TOWN OF SIMS UNDER STAGE 2 WATER RESTRICTIONS

The Town of Sims is now under Stage 2 of the Town of Sims Water Shortage Response Plan due to the continued severe drought conditions as designated by the North Carolina Drought Management Council (DMAC). 

In Stage 2 Mandatory Reductions 1, all customers are expected to reduce their water use by 10% in comparison to their previous month’s water bill. In addition, the following restrictions apply:

• Irrigation is limited to a half inch per week between 8PM and 8AM
• Outdoor use of drinking water for washing impervious surfaces is prohibited
• All testing and training purposes requiring drinking water (e.g. fire protection) will be limited 

Violations of the Water Restrictions can result in fines and water disconnection.  Restrictions will remain in effect until conditions improve. The Town of Sims personnel and local law enforcement will enforce the provisions of the water shortage response plan. Citations are assessed according to the following schedule depending on the number of prior violations and current level of water shortage. Click here for more information regarding citation schedule.

45-Day Public Comment Notice:

June 18, 2026

The Town of Sims is updating its Utility System Development Fee analysis and fee schedule.  Green Engineering was authorized to conduct a study of the statutes allowing for a fee to reserve funds for needed future repairs and improvements. The study was initiated because of the Town’s need to address the impact of new growth development in and adjacent to the Town’s present corporate limits, and to assist town with new revenues essential to offset the impact of new growth on existing internal utility facilities.

The study was completed in June and the town is required to post it for review and comments for the next 45 days starting Friday, June 19, 2026

The General Statutes call for a 45-day public comment period and public hearing. Comments should be made in writing to Town Hall via email, drop box, mail or dropped off at the drive thru window during office hours.  All comments will be reviewed and given to Green Engineering, Town Administration and/or the Town Attorney for evaluation.  Public comment will end at 5pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.  We plan to schedule a public hearing for August 10, 2026 at 6pm at Sims Community Center- Main Street to discuss this fee, with a Board of Commissioners Meeting to immediately follow. 

Submittals for the 45-day comment period can be made in writing by email to info@townofsimsnc.com; in writing and submitted by mail to PO Box 161, Sims, NC 27880; in writing and put in one of our two drop boxes (one to the left of the front entrance and one to the bottom right of the drive-through window); or in writing and submitted during office hours at the drive-through window. All public comments must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

A copy of the report and the basis of the proposed fee schedule of the Town of Sims to Renew the System Development Fee can be found be found by clicking this link

For a list of fees please click here

COMMUNITY FREE LIBRARY AND PANTRY

The Town of Sims has been gifted a gift that keeps giving. Our 2025-2026 Lead for NC Fellow, Yuki Hellis and her father Andrew Hellis built and installed this adorable free library/pantry at the Sims Community Park, 6215 Broad St. Please stop by and visit. Take what you need and leave what you can.

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For more information on what to donate and how to donate please contact Commissioner Heather Burke at commissionerburke@townofsimsnc.com

Public Notice: Illegal Tapping of Fire Hydrants

The Town of Sims would like to remind the public that fire hydrants are not to be accessed, opened, or used by unauthorized individuals. Only authorized Town staff, contractors acting on behalf of the Town, and Fire Department personnel are permitted to operate or access a fire hydrant.

Unauthorized tapping into a fire hydrant is illegal and can create serious safety risks, including reduced water pressure for emergency response, damage to public infrastructure, and potential service disruptions.

If you witness anyone using or attempting to access a fire hydrant without authorization, please notify Town staff immediately.

When reporting suspicious or unauthorized activity, please try to provide the following information:

• Date and time of the incident

• Location of the hydrant

• Vehicle description

• License plate number

• Description of the individual(s) involved

• Any other identifiable information that may assist staff

Please do not approach the individual(s) yourself. Report the information to Town staff so it can be addressed appropriately.

Thank you for helping protect Town property and public safety.

Main Street Community Center Open House

Join the Town of Sims for a tour of our recently renovated Community Center on Main Street on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM! Light refreshments will be provided.

Feel free to stay for our Board of Commissioners Meeting directly following at 6:30 PM. All town meetings will be held at this location unless specified otherwise.

The Main Street Community Center is now fully available for rent (front, back, or whole building). The front features a lobby with two restrooms and a stage. The back features a full kitchen (stove/oven, fridge, sink), two bathrooms, and access to the back picnic area. Tables and chairs are available for use.

For pictures and a walkthrough video, visit our Facilities tab and click on Community Building Main Street!

Book now or schedule a tour by visiting Sims Town Hall, emailing info@townofsimsnc.com, or calling (252) 237-4226.

Sims Open Burning Rules

What does open burn mean?

• Open burning refers to different types of controlled outdoor fires, such as small residential fires to burn yard waste or commercial land-clearing fires

• The burning of vegetation or wood only, in an enclosed fire pit, backyard fireplace, or grill used for smoking meats, is permitted within Sims town limits and ETJ, and not considered an open burn.

  • Burn barrels/drums, open pits, or directly on the ground are considered open burning and prohibited within Town limits.

Town of Sims Open Burn Regulations

• The Town of Sims Code of Ordinances prohibits all open burning within the corporate limits of the Town of Sims.

• Within the ETJ, opening burning is permissible only when it meets the following:

  • Must be at least 1,000 feet from other dwellings (except structures on your own property)

  • Winds must blow away from built-up areas

  • Burn clean vegetative material only (no oils, asphaltic materials, paper, rubber, or other non-plant items, including cardboard and paper)

  • Start burns generally between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; no adding material after 3:00 p.m.

