Meeting to be held at Catawba Valley Community College: Alexander Center beginning at 6:00pm. Meeting will be broadcast live on 860wacb.com
News
Superintendent shares progress, budget update with Board of Commissioners
Alexander County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin provided an update at the May 12 meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners.
During a recent budget work session, commissioners discussed Alexander County Schools’ request for an additional $348,321 for fiscal year 2026-2027, which would bring the total county allotment to $8.42 million.
Dr. Griffin began with a brief discussion of the school system’s rebranding efforts, with a new logo unveiled in summer 2025. Their mission is now, “Building a Legacy of Excellence,” with a vision of “The Educational Choice for Every Child.”
When he first began serving as superintendent during the 2024-2025 school year, Dr. Griffin said he immediately faced a financial shortfall, with a fund balance below $1 million.
“The Board of Education and administration worked hard to right the ship,” Dr. Griffin said. “Our goal was to use zero fund balance.”
Dr. Griffin showed two graphs illustrating how the school system has worked to align staff and teacher positions with student enrollment. He said student enrollment declined from 5,466 in 2012 to 4,201 in 2025. In 2012, the school system had 343 teachers, with only 275 in 2025.
He said the system is now “operating within our means,” with $3,525,000 in grants and savings secured in one year. A $1.8 million Golden LEAF grant is funding new programming at East Alexander Middle School. Ellendale Elementary School is transforming into the Ellendale School of Innovation, which has already seen a 21 percent increase in enrollment interest. The district is also an inaugural member of High Country STEM.
Addressing commissioners, Dr. Griffin said, “The general public doesn’t understand the weight on your shoulders. I’m grateful for your support and partnership.”
Chairman Larry Yoder said, “I’m extremely proud of the progress happening in Alexander County Schools. It’s been hard, but you’ve risen to the occasion.”
Commissioners will continue the 2026-2027 budget discussion at their May 18 meeting.
In other business:
• The Alexander County Soil & Water Conservation District has been awarded $516,000 from the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP). Pamela Bowman, Soil & Water Director, presented details to the board. She said the county has received $853,806 in previous grants, with 15 sites completed. With the new grant, Bowman said the county should be able to rehab six to eight more sites, depending on bids. The reimbursement grant requires no local matching funds.
• Commissioners approved three budget amendments as presented by County Manager Justin Mundy.
The first amendment results in a net increase of $107,274 in general fund expenditures for three departments. The amendment increases the register of deeds budget to cover estimated expenses for payments required by the state and revised revenue projections, increases the JCPC budget for discretionary funding awarded to the Aspire JCPC program, and increases the detention center budget for estimated medical supplies and inmate medical bills.
The second amendment results in a net increase of $65,000 in general fund expenditures. The amendment increases the EMS budget to cover estimated expenses for medical billing services and increased retirement expenses, transfers funds from the governing body budget to the EMS budget for architect fees related to the EMS Station #2 project, and transfers funds from the public buildings & maintenance budget to the library budget for a paving project.
The third amendment results in a net increase of $20,000 in solid waste fund expenditures to increase the landfill budget to cover estimated tire recycling and disposal expenses.
• During the public comment period, Jerrell Miller expressed concerns about the Sterling Road project, which involves 820 linear feet of grading, paving, and erosion control. The county received two Community Development Block Grants to complete the project. Miller said his grandmother originally agreed to the plan, but has since decided she does not want a turnaround constructed in her front yard. He believes the disagreement can be resolved with a meeting to discuss the project.
Related to the Sterling Road project, the county is working with the Town of Taylorsville to initiate condemnation proceedings for right-of-way and associated public improvements.
• Commissioners approved the consent agenda. Items include tax abatements and adjustments totaling $4,969.76 and tax refunds totaling $3,014.12; minutes from the April 6 regular meeting and April 20 budget work session; reappointments to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council; line-item transfer report for April 2026; resolution opposing modifications to county property tax authority; resolution to commit fund balance for year ending June 30, 2026; ALS Awareness Month proclamation; renewal of agreement with Institutional Medical Services and IMS Correctional Healthcare for inmate medical care services; interlocal agreement with the Town of Taylorsville for Sterling Road condemnation costs; records retention and disposition schedule for register of deeds; JCPC revised funding plan for FY 2025-2026; request from Sheriff Chad Pennell to surplus numerous firearms; and personnel policy revisions.
