What was expected to be a straightforward public meeting on Hamlet’s ongoing water-system and meter failures instead revealed an increasingly troubling pattern: self-congratulation, evasiveness, and a refusal to answer legitimate questions from residents.
A Meeting Meant for Water Infrastructure Begins With Praise — and a Plan to Profit From a Veterans Event
The meeting opened with nearly thirty minutes of City Manager John Terziu congratulating staff and re-elected council members, offering little information about the city’s active water-infrastructure crisis.
Terziu then shifted focus to a topic unrelated to the agenda: his interest in recreating a veterans’ hunting retreat currently hosted in another county.
The existing event provides veterans with lodging, meals, and opportunities to bond at no cost, functioning as a supportive, therapeutic program—not a source of revenue.
Terziu, however, proposed that Hamlet could recreate the event as a monetized program for the city’s financial benefit.
This suggestion immediately raised concerns among residents, many of whom have long questioned Terziu’s priorities—particularly given that he already earns approximately $134,000 per year and has recently demanded an additional $6,000 in travel expenses because he does not live within the City of Hamlet.
Selective Reprimands During Discussion of Water Loss
During a discussion on Hamlet’s substantial water loss, a citizen seated in the audience quietly remarked on how much water is being lost and how much it is costing the city.
Resident Sean Patrick Smith, reacting to that remark, commented on it—expressing concern about the scale of the loss. He did not interrupt the presentation, nor did he repeat the question.
Despite this, Mayor Amy Guinn immediately reprimanded him for speaking out of turn.
The original commenter, however, received no reprimand whatsoever. Guinn excused the comment by stating he works for the water department.
The selective enforcement of rules only added to the public’s sense that criticism of the city administration is unwelcome unless it comes from insiders.
Public Demands Answers on Missing Grant Funds and Harassment Settlements
During open comments, Smith raised questions that residents have been asking for months:
- Where is the accounting for previously awarded water-infrastructure grant funding?
- Why has the public not been shown how that money was used?
- Is any portion unaccounted for?
Smith then moved to a more serious topic: the unresolved sexual-harassment settlement reportedly involving City Manager Terziu.
He asked directly:
Was the settlement paid by the City of Hamlet or by Terziu personally?
Smith also pointed out that residents have raised wider concerns, alleging that Terziu has been tied to at least two other sexual-harassment settlements in previous cities where he worked—allegations that have never been publicly addressed, confirmed, or denied by Terziu or by the respective municipalities.
The growing number of unresolved accusations has intensified public calls for transparency.
Council Responds With Silence — and Terziu Smiles
After raising these questions, Smith waited for a response.
None was given.
Other speakers throughout the night received acknowledgments or answers from council members. Smith alone was met with complete silence.
As he stepped away from the podium, several attendees observed Terziu smiling, a gesture interpreted by many as a sign of satisfaction with the council’s refusal to address the issues raised.
A Pattern of Avoidance and Fading Transparency
Smith’s treatment is not an isolated incident. Over recent months, residents who have attempted to ask about:
- water-system failures
- grant spending
- financial accountability
- administrative conduct
- and decisions made behind closed doors
have repeatedly been met with silence, deflection, or selective enforcement of meeting rules.
Combined with the city manager’s salary demands, travel expense increase, and refusal to answer questions about alleged misconduct, public confidence in Hamlet’s leadership continues to erode.
The entirety of this meeting, which was held on November 12th, 2025, but not posted until November 19th, 2025, can be seen here.