1 00:00:01,964 --> 00:00:03,984 [music] 2 00:00:11,790 --> 00:00:13,810 [music] 3 00:00:20,520 --> 00:00:25,880 » At this time I'd like to call this meeting of the Alexander County Board of 4 00:00:23,160 --> 00:00:31,200 Commissioners into regular session. And this is the 3rd day of August, 2026. 5 00:00:28,840 --> 00:00:34,200 And at this time I'd like to call on Commissioner Marty Pennell for the 6 00:00:32,360 --> 00:00:40,320 invocation. That will be followed by Commissioner Ronnie Reese for the Pledge 7 00:00:36,440 --> 00:00:40,320 of Allegiance. If you would please rise. 8 00:00:40,610 --> 00:00:42,630 » [clears throat] 9 00:00:43,200 --> 00:00:48,240 » Heavenly Father, we come to you today, Lord, just to praise your name, Lord. 10 00:00:46,560 --> 00:00:51,080 We're so thankful for your grace and your mercy. 11 00:00:49,840 --> 00:00:54,760 Lord, just thank you for you being a just God. Lord, just pray that you be 12 00:00:53,040 --> 00:00:59,200 with Alexander County. This meeting today, Lord, that your will 13 00:00:56,760 --> 00:01:01,840 will be done and no one else's. And Lord, we pray that you be with our 14 00:01:00,360 --> 00:01:05,920 service members at home and abroad and things going on 15 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:09,520 and overseas. Lord, just pray that you be with their 16 00:01:06,880 --> 00:01:13,000 families and them individually. And Lord, we just pray that you be with 17 00:01:11,480 --> 00:01:16,440 the United States as we're going through perilous times. 18 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:21,960 Lord, just pray and we're thankful for our personnel here in the county and all 19 00:01:19,080 --> 00:01:27,440 the folks that are involved in uh things running smoothly on a day-to-day basis. 20 00:01:25,120 --> 00:01:32,640 Lord, we pray that you be with our uh law enforcement and also our uh uh 21 00:01:31,045 --> 00:01:37,680 » [snorts] >> medical uh personnel, Lord. Just keep 22 00:01:35,120 --> 00:01:41,280 your hand on them as they go these calls and the families involved. Touch them as 23 00:01:39,640 --> 00:01:44,840 only you can. In your holy name we pray. Amen. 24 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:54,280 » Attention. Salute. Pledge. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the 25 00:01:52,080 --> 00:02:01,080 United States of America and to the republic for which it saying, 26 00:01:57,360 --> 00:02:04,760 one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. 27 00:02:08,520 --> 00:02:12,960 » This time, does any commissioner have a report? 28 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:21,440 Well, gentlemen, this uh on Friday at about 1:00, we had the 29 00:02:19,800 --> 00:02:25,160 opportunity uh 30 00:02:23,440 --> 00:02:28,840 Commissioner Reese and Commissioner Pennell, Commissioner Harmon, and 31 00:02:26,320 --> 00:02:33,000 myself, and our county manager, we attended the ribbon cutting of 32 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:34,440 College Silver Shack, is that what she calls it? 33 00:02:33,600 --> 00:02:38,120 » Silver Shack. >> Silver what? 34 00:02:35,600 --> 00:02:41,600 » Silver Shack. Anyway, it was absolutely fantastic. And and the thing that I want 35 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:44,959 to say about that more than anything is I've never seen a young lady as excited 36 00:02:43,400 --> 00:02:51,240 as she was and the hard work that she's put in to make that building what it is. 37 00:02:48,040 --> 00:02:54,520 It's absolutely fantastic. And uh we had [clears throat] the assistant 38 00:02:52,320 --> 00:02:59,840 director of the North Carolina Commerce that was here with us, and he presented 39 00:02:56,959 --> 00:03:03,040 a little a a short speech. And above that is two uh 40 00:03:01,519 --> 00:03:06,800 two apartments. And it's a great uh thing that's 41 00:03:04,800 --> 00:03:09,680 happening for Alexander County and for the town of Taylorsville. 42 00:03:08,600 --> 00:03:14,280 And the biggest thing about that is didn't cost the county or taxpayers not 43 00:03:12,840 --> 00:03:18,160 one penny. All of that was done with grant money. 44 00:03:16,480 --> 00:03:22,320 And we've been working on this, I know, for a long time, and it finally came to 45 00:03:21,400 --> 00:03:26,120 be. And if you get an opportunity go by and 46 00:03:24,280 --> 00:03:30,120 see it. Uh it's one of those things where different 47 00:03:28,160 --> 00:03:33,840 organizations and different government entities working together can make 48 00:03:32,120 --> 00:03:38,480 something happen and and improve the quality of life for folks and also the 49 00:03:36,200 --> 00:03:42,959 quality of the way downtown looks and makes it a really good thing. 50 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:47,840 And the other thing I want you to do is I just like for you to take a look on 51 00:03:45,040 --> 00:03:51,640 each side right here, okay? Over there is a new American flag, and 52 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:54,880 if you look at the top of it, it has the eagle on it. 53 00:03:53,120 --> 00:03:58,800 On this side is the North Carolina flag 54 00:03:57,120 --> 00:04:01,960 that is here. And Justin, 55 00:04:00,800 --> 00:04:05,200 Josh, I'd like to tell y'all thank you for 56 00:04:03,600 --> 00:04:09,640 y'all taking care of that that day that you got the phone call and I appreciate 57 00:04:07,000 --> 00:04:14,320 it. Good job, well done, and this will represent us here in this in this uh 58 00:04:11,920 --> 00:04:17,120 building very well. So, great job, guys, and thank you very much. 59 00:04:16,079 --> 00:04:19,560 Does any other commissioner have anything? 60 00:04:20,079 --> 00:04:28,440 Mhm, okay. So, with that, with uh the adoption of the agenda, the 61 00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:32,400 the agenda is has been presented to you. I'd entertain a motion at this time. 62 00:04:30,320 --> 00:04:34,680 » Make a motion we adopt. >> Second. 63 00:04:33,440 --> 00:04:38,200 » Motion's made and second. Any discussion? 64 00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:42,320 There being none, all those in favor indicate by raising your right hand. 65 00:04:39,800 --> 00:04:45,320 Those who oppose likewise. And then, you see this chair empty right here. 66 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:48,600 Commissioner Layel will be along shortly. He was running just a little 67 00:04:46,720 --> 00:04:52,680 bit behind, and he called and let us know that he would be here shortly. 