Effective February 1, the Alexander County Veterans Service Office will only have office hours at the Bethlehem Branch Library on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To check the office schedule, visit https://bit.ly/ac-veteran-service-calendar. The office has also added a dedicated cell phone to better assist with your needs. Call 828-310-7404 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) with general questions or other needs.
News
Commissioners issue clarification regarding economic development, county investments, and more
In response to opinion pieces recently published regarding the now-dissolved Alexander County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the current Alexander County Commissioners would like to provide a clarification to address factual inaccuracies and to ensure residents have complete and accurate information regarding the board’s actions, investments, and oversight responsibilities.
We, the current Board of Commissioners, value open dialogue and civic engagement; however, when statements presented as fact are false or incomplete, we feel a responsibility to provide verified, correct information to the public.
Economic Development: Structure, Oversight, and Accountability
First of all, the Economic Development Department remains open for business. The staff is dedicated to assisting existing businesses and industries with their needs, while also working behind the scenes to recruit new businesses, great-paying jobs, and a wonderful quality of life to Alexander County. This dedication to business growth has not changed.
Alexander County remains fully committed to supporting business and industry and to fostering responsible, long-term economic growth. Recent actions taken by the Board of Commissioners to no longer fund the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which led to the EDC Board of Directors voting to dissolve the non-profit, were not intended to eliminate economic development efforts. Recent discussions involving restructuring are focused on improving accountability, transparency, and efficiency.
The EDC was approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in December 2006 and became fully operational in mid-2007. From its inception, the Board of Commissioners has provided almost all operational funding and the required matching grant funds for economic development activities. From FY 2007–2008 through FY 2023–2024, the Board appropriated more than $3.7 million directly to the EDC, and that does not include staffing, facilities, utilities, supplies, and more. Public funds remain public even when appropriated to a non-profit tasked with economic development.
As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we began discussions on reorganizing economic development into a structure with greater oversight and accountability. These discussions started during the tenure of a previous County Manager and have resumed following the appointment of the current County Manager.
County-Led Investment in Business and Industry
Contrary to claims made in the recent opinion pieces, the Board of Commissioners has played a substantial role in economic development across Alexander County for decades. Board action has included infrastructure investment, incentive grants, utility extensions, broadband expansion, and financial participation in state and federal grant programs, as outlined below.
Alexander Industrial Park
Board-approved investments and partnerships include:
• 25 acres purchased at the industrial park in 2008 by the County
• 88 acres purchased in the industrial park in 2009 using County funds
• $632,412 Golden LEAF Foundation grant awarded to the EDC in 2022-2023 for grading a 16-acre site
• $500,000 NC Railroad Company grant, awarded to the County and passed through for the same project during 2022-2023
• $226,165 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant awarded to the County to install gravity sewer lines, requiring a 100% local match provided by the Board of Commissioners
• $226,165 NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) grant awarded to the County was used as the matching funds for the ARC project
• County worked to secure $422,330 from the State for sewer projects
Existing Industry Expansions
The County received grants and dedicated funds for a rail spur to an existing industry expansion in 2024.
• $222,375 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to the County
• $143,500 NCDOT Rail grant awarded to the County
• $67,813 in special sales tax funds appropriated to completing the rail spur
Utilities and Infrastructure
• Multiple water and sewer extension projects have been supported through state and federal grants, with local matches approved by the Board of Commissioners.
• Commissioners have had ongoing negotiations with the City of Hickory to secure additional water and sewer capacity to support future growth.
• According to estimates, it would cost approximately $125-150 million to build a water plant in Alexander County, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to operate and maintain it. It is simply impossible that a new water plant could be constructed, operated, and maintained without raising property taxes in the near future. However, local officials and staff are in discussion regarding different avenues of how the County should approach this issue in the long term.
Broadband Expansion
• The current Board approved partnerships with Open Broadband and Spectrum, resulting in hundreds of new internet installations, multiple tower sites, hubs, and free Wi-Fi locations across the county, including significant investment in Stony Point, Taylorsville, and other communities.
Over the past two decades, the Board of Commissioners has supported economic development efforts that have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in private investment associated with incentive grants, infrastructure improvements, and utility projects, in addition to the many thousands in grant funds that have been secured.
