parcel Info

Parcel data varieties a cornerstone of Bladen County property tax information. Every parcel of land throughout the county receives a novel figuring out quantity, typically termed a Parcel Identification Quantity (PIN) or the same designation. This quantity serves as a key linking numerous information factors throughout the property tax file system, together with possession particulars, assessed worth, tax liabilities, and cost historical past. This linkage ensures that every one related data pertaining to a selected piece of land is quickly accessible and arranged, facilitating environment friendly tax administration and knowledgeable decision-making. For example, utilizing a parcel quantity, county officers can rapidly retrieve your complete tax historical past of a property, together with previous assessments, funds, and any excellent liens. Equally, potential consumers can use the parcel quantity to analysis a property’s tax burden earlier than making a purchase order provide. The parcel quantity acts as a novel identifier, making certain correct and environment friendly retrieval of property-specific data.

The knowledge related to a parcel quantity sometimes extends past primary tax information. It typically consists of authorized descriptions of the property, reminiscent of boundaries, acreage, and easements. It might additionally embody particulars relating to zoning classifications, which dictate permissible land makes use of, and details about any constructions or enhancements on the property. This complete information set supplies a holistic view of the parcel, enabling correct assessments and supporting knowledgeable land-use planning. For instance, the parcel data may reveal whether or not a property is zoned for residential, business, or agricultural use, influencing its assessed worth and potential tax liabilities. Equally, particulars about constructions on the property, reminiscent of a home or a barn, contribute to a extra correct evaluation of the property’s general worth. This detailed data ensures that property taxes are assessed pretty and replicate the precise traits of the land and its enhancements.

Correct and accessible parcel data is essential for the efficient functioning of the Bladen County property tax system. It supplies a standardized and environment friendly technique of figuring out and managing particular person properties, supporting correct tax evaluation, clear record-keeping, and knowledgeable decision-making by numerous stakeholders, together with property homeowners, potential consumers, and authorities officers. Challenges reminiscent of sustaining correct parcel boundaries and protecting data present require ongoing effort. Nonetheless, the advantages of a well-maintained parcel data system are substantial, contributing considerably to the environment friendly and equitable administration of property taxes inside Bladen County. This method varieties an integral part of the broader framework of property possession and taxation, making certain the monetary stability of the county and supporting accountable land administration practices.

7. Tax Charges

Tax charges are a vital part of Bladen County property tax information, straight influencing the calculation of property tax liabilities. These charges, expressed as a proportion or greenback quantity per unit of assessed worth (e.g., $100 or $1,000), decide the proportion of a property’s worth topic to taxation. Understanding how these charges are established, their variations, and their impression on particular person properties is crucial for navigating the property tax panorama in Bladen County. This exploration will delve into the important thing aspects of tax charges and their connection to property tax information.

  • Setting Tax Charges

    Bladen County establishes tax charges by way of a budgetary course of that considers the county’s income wants and expenditure necessities. This course of sometimes entails public hearings and enter from numerous stakeholders. The adopted tax charge displays the county’s fiscal priorities and its dedication to funding important public companies. For instance, the next tax charge is likely to be essential to fund elevated spending on schooling or infrastructure tasks. The accepted tax charge is then documented throughout the county’s official information, changing into a key component inside particular person property tax information. This course of ensures transparency and accountability in setting tax charges, permitting residents to know how their property taxes contribute to the county’s general price range.

  • Millage Charges

    Tax charges are often expressed in millage charges. One mill represents one-thousandth of a greenback, or $1 per $1,000 of assessed worth. This standardized expression permits for simple comparability of tax charges throughout totally different jurisdictions or over time. For example, a millage charge of 10 mills interprets to a tax of $10 for each $1,000 of assessed property worth. Understanding millage charges is essential for decoding property tax information and calculating potential tax liabilities. A better millage charge signifies the next tax burden for property homeowners.

  • Variations and Particular Assessments

    Tax charges can fluctuate inside Bladen County primarily based on elements reminiscent of location and the supply of particular native companies. For example, properties inside municipalities may need greater tax charges than these in unincorporated areas as a result of extra companies offered by the municipality, reminiscent of avenue lighting or enhanced public security measures. Moreover, particular assessments, that are extra taxes levied on properties benefiting from particular enhancements like new roads or sewer traces, can impression a property’s general tax burden. These variations and particular assessments are meticulously documented inside property tax information, making certain clear accounting of all relevant tax levies. A transparent understanding of those variations is essential for precisely decoding property tax payments and understanding the particular companies funded by totally different tax levies.

  • Impression on Property Taxes

    The tax charge, mixed with the assessed worth of a property, determines the ultimate property tax quantity due. Fluctuations in tax charges straight impression a property proprietor’s tax legal responsibility. For instance, a rise within the tax charge will end in the next tax invoice for a property with the identical assessed worth, whereas a lower within the charge will decrease the tax burden. Subsequently, monitoring tax charge modifications is essential for property homeowners in search of to handle their tax obligations successfully. Property tax information, reflecting the relevant tax charge for every property, present a precious useful resource for understanding the impression of tax charge modifications on particular person properties. This data empowers property homeowners to anticipate and plan for modifications of their tax liabilities, contributing to accountable monetary administration.