68 00:04:50,720 --> 00:04:57,480 Uh item number six on the agenda is public comment period. We did not have 69 00:04:54,720 --> 00:05:02,680 anybody to sign up to speak tonight. Item number seven, the North Carolina 70 00:04:59,560 --> 00:05:07,080 Railroad Company uh micro grant agreement for industrial 71 00:05:04,880 --> 00:05:11,128 park site development. And this time, I'd like to call on Mr. Michael Worley, 72 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:14,458 the economic development director. >> [snorts] 73 00:05:12,438 --> 00:05:14,458 [clears throat] 74 00:05:17,560 --> 00:05:23,000 » Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioners, tonight uh it's a pleasure to bring 75 00:05:21,280 --> 00:05:26,440 before us to you an agreement that uh I reached out to 76 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:30,360 the North Carolina Railroad Company to seek out a grant for the optional 77 00:05:28,120 --> 00:05:34,040 property that you guys took under option in this period for studies in which we 78 00:05:32,360 --> 00:05:37,160 are seeking to do. Alexander County Economic Development 79 00:05:35,520 --> 00:05:41,919 desires to stimulate and develop the economy here in Alexander County, 80 00:05:39,960 --> 00:05:46,040 alleviate the problems of unemployment and underemployment by creating and 81 00:05:44,320 --> 00:05:50,840 retaining jobs for our citizens and develop local tax base increases. So 82 00:05:48,640 --> 00:05:55,200 that way we can pursue an opportunity to help those uh 83 00:05:52,640 --> 00:05:59,640 bring out bring forth a lower tax base. NCRR created this program to provide 84 00:05:57,560 --> 00:06:04,120 funding for communities in order to help eliminate site development barriers in 85 00:06:02,720 --> 00:06:08,400 which they create a pipeline of investment to new industrial sites. The 86 00:06:06,480 --> 00:06:12,280 North Carolina Railroads micro grant program provides funding for development 87 00:06:10,320 --> 00:06:17,280 site evaluations such as environmental site assessments, 88 00:06:14,280 --> 00:06:22,840 wetland stream delineations, boundary and other surveys, geological technical 89 00:06:20,120 --> 00:06:26,040 reports, and ti- title options. And it increases the number of 90 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:28,880 industrial sites that are ready for development here in the county in North 91 00:06:27,680 --> 00:06:33,440 Carolina. Alexander Economic Development 92 00:06:30,320 --> 00:06:38,680 identified the site 0062292 and 0067284 93 00:06:36,240 --> 00:06:43,800 brought forth to the commissioners for uh public vote for option on the 94 00:06:40,640 --> 00:06:46,880 property on W.E. Babb Industrial Drive that requires certain studies and 95 00:06:45,400 --> 00:06:51,320 determine whether it could be developed and marketed for petition potential 96 00:06:49,240 --> 00:06:55,240 industrial customers. Alexander County Economic Development 97 00:06:52,880 --> 00:06:58,680 has applied for this grant for funding to assist with these studies and agreed 98 00:06:57,000 --> 00:07:02,880 to award uh economic development with $50,000 in 99 00:07:01,080 --> 00:07:06,240 micro grant to assist with the cost of these studies. 100 00:07:04,919 --> 00:07:10,160 It is desired to Alexander County Economic Development 101 00:07:08,440 --> 00:07:14,400 and the North Carolina Railroad to enter this agreement to set forth the business 102 00:07:12,320 --> 00:07:19,120 terms and conditions for this micro grant for up to 2 years to you do the 103 00:07:16,640 --> 00:07:23,680 studies and up to 5 years to make sure that we market to industrial customers 104 00:07:21,919 --> 00:07:28,280 and provide opportunity for site development. The studies will consist of 105 00:07:25,919 --> 00:07:32,800 a phase one ESA, site survey, and if found necessary by the phase one ESA and 106 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:37,040 site survey, a boundary and topographical survey and alta survey, 107 00:07:34,760 --> 00:07:41,240 streams and wetlands survey, threatened and endangered species survey, and 108 00:07:38,640 --> 00:07:45,240 geotechnical studies with borings. It is the pleasure to recommend this 109 00:07:43,400 --> 00:07:48,880 agreement to the commissioners to offset the tax dollars which the county will 110 00:07:46,880 --> 00:07:52,160 not pay a dime. Any questions? 111 00:07:50,080 --> 00:07:55,000 » Best part, county doesn't pay a dime. >> Absolutely. 112 00:07:52,720 --> 00:07:59,840 » That's exactly right. Gentlemen, any questions? 113 00:07:57,920 --> 00:08:01,840 » There is a grant from the state, is that where it's coming from? 114 00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:03,280 » It's coming from North Carolina Railroad. 115 00:08:02,400 --> 00:08:06,840 » North Carolina Railroad? >> Yes. 116 00:08:05,240 --> 00:08:10,200 » Yeah, everything's got to be studied and engineered and all kinds of 117 00:08:08,560 --> 00:08:13,080 preparations, so you can't just go and start doing something, so. 118 00:08:11,520 --> 00:08:16,480 » Yeah, this is our initial studies to make sure that the property is 119 00:08:14,320 --> 00:08:20,160 developable before the county enters into a purchase in which I would bring 120 00:08:18,040 --> 00:08:25,480 before you guys uh either in the affirmative or the nay 121 00:08:23,120 --> 00:08:27,280 if it's not developable. >> Very good. 122 00:08:26,080 --> 00:08:31,120 » All right, thank you. Thank you. 123 00:08:29,280 --> 00:08:35,200 Gentlemen, I'll entertain a motion. >> I make a motion that we approve. 124 00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:39,400 » Second. >> Motion's made and second. Is there any 125 00:08:37,120 --> 00:08:41,385 further discussion? There being none, all those in favor 126 00:08:40,800 --> 00:08:44,280 indicate by >> [clears throat] 127 00:08:42,719 --> 00:08:46,800 » Those opposed likewise. The motion carries. Thank you very much. Don't 128 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:47,960 move. >> Okay. 129 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:51,640 » We're going to hold you up there a little bit. 130 00:08:49,480 --> 00:08:56,760 Item number eight is a public hearing, economic development expenditures, 131 00:08:54,000 --> 00:09:00,640 Ardura professional services agreement, Mr. Michael Worley, economic development 132 00:08:59,160 --> 00:09:07,040 director. And gentlemen, I'd entertain a motion to open the public hearing. 133 00:09:04,400 --> 00:09:10,560 » Make a motion to open public hearing for economic development expenditure. 134 00:09:09,800 --> 00:09:14,040 » Second. >> Motion's made and second. Any 135 00:09:11,800 --> 00:09:17,240 discussion? There being none, all those in favor 136 00:09:15,480 --> 00:09:20,960 indicate by raising your right hand. Motion carries. Mr. Worley. 137 00:09:19,520 --> 00:09:25,839 » All right. It is a pleasure once again to let you 138 00:09:23,640 --> 00:09:31,440 know that we sent out a request for qualifications in late 2025. 