Alexander County offices will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
The landfill, convenience sites, and county parks will operate on a regular schedule.
News
Alexander County Spotlight: Parks Department creates memorable outdoor experiences
Whether welcoming first-time visitors to Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, preparing Wittenburg Swim Beach for a busy summer weekend, or helping set the stage for a concert at Alexander County Courthouse Park, the Alexander County Parks Department works to create safe and memorable outdoor experiences for residents and visitors.
Led by Parks Director Alex Starnes, the department’s team serves as both caretakers and ambassadors for some of Alexander County’s most popular destinations. Including Starnes, the department has three full-time employees, three part-time employees, and five seasonal employees.
Starnes became Parks Director in March 2025 and has worked full-time for Alexander County for approximately one year and four months. He previously worked part-time for the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office for about six years.
The Parks Department oversees Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, Courthouse Park, Wittenburg Access Area, Dusty Ridge Access Area, Bethlehem Park, Jaycee Park, and East Alexander Park. While the county’s Buildings and Grounds Department handles landscaping and general grounds upkeep, Parks employees provide a wide range of operational services, including maintenance and repairs, tree removal, trash collection, custodial work, event assistance, and permit and reservation services.
Although residents may associate the department primarily with outdoor recreation, Starnes estimated that maintenance and repairs account for approximately 75 percent of its work.
“I wish I could say typical days happen, but at the parks, there are always different challenges,” Starnes said. “One moment, we may be cleaning up at Courthouse Park, and the next, you may find us on top of Rocky Face or along a trail cutting up large fallen trees.”
Employees’ responsibilities also change with the weather, available daylight, and how visitors use the parks throughout the year. Summer brings heavier attendance to Wittenburg Swim Beach and Courthouse Park, while spring and fall attract more hikers, rock climbers, and ballplayers. Camping activity typically increases as temperatures become cooler, too.
At Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, employees maintain hiking trails, climbing areas, campsites, picnic areas, and other park facilities. They also greet visitors, answer questions, provide information, and help ensure guests have safe and enjoyable experiences. Rocky Face provides public access to a natural rock wall that attracts climbers from around the world. Its trails, mountain views, camping opportunities, and other amenities also draw outdoor enthusiasts from across North Carolina and beyond.
During the summer, the department staffs and operates Wittenburg Swim Beach, the only public swimming area on Lake Hickory. Employees prepare the beach for visitors, monitor conditions, maintain facilities, and welcome families looking for a place to enjoy the water.
The Parks Department also hosts the annual Alexander County Summer Concert Series at Courthouse Park and the Vertical Mile Challenge trail race at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area. Staff members help facilitate numerous events at Courthouse Park and assist with smaller or one-time special events throughout the year.
Starnes said being a team player is the most important quality he seeks when hiring an employee.
“Having extensive knowledge of maintenance and repairs is helpful, but a willingness to jump in and help whenever the need arises is most important,” he said.
One of the department’s greatest ongoing challenges is maintaining an environment that is both safe and welcoming to everyone. That responsibility becomes more demanding as attendance continues to grow.
“We have seen a large increase in the use of our parks countywide,” Starnes said.
The department’s work often happens behind the scenes, from repairing facilities and responding to storm damage to maintaining trails and preparing for special events. Those efforts help protect the county’s natural and recreational resources while keeping its parks safe, clean, and enjoyable.
For Starnes, the most rewarding part of the job is serving the public and watching people enjoy the places that make Alexander County’s parks special.
“I am blessed to have a hardworking team that is dedicated to providing the best service to the community,” he said. “That applies not just to our department, but to Alexander County as a whole.”
While Rocky Face stands out because of its distinctive natural features and recreational opportunities, Starnes said each county park offers something special.
His invitation to residents and visitors is simple: “Come and see us. We always look forward to visitors.”
For more information about Alexander County parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, visit alexandercountync.gov.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – Proposed FY28 Call for Projects, Federal Section 5310 Grant
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Section 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 and applicable State funding, or combination thereof.
This is to inform the public of the opportunity to attend a public hearing on the proposed FY28 Call for Projects, Federal Section 5310 Grant (Enhances Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program) application to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation no later than October 2, 2026. The public hearing will be held on September 14, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Alexander County Commissioners Room located at CVCC/Alexander Center, 345 Industrial Blvd, Taylorsville, NC 28681. Alexander County will provide auxiliary aids and services under the ADA for disabled persons who wish to participate in the hearing. Anyone requiring special services should contact Keri Jerrell, DSS Director at 828-352-7603 as soon as possible.
The goal of the Section 5310 program is to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout the county, by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding transportation mobility options available. Toward this goal, FTA provides financial assistance for transportation mobility options available. Toward this goal, FTA provides financial assistance for transportation services planned, designed and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in all areas. A senior is an individual who is 65 years of age or older and the term “disability” is defined in section 3(1) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C 12012).
