The Alexander County Tax Office has begun mailing reappraisal notices to citizens, and most properties have substantially increased in value; however, that does not mean that property owners will have to pay an exorbitant amount of taxes this year. The Alexander County Board of Commissioners understands citizens’ concerns and will have significant discussions on the property tax rate during the 2023-2024 budget process. With the approval of the new budget in June, Commissioners have the ability to adjust the current property tax rate of 79 cents per $100 valuation to lessen the impact of increased property values. Please understand that NC General Statutes require counties to conduct a reappraisal at least once every eight years. Alexander County is on an 8-year schedule, with the last reappraisal conducted in 2015. Commissioners appreciate your concerns and understanding as the budget process begins.
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Commissioners adopt 2022-23 county budget
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2022-2023 county budget at the June 20th meeting. The budget totals $53,653,167 and includes no local tax or fee increases, except for a 3 percent increase in water rates by the City of Hickory.
The proposed budget was presented at the May 16th meeting by County Manager Rick French. A public hearing was held on June 6 and a budget work session was held on June 13.
“We considered lowering the property tax rate in this budget, but with the uncertainty of the national economy and rising inflation, we ultimately decided to wait until the 2023-2024 budget after the county has gone through the revaluation process,” said Ronnie Reese, Chairman. “Alexander County is in good financial condition, and we want to ensure that it remains that way so we can serve our citizens to the best of our ability.”
Mr. French said the budget includes a 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for county employees and an increased allocation to Alexander County Schools.
The budget also includes several new positions: Assistant County Manager, Planner, Accounting Assistant, License Plate Agency staff position, Paralegal, Environmental Health staff position, Dental Assistant, Animal Control Officer, Park Assistant, as well as part-time/seasonal parks & recreation positions for Wittenburg Access Area and Alexander County Courthouse Park. In addition, a part-time office assistant in the Soil & Water department will be reclassified to a full-time position.
The budget includes funding for numerous capital items such as fiber/internet networking, vehicle replacements, 9-1-1 radio system/equipment, replacement of a boiler at the courthouse, an ambulance remount, a power lift for EMS, and replacement of the roof on the sheriff’s office evidence building.
In addition to the fire district property taxes already in place, the budget includes $63,000 from the county’s general fund for each of the county’s eight volunteer fire departments. Mr. French said the county hopes to provide increased funding to the fire departments each year, especially if a ¼-cent local sales tax is approved.
In other business:
• Pamela Bowman, Education Coordinator/Administrative Specialist with the Alexander County Soil & Water Conservation District, said the department has been awarded a $384,805 grant from the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) to assist with the cleanup from the November 2020 flooding. She said there were approximately 35 people who signed up for funding from the StRAP money totaling $2.4 million, but the awarded amount will only help with the top three or four sites. Commissioners voted unanimously for the county to sponsor the StRAP funds for stream debris removal and then be reimbursed 100 percent from the grant funds.
• Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with Hyper-Reach to provide emergency mass notification services for Alexander County. Fire Marshal Mark Earle said that Hyper-Reach will replace the OnSolve/CodeRed system that the county has used for the past several years. He said the new emergency notification system provides additional services and a more user-friendly interface for a cost of $8,200 per year for three years, which is savings of approximately $1,000 per year. Earle said the system is used in multiple nearby counties and comes highly recommended. He said the only drawback is that citizens and businesses will need to register again to receive the notifications.
• Commissioners held a public hearing to consider approval of a tax-exempt loan from First Community Bank to the Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department (SPVFD) for the purchase of a 2024 Pierce Saber fire truck. Fire Chief Scotty Abernathy said this is the first truck to be purchased by the SPVFD since 2008. The board unanimously approved the request.
• Zack Shepherd, Vaya Health Community Relations Regional Director, presented an update to the board. He said that since Vaya and Cardinal Innovations consolidated, Vaya now serves an additional nine counties in the Piedmont area for a total of 31 counties. Vaya serves four regions, with Alexander County in Region 3. County Manager Rick French serves on the Vaya Health Board of Directors. Shepherd then presented information regarding the NC Department of Health and Human Services Child & Family Specialty Plan (CFSP), which would greatly increase the populations served in the foster care program. He said Vaya has some concerns about the CFSP and hopes some changes will occur before the plan is rolled out.
• In the County Manager’s Report, Mr. French said the county has received a Rural Transformation Grant from NC Commerce in the amount of $650,000 for the renovation of county property located at 16 West Main Avenue in Taylorsville. More details will be discussed at the July meeting.
Consolidated Human Services Board Meeting
Following the regular meeting, commissioners held a Consolidated Human Services Board meeting with updates from the health department, senior center, and department of social services.
• Dorian Maltba presented several updates for the health department. Maltba said that since Leeanne Whisnant’s retirement, Billie Walker has been named Interim Health Director and that she has been promoted to Director of Nursing.