139 00:09:29,600 --> 00:09:35,640 And when it was sent out, we found that Ardura was selected because of 140 00:09:33,400 --> 00:09:39,560 experience plus the familiarity with Alexander County and the site from past 141 00:09:37,640 --> 00:09:43,760 experience here doing work on pages that you guys have from A1 142 00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:48,080 through A6, you'll see the request for services listed. And these are phase one 143 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:54,360 environmental site assessment, which is the ESA, natural resources 144 00:09:50,600 --> 00:09:58,240 uh for top desktop review, preliminary threatened and endangered species 145 00:09:55,800 --> 00:10:03,200 review, habitat assessment on site, streams and wetland determination, 146 00:10:00,720 --> 00:10:07,920 wetland and stream delineation study, and jurisdictional determination. We 147 00:10:05,800 --> 00:10:11,960 will not, however, on this particular contract be doing the civil engineering 148 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:16,720 master planning at this phase and at this time 149 00:10:13,320 --> 00:10:21,480 uh because the NCR does not uh cover that under the grant terms. So, that 150 00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:26,000 will be handled by our attorney Ben. Uh the estimated contract cost between 151 00:10:23,440 --> 00:10:29,400 17,000 and 22,000 to be paid for completely with the North Carolina 152 00:10:27,480 --> 00:10:33,040 Railroad micro grant. And it is happy to recommend this 153 00:10:31,320 --> 00:10:37,080 contract for Adura at this time. Is there any questions? 154 00:10:38,280 --> 00:10:41,000 » So, the >> Derrick Miller with Alexander County. 155 00:10:40,680 --> 00:10:45,160 » Yes. >> We've used them before. 156 00:10:42,480 --> 00:10:47,960 » We've used the the consultant on site, Shad Waters. 157 00:10:46,120 --> 00:10:52,880 » Okay. So, people, if there's somebody listening, this is property behind Craft 158 00:10:50,560 --> 00:10:54,640 Master and adjacent to Paragon. >> Yes. 159 00:10:53,120 --> 00:10:57,040 » There's nothing on this property right now. 160 00:10:54,880 --> 00:11:00,800 » No, it's all wooded and uh the last studies were even done at about 1990 to 161 00:10:59,440 --> 00:11:03,720 91. >> Okay. Thank you. 162 00:11:02,867 --> 00:11:06,800 » [clears throat] >> Uh now, since this is a public hearing, 163 00:11:05,760 --> 00:11:10,360 anybody in the audience has the opportunity to come and speak if they'd 164 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:13,760 like to. And if you have a question or something you'd be like, come to the 165 00:11:11,960 --> 00:11:17,800 microphone if you don't mind and get your name and 166 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:17,800 state your name and 167 00:11:28,040 --> 00:11:34,880 » Good afternoon, gentlemen. Ladies. 168 00:11:32,000 --> 00:11:39,720 I live on the Plains Church Road. Some of you guys I've spoke to in the past 169 00:11:38,040 --> 00:11:44,520 about some of the pollutants that you have coming out of the plastic 170 00:11:41,480 --> 00:11:50,800 industries that are around. I get no answers. 171 00:11:47,560 --> 00:11:56,120 I've even spoken with county manager who told me I was smart enough to figure 172 00:11:52,720 --> 00:12:00,000 it out, hung the phone up. Now, I've been in touch with the EPA 173 00:11:57,920 --> 00:12:05,760 over this mess. I'm a cancer survivor. 174 00:12:02,800 --> 00:12:12,200 I contracted cancer after I moved to 671 White Plains Road. 175 00:12:10,200 --> 00:12:18,800 I lived there before you put Paragon Films in in Board Alice. 176 00:12:15,640 --> 00:12:22,240 And my question to you guys is and to this guy 177 00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:27,200 is what do you plan on developing this land for? 178 00:12:24,520 --> 00:12:30,760 You know, there's massive wildlife out there. You have a middle school right 179 00:12:29,040 --> 00:12:34,960 down the road which is an open path of air 180 00:12:33,320 --> 00:12:38,600 that comes down that highway straight to that middle school to the football 181 00:12:36,960 --> 00:12:42,360 field. But I don't think anybody's ever paid 182 00:12:40,280 --> 00:12:47,000 any attention to that. They're wanting to develop, develop, develop, develop, 183 00:12:45,040 --> 00:12:53,120 but what about the people that has spent their entire lives working a job 184 00:12:49,920 --> 00:12:56,680 and and homestead and building homes to live in and get to point of 185 00:12:55,200 --> 00:13:00,113 retirement and now we have to listen to a a pump up 186 00:12:59,440 --> 00:13:04,720 there >> [snorts] 187 00:13:00,280 --> 00:13:11,640 » sucking out uh material in the mornings and the evenings 188 00:13:07,640 --> 00:13:11,640 and I'm told they're for Board Alice. 189 00:13:11,760 --> 00:13:18,120 I followed one of those trucks one day and he went down and hit 77. 190 00:13:16,400 --> 00:13:20,800 My only question is what's in those tankers? 191 00:13:21,040 --> 00:13:30,000 Is it I see old pump when they start pumping it out. 192 00:13:26,800 --> 00:13:33,840 Nobody seems to know what's in them. But I do know one thing, 193 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:40,080 if you look up the cause of squamous cell carcinoma, 194 00:13:35,800 --> 00:13:45,240 you will find that plastic carcinogens do contribute to that. 195 00:13:42,600 --> 00:13:51,040 And I've had quite a bit of skin cancer living out in that area. 196 00:13:48,200 --> 00:13:56,360 I have a garage I work out of, it's private garage. 197 00:13:53,080 --> 00:13:59,840 I don't even have to door anymore because of the smell that's coming 198 00:13:57,680 --> 00:14:04,760 across the hill. But yet, when I talked to Mr. Pennell, 199 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:12,840 he's he I even talked to him over at the election. He said, 200 00:14:09,520 --> 00:14:18,600 "Well, Bob, we had a meeting about the the noise." I said, "Well, what about 201 00:14:14,760 --> 00:14:22,760 the emissions they're putting out?" He never got back to me. 202 00:14:21,160 --> 00:14:27,680 And a couple of other ones I spoke to you, too, Ronnie. 203 00:14:25,120 --> 00:14:31,120 And I spoke to your county manager. And all I got, he told me, he said, 204 00:14:29,280 --> 00:14:35,240 "Well, sounds like you're smart enough, you figure it out." 205 00:14:33,480 --> 00:14:40,680 So, I've done some digging and some research. 206 00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:45,600 And I have figured it out. None of those are American-owned 207 00:14:42,120 --> 00:14:45,600 companies that you have in there. 208 00:14:45,800 --> 00:14:52,360 Now, when do we get to the point I know my time's thin, so I tell me when it's 209 00:14:50,720 --> 00:14:57,400 about to run out. But when do we get to the point where 210 00:14:55,000 --> 00:15:03,160 we're held accountable for the emissions that we put out 211 00:15:00,440 --> 00:15:03,160 in this air? 212 00:15:03,720 --> 00:15:11,800 I yield back my time for an answer. >> If you don't mind, please, for the 213 00:15:09,839 --> 00:15:15,240 clerk, would you please state your name again, please? 