The Section 5310 Program provides grant funds for capital and operating expenses to recipients for:
*Public transportation projects planned, designed and carried out to meet he special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities;
*Public transportation projects that exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et. Seq.);
*Public transportation projects that improve access to fixed route service and decrease reliance on complementary para-transit; and
*Alternatives to public transportation projects that assist seniors and individuals with disabilities with transportation.
The period of performance for 5310 funds is July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. The FY2028 individual program totals are:
Total Amount
$194,592
Federal Amount
$155,673
State Match
$19,459
Local Match
$19,460
This application may be inspected at Alexander County Department of Social Services located at 604 7th Street SW, Taylorsville, NC 28681 from 9:00 am through 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Written comments should be directed to Keri Jerrell, DSS Director before Sept. 13 , 2026.
End of Notice
Alexander County Animal Services expands community access to microchip scanning stations
Alexander County Animal Services is pleased to announce the placement of two new microchip scanning stations in the community, with a third station coming soon.
The scanning stations are designed to give residents another resource when they find a lost pet. By providing convenient access to a microchip scanner, community members may be able to identify whether a found dog or cat has a microchip and help begin the process of reuniting that pet with its owner.
Microchips can play an important role in getting lost pets home, but access to a scanner is often limited after normal business hours of the animal shelter or veterinary offices. These community scanning stations are intended to help bridge that gap.
Animal Services’ goal is to give the public another tool to help lost pets get home as quickly as possible. Every pet that can be reunited directly with its family is a pet that may never have to enter the shelter.
The stations contain a microchip scanner along with instructions for its use. The signage at each station also includes a QR code that provides quick access to additional lost-and-found resources. By scanning the QR code, residents can access tools to look up a microchip number, log an animal as found, and find helpful tips and information for lost and found pets.
If a microchip is detected, the scanner will display the pet’s unique microchip identification number. Residents can then use the QR code and available online resources to help identify the microchip company and begin the process of locating the pet’s registered owner.
The first two community microchip scanning stations are located at:
• Alexander County Library – Main Branch
77 1st Ave SW, Taylorsville
The microchip scanning station is located on a signpost near the sidewalk.
• Alexander County Library – Stony Point Branch
431 Ruritan Park Rd, Stony Point
The microchip scanning station is located on the front of the building, under the Senior Center sign.
A third community scanning station is planned and will be announced once it is available.
The community scanning stations are an additional resource and do not replace the services already provided by Alexander County Animal Services. Animal Services will continue to scan dogs and cats that are impounded and will make efforts to identify and locate their owners. Members of the public who find a dog or cat may also contact Animal Services, and an Animal Control Officer can respond to scan the animal for a microchip.
Residents are reminded that finding a microchip is only part of the process. A microchip contains an identification number — not the owner’s personal information — and the chip must be properly registered with current contact information for it to be most effective.
Pet owners are encouraged to make sure their pets are microchipped and, just as importantly, to keep their microchip registration information up to date, particularly after a move or change in phone number.
The community scanning stations are another part of Alexander County Animal Services’ efforts to increase pet reunifications, reduce unnecessary shelter intake, and provide residents with practical tools to help lost pets get back home as quickly as possible.
For additional information about the microchip scanning stations, assistance with a found pet, or to request help from an Animal Control Officer, contact Alexander County Animal Services at 828-632-1199.
2026 Soil & Water Conservation Winners Announced
The Alexander Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) held its annual environmental education contests for the 2025–2026 school year. School winners from each category were honored at the Soil & Water Awards Banquet held on April 14 at Liledoun Baptist Church in Taylorsville, NC. The 2025–2026 contest theme was “We All Live in a Watershed!”
The contests included a 5th-grade poster contest, 6th-grade essay contest, 9th–12th-grade essay contest, 6th-grade computer-designed slideshow (PowerPoint), 9th–12th-grade slideshow (PowerPoint), and speech contests for 7th, 8th, and 9th–12th grades. As always, we received many outstanding entries, making the judges’ decisions especially difficult. The Alexander SWCD Board of Supervisors and staff congratulate all of the 2026 Conservation Contest participants and winners on a job well done. Students received ribbons, certificates, and cash awards in recognition of their achievements.
The winner of the 5th-grade poster contest was Colton Grindstaff of Hiddenite Elementary School. Iker Aragon of Stony Point Elementary School was runner-up, and Easton Huton of Millersville Christian Academy placed third. Colton’s poster also received an Honorable Mention at the Area Level.
The 6th-grade essay contest winner was Madelyn Wike of Millersville Christian Academy. Harper Hall of WAMS was runner-up, and Seth Reece of WAMS placed third. Madelyn’s essay also received an Honorable Mention at the Area Level.
The winner of the 6th-grade slideshow contest was Sophia Bentley of Millersville Christian Academy. Macey Walker of WAMS was runner-up, and Kate Chewning of Millersville Christian Academy placed third. Sophia’s slideshow went on to earn 2nd Place at the Area Level.
The 7th-grade speech contest winner was Brielle Millsaps of EAMS, with Ethan Rogers of EAMS finishing as runner-up.