Health Educator Kimberly Edmisten presented an update on the health department’s accreditation progress, noting that 92 percent of local data was submitted by May 31. The dates for final local data submission are August 30-31. A hybrid reaccreditation survey is scheduled for September 1.
Edmisten also presented the 2021 State of the County Health Report (SOTCH), which is required each year between Community Health Assessments. The 2021 SOTCH was submitted to NCDHHS on February 8 and was approved on April 12. The report is available online at https://alexanderhealth.org.
• Kristy Hunt, Senior Center Director, said that local seniors are enjoying games, gatherings, and birthday lunches at the senior center once again with participation up at all three locations. The center continues to assist with Medicare plans with savings of $46,772 so far this year. A Senior Celebration was held on May 27 with live music, lunch, a fun walk, games, and door prizes.
• Thomas Mitchell, DSS Director, said that employee recruitment is improving from a vacancy rate of 23 percent to only 7-8 percent, noting that DSS is now as fully staffed as it has been in the past three years.
In terms of foster care, he said the majority of children being removed are in Taylorsville, with no foster parents in Taylorsville. The fewest removals are in Bethlehem where the majority of foster parents are. Mitchell said that the DSS staff wants to keep foster children as close to their home and school as possible, so they are working on foster parenting classes in the Taylorsville area.
The new director also wants to provide improved communication services for DSS staff in the field, especially in areas of the county with little or no cell service. DSS employees will be issued a Verizon cell phone so everyone has the same cell coverage, plus the department plans to purchase several satellite phones which will provide coverage in areas with no cell service. He said that the safety of social workers in the field is of extreme importance.
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners typically meets on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in room #103 at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education. The next regular meeting is set for Monday, July 18 at 6:00 p.m. Regular meetings are recorded and can be viewed on the county’s Government Channel on Spectrum channel 192 or on 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.
Mitchell hired as new Alexander County DSS Director
Alexander County DSS Director
Mr. Mitchell comes from Lincoln County DSS, where he worked for 13 years in various roles, climbing the ranks to Economic Services Program Manager.
“I am excited to begin meeting community partners, citizens, business leaders, and other department heads. I believe in the mission of social services and I will strive to communicate clearly about the work that we do,” he said. “Staffing is difficult everywhere right now, but staffing at social services has been a challenge for much longer. I will be investing a significant amount of time determining how we can recruit and retain qualified staff in order to serve Alexander County appropriately.”
Mr. Mitchell graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and from Johnson C. Smith University with a Master of Social Work degree.
In his free time, he enjoys day trips, hiking, and exploring new places. He is the proud father of two teenage daughters.
He can be reached at tmitchell@alexandercountync.gov or 828-352-7619. To learn more about Alexander County DSS, visit https://dss.alexandercountync.gov.
Update on Wittenburg Access Area project
BETHLEHEM (February 17, 2022) — Wittenburg Access Area is currently in construction. According to Jennifer Bennett, Recreation Planner for Duke Energy, the initial phase of the project, which included repaving and striping of the existing boat ramp parking area and construction of additional boat ramp parking, is underway and nearing completion. Bennett expects the access to the boat ramps and limited parking will reopen in early March. Construction has begun on the new day-use facilities including a swim beach, new trail accessing the fishing pier and new picnic facilities, along with restrooms at the beach and boat ramp areas, with completion expected in late 2022. Alexander County staff indicated that the one-mile nature trail will be completed by the end of February. Trail signage will be installed in the near future. Access to the trail will be based on Duke’s schedule for opening the access area. The paved parking lot is complete.
Open Broadband presents update to County Commissioners at Feb. 7 meeting
ALEXANDER COUNTY (February 9, 2022) – Open Broadband LLC continues to make progress across Alexander County as they expand their digital footprint by adding equipment on existing towers and installing wireless internet service at local homes and businesses. At the February 7th meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, Open Broadband’s Western NC Manager Nick Steward presented a progress update on the county project.
He said they recently repaired and replaced some equipment on the Linney’s Mountain tower and secured a hub location on Vista Pointe Drive in Stony Point. A tower site in Stony Point will be operational in the next few weeks after electrical work is completed. Steward said that a property owner on Three Forks Church Road constructed a new 70-foot private tower which will serve approximately 15 homes in that area. He said the company is in the planning stage of phase two as they try to identify a site that covers areas east of Cheatham Ford Road.
“We have 233 customers connected, and we’re seeing an overall increase in service requests in Alexander County,” Steward related. “We’re now scaling up our installations to meet the demand.”
Commissioners approved the agreement with Open Broadband in February 2021 with each entity investing approximately $200,000 in the broadband initiative, which is designed to provide internet service to underserved and unserved areas of the county.
“We’re excited to be a part of this worthwhile project as we strive to provide broadband to homes and businesses where internet is not currently available,” said Ronnie Reese, Chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners. “Having fast, reliable internet service is a necessity in today’s society, and Alexander County Government is pleased to be a catalyst in this partnership.”