214 00:15:13,120 --> 00:15:18,240 » It is Robert Sherrill. >> Mr. Sherrill, okay. 215 00:15:15,920 --> 00:15:20,960 » S H E R R I L L. >> Thank you. 216 00:15:19,480 --> 00:15:26,720 » Thank you. >> And one other the I want to add, 217 00:15:24,520 --> 00:15:31,240 if you go through the county, most of the elderly people have a lot of 218 00:15:28,440 --> 00:15:31,240 skin cancer. 219 00:15:32,080 --> 00:15:40,120 And that And that is something that I have to go to derma every 6 220 00:15:37,480 --> 00:15:40,120 months. 221 00:15:40,560 --> 00:15:45,040 Guys, I used to live on the lake. Didn't bother. 222 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:51,760 That's all I have to say. Somebody Somebody needs to be held 223 00:15:49,720 --> 00:15:55,000 accountable. And here where I want to develop 250 224 00:15:53,600 --> 00:15:58,840 more acres, and you got all these children down here 225 00:15:56,680 --> 00:16:03,600 in this middle school. What about their lungs? 226 00:16:00,960 --> 00:16:10,400 What about their skin? What about their athletic abilities that they have? 227 00:16:06,320 --> 00:16:10,400 Do you see what that cancer did to me? 228 00:16:11,680 --> 00:16:18,360 Stop and think before you start digging for money. 229 00:16:16,640 --> 00:16:22,360 » Mr. Sheriff, I got a question. >> Go ahead. 230 00:16:19,000 --> 00:16:22,360 » What did the EPA tell you? 231 00:16:23,320 --> 00:16:30,760 » Well, uh I asked the EPA, 232 00:16:27,960 --> 00:16:33,680 I think I told you this as well. I said, uh 233 00:16:32,080 --> 00:16:38,280 "What kind of permits are they running under?" Because I used to manage Dixie 234 00:16:36,040 --> 00:16:42,839 Seating Company down here. And, uh 235 00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:47,280 I was under EPA guidelines. And they would just drop in at any given 236 00:16:44,560 --> 00:16:52,320 time and put a filter on my sacks. And there was many times I got a ticket for 237 00:16:50,000 --> 00:16:55,600 34 grand over a fault street. 238 00:16:54,120 --> 00:16:58,760 But I asked them, I said, "Are you going in there and and and and getting 239 00:16:57,280 --> 00:17:02,280 reaped?" They said, "No. They're operating on a permit that they filed 240 00:17:00,440 --> 00:17:06,120 for when they opened." Well, look how big they've expanded. 241 00:17:03,920 --> 00:17:10,839 Look at all the chemical bins out there. "Are you not going after them?" "No, we 242 00:17:08,400 --> 00:17:14,199 don't No, we don't No. We walked through there and everything 243 00:17:12,120 --> 00:17:18,400 looked fine." Well, I can I can walk through 244 00:17:16,800 --> 00:17:21,439 and close my right eye and everything's going to look good, you know what I'm 245 00:17:19,560 --> 00:17:25,600 saying? But, um 246 00:17:23,199 --> 00:17:29,960 some of the answers that you get from public officials 247 00:17:28,640 --> 00:17:34,560 I mean, I'll let you come live down at my place for a while if you want to. 248 00:17:31,480 --> 00:17:34,560 I'll rent it out to you. 249 00:17:34,640 --> 00:17:38,800 And you can see for yourself. 250 00:17:41,480 --> 00:17:49,320 Any other questions? >> I think I'll start 251 00:17:45,920 --> 00:17:54,600 in regards to the noise. This might be a statement or answer for 252 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:58,520 the county manager to make. But, did we not send folks out there at 253 00:17:56,560 --> 00:18:02,920 different time intervals on multiple days to assess that? 254 00:18:00,080 --> 00:18:02,920 » Yes, sir, we did. 255 00:18:03,040 --> 00:18:07,480 » But, my complaint wasn't the noise. 256 00:18:08,480 --> 00:18:13,320 Somebody else filed that complaint. Go back and look at your records. 257 00:18:11,720 --> 00:18:17,840 » Uh the reason I brought it up is because you were talking about hearing the 258 00:18:15,240 --> 00:18:22,400 the pump sucking a moment ago, sir. That's why I brought that up. 259 00:18:20,200 --> 00:18:26,760 » Yeah. Uh nobody seems to want to tell you 260 00:18:24,040 --> 00:18:33,240 what's in those uh tankers that are sitting up around the new expansion of 261 00:18:29,160 --> 00:18:33,240 the quote railway system. 262 00:18:34,080 --> 00:18:39,320 » One more question uh for the county manager. Do we have any 263 00:18:38,280 --> 00:18:43,120 uh Do we have anything recently from the 264 00:18:41,080 --> 00:18:46,360 EPA in regards to that site at all anything? 265 00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:50,600 » Not to my knowledge. >> Okay. 266 00:18:48,160 --> 00:18:53,960 » And excuse me, were you the one telling me if I I was smart enough to figure it 267 00:18:52,920 --> 00:18:57,280 out? >> No, sir, I never told you that. 268 00:18:55,560 --> 00:18:59,720 » Okay. All right. Thank you. 269 00:19:00,160 --> 00:19:06,200 But, uh the guy that owns the Borealist, you 270 00:19:04,240 --> 00:19:09,080 guys are familiar with where he lives and what he is. 271 00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:18,080 How does Inner County backbone is on country living. 272 00:19:16,000 --> 00:19:21,520 Pure country living. We got some of the prettiest wildlife 273 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:26,960 around here. Some of the best attractions, views. 274 00:19:25,120 --> 00:19:31,000 Then instead of spending all that money, why don't you guys put a bowling alley 275 00:19:28,960 --> 00:19:36,960 in here, a theater? Because everybody in this county goes to 276 00:19:33,560 --> 00:19:41,720 Hickory, Wilkesboro, Statesville, me included, to spend my money. 277 00:19:40,360 --> 00:19:46,320 You know why? What What's there to do here? Go eat at 278 00:19:43,680 --> 00:19:46,320 Scotty's? 279 00:19:46,360 --> 00:19:51,800 » I I know I'm the one talking a lot here, so I apologize, but 280 00:19:50,040 --> 00:19:54,440 uh in reference to that statement, that's that's not a 281 00:19:53,200 --> 00:19:59,200 a county uh entity. That is a private sector 282 00:19:58,280 --> 00:20:02,000 establishment. >> That's all right. 283 00:20:00,080 --> 00:20:04,520 » So, I mean, I don't know how we do that. >> wanted to throw that in there. 284 00:20:03,200 --> 00:20:08,360 » All right. I understand. >> You know, I'm kind of frustrated with 285 00:20:05,960 --> 00:20:11,520 the county as to what they're doing. And um 286 00:20:09,640 --> 00:20:14,480 you know, the the way the taxes are going. 287 00:20:13,520 --> 00:20:19,040 I'm going to go ahead and get this off my chest. Will you let me do it? 288 00:20:17,960 --> 00:20:21,600 All right. We we have some money. 