Incentive Grants and Financial Oversight
The Board of Commissioners has supported local employers through property tax incentive grants and other financial tools, both before and after the creation of the EDC. Incentive grants have always required public hearings and formal Board approval.
County Budget Growth and Property Taxes
One opinion piece implied that property taxes increased simply because the County budget increased, but that does not tell the full story.
The FY 2021–2022 original budget was $45.9 million, with a final amended budget of $51.4 million. The FY 2025–2026 adopted budget is $60.6 million.
Budget growth during this period reflects:
• State-mandated increases in retirement contribution rates
• Cost-of-living adjustments for employees
• Additional salary increases for public safety departments
• Rising health and workers’ compensation insurance costs
• Expanded public safety staffing, including a school resource officer at every school
• Capital purchases delayed by supply-chain disruptions
• Required local matches for state and federal grants
• Increased appropriations to the local school system
All budget decisions were discussed in public meetings, documented in annual budget messages, adopted by a formal vote of the Board of Commissioners, and made public by detailed news releases.
Land Development Code and Transparency
Claims that major Board actions regarding rezoning occurred without public knowledge are inaccurate. The adoption of the Land Development Code followed extensive public notice, newspaper coverage, public hearings, and months of draft availability on the County website. The Board fully complied with all public notification requirements under North Carolina law.
All major decisions by the Board of Commissioners are made in open meetings (unless mandated otherwise by state or federal laws), with agendas, meeting summaries, and minutes made publicly available.
Investment in All Communities
Despite what one opinion piece stated, the current Board continues to invest in infrastructure, public safety, education, utilities, broadband, and quality-of-life projects that benefit all areas of Alexander County, including Stony Point. These investments include fire protection improvements, library and senior center facilities, water and sewer infrastructure, school partnerships, broadband expansion, and public safety services. Sewer is available along NC Hwy. 90 in Stony Point due to a County-industry partnership, with grant funding from Golden LEAF and ARC. Sewer was also extended to Stony Point Elementary School, which was made possible by the project.
Commitment to Accuracy and Transparency
The Board of Commissioners believes residents deserve complete and accurate information regarding decisions that affect public resources, economic development, and long-term planning.
While differing opinions are part of the democratic process, the Board has a responsibility to correct the public record when statements presented as fact are inaccurate or incomplete.
We remain focused on responsible growth, sound financial stewardship, and ensuring that decisions are made transparently, in open meetings, and in the best interests of all Alexander County residents.
Residents are encouraged to attend Board of Commissioners meetings and to follow County news on the website and social media.
Sincerely,
Larry Yoder, Chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners
Josh Lail, Vice Chairman
Kent Herman, Commissioner
Marty Pennell, Commissioner
Ronnie Reese, Commissioner
Alexander County highlights its “Space to Grow,” announces new brand identity after months-long branding process
Alexander County Commissioners voted unanimously on Monday, January 5, to adopt new branding for Alexander County, highlighted by its new tagline: “Space to Grow.”
The branding, developed by the Charlotte-based agency HAVEN Creative, was a countywide initiative led by county staff and involving more than a dozen community leaders, as well as input from hundreds of residents and community members.
During the public brand presentation at the January commissioner’s meeting, commissioners and the general public had the opportunity to hear the entire brand story and view the county’s new marketing logos.
“Alexander County has a strong sense of place and community, and this new brand reflects that,” said Chairman Larry Yoder. “I’m excited to see it rolled out and used to promote our county to residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
As part of the new brand identity, Alexander County highlighted the connection between its people, tranquil lifestyle, and ability to chart its own path as part of the core brand story. Here’s the whole brand story for Alexander County:
For more than 150 years, Alexander County has been home to a community built on faith, resiliency, and natural resources. It is a place of natural beauty, made up of rolling hills and bountiful orchards and set against the backdrop of nearby mountains. You might never see your neighbor from your backyard, but you’ll almost always see them around town, at a local event, or even in the grocery store. But Alexander County is also a hidden gem in the foothills, offering industry, agriculture, and small businesses the potential to find their home. In Alexander County, you’ll find Space to Grow.
The county’s new brand identity features three unique brand values, all based on resident feedback and input: “Faith in Community,” “Home to Tranquility,” and “Open to Potential.”
