The Pilot hereby offers a few proposed resolutions for 2011, in no particular order.

Moore County: Construction of the $27 million public safety-detention center complex may be Moore County’s most visible activity in 2011, but water and taxes also deserve prominent priorities among the county commissioners’ goals.

Property owners can expect the tax rate to remain stable in the new year and may just possibly see a rate decrease. Commissioner Nick Picerno advanced one striking tax cut idea on Dec. 6 shortly after his election to the board chairmanship: suspension of the ALS (advanced life support) tax in the new tax year.

Picerno also suggested that the county check with Robbins town officials to determine the feasibility of a partnership to provide water to the northern part of the county. He proposed taking a second look at the village of Pinehurst’s interest in buying the utility systems serving the village. Both ideas deserve consideration, if only for study purposes.

Despite the dramatic progress on the jail complex, Moore County must assess available facilities and develop a practical long-range plan to deal with multiple space needs for the courts, county personnel and public parking near county buildings.

Following up on the progress made in 2010 on such issues as communications with municipalities and openness with the public, the county must resolve to continue open forums with municipal leaders and other elected officials. The past year yielded improvement in resolution of the Vass sewage treatment plant problem, but much work remains on water issues at Seven Lakes as well as Pinehurst and Robbins.

Southern Pines: As the Town Council considers plans for significant commercial developments in 2011, members will face a balancing act as they attempt to take maximum advantage of the opportunities while upholding their responsibility to preserve the overall character of Southern Pines.

Development on Morganton Road is inevitable, but within the standards of the overlay district and the guidelines laid out in the Comprehensive Long-Range Plan, the town needs to make sure that development occurs in a way that allows the public, the town and property owners to participate creatively in a collaborative process.

Pinehurst: The new year is shaping up to be a pivotal one in the village of Pinehurst, because many of the key issues in 2011 revolve around development and could impact the municipality for years to come.

The first issue that must be resolved this year is the proposal for construction of a 16,500-square-foot addition to The Village Chapel. The project has stirred up ill will from some in the community, who say the project will adversely affect the village’s Historic Landmark status. The village must work hard with all parties involved — including the National Park Service — to ensure that the approved development doesn’t harm that status.

The second issue the village must revolve is a growing concern among builders and developers over ordinances they deem convoluted and prohibitive. The changes must be made in a timely manner and streamline the process for developers without compromising the standards that make the village such a historic and charming resort community.

Aberdeen: The town has a few big projects that will be beneficial to its residents. First and foremost will be the expansion project for the fire station, which should begin later this year pending approval by the Local Government Commission.

This year, the town will also have to work closely with Pinebluff to resolve its differences in extraterritorial jurisdiction claims as both towns seek to expand their boundaries. Look for this to be complete in June.

The town also should focus on some quality-of-life issues for its residents, including beginning work on a creating a pedestrian plan and expanding its greenways. Lastly, let’s hope the Town Board can finally complete a plan for the development of downtown, which has been in the works for a long time.