289 00:20:20,200 --> 00:20:25,720 » as as long as you stay on the subject that we're discussing here as far as the 290 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:28,080 public hearing is concerned, yes, sir. >> All right. Well, 291 00:20:26,400 --> 00:20:31,920 » But if it's not if it's not if it's not in conjunction with this, we'd be glad 292 00:20:30,080 --> 00:20:35,600 for you to come I'm just going to explain it to you. Uh because on this 293 00:20:34,080 --> 00:20:37,120 public hearing, it's all about what we're talking about here 294 00:20:36,760 --> 00:20:38,480 » I got >> and trying to do things. 295 00:20:38,160 --> 00:20:42,880 » I got >> If you have something that you'd like to 296 00:20:40,080 --> 00:20:46,800 say at a later date, if you'd call the clerk, then you can come back and there 297 00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:51,320 will be a 3-minute time limit for you to express your opinion about things. When 298 00:20:49,040 --> 00:20:54,680 you And at that time, sir, you would not be able to call anybody out name or 299 00:20:52,760 --> 00:20:58,160 point a finger at anybody. And that's just part of the the protocol as the way 300 00:20:57,040 --> 00:21:01,000 we do things. >> understand that. 301 00:20:59,400 --> 00:21:05,200 » I certainly am. Thank you for that. >> Oh, yes, sir. Thank you. 302 00:21:02,480 --> 00:21:07,400 » Yes, sir. And I'd like to hear something heard somebody about what's going on 303 00:21:07,280 --> 00:21:10,840 there. >> Well, you know, I'm not going to say 304 00:21:09,160 --> 00:21:13,440 what's in those plastic tankers down there, 305 00:21:11,760 --> 00:21:17,200 but based on everything that I've seen, it was plastic pallets, and 306 00:21:16,560 --> 00:21:21,360 uh I'll be glad to check and see what they 307 00:21:19,080 --> 00:21:23,880 are, and uh I'll make sure that you get an answer to what's on those tankers 308 00:21:23,000 --> 00:21:27,200 sitting down there. >> Well, sir, we have May I speak? 309 00:21:26,680 --> 00:21:32,480 » Yes. >> Okay. We have videos 310 00:21:29,680 --> 00:21:36,560 going back into the winter months when they would burn their stuff off, 311 00:21:34,120 --> 00:21:41,360 and I have a person of interest who worked there 312 00:21:39,480 --> 00:21:46,960 and was told to burn their stuff off late at night, anything that was 313 00:21:44,480 --> 00:21:50,720 uh run off that had run out of the rail, 314 00:21:49,280 --> 00:21:55,800 they was to go back and put them in the incinerator at night. 315 00:21:52,880 --> 00:21:57,840 And it looked like white snow coming down. 316 00:21:56,880 --> 00:22:02,200 » Mhm. >> I still have these videos. 317 00:22:00,680 --> 00:22:05,120 Anytime you want to see them, I'll be glad to show them to you. 318 00:22:05,280 --> 00:22:08,760 I can do that. >> Mr. Chairman, can I speak just a minute? 319 00:22:07,880 --> 00:22:13,800 » Yes. >> What we will do, we'll look at what 320 00:22:11,200 --> 00:22:17,600 you're talking about, follow up on it. We need to find out from the EPA, you 321 00:22:16,400 --> 00:22:22,720 know, I guess, if they actually did come out, what they 322 00:22:19,400 --> 00:22:27,320 did find. And uh but to your point again, 323 00:22:24,920 --> 00:22:33,280 you know, when a company's coming, we don't personally go out and 324 00:22:30,800 --> 00:22:37,960 you know, do all the stuff, but there's companies that are from all different 325 00:22:34,880 --> 00:22:42,920 places that come in, but you know, they should be following all the rules and 326 00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:46,560 the procedures. If somebody's not, you know, and we can say that they 327 00:22:44,600 --> 00:22:49,920 aren't, then we can, you know, do something. 328 00:22:47,280 --> 00:22:49,920 » Yes, well. 329 00:22:52,080 --> 00:22:57,760 I'm not going to make any comments. I'll plead the fifth on that one. 330 00:22:56,120 --> 00:23:03,600 But uh as a plant manager of 26 years, 331 00:23:00,800 --> 00:23:08,680 uh over a rocking chair factory, I know how the EPA works 332 00:23:06,120 --> 00:23:08,680 and uh 333 00:23:09,160 --> 00:23:13,640 I'm [clears throat] going to leave it at that. 334 00:23:11,520 --> 00:23:16,160 I dealt with them many many many many years. 335 00:23:16,360 --> 00:23:21,280 They They got a burr. 336 00:23:19,800 --> 00:23:24,880 Look at you. You're going to pay. Some days they just "How you doing? Good 337 00:23:23,360 --> 00:23:30,560 seeing you." out the door. 338 00:23:26,680 --> 00:23:30,560 And the two kids they sent out there 339 00:23:30,960 --> 00:23:35,640 Can I explain to you how he did it? >> [cough] 340 00:23:34,120 --> 00:23:41,000 » He said, "Well, I'm going to walk over here." They These These bushes that are 341 00:23:38,360 --> 00:23:41,000 this high. 342 00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:46,360 And there's plenty of open air that comes down and goes right straight back 343 00:23:44,640 --> 00:23:51,000 to the mountain where the kids are down there at the school. 344 00:23:49,040 --> 00:23:55,360 So, he walks right up to these bushes and he holds his meter up. 345 00:23:53,560 --> 00:23:59,240 And there's no way the air can get past it because there's a big dogwood tree 346 00:23:57,040 --> 00:24:02,400 there and a bunch of evergreens sitting over here. 347 00:24:00,680 --> 00:24:06,480 It says, "Sir, I can smell something but I can't 348 00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:09,360 identify it." But it was everything. 349 00:24:09,400 --> 00:24:14,480 Rest my case. >> Mr. Chair, 350 00:24:12,880 --> 00:24:17,760 I I know that some of the opinions that you may have and some of your thoughts 351 00:24:15,880 --> 00:24:22,680 and some of the things that uh you're talking about. If you would like, I 352 00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:25,320 would be more than glad for myself and the county manager to have a meeting 353 00:24:24,040 --> 00:24:28,440 with you and we'll discuss these things if you'd like. 354 00:24:26,920 --> 00:24:33,200 And this is the county manager sitting here. He's only been with us about 6 to 355 00:24:30,520 --> 00:24:36,200 8 months. So, uh if you'd like to do that, if you'll 356 00:24:34,600 --> 00:24:39,440 if you'll call uh the clerk to the board, we'll be glad to 357 00:24:38,200 --> 00:24:42,000 sit down and discuss it with you if you'd like to. 358 00:24:40,160 --> 00:24:45,040 » your phone number. I'll take it with me. >> We will. We'll take care of that, okay? 359 00:24:43,840 --> 00:24:46,867 All right. Thank you. 360 00:24:45,560 --> 00:24:50,080 » Thank you. >> [clears throat] 361 00:24:48,240 --> 00:24:52,920 » Is there anyone else that has anything they'd like to say? 362 00:24:53,720 --> 00:24:55,920 All right. 363 00:24:56,520 --> 00:24:58,840 Gentlemen, 364 00:25:01,280 --> 00:25:05,920 So at this time uh I didn't entertain a motion 365 00:25:05,320 --> 00:25:08,840 uh concerning this 366 00:25:07,560 --> 00:25:12,920 uh hiring these folks to do this. 367 00:25:10,880 --> 00:25:14,960 Uh oh, excuse me. I need to entertain a motion to close the public hearing. 