“Alexander County’s residents were critical to the development of this new brand messaging,” said Ian Redman, HAVEN Creative’s Director of Strategy. “Our goal is to always build a brand that directly reflects the people in the community. We do not create a story out of nothing but, instead, look to uncover what’s already here.”
Over 500 people provided their input through a community-wide survey, and the branding team spent many hours speaking with community members in local shops, restaurants, on the street, and in panel interviews.
Alongside new messaging, the county also unveiled a new marketing logo to be used in conjunction with the county seal and several sub-marks or icons to be featured throughout the county’s branding. These logos were developed through a multi-stage process that incorporated substantial feedback from county leaders and staff, based on input from residents.
The logo features a distinct “AC” icon in blues and greens, with Rocky Face Mountain prominently displayed in the center. At the bottom of the icon, open space and agricultural fields are shown to highlight Alexander County’s open spaces and rural beauty. Additionally, the visual identity of the branding will incorporate an apple leaf and the county outline in associated icons.
“Our branding committee wanted our logo to tell the story of the county,” said Gary Herman, Alexander County Public Information Officer. “The intentionality of each element was important to help celebrate what makes Alexander County unique.”
County officials have now begun implementing this new brand. The community can expect to see some aspects of the branding very soon, with full implementation taking place throughout the year.
About Alexander County, NC
Alexander County is home to nearly 37,000 residents and a rich history of industry, agriculture, and small-town living. The county offers tranquil living, open spaces, and access to adventures with places like Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area. Alexander County offers the potential for economic development, agriculture, and small businesses to thrive. In Alexander County, you’ll find Space to Grow.
Commissioners adopt new branding package
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners adopted a new branding package at the January 5th meeting. Public Information Officer Gary Herman said part of the branding initiative includes a new logo and a tagline of “Space to Grow.”
Herman said the county entered into an agreement with Haven Creative of Charlotte in mid-2025 to develop the new branding package.
“The Haven Creative team has worked closely with county staff, the branding committee, and the community to develop the branding information before you tonight,” Herman said. “This is a complete, research-driven brand system that reflects Alexander County’s identity and positions us well for the future.”
Haven Creative’s Ian Redman and Gemma Pisano presented the brand package to the board.
Redman said, “This is a brand that reflects the community. It’s not just a logo or a tagline, it’s more about perception.”
Haven and the county’s branding committee worked together to administer three surveys to county staff, stakeholders, and the community at large. The community-wide survey attained 505 responses, which is the most responses Haven has received for a county of Alexander’s size.
Redman said there were several key recurring themes during the survey process – small-town living, a feeling of home and community, and an openness to change with growth done in the correct way.
“Alexander County has space for you. It’s authentic, optimistic, friendly, open, confident, and encouraging,” Redman said. “A lot of work has been put into the branding initiative so far, but Gary and his team have a lot of work to implement now.”
Pisano, who is the creative lead for the project, said the logo has design elements that are unique to Alexander County, such as Rocky Face Mountain, green/agricultural space, an apple leaf, and more. She reviewed the logo variations, color palette, and social media graphics.
Chairman Larry Yoder said he is excited to be a part of the rebranding of Alexander County.
“Alexander County has a strong sense of place and community, and this new brand reflects that,” said Chairman Yoder. “I’m excited to see it rolled out and used to promote our county to residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Implementation is expected to take about 12 more months. Additional details about the new brand package will be forthcoming.
In other business:
• Commissioners approved an economic development incentive grant for KMC Furniture LLC. Michael Worley, Economic Development Director, said discussion began in October 2025 with the company, which was formed to acquire the Kincaid Upholstery plant in Alexander County. The company currently employs 97 people.
“KMC Furniture will be locating its headquarters in the newly acquired Kincaid Upholstery company in Taylorsville, which will enable them to keep and strengthen the company in Alexander County,” Worley said. “The project includes approximately $2.6 million in capital investment and is anticipated to create 5-7 new jobs.”
Based on the anticipated capital investment, a Level 1 Economic Development Incentive Grant for Real Property Tax will be in an amount not to exceed $50,700 to be paid in five annual payments based upon the appraised value each year. Based on current information, the company will pay an estimated $86,542.60 in property taxes over the grant period.
“We are excited about this opportunity as we continue to grow our business here,” said Max Dyer, President/CEO of KMC Furniture. “I would like to commend Mr. Worley, who has done a lot of good work for us. We appreciate his resourcefulness.”
