The Alexander County Board of Commissioners honored the contributions of Buddy McKinney and Nancy Sharpe with the presentation of “Keys to the County” at the August 4th meeting.
Commissioner Josh Lail presented a “Key to the County” to McKinney, who recently retired from the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office after 20 years of service. He was hired in July 2005 and has served in numerous roles, including detention officer, deputy, sergeant, and lieutenant.
“The County Commissioners would like to formally recognize and congratulate Lieutenant Buddy McKinney on his retirement after nearly 20 years of service to our community,” said Commissioner Lail. “We appreciate your hard work and dedication, and wish you the best on your retirement.”
Vice Chairman Larry Yoder presented a “Key to the County” to Sharpe, who retired from the Alexander County Board of Elections after 20 years of service. Sharpe has been involved in nine general elections, eight primary elections, six primary runoffs, six municipal elections, and three special elections. She served as the Board of Elections chairperson from 2013 to 2018.
“Nancy Sharpe holds the distinction of being the longest-serving member of any county board of elections in the state, regardless of party affiliation,” said Yoder. “The Alexander County Board of Commissioners would like to congratulate Nancy on her retirement after 20 years of dedicated service.”
In other business:
• Commissioners approved a resolution to allow the Alexander County Department of Social Services to apply for the 5310 Public Transportation Program Grant (Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities) in the amount of $194,592 for fiscal year 2026-2027. David Moose, Consolidated Human Services Director, said the grant requires a 10 percent local match of $19,460, which will be paid using additional grant funds. Moose said the county applies for this grant program each year to provide transportation services for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
• Commissioners approved four budget amendments, as presented by Interim County Manager Debra Bechtel. The first amendment results in a net increase of $7,108 in general fund expenditures to account for an increase in the health department budget for additional grant funds from the Public Health Infrastructure Local Workforce Development program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The second amendment results in a net increase of $23,362 in general fund expenditures to account for an increase in the emergency management budget for a Duke Energy Foundation grant, an increase in the recreation department budget for a grant from NC Amateur Sports, an increase in the parks department budget to fund two seasonal positions, and a decrease in general fund contingency due to a reduction in revenue budgeted for the senior center. The third amendment adjusts the general fund budget for updated allocations of the FY 2026 workers’ compensation and property & liability insurance premiums. The fourth amendment results in a net increase of $74,687 in opioid settlement fund expenditures to account for the reclassification of a part-time Peer Support Specialist position to a full-time position and the addition of two part-time (no benefits) Peer Support Specialist positions.
• Mrs. Bechtel informed commissioners that Jennifer Herman, Finance Director, has been selected for the “Heroic Hands” award from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) for her dedication and professionalism. Herman will be recognized at the NCACC annual conference on August 21.
• Commissioners approved the consent agenda as presented by Mrs. Bechtel, which includes: a tax adjustment of $177.61 and tax refunds of $1,751.66; minutes from the July 14th regular meeting; reappointment of Gerald Davis to the Alexander County ABC Board for three years and appointment of Priscilla Jenkins to the I-Care Board of Directors; line-item transfer report for July; revisions to the personnel policy regarding unlawful harassment; and request from Sheriff Chad Pennell to surplus numerous weapons.
The next meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners is set for Monday, September 8, 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.