The 8th-grade speech contest winner was Nayeli Galarza De Leon of EAMS. Nayeli earned 1st Place at the Area Level competition, held March 19 in Ashe County, and advanced to the State Competition on May 1 in Randolph County, where she also captured 1st Place.
The winner of the 9th–12th-grade slideshow contest was Sadie Gilreath of AEC. Kylie Greene of AEC was runner-up, and Kristopher Sherrill of ACHS placed third. Sadie’s slideshow received an Honorable Mention at the Area Level.
The winner of both the 9th–12th-grade speech and essay contests was Angelique Carico of AEC. Angelique’s speech and essay each earned 2nd Place at the Area Level.
The Alexander SWCD Board of Supervisors and staff again congratulate all of the 2026 Conservation Contest participants and winners on their accomplishments. We also extend our sincere thanks to all of our sponsors who donated door prizes and funding to help make the Soil & Water Awards Banquet possible.
The Alexander SWCD Board of Supervisors includes Chairman Eugene White, Vice Chairman Bryant Chapman, Secretary/Treasurer Colby Herman, and members Kathy Bunton and JD Sink.
For more information about the annual conservation contests or other educational programs, please contact Pamela Bowman, Alexander SWCD Director, at 828-632-0638.
Alexander County awarded $50,000 grant from NC Railroad Company
Alexander County Commissioners approved a $50,000 grant agreement with the North Carolina Railroad Company at their August 3 meeting. The grant funding will be used to evaluate property in the Alexander Industrial Park for potential future expansion.
In April, the board approved an option-to-purchase agreement with Alexander Railroad Company for two parcels totaling approximately 115 acres adjacent to the industrial park. The agreement gives the county 12 months to determine whether the property is suitable for industrial development. The studies funded by the grant are part of the county’s due diligence process and do not commit the county to purchasing the property.
Economic Development Director Michael Worley said the grant will fund the studies needed to determine whether the railroad-owned property is suitable for development. The work will include an environmental site assessment and additional studies as needed.
In related action, commissioners approved an agreement with Ardurra Professional Services to perform the environmental and ecological studies. The studies are expected to cost between $17,000 and $22,000 and will be funded through the North Carolina Railroad Company grant.
“This grant allows us to thoroughly evaluate the property before making any decisions about its future,” said Chairman Larry Yoder. “It’s an important part of our due diligence process and helps us determine whether the site is suitable for industrial development without using county tax dollars to fund these initial studies.”
During the public hearing, Robert Sherrill, who lives on White Plains Road near the industrial park, expressed concerns about noise and odors from industrial operations. Commissioner Marty Pennell said county staff visited the industrial park at various times to monitor noise levels in response to those concerns.
In other business:
• Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed 2027 Schedule of Values, Standards, and Rules for Alexander County’s 2027 reappraisal of real property.
Tax Administrator Doug Fox explained that a schedule of values is developed as part of each countywide reappraisal and is based on factors including recent home sales, construction costs, income models, and other market data. He said the purpose of the reappraisal is to ensure property values are fair, equitable, and reflective of current market conditions. State law requires property to be appraised at its true market value.
Commissioner Marty Pennell noted that North Carolina requires counties to conduct a reappraisal at least once every eight years; however, Alexander County is now conducting reappraisals every four years to help reduce the impact of changes in property values from one reappraisal to the next.
Vice Chairman Josh Lail said, “We [Commissioners] don’t like paying property taxes any more than anyone else, but there’s a certain level of funding that Alexander County requires. Honestly, we are in pretty good shape regarding what we pay and the services we receive.”
Commissioner Kent Herman said, “This board has done a good job of being frugal with taxpayer dollars. If property values increase, that doesn’t necessarily mean property taxes will increase.”
• Commissioners approved a request to rezone property owned by Christian Romera Garcia, located at 44 Owen Braswell Road in Taylorsville, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to R-2R (Rural Residential). County Planner Amy Bucknum said the rezoning will allow the property owner to place a single-wide manufactured home on the property. The Alexander County Planning Board recommended approval of the request.
• Commissioners approved two budget amendments as presented by County Manager Justin Mundy.
The first amendment increases the Sheriff’s Office budget for the use of Federal Equitable Share funds to purchase equipment. It also increases the DSS budget to reflect the FY 2027 state and federal grant funding allocation for nutrition expenses and the required local match.
The second amendment adjusts the General Fund budget for updated allocations of the FY 2027 workers’ compensation and property and liability insurance premiums across various departments.
• The board approved the consent agenda, which includes tax abatements and adjustments ($1,809.92), tax refunds ($119.00), minutes from the July 13 regular meeting, the July line item transfer report, board and committee appointments for the Council on Aging and Historic Preservation Commission, and a request to surplus a 2006 Ford Taurus.
The next regular meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education (Room 103). Regular meetings are recorded and may be viewed on the county’s Government Channel (Spectrum Channel 192) or the county’s YouTube channel. Meeting agendas, minutes, videos, and additional information are available at alexandercountync.gov/commissioners.