“This is a win-win for Alexander County and KMC Furniture,” Chairman Yoder said. “We are also excited about the future as your company thrives here.”
• Commissioners approved a resolution to participate in the North Carolina Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) program. The program creates a new funding option that can help local businesses invest in building improvements at little to no upfront cost. Administered by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the program can assist eligible property owners with energy-efficient heating, cooling, lighting, and insulation; solar or other renewable energy systems; upgrade of water systems to reduce usage and costs; building improvements that strengthen resilience against storms or extreme weather; and modernization of older buildings to attract tenants or expand operations. The program is available to a wide range of property owners, including: small businesses, manufacturers and industrial facilities, agricultural operations, warehouses and distribution centers, office buildings and retail centers, and multi-family residential properties (five or more units). For more information, contact Michael Worley at mworley@alexandercountync.gov or 828-352-7755.
• Commissioners approved a rezoning request for a 1.46-acre parcel on Lackey Mountain Road. Planning Director Patrick Creech said the property owner wishes to rezone the property from OI (Office Institutional) to R3 (Residential) to place a single-wide mobile home on the property. The planning board recommended approval of the rezoning request on December 11.
• Commissioners approved a three-party right-of-way encroachment agreement for the new Bent River subdivision to be constructed near the intersection of Rink Dam Road and Chigger Ridge Road. The developer, Town Creek Real Estate Investments, requested permission to extend water and sewer lines to the property. The agreement, required by NCDOT regulations, will permit temporary construction and installation within the right-of-way. Once installed, the lines will be dedicated to the county.
• Commissioners approved four budget amendments, as presented by County Manager Justin Mundy. The first amendment transfers $60,000 from the public buildings/maintenance budget to the detention center budget for the replacement of water heaters. The second amendment results in a net increase of $103,583 in general fund expenditures to adjust the general fund budget for personnel costs that differ from original budget estimates and for vacation payouts. The third amendment budgets for an interfund transfer from the general fund budget to the America 250 NC project fund for the portion of the July 2026 fireworks that exceeds available grant funding. The fourth amendment results in a net increase of $1,525,715 in American Rescue Plan water line extension project fund expenditures, a net increase of $1,333,268 in general fund expenditures (using the remaining balance of ARPA revenue replacement funds), and a net increase of $192,447 in county water & sewer fund expenditures to increase the budget for the water line extension project.
• Chairman Yoder said the county is planning numerous events for the America 250 commemoration. The first event is a celebration of the county’s 179th birthday on Thursday, January 15, at 5:00 p.m. at Brushy Mountain Golf Course. Visit visitalexandernc.com/calendar for all America 250 events in Alexander County.
• During the public comment period, William King expressed concerns about his ability to send gifts to his grandchildren through the Alexander County Department of Social Services. He asked the commissioners to help resolve the situation.
The next meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners is set for Monday, February 2, at 6:00 p.m. at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education (room #103). Regular meetings are recorded and can be viewed on the county’s Government Channel on Spectrum channel 192 or 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.
Picnic Shelters at Alexander County Courthouse Park and Bethlehem Park Are Officially Open for Reservations
The picnic shelters at Alexander County Courthouse Park and Bethlehem Park are officially open for reservations again!
Whether you’re planning a family gathering, birthday party, reunion, or community event, our shelters are the perfect place to host your next get-together.
👉 Reserve your spot today:
https://alexander.recdesk.com/Community/Facility
Special Needs Registry application available
Alexander County Emergency Management urges the public to register for the Special Needs Registry, which has been established to assist those with special needs during an emergency or disaster situation.
Please add your information to the registry if you or a family member has any of the following conditions: hearing impaired, visually impaired, speech impaired, memory impaired, mentally impaired, special behavioral concerns, bedridden, use wheelchair, use walker, use cane, require 24-hour caregiver, bariatric needs, ongoing contagious condition, allergies, seizures, special dietary needs, DNR (do not resuscitate), living will, special medication, insulin dependent, wound care, incontinence, ostomy care, suction, G-tube, N-G tube, dialysis, sleep apnea machine, pacemaker, defibrillator, portable oxygen tank, oxygen generator, or other special needs.
To register, please visit http://alexandercountync.gov/specialneeds, or scan the QR code on the poster below. If you need assistance completing the form, call (828) 352-7709.