368 00:25:14,160 --> 00:25:17,120 Thank you very much. >> Yeah. 369 00:25:15,480 --> 00:25:21,320 » Yeah. Need a second. >> Second. 370 00:25:17,920 --> 00:25:24,280 » Motion's made, second. Any discussion? There being none, all those in favor 371 00:25:22,640 --> 00:25:28,240 close the public hearing. Indicate by raising your right hand. 372 00:25:25,640 --> 00:25:31,000 Thank you very much, gentlemen. So 373 00:25:29,680 --> 00:25:33,760 the economic de- development expenditures 374 00:25:32,400 --> 00:25:39,040 uh I'd entertain a motion to approve the 375 00:25:36,400 --> 00:25:42,760 contract with Adura. >> Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion to 376 00:25:40,560 --> 00:25:45,120 approve the contract. >> Second. 377 00:25:43,720 --> 00:25:49,560 » Motion's made, second. Is there any further discussion? 378 00:25:48,120 --> 00:25:53,800 All those in favor, indicate by raising your right hand. All those opposed, 379 00:25:51,400 --> 00:25:56,320 likewise. The motion carries. Thank you. 380 00:25:57,640 --> 00:26:00,080 Uh 381 00:26:02,520 --> 00:26:11,000 Item number nine on the agenda is public hearing rezoning case RZ 382 00:26:08,720 --> 00:26:15,800 26-05 Garcia. And at this time I'd like to 383 00:26:13,120 --> 00:26:21,080 call on Amy Buckman, county planner, to present the rezoning case. And at this 384 00:26:19,040 --> 00:26:25,600 time, gentlemen, I'd entertain a motion to open the public hearing. 385 00:26:23,560 --> 00:26:30,040 » Make a motion to open public hearing for rezoning case RZ 26-05 386 00:26:29,240 --> 00:26:34,280 Garcia. >> Second. 387 00:26:31,200 --> 00:26:37,920 » Motion's made, second. Any discussion? There being none, all those in favor, 388 00:26:35,720 --> 00:26:41,040 indicate by raising your right hand. Those opposed, likewise. Thank you very 389 00:26:39,600 --> 00:26:45,640 much, gentlemen. Ma'am. >> Thank you. 390 00:26:42,560 --> 00:26:51,400 Uh so, Christian Romero Garcia has petitioned to rezone 391 00:26:47,920 --> 00:26:59,720 uh approximately 0.89 acres off of Owen Braswell Braswell Road in Taylorsville 392 00:26:55,400 --> 00:27:04,680 from R1 to R2R with the intention of adding a single-wide manufactured home 393 00:27:02,200 --> 00:27:09,000 to the existing parcel. Um there's already a double-wide there, so this 394 00:27:06,200 --> 00:27:14,600 would be an accessory dwelling unit. This would be considered a downzoning. 395 00:27:11,160 --> 00:27:20,160 Uh R1 would allow four units per acre. Um 396 00:27:16,200 --> 00:27:24,440 R2R allows two units per acre. However, he wouldn't realistically be able to get 397 00:27:22,640 --> 00:27:29,040 four units per acre. We'll get to that. 398 00:27:26,080 --> 00:27:31,960 Um all of the surrounding properties are residential. 399 00:27:32,840 --> 00:27:40,400 So, when reviewing a rezoning, uh we have to look at if it is consistent with 400 00:27:38,240 --> 00:27:48,160 a comprehensive plan. Uh both R1 and R2R have the primary use 401 00:27:43,880 --> 00:27:48,160 of uh being residential properties. 402 00:27:48,240 --> 00:27:56,240 Uh that they promote uh the development of a diversified and balanced mix of 403 00:27:52,760 --> 00:28:00,360 land uses. And again, both residential um with potential small-scale commercial 404 00:27:59,400 --> 00:28:05,000 rural commercial opportunities with a special 405 00:28:02,400 --> 00:28:09,080 use permit would be allowed. And to direct growth to areas where 406 00:28:06,920 --> 00:28:14,080 essential services infrast- and infrastructure are present and protect 407 00:28:11,840 --> 00:28:17,840 sensitive natural areas and key historic cultural resources from extensive 408 00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:21,920 development. So, this lot currently has a a 409 00:28:20,160 --> 00:28:25,600 double-wide manufactured home on it. Public water is available, but not 410 00:28:24,400 --> 00:28:30,840 sewer. Uh so, it would require septic. 411 00:28:28,360 --> 00:28:35,400 Uh there is also no state-maintained road frontage to the property, so it is 412 00:28:33,520 --> 00:28:40,640 accessible through a private driveway easement. Um and it's also located in 413 00:28:38,320 --> 00:28:45,000 the water supply watershed for protected watershed area. So, all of these things 414 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:53,240 would limit um any development potential on the parcel. 415 00:28:50,040 --> 00:28:57,880 And to mitigate any negative impacts of new development. 416 00:28:55,280 --> 00:29:03,040 So, when looking at the future land use map, this site is located in the urban 417 00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:08,880 services area. Um the urban services area in the 418 00:29:05,520 --> 00:29:15,520 comprehensive plan is described as uh using a wide range of residential 419 00:29:11,000 --> 00:29:20,080 densities. And over the long term, uh those policies should favor higher 420 00:29:17,560 --> 00:29:25,680 density development development consistent with natural constraints and 421 00:29:22,520 --> 00:29:29,600 the availability of urban services. Uh at the same time, policies and 422 00:29:27,400 --> 00:29:33,240 regulations should protect existing less intensely developed communities. So 423 00:29:31,800 --> 00:29:38,120 again, this is in the water supply watershed area. 424 00:29:35,040 --> 00:29:44,120 So therefore, it has limited development potential. So it does have um some some 425 00:29:41,160 --> 00:29:48,920 economic factors there. We also uh must look make sure that it 426 00:29:46,880 --> 00:29:54,560 is consistent with the Alexander County land development code, which has uh 427 00:29:52,040 --> 00:29:59,440 stated goals of providing adequate air and light, preventing the overcrowding 428 00:29:57,160 --> 00:30:05,160 of land, avoiding undue concentration of the population, lessening congestion on 429 00:30:02,000 --> 00:30:11,400 roads, and to secure uh safety from fire, panic, and dangers. 430 00:30:07,920 --> 00:30:11,400 And this um 431 00:30:12,080 --> 00:30:18,560 Oh, and any future development uh Any future development will be required 432 00:30:16,960 --> 00:30:22,560 to adhere to all of the county's regulations and policies. 433 00:30:21,240 --> 00:30:24,880 So, um 434 00:30:25,200 --> 00:30:33,520 Another thing that we evaluate is the full range of uses. So, R1 does allow 435 00:30:30,320 --> 00:30:37,440 higher density site built only. R2R is a lower density, but would allow for both 436 00:30:35,360 --> 00:30:40,640 double-wide and single-wide manufactured homes. 