Two major infrastructure projects are moving forward following action by the Alexander County Board of Commissioners at their December 8 meeting.
Public Works & Facilities Director Josh Mitchell reported that three bids were received for the Three Forks Church Road water line extension project. McGill Associates, the project engineer, recommended awarding the contract to Iron Mountain Construction Company, the low bidder at $1,645,883. Commissioners approved the bid, as well as a construction contingency of $80,000, bringing the total project cost to $1,725,883. The project includes approximately 10,000 linear feet of 8-inch water lines and is funded primarily through a grant from the NC Department of Environmental Quality.
Mitchell said the county received four bids for the Bethlehem booster station project, which supports the Bethlehem water tank initiative. West Consultants recommended awarding the project to Brushy Mountain Builders, the low bidder at $2,274,980. Commissioners approved the bid along with a construction contingency of $140,000, for a total of $2,414,980. Mitchell noted the project will be funded by the county’s water and sewer revenues, with no property tax dollars required.
“These projects mark important progress for Alexander County,” said Chairman Marty Pennell. “The water line extension and the booster station will strengthen our infrastructure to better serve our citizens. Utilizing state grant funds and water and sewer revenues is a responsible investment in our county’s future.”
In other business:
• All five Alexander County Commissioners voiced firm opposition to the proposed incorporation of the Bethlehem community during Monday night’s meeting.
Chairman Marty Pennell opened the discussion by reaffirming his stance. “I’m definitely opposed to the incorporation of Bethlehem, and I’ve gone on record saying that.”
Vice Chairman Larry Yoder emphasized the county’s existing unity and current services. “We are a county united. We have water, sewer, law enforcement, EMS, and more. I see no reason whatsoever for this incorporation to happen.”
Commissioner Ronnie Reese also cited financial concerns. “I’m not in favor of incorporation either. It would likely raise taxes. We’re sitting in a pretty good position right now.”
Commissioner Kent Herman agreed, saying the move would place a burden on all taxpayers. “The incorporation of Bethlehem would hurt the whole county taxwise.”
Commissioner Josh Lail added his perspective as someone familiar with the community. “I know Bethlehem very well, and the majority does not want to incorporate. I’m 100 percent against it. There is no benefit to the Bethlehem community or to Alexander County. The services are already being provided by the county.”
“The first time I drove through Alexander County, I was touring for a 100-mile bicycle race,” said Mr. Caywood. “I realized how beautiful this county is, and we moved here. It’s an incredible place.”
“The Caywoods have made a significant impact in this county, and we are grateful for their dedication and commitment,” Vice Chairman Yoder stated.
• Commissioners voted unanimously to name Larry Yoder as Chairman and Josh Lail as Vice Chairman for the 2026 calendar year.
• Commissioners approved a rezoning request as presented by County Planner Amy Bucknum. Celestino Reyes Alvarado requested to rezone 0.8 acres off Prichard Lane in Hiddenite from R2 (Residential District Two) to R2R (Residential District Two Rural) for the purpose of adding a single-wide mobile home. Two neighbors expressed concerns about mobile home parks and eyesores in the neighborhood. Chairman Pennell said he will have a code enforcement officer visit the area soon. The planning board voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning.
• Stephanie McGarrah, NC Commerce Deputy Secretary for Community Revitalization, presented information about the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program, which is a long-term recovery effort to address remaining unmet owner-occupied, single-family disaster recovery needs in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. There is $807 million in the current program, with additional phases to be implemented in the coming months, for a total of $1.4 billion allocated to the state from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. McGarrah said there have been 38 applications submitted from Alexander County homeowners, with five applications confirmed as eligible, and four damage assessment site visits completed. For more information, visit any Renew NC Program Intake Center (Boone, Lenoir, or Wilkesboro), visit www.RenewNC.org, or call 888-791-0207.
• Commissioners approved a resolution of intent for the C-PACE program (Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure program), as presented by County Attorney Ben Faulkenberry. C-PACE allows owners of qualifying commercial property to obtain long-term financing from private capital providers for certain qualifying improvements up to 35% of the value of the property. Qualifying improvements include energy efficiency, renewable energy, resiliency, water conservation, and more. The program is administered by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).
• Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring December 1-31, 2025, as “Christmas in Bethlehem.” Commissioner Lail read the proclamation.
• Commissioners approved three budget amendments as presented by County Manager Justin Mundy. The first amendment increases general fund expenditures by a net total of $6,040. This includes increasing the sheriff’s office budget for donated funds, increasing the cooperative extension budget for a BCBSNC grant, and decreasing the health department’s budgeted revenue for grant funds received in prior years. The second amendment increases general fund expenditures by a net total of $7,000. This includes decreasing the DSS budget due to a state reallocation of APS and CPS essential funding, and increasing DSS expenses for additional parenting capacity evaluations, which will be paid using Vaya Child Welfare funds. The third amendment transfers $2,414,980 from the county water & sewer fund to the Bethlehem water tank project fund to cover costs for the booster station project.
• Commissioners approved the consent agenda, which includes $5,421.18 in tax abatements and adjustments and $44,345.83 in tax refunds; minutes from the October 6 and November 3 regular meetings, October 9 and December 1 special called meetings, and October 20 work session; appointments to the Local Emergency Planning Committee and Alexander County ABC Board; line-item transfer report for October 31, 2025; revised FY 2025 audit contract; resolution authorizing the acceptance of donated property to Alexander County; resolution approving the official bond for the Alexander County Register of Deeds; fee scheduled correction for Alexander County Parks; employee of the quarter and year policy; and a request to surplus a 2000 GMC truck, 2012 Bobcat zero-turn mower, and Ammco brake lathe.
• Commissioner Herman attended the fire chiefs’ meeting on November 20. After learning about the recertifications and manhours required to be a firefighter, Commissioner Herman said he understands why the number of volunteers has declined. For example, a firefighter must complete 36 certification hours each year plus an additional 80 hours every four years. He expressed appreciation to the dedicated volunteers in Alexander County.
• Commissioner Herman also thanked State Senator Eddie Settle for his role in securing funds for Mercy and Truth Ministries, which is working in partnership with Country Grace Church and local fire departments to provide Christmas assistance to 30-40 families in Alexander County.
Consolidated Human Services Board
Following the regular meeting, commissioners convened a meeting of the Consolidated Human Services Board. Due to inclement weather, County Attorney Ben Faulkenberry presented the updates for the health department, social services, and senior center.
• Health Department – There are vacancies for a Public Health Intern (unpaid) and School-Based Dental Coordinator, as well as an open slot for an ophthalmologist on the advisory board. The board approved two fee changes for RSV vaccinations. The health department has also completed an administrative/financial audit, NC Preparedness & Response audit, immunization action plan, and WIC audit. As part of the accreditation process, the board was required to review the health director’s job description and conduct an annual performance evaluation.
• Social Services – The department has had a 14 percent vacancy rate for the past quarter, and is hiring qualified child welfare and economic services applicants. There are 46 foster children in DSS custody, with seven children in Links, and three children in the 18-21 program. Four adoptions have been completed, with two pending adoptions and 12 children awaiting adoption. There are 13 adult wards.
• Senior Center – Local seniors are enjoying a wide variety of classes and activities, in addition to assistance with Medicare during open enrollment. The center has branches in Taylorsville, Bethlehem, and Stony Point. Major recent activities included an ice cream social, a candle-making class, a musician’s jam, a Medicare open enrollment hoedown, a health fair, day trips, and more. Participation in 2025 has more than doubled compared to 2024.
The next meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners is set for Monday, January 5, 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.