David Moose, Alexander County Compliance & Procurement Specialist, said there are other opportunities to expand the broadband network in the county, including the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) grant through the North Carolina Department of Information Technology. He said that staff is reviewing additional grant opportunities to further expand the county’s broadband infrastructure.
In other business:
• Pamela Bowman, Education Coordinator/Administrator of the Alexander Soil & Water Conservation District, presented information about the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) projects and other debris removal funding. Following the flood of November 12, 2020, numerous local waterways became filled with debris.
She said the project was put out to bid twice, but the bids were very high. The project is currently out to bid for a third time. Bowman said she hopes to present bids at the March 7th board meeting. Funding is 75 percent from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and 25 percent from the NC Division of Soil & Water Conservation.
Bowman said there are state emergency funds to pay for projects not eligible for the EWP program. Alexander Soil & Water requested $381,304 for 10 sites, but only received $174,287. They are currently reworking the scope of work due to higher costs.
There is also a third funding option through the Stream Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP). Bowman said her office is accepting new applications for debris removal from streams through February 18.
• Commissioners continued discussion of a public nuisance complaint regarding property located at 465 Jimmy Duncan Lane. The matter was originally presented at the board’s meeting in December. Cody Bowers, Code Enforcement Officer, said he received the first complaint about a junked vehicle in April 2021 and received a second complaint in July about untagged and junked vehicles in the back yard. Notices were sent to the property owner on July 9 and August 10, and a notice of public hearing was sent on November 16. Bowers said he recently visited the property and it appeared that the owner has made some progress with the cleanup. The board voted to allow 30 more days to remove the junked cars, and to proceed with abatement if the violation hasn’t been resolved.
• County Manager Rick French presented a calendar for the 2022-2023 budget. On February 11, budget information will be distributed to department heads and outside agencies. On April 4, the finance department will provide the first budget printout to the county manager. On May 2, the county manager will present the budget to the board of commissioners. A public hearing on the budget is set for May 16, with adoption of the budget tentatively scheduled for June 6.
• County Manager French also presented a budget ordinance amendment regarding the lease of fairgrounds property by Alexander County Emergency Services at a cost of $1,200 per month, plus $20,000 for concrete pads needed for trailer storage.
• In the County Manager’s Report, Mr. French said the county is extending the reduction in water tap fees through December 31, 2022. The reduced tap fee is $541, which is a savings of $602. He said the human resources department is conducting a pay study for all employees. The dedication of Alexander County Courthouse Park will be held on Sunday, May 15, with guest speakers and live music.
• Scott Berson, Community and Regional Planner with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG), presented a text amendment to the zoning ordinance which would allow accessory structures to be located in front yards of property zoned RA-20 so long as the structure is not in the required front setback and the lot is a minimum of three (3) acres. The request was made by Martin Moretz, who wishes to build an in-ground swimming pool in the front yard of his property. Commissioners approved the text amendment.
• Berson presented a second text amendment to revise sections 154.274 and 154.355 of the zoning ordinance and section 157.012 of the subdivision regulations to decriminalize certain land use violations per Senate Bill 300 which went into effect on December 1, 2021. SB 300 prohibits local governments from enforcing certain regulations through criminal penalty; however, civil penalties are still allowed. Commissioners approved the text amendment.
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners typically meets on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in room #103 at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education. The next meeting is set for Monday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. Regular meetings are recorded, and can be viewed on the county’s Government Channel on Spectrum channel 192 or on the county’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/alexandercountync. Meeting agendas, minutes, videos, and more are available on the county’s website at www.alexandercountync.gov/commissioners.
Applying for Services During COVID19
1. To apply for Medicaid or Food and Nutrition Services, go to https://www.nc.gov/services/e-pass
North Carolina ePASS is a quick and easy way for individuals and families to learn about and apply for available benefits and services. Online applications are available for Food and Nutrition Services (formerly Food Stamps) as well as Medical Assistance (Medicaid and NC Health Choice or CHIP). You can learn if you are potentially eligible for Medical Assistance by completing an electronic pre-assessment screening.
2. You can also apply for Medicaid or Food and Nutrition Services by phone, mail or fax. You can contact our office to request a paper application by mail. Applications can be picked up in our lobby Monday-Friday 8-5:00 pm unless office is closed for a holiday.
To apply by phone: Please call (828) 632-1080 and request to speak to a caseworker.
To apply by fax: Please fax the completed, signed paper application to (828) 632-1092.
To apply by mail: Please mail the completed, signed paper application to
Alexander County Department of Social Services
604 7th St SW
Taylorsville, NC 28681
3. To apply for Unemployment Benefits, go to https://des.nc.gov/ to find the NC Division of Employment Security. The fastest and most efficient way to file a claim is online. Create an account, file a claim and get the latest information from this website.
4. If you have questions or need to update information about your existing, open Medicaid or Food and Nutrition Services case, please email or fax your caseworker directly. Additional information can be obtained on the Alexander County website or by calling Alexander County Social Services at 828-632-1080.