A new Cost of Community Services study shows Alexander County is financially well-positioned to manage future growth, with commercial development and farmland helping offset the cost of residential services. At the March 2 meeting, the Alexander County Board of Commissioners heard the study results from Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman, professor of agricultural and resource economics at NC State University.
Dr. Dorfman completed the study using county budget data from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Funding was provided by the Alexander Soil and Water Conservation Board through a grant from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The analysis reorganized county revenues and expenditures by land-use category (residential, commercial/industrial, and farm/forest/open space) to determine how much each category generates and consumes in county services.
The study found that residential land uses generate $0.88 in revenue for every $1.00 in county services provided, resulting in a $5.1 million shortfall. Commercial and industrial properties generate $1.03 for every $1.00 in services, producing a modest $180,000 surplus. Farm and forest lands provide the strongest return, generating $4.25 for every $1.00 in services and contributing a $2.7 million surplus.
Overall, the study shows the county remains in a strong financial position because surpluses from commercial and agricultural land uses help balance residential costs.
“These numbers show that Alexander County is in an excellent position to financially handle any future growth,” the report stated.
The report calculated a “break-even” home value, which is the value needed for a home to generate enough tax revenue to cover its share of county services. In Alexander County, that figure is approximately $170,000. Because most new homes exceed that value, new construction generally covers its operating costs.
Dr. Dorfman also noted that residential growth is generally more cost-effective when homes are built on smaller lots and in more compact developments that make use of existing infrastructure rather than scattered across rural areas.
The number of public school children in a household significantly increases service costs, as public education accounts for about 15 percent of general fund expenditures. A home with one child in public school would need to be valued at approximately $356,000 to fully cover costs, while a home with two children would need to be valued at about $583,000.
“This is very interesting information, reinforcing that farmland is crucial to the economy of Alexander County,” said Chairman Larry Yoder. “We appreciate the research that has gone into preparing this study, which further helps us plan for the future.”
Dr. Dorfman said the study confirms that balanced growth, including continued commercial development and preservation of farmland, will be key to maintaining stable tax rates as the county grows.
“These numbers are rarely a surprise to people, but it’s nice to have the numbers to back it up,” said Dr. Dorfman. “You should be in good shape. I don’t think there’s anything to be particularly worried about in this report.”
In other business:
• Rob Young, District Court Judge for District 32, requested permission to apply for grant funding for a proposed Alexander County Recovery Court program to address substance use disorder and its impacts on the community.
The program’s goal is to reduce crime by providing participants with a full continuum of care, community resource support, intensive supervision, and comprehensive care management. The program will be supported through a collaborative effort of local providers, law enforcement, the court system, and the NC Division of Community Corrections.
“We have to address the substance use problem that is plaguing us all. Drugs are a big, big problem,” said Judge Young. “The goal of the program is to invigorate people to do better and contribute to society.”
He said the grant could require a local match and that he would return before the board if the grant is awarded.
Commissioners unanimously approved the request to apply for grant funding for the Alexander County Recovery Court program.
• Commissioners approved one budget amendment as presented by County Manager Justin Mundy. The amendment results in a net increase of $26,500 in general fund expenditures and budgets for round two of grant funding from the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs while increasing the senior center budget for a Senior Medicare Patrol grant.
• Commissioners viewed a short video from Wallace Nelson, president of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, who encouraged attendance at the NCACC’s district meetings.
• Commissioners approved the consent agenda, which included tax abatements and adjustments totaling $4,559.62 and tax refunds totaling $1,094.41; minutes from the February 2 meeting; several board and committee appointments; the February line-item transfer report; and a request to surplus various vehicles and groundskeeping equipment.
• Chairman Larry Yoder, Vice Chairman Josh Lail, and County Manager Justin Mundy attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. Vice Chairman Lail said the trip was productive, as they met with US Senator Ted Budd and US Representative Virginia Foxx to discuss Alexander County’s needs. Also, Chairman Yoder and Mr. Mundy placed a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on behalf of the citizens of Alexander County.
• Chairman Yoder publicly congratulated Alexander County Planning Director Patrick Creech for his appearance on Jeopardy. The county’s Facebook post announcing Mr. Creech’s selection garnered approximately 70,000 views.
• Commissioner Kent Herman said he attended the fire chiefs’ meeting on February 19. The fire departments are currently working on budgets. They are planning a junior firefighter training day on May 16 at the Alexander County Emergency Services Training Facility.
Consolidated Human Services Board meeting
Following the regular meeting, commissioners convened a meeting of the Consolidated Human Services Board.
• Health Director Billie Walker reported that the health department is still seeking an ophthalmologist to serve on the advisory board, along with a public member following a recent resignation. Current staff vacancies include a behavioral health LCSW and an unpaid intern position.
The board approved two items related to fee adjustments, including a policy revision that allows the health department to modify fees when notified of changes in supply costs without the need to seek board approval beyond the standard annual adjustment process. Updated fees were approved for environmental health services, immunizations, and laboratory services.
Walker also noted that the state will conduct an in-person site visit in fall 2026 as part of the department’s accreditation process.
Health Educator Kaitlyn Graves shared that the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) is now complete, with 1,101 viable survey responses. Among the findings, overdoses declined from 152 in 2023 to 78 in 2025. Pancreatic cancer has moved into the top five cancers in Alexander County, and diabetes now ranks eighth among the top 10 leading causes of death.
Graves said the county’s CHA priorities for the coming cycle are healthy living and mental health. Strategic planning will begin soon to develop programs and initiatives aligned with those focus areas.
The health department will also participate in numerous upcoming activities and events in the coming months to promote public health awareness and available services.
• Social Services Director Keri Jerrell reported the department has an 11 percent vacancy rate over the past month. Positions are open in child welfare, adult protective services, and economic services, as well as volunteer drivers for the “Meals on Wheels” program.
There are 47 foster children in DSS custody, with six children in Links, and three children in the 18-21 program. There are six foster homes in Alexander County, with three homes in the licensing process. Four adoptions have been completed, with three adoptions pending. There are 14 wards in adult protective services.
Jerrell said H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill) will affect SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid, placing more strains on the public and DSS staff. Also, the state must keep its payment error rate (the percentage of benefits paid out incorrectly) under 6 percent.
• Senior Center Assistant Director Vicki Martin highlighted the many activities offered at the center.
Dance aerobics has been added at the Taylorsville branch. AARP is on-site to assist with tax preparation. The Bethlehem branch has added hearing screenings and mammograms. The Stony Point branch has added card playing, and has a new art display. The center is partnering with the Alexander County Partnership for Children and the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office to host Operation Medicine Drop and a shred-it event. The musician’s jam at the Taylorsville branch continues to grow. The annual Senior Celebration event will be held on May 17 in conjunction with the Unifour Senior Games. The center is planning several day trips that offer local seniors the ability to travel with their friends. A gardening class will be offered on April 17. A “Make Your Own Tie-Dye T-Shirt” class will be April 24. The craft fair, yard sale, and farmer’s market will be on July 11. The center is also planning a nine-day trip to Ireland, open to all ages.
Medicare drug savings totaled $880,156 in 2025 with 1,687 contacts. In January 2026, savings totaled $110,258 with 86 contacts.
Center participation more than doubled in 2025, with average monthly participation of 5,791 people.
The next meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners is set for Monday, April 6, 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.