  • Fires must be attended at all times

Burning any trash is illegal in North Carolina and can harm public health and the environment.

• Illegal to burn: trash/refuse, plastic, metal, treated or painted wood, rubber/tires, newspaper/cardboard/paper, heavy oils, paints/household/agricultural chemicals, furniture, construction debris, household waste, or any man made materials.

State Reminders:

• Burning is only allowed on Code Green/Yellow air quality days and is prohibited on Code Orange/Red/Purple days. Residents should check the county air quality forecast through the state’s Air Quality Portal.

• Additionally, yard waste must come from your own property and burned on that site.

• Violations can carry civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation per day (state enforcement).

Fire department Training Burns

• Fire department agencies may conduct controlled burns of structures for training only with required approvals, including:

  • A written request to the Town Administrator for approval

  • Evidence of State of North Carolina approval

  • Written notice to adjoining property owners at least 7 days before the burn

The N.C. Forest Service may require a burn permit and burn bans may apply. When in doubt, don’t burn—use proper disposal options.

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If you see someone burning trash, call 911.

To file a complaint, please complete this form and submit to Town Hall.

For the full Open Burning Town of Sims Ordinance, click here.

Visit NCDEQ’s Website for more information regarding Open Burning.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping Sims safe!

Trash Pickup Delay

Trash has not been picked up as of 4:45 PM, March 12, 2026. Please leave your cans out for them to pick it up, as they may come later today.

Property Tax Educational Session Hosted by Wilson County Tax Department

Join the Wilson County Tax Administration Office for a free public event/educational session for the Wilson Community. The event will be held at Crawford Bolton’s office at the Wilson County Tax Department from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, on Thursday, March 26th, and will consist of the following:

1) 6:00-6:30 PM:

• Open House, Meet & Greet with Staff, and learn about different areas of the office

2) 6:30 – 7:00 PM:

• Short Presentation on the Life Cycle of Property Taxes annually

3) 7:00 – 7:30 PM:

• Q&A session on anything property taxes related

Wilson County Tax Department Address: 2816 Ward Blvd, Wilson, NC 27893

TOWN OF SIMS WELCOMES NEW PLANNING BOARD/BOA MEMBER

We are pleased to welcome Machele Stokes, our newest Planning Board/Board of Adjustment member. Machele has been kind enough to offer her time and attention to the Town of Sims by serving as the In-Town Member Alternate. Before being chosen as a board member, Machele was serving on the Land Use Regulation Committee.

The general purpose of the Planning Board is to provide for and guide the orderly growth and development of the community. The Planning Board is responsible for providing recommendations on key amendments to the zoning ordinances including text amendments, rezoning, and conditional zoning districts that are in the best interest of community and in accordance with the town’s current Land Use Plan. The recommendations of the Planning Board directly inform the Town Board of Commissioners when making final decisions on these types of applications.

These board members also double as the Town of Sims Board of Adjustment. The primary function of the Board of Adjustment is to hear and determine certain quasi-judicial matters under the development regulations of the Town of Sims; specifically, the Zoning Ordinance.

Please take the time to congratulate Machele, thank her for her service, and wish her good luck with her new role.

We would like to give special thanks to all of our Board members for their service to the community.

Daniel Johnson – In-Town Member and Planning Board Chairman

Danny Howell – In-Town Member

Robert Wilson – In-Town Member and Board of Adjustment Vice Chairman

Machele Stokes – In-Town Alt

Donnie Sherrod – ETJ Member and Planning Board Vice Chairman

Jason Pipkin – ETJ Member

Scott Matthews – ETJ Alternate and Board of Adjustment Chairman

WINTER STORM FERN EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND

The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center is forecasting a major widespread winter storm that potentially will affect nearly 180 million people in the South, Midwest and Northeast, including North Carolina. Winter Storm Fern is predicted to bring bitterly cold temperatures and wintry mix of snow and ice across the state over the weekend.

Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency as North Carolina braces for the impact of a major winter storm.

To prepare for Winter Storm Fern, stock up on food, water, and batteries; have emergency supplies in your car (blankets, shovel, sand); winterize your home (insulate, clear gutters); ensure backup heat/power safety (generators outside only); and plan to stay home, dress in layers, and check on neighbors, avoiding unnecessary travel. Make a Plan | Ready NC

At Home

• Supplies: Stock food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit for several days.

• Heat: Ensure alternate heat sources (like wood stoves) are safe; have blankets, and close off unused rooms to retain heat.

• Carbon Monoxide: Install and test battery-operated CO detectors; never use ovens or grills for heat.

• Winterize: Insulate pipes, clear rain gutters, and check your chimney if using a fireplace.

• Pets: Bring pets indoors and ensure they have dry shelter and extra bedding. 

If You Must Travel

• Vehicle Kit: Pack blankets, warm clothes, jumper cables, a flashlight, sand/kitty litter for traction, water, and non-perishable snacks.

• Dress Warm: Wear layers, mittens, hats, and scarves; wear non-slip boots.

• Plan: Inform family of your route; keep gas tank full.

• Drive Safely: Avoid unnecessary travel; if driving, go slow and be prepared for power outages. 

Power Outages

• Generators: ONLY use outdoors, far from windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Food: Keep refrigerators and freezers closed; discard food if it’s not cold enough for long enough.

• Lights: Use flashlights or battery-operated candles instead of flammable ones. 

Community & Alerts

• Stay Informed: Sign up for local alerts Emergency Alerts | Ready NC and TMG Town of Sims Weather Alert

• Check on Others: Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.

• Public Shelters: Know the location of nearby shelters.