437 00:30:39,560 --> 00:30:44,600 Uh this zoning would be considered a spot 438 00:30:43,360 --> 00:30:52,320 zoning. Uh so, looking at the map, you can see 439 00:30:47,880 --> 00:30:57,360 R2R is kind of the darker tan color. Um so, it does not actually adjoin the 440 00:30:55,000 --> 00:31:03,800 parcels. So, this would be considered a spot zoning. Spot zoning is allowed um 441 00:31:01,040 --> 00:31:06,640 as long as reasons are given for how it's consistent with the comprehensive 442 00:31:05,480 --> 00:31:11,880 plan and that uh it doesn't negatively impact 443 00:31:09,160 --> 00:31:15,520 surrounding land use. Uh or 444 00:31:13,200 --> 00:31:19,000 the neighborhood character. Um there are other single wides. There 445 00:31:17,480 --> 00:31:23,880 is a double wide on the property, so there is other manufactured homes 446 00:31:21,640 --> 00:31:28,640 nearby, so we don't feel like it will negatively impact the character of the 447 00:31:26,520 --> 00:31:32,000 neighborhood. Um 448 00:31:29,600 --> 00:31:37,040 So, staff feels this rezoning is reasonable based on the limited 449 00:31:34,080 --> 00:31:42,080 development potential of the parcel, uh again, due to accessibility only 450 00:31:39,600 --> 00:31:47,280 through a private private driveway, uh the water supply watershed 451 00:31:43,840 --> 00:31:51,080 designation, and lack of public sewer. And additionally, the comprehensive plan 452 00:31:49,560 --> 00:31:55,520 does state that the county should support the creation of accessory 453 00:31:52,720 --> 00:32:00,240 dwelling units as a means to have starter homes, supplement 454 00:31:58,160 --> 00:32:04,400 income, and reduce sprawl into more rural communities. 455 00:32:02,120 --> 00:32:09,840 So, this rezoning would allow for the addition of an accessory dwelling unit 456 00:32:07,000 --> 00:32:12,640 on a parcel with otherwise limited development potential. 457 00:32:11,560 --> 00:32:14,720 And um 458 00:32:14,237 --> 00:32:20,000 » [clears throat] >> as a uh 459 00:32:16,680 --> 00:32:23,960 R2R or even at R2 zoning would not be able to be subdivided. It 460 00:32:22,000 --> 00:32:29,680 would only be able to be used as an accessory dwelling unit. 461 00:32:26,640 --> 00:32:37,360 Um so, it went before the planning board on July 9th. Uh they voted to send a 462 00:32:33,160 --> 00:32:37,360 favorable recommendation to the board. 463 00:32:37,480 --> 00:32:46,520 So, if you have any questions >> Miss Gibbs, I just have 464 00:32:43,320 --> 00:32:51,040 You have one. The Is there already a mobile home on this property? 465 00:32:48,680 --> 00:32:56,720 » There is a double-wide on the property. So, an accessory dwelling unit 466 00:32:53,680 --> 00:32:59,920 cannot be more than 75% the size of the principal. 467 00:32:58,040 --> 00:33:03,080 So, the double-wide would be bigger, this would be a smaller, but there are 468 00:33:01,840 --> 00:33:05,200 other single-wides 469 00:33:04,672 --> 00:33:09,480 » [clears throat] >> in the surrounding 470 00:33:06,560 --> 00:33:11,920 » they could put two septic tanks on this. 471 00:33:10,200 --> 00:33:16,840 » So, they will have to go through that process as an accessory dwelling unit 472 00:33:14,320 --> 00:33:23,680 since especially since it cannot be subdivided, they could 473 00:33:19,840 --> 00:33:27,200 do a joint septic if that worked out. That will be something they will have to 474 00:33:25,200 --> 00:33:32,800 work out with environmental health in order to be permitted. 475 00:33:29,160 --> 00:33:37,440 » Does he own any other land besides that? >> No, I don't believe so. 476 00:33:34,800 --> 00:33:40,240 » So, they plan to live in it. It's not going to be a trailer park. 477 00:33:38,640 --> 00:33:42,320 They're going to rent or live in the trailer park. 478 00:33:42,000 --> 00:33:48,240 double-wide. >> Um as far as I know, and and Mr. Garcia 479 00:33:45,680 --> 00:33:51,840 is here if he would like to to to answer those questions, but 480 00:33:50,680 --> 00:33:56,200 yeah, as far as I know, it's for personal use. 481 00:33:53,320 --> 00:33:56,200 » Okay, thank you. 482 00:33:57,728 --> 00:34:00,880 » [clears throat] >> As this is a public hearing, anyone in 483 00:33:59,400 --> 00:34:06,600 the audience who has anything to say or would like to speak or ask a question, 484 00:34:02,920 --> 00:34:06,600 this is your opportunity to do so. 485 00:34:09,840 --> 00:34:17,520 » How would that affect >> Excuse me. If you would if you'd come up 486 00:34:13,399 --> 00:34:17,520 to the mic and state your name, please. 487 00:34:17,639 --> 00:34:20,200 Thank you. 488 00:34:20,720 --> 00:34:25,600 » How would that affect the joining property? 489 00:34:26,919 --> 00:34:31,040 » That the property >> If if if you don't mind, if you'd state 490 00:34:29,679 --> 00:34:33,520 your name, please. >> Sandra Deanie. 491 00:34:32,840 --> 00:34:39,000 » Okay. >> We we live on 24 Warm Braswell. I'm just 492 00:34:37,240 --> 00:34:44,520 asking how would it affect 493 00:34:40,840 --> 00:34:44,520 the road frontage property? 494 00:34:44,639 --> 00:34:49,800 But we do give road right-of-way. >> Right. 495 00:34:50,560 --> 00:34:54,919 I'll let her she's the expert, but in my opinion, I don't think it would affect 496 00:34:53,960 --> 00:34:59,440 it at all. >> Yeah, so it would not the rezoning 497 00:34:57,160 --> 00:35:04,160 nothing would change on that. There is limited so a private driveway easement 498 00:35:01,760 --> 00:35:09,280 no more than five homes can be accessed by a private driveway easement, so 499 00:35:07,040 --> 00:35:14,040 um Yeah, and I I'm I'm not sure exactly how 500 00:35:11,560 --> 00:35:18,960 many are are off of that road, but I believe we this is number four or five, 501 00:35:17,000 --> 00:35:22,640 so very limited um as far as future growth. 502 00:35:24,040 --> 00:35:26,240 Yeah. 503 00:35:26,560 --> 00:35:34,720 » I I think you would consider it five the home place. 504 00:35:32,200 --> 00:35:34,720 And then 505 00:35:34,920 --> 00:35:39,760 Daniel and Melina's owns place there, too. 506 00:35:38,600 --> 00:35:44,080 » Yes. >> He's his their son. 507 00:35:41,600 --> 00:35:49,720 So and the road frontage 508 00:35:47,800 --> 00:35:55,280 me and my husband own and then I own the road frontage beside 509 00:35:52,480 --> 00:35:59,560 it and there is a trailer on it. My mother and father 510 00:35:57,680 --> 00:36:05,280 lived in it in their older age. 511 00:36:01,960 --> 00:36:10,640 » So it like I said, it would not change any of your zonings. It might change if 512 00:36:08,560 --> 00:36:14,040 you wanted to rezone, um 513 00:36:11,880 --> 00:36:17,720 it would be more consistent with that, but it doesn't really change. If you 514 00:36:15,840 --> 00:36:22,160 have a manufactured home there now and you want to replace it even though it's 515 00:36:19,840 --> 00:36:26,800 not allowed, you can replace it. If this had been an existing if he had one there 516 00:36:24,320 --> 00:36:30,400 and he just wanted to replace it you can do it as long as you do it 517 00:36:28,200 --> 00:36:36,760 within a certain amount of time after it's been removed. Um 518 00:36:33,480 --> 00:36:41,880 