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education (room #103). Regular meetings are recorded and available on the county’s Government Channel (Spectrum channel 192) and the county’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/alexandercountync. Meeting agendas, minutes, videos, and more are available on the county’s website at https://alexandercountync.gov/commissioners.
Advertisement For Bids – Sterling Road Upgrades Project
General Notice
Alexander County (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project:
Sterling Road Upgrades Project
CDBG-NG
Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the Alexander
County Administration Building in the downstairs Conference Room, lo-
cated at 621 Liledoun Rd, Suite 1; Taylorsville, NC 28681 until Monday, June
1, 2026, at 2:00 PM local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly
opened and read.
The Project includes the following Work:
Approximately 820 LF of grading and asphalt paving, storm drain boxes and
pipes, erosion control, and appurtenances.
The Project has an expected duration until August 10, 2026.
Alexander County urges residents to update emergency plans and kits during Hurricane Preparedness Week
With the 2026 hurricane season approaching, Alexander County Emergency Management urges all residents to take time now to update their emergency plans and supply kits. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, bringing the potential for destructive storms and severe weather.
To promote awareness and preparation, the National Weather Service has designated May 3–9 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina.
Although Alexander County is located in the foothills of western North Carolina, it has witnessed its share of hurricane damage over the years, most recently including Hurricane Helene’s flooding and high winds.
“During a disaster, like a hurricane, having an emergency plan and a fully stocked kit can make a life-saving difference,” said Daniel Fox, Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator. “Your emergency kit should provide for your family’s basic needs for at least three to seven days. Also, please take any evacuation order seriously. Leaving when asked protects not only yourself but also first responders who may otherwise be placed in harm’s way.”
Residents can create an emergency plan easily by visiting www.ReadyNC.gov, where downloadable templates are available. Your family should review and practice your emergency plans regularly, so everyone knows what to do and how to communicate during a crisis. Be sure to update your plan this season and talk with neighbors — especially seniors or individuals with disabilities — about how to help one another during emergencies.
In addition, it is important for families and businesses to gather and store critical documents — including driver’s licenses, insurance policies, medical records, and financial account information — in a waterproof, fireproof container or secure digital location. Review your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance coverage, and make sure flood insurance is included, as it is not part of most standard policies.
Build Your Emergency Kit
Make sure your kit includes enough food and water for every person in your household for up to a week. Essential items to include:
• First-aid kit
• Weather radio with extra batteries
• Prescription medications
• Sleeping bags or warm blankets
• Extra clothing
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant)
• Cash
• Supplies for pets (food, water, leash, vaccination records)
During a storm, stay informed using a battery-powered radio and be familiar with evacuation routes in your area. If local officials issue an evacuation order, evacuate immediately.
Finally, take simple steps to prepare your home or business by trimming trees, securing outdoor furniture, covering windows, and clearing gutters to reduce the risk of damage.
More resources and information on how to prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies are available at www.ReadyNC.gov.
Mandatory water restrictions now in effect as drought conditions move City of Hickory into Stage 2 Low Inflow Protocol
Due to ongoing extremely dry conditions across the region, the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW‑DMAG) has declared that the Catawba-Wateree River Basin has entered Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP). In accordance with the City of Hickory’s Water Shortage Response Plan, Hickory has also officially entered Stage 2, triggering mandatory water use restrictions for all customers, including those in Alexander County.
Each month during drought periods, CW‑DMAG evaluates lake levels, streamflows, groundwater, and other conditions. In the LIP, drought stages are determined by the following three indicators: (1) how much water is in the reservoirs, (2) how much water is flowing into the reservoirs, and (3) the U.S. Drought Monitor, a government site that indicates areas experiencing a drought and the drought’s severity. As of May 1, these indicators met the threshold for a Stage 2 declaration.
What Stage 2 Means
Stage 2 is the third of five drought stages and marks a shift from voluntary conservation to mandatory restrictions. While this stage does not indicate an emergency, it does require coordinated action from the community to protect the region’s shared water supply.
The goal of Stage 2 is to reduce overall water use by 5-10% to preserve reservoir storage, sustain downstream flow needs, and ensure drinking water availability across the basin until conditions improve.
Your cooperation is essential. By following the required restrictions now, customers can help safeguard water resources for everyone who relies on this shared system.
Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
All City of Hickory water customers, including partner jurisdictions served by the city, must follow these measures:
Irrigation Schedule
• Odd addresses: Tuesdays and Saturdays
• Even addresses: Thursdays and Sundays
• Unnumbered addresses: Tuesdays and Saturdays
Additional Requirements
• No residential vehicle washing
• Reduce overall water use; shift discretionary use to early morning or late evening
• Stop operating ornamental fountains or water features that do not support animal life
• Do not fill residential swimming pools
• Do not top off swimming pools outside of assigned irrigation days
Prohibited Activities and Penalties
The following are prohibited during Stage 2:
• Watering lawns or turf outside the allowed schedule
• Operating ornamental water features without aquatic life
• Filling residential swimming pools
• Topping off pools outside assigned days
Violations may result in surcharges on your utility bill and potential loss of service:
• First violation: $100 (≤1.5” meter) or $200 (≥2” meter)
• Second violation: $200 (≤1.5” meter) or $400 (≥2” meter)
• Third violation: $300 (≤1.5” meter) or $600 (≥2” meter)
Customers with more than five violations risk loss of irrigation water service.
Areas Affected
All water consumers served by the City of Hickory, including:
• Customers billed directly by the City of Hickory
• Cities of Conover and Claremont
• Towns of Brookford, Catawba, Long View, and Maiden
• Portions of Alexander and Catawba counties
• Icard Township Water Corporation
Looking Ahead
If drought conditions continue, additional LIP stages — each with more stringent restrictions — may be activated. The City of Hickory will provide timely updates as conditions evolve.
A Regional, Cooperative Effort
The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW‑DMAG), formed in 2006, brings together public water suppliers, industrial users, state and federal agencies, and Duke Energy to make coordinated decisions that protect the region’s shared water resources.
The City of Hickory works closely with these partners under the Low Inflow Protocol to ensure responsible, basin-wide water management during drought.
More Information
To learn more about drought conditions, Stage 2 restrictions, and conservation tips, visit www.hickorync.gov/drought. For additional water-saving resources, visit the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group at www.catawbawatereewmg.org. Customers not served by the City of Hickory water system should contact their local water provider for guidance.
Commissioners continue budget discussion
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, April 28, at 5:00 p.m. for a work session to discuss the fiscal year 2026–2027 budget.
Two fire departments presented requests for increases in their respective fire tax rates.
Scotty Abernathy, Chief of Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department, said the department’s board of directors is requesting a 1-cent increase due to the effects of inflation on equipment purchases. The increase would generate approximately $29,000 annually.
Donovan Howell, Chief of Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department, said his department’s board is requesting a 2.2-cent increase, also citing inflation and equipment needs. He said the department plans to build a secondary fire station to bring more residents within a five-mile response radius. The proposed increase would generate approximately $80,000 annually.
Jennifer Sigmon, Animal Services Director, presented her department’s budget requests. She said renovations are needed at the shelter, with an estimated cost of $50,000. Sigmon also requested funding to establish a spay/neuter clinic, noting increasing difficulty in securing veterinary services. Additional staffing requests include a part-time kennel technician and a full-time administrative assistant due to workload demands.
County Manager Justin Mundy presented a summary of changes since the April 20 work session, when approximately $8 million in fund balance was needed to balance the budget.
“Through the cuts discussed and aggressively budgeting revenues and expenditures based on historical data, we have cut approximately $2.1 million from appropriated fund balance in the original request,” Mundy said.
Commissioners expressed interest in lowering the property tax rate for the coming year. At the current rate of 65 cents per $100 valuation, Mundy said appropriated fund balance would be approximately $6 million. A 3-cent reduction in the tax rate would increase that amount to approximately $7.2 million.
Mundy said the county has historically relied on fund balance to balance the budget, but has only used a portion of the appropriated amount once in the past decade.
The proposed budget also includes a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for county employees, a new 2 percent 401(k) match, and an internal salary study.
Mundy said Alexander County Schools requested an additional $348,321, bringing the total request from the county to $8.42 million for FY 2026–2027. The board will provide an opportunity for Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin to speak at the next meeting.
Commissioners will hold their next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12. The budget will be formally presented on May 18, with a public hearing scheduled for June 1. All meetings will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education (room #103).