Tax charges, documented inside Bladen County property tax information, are an important determinant of particular person property tax liabilities. Understanding how these charges are established, their variations primarily based on location and particular assessments, and their direct impression on property taxes is crucial for all stakeholders throughout the Bladen County property tax system. This information fosters transparency, accountability, and knowledgeable monetary planning throughout the realm of property taxation, contributing to the general monetary stability of each the county and its residents.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Property Taxes in Bladen County

This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to property taxes inside Bladen County. Readability on these issues promotes knowledgeable decision-making and facilitates efficient engagement with the native tax system.

Query 1: How is property worth decided for tax evaluation functions in Bladen County?

A number of elements contribute to property valuations, together with property dimension, location, age, situation, and up to date comparable gross sales throughout the neighborhood. Certified assessors make use of these elements to estimate the present market worth, forming the premise of the evaluation.

Query 2: What’s the typical timeframe for property revaluations inside Bladen County?

Revaluation cycles fluctuate. Bladen County sometimes conducts revaluations periodically, generally each 4 to eight years, to make sure assessed values align with present market situations. Particular schedules are publicly introduced and accessible by way of official county channels.

Query 3: What recourse is obtainable if a property proprietor believes their evaluation is inaccurate?

A proper appeals course of exists for difficult assessments perceived as inaccurate. This course of entails submitting a written enchantment, supported by proof of valuation discrepancies, to the suitable county authority, sometimes the Board of Equalization and Assessment, throughout the designated timeframe.

Query 4: The place can one entry detailed data relating to particular property tax charges inside Bladen County?

Particular tax charges are accessible by way of the Bladen County tax administration workplace, both on-line by way of the county’s official web site or in individual on the tax workplace. These charges are sometimes expressed in millage charges and fluctuate primarily based on elements reminiscent of location and the presence of particular assessments.

Query 5: What cost strategies can be found for remitting property taxes in Bladen County?

A number of cost strategies are often accessible, together with on-line funds by way of the county web site, funds by mail through examine or cash order, and in-person funds at designated county workplaces. Particular procedures and deadlines for every methodology ought to be adopted to keep away from penalties.

Query 6: What are the potential penalties of failing to pay property taxes in Bladen County?

Failure to remit property taxes can lead to penalties, together with curiosity costs on the excellent steadiness. Continued delinquency can result in liens being positioned on the property and, in excessive circumstances, foreclosures. It’s advisable to contact the county tax workplace to discover accessible help applications if dealing with cost difficulties.

Understanding these elementary points of property taxation in Bladen County facilitates knowledgeable monetary planning and promotes accountable property possession. Entry to correct and up-to-date data by way of official county sources is crucial for navigating the native tax system successfully.

Additional data relating to particular property tax issues inside Bladen County could be obtained by way of the countys official web site or by contacting the tax administration workplace straight.

Ideas for Navigating Bladen County Property Tax Information

Successfully navigating the complexities of property taxation requires a proactive and knowledgeable strategy. The next ideas present precious steering for people interacting with Bladen County property tax information.

Tip 1: Preserve Correct Information: Retain copies of all tax-related paperwork, together with evaluation notices, cost confirmations, and enchantment documentation. Organized record-keeping simplifies tax administration and facilitates the decision of potential discrepancies.

Tip 2: Perceive Evaluation Procedures: Familiarize oneself with the evaluation course of utilized by Bladen County to find out property values. This information permits property homeowners to determine potential inaccuracies and successfully problem assessments if crucial.

Tip 3: Discover Potential Exemptions: Analysis relevant property tax exemptions, reminiscent of homestead exemptions for main residences, exemptions for veterans or senior residents, and exemptions for agricultural or spiritual properties. Claiming eligible exemptions can considerably scale back tax burdens.

Tip 4: Monitor Cost Deadlines: Adhere to cost deadlines to keep away from penalties and curiosity costs. Make the most of accessible cost strategies, together with on-line funds, mail-in choices, or in-person funds at designated places.

Tip 5: Leverage On-line Assets: Make the most of the Bladen County official web site for accessing property tax information, cost portals, and knowledge relating to evaluation procedures and exemptions. On-line sources provide handy entry to vital data.

Tip 6: Contact the Tax Administration Workplace: Search clarification from the Bladen County tax administration workplace straight for advanced inquiries or particular property tax issues. Direct communication ensures correct and well timed data retrieval.

Tip 7: Have interaction Throughout Revaluation Intervals: Pay shut consideration to bulletins relating to property revaluations. Assessment reassessments rigorously and make the most of the appeals course of if deemed crucial.

Adhering to those ideas empowers people with the information and sources crucial for efficient engagement with Bladen County property tax information. Proactive administration of property taxes contributes to monetary well-being and ensures compliance with native tax obligations.

By following these pointers, people can confidently navigate the property tax panorama inside Bladen County and keep a transparent understanding of their tax obligations.

Bladen County Property Tax Information

This exploration of the intricacies inside Bladen County property tax information has highlighted their essential function within the native governance and monetary ecosystem. From assessments and funds to appeals, exemptions, possession particulars, parcel data, and tax charges, these information present a complete framework for understanding property taxation throughout the county. Entry to and comprehension of those information empowers property homeowners, potential consumers, and researchers with the data crucial for knowledgeable decision-making and accountable monetary planning. The cautious upkeep and transparency of those information underscore the dedication to truthful and equitable taxation practices inside Bladen County.

Correct and accessible property tax information are important for a thriving group. They supply the inspiration for clear governance, equitable useful resource allocation, and knowledgeable civic engagement. Continued diligence in sustaining the accuracy, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of those information will stay essential for the continuing monetary well being and stability of Bladen County and its residents.