So, but yeah, it doesn't really change any any 519 00:36:39,720 --> 00:36:44,320 zoning or uses around it. >> Mhm. Okay. I just wanted to check on 520 00:36:43,840 --> 00:36:45,440 that. >> Mhm. 521 00:36:44,920 --> 00:36:48,040 » Thank you. >> Thank you, ma'am. 522 00:36:46,400 --> 00:36:50,720 » Thanks. >> Anyone else? 523 00:36:51,160 --> 00:36:59,200 » Mr. Chairman, I would just say um March of 524 00:36:55,480 --> 00:37:02,760 I think March of 2025 there was there was legislation passed in North 525 00:37:01,160 --> 00:37:09,280 Carolina pertaining to accessory dwellings 526 00:37:04,960 --> 00:37:09,280 on properties and the 527 00:37:09,360 --> 00:37:14,720 I saw this information initially through the 528 00:37:12,280 --> 00:37:20,880 Home Builders Association. Um but the purpose of that legislation 529 00:37:18,360 --> 00:37:26,400 was strictly trying to help the affordable housing 530 00:37:24,600 --> 00:37:29,800 problem. Um and 531 00:37:32,520 --> 00:37:35,520 you know, I think it 532 00:37:34,320 --> 00:37:40,360 » Yeah. >> With my with my day job, I definitely 533 00:37:37,800 --> 00:37:42,320 see the need for more affordable housing. 534 00:37:41,760 --> 00:37:45,560 » Me too. >> And 535 00:37:43,960 --> 00:37:49,360 um and affordable housing may not 536 00:37:49,560 --> 00:37:56,206 may not be what we all would love to see, [clears throat] 537 00:37:57,360 --> 00:38:04,880 but with costs being what they are, you know, people need somewhere to live. 538 00:38:04,360 --> 00:38:08,200 » Mhm. >> And 539 00:38:06,720 --> 00:38:11,840 » I will say from from this >> know, we have to think, you know, in my 540 00:38:09,800 --> 00:38:14,240 opinion, we we need to think about >> Mhm. 541 00:38:12,400 --> 00:38:18,960 » people need somewhere to live. >> Mhm. 542 00:38:15,880 --> 00:38:22,200 » You know, as the primary concern more than 543 00:38:21,840 --> 00:38:25,040 » Yeah. >> hey, is it exactly what 544 00:38:24,000 --> 00:38:28,240 you know >> And we are seeing more and more people 545 00:38:27,000 --> 00:38:30,520 » you know, in our neighborhoods. 546 00:38:29,040 --> 00:38:35,960 » Yeah, we are seeing more and more people that want to live in RVs or want to 547 00:38:34,000 --> 00:38:40,880 live in sheds that are converted to tiny homes and they're not um 548 00:38:38,680 --> 00:38:46,880 certified like they're not inspected and they're not considered safe to live in 549 00:38:44,000 --> 00:38:52,000 long-term. You know, manufactured homes are and it is a way for 550 00:38:50,320 --> 00:38:55,320 I guess it allowing uh 551 00:38:53,280 --> 00:38:59,080 supplementary income for some people, you know, if you're living there and and 552 00:38:56,960 --> 00:39:04,880 it helps you afford your mortgage. But we see a lot allowing children to 553 00:39:02,920 --> 00:39:11,120 somewhat leave the um or or elderly, you know, 554 00:39:07,880 --> 00:39:14,080 older care being able to age at home, so >> Well, I and 555 00:39:12,920 --> 00:39:20,720 I spent I guess 3 days 556 00:39:16,920 --> 00:39:20,720 week before last um 557 00:39:20,880 --> 00:39:26,840 about 45 minutes kind of south 558 00:39:25,080 --> 00:39:30,640 I guess southeast of Greenville, North Carolina. 559 00:39:28,520 --> 00:39:35,520 And you know, just people talk about Alexander County being 560 00:39:32,280 --> 00:39:41,600 rural and small and all that. um the county this was uh 561 00:39:39,320 --> 00:39:45,520 7-8 year old All-Star baseball county All-Star team 562 00:39:43,280 --> 00:39:48,480 qualified to go to state championship. And then it got rained out, so we stayed 563 00:39:47,200 --> 00:39:52,120 in a hotel down there for 3 days for nothing. 564 00:39:49,400 --> 00:39:57,240 But um I could not I mean I you know 565 00:39:54,000 --> 00:40:03,440 I just couldn't believe how few stick-built homes there are 566 00:40:00,080 --> 00:40:05,960 in that part of the world. um 567 00:40:06,120 --> 00:40:12,240 And you know, I don't know what percentage, 568 00:40:09,280 --> 00:40:16,120 but if I had to guess in the county that Williamston, North 569 00:40:13,920 --> 00:40:18,920 Carolina is in and I don't remember what county it is. 570 00:40:17,640 --> 00:40:22,760 um I would say at least seven out of 10 if 571 00:40:20,840 --> 00:40:26,360 not eight out of 10 homes are manufactured. 572 00:40:27,040 --> 00:40:30,680 And I just thought 573 00:40:30,920 --> 00:40:34,520 Yeah, I used to think there were a lot of 574 00:40:33,440 --> 00:40:38,360 There was a lot of manufactured homes around here and they're I mean but 575 00:40:35,640 --> 00:40:38,360 compared to 576 00:40:39,000 --> 00:40:44,000 you know Eastern North Carolina farm country. 577 00:40:44,840 --> 00:40:52,160 So we definitely don't have 578 00:40:49,160 --> 00:40:52,160 a large percentage. 579 00:40:53,880 --> 00:41:00,240 » Does anyone else >> I'll make a comment on both sides of 580 00:40:58,320 --> 00:41:04,440 Macedonia Church Road you have single wides 581 00:41:01,360 --> 00:41:07,040 in that general area just just in regards to the map we're being shown 582 00:41:06,040 --> 00:41:10,600 here. We also have single wides on Owen 583 00:41:08,800 --> 00:41:13,920 Braswell Road. And the driveway leading into the 584 00:41:12,400 --> 00:41:17,120 manufactured double wide I think is right beside a single wide. 585 00:41:18,520 --> 00:41:26,040 And I do agree with the Commissioner Lyle the state did pass legislation 586 00:41:23,080 --> 00:41:31,520 offering auxiliary homes on parcels of land which is a much needed 587 00:41:29,240 --> 00:41:36,233 thing throughout the state make it more affordable to people to 588 00:41:33,560 --> 00:41:38,253 house in-laws or family or whoever. >> [snorts] 589 00:41:40,840 --> 00:41:46,200 » I saw someone raise their hand. If you would come forward please. 590 00:41:54,520 --> 00:42:00,680 » Yes sir. >> If you would state your name please. 591 00:41:58,080 --> 00:42:06,000 » Robert Sherrill. I'd like to address maybe the comment 592 00:42:02,840 --> 00:42:09,160 that Josh just brought up about he said he'd like to see more affordable 593 00:42:07,480 --> 00:42:12,080 housing. Well, 594 00:42:10,160 --> 00:42:18,280 why is it when it comes reevaluation time 595 00:42:14,840 --> 00:42:24,400 you hire an outside firm to come in and raise people's equity in their homes 596 00:42:21,320 --> 00:42:28,400 who have no intention of selling? Do you not think that that has 597 00:42:25,880 --> 00:42:32,200 contributed to unaffordable homes? 598 00:42:41,400 --> 00:42:47,360 » Well, that's a question that could be answered. 599 00:42:44,200 --> 00:42:52,280 » And and I would I mean I would just say um 600 00:42:48,840 --> 00:42:56,920 materials labor um 601 00:42:53,720 --> 00:43:01,320 every aspect of building a new home is way more expensive than it 602 00:42:58,680 --> 00:43:05,440 was that even a couple years ago. And that's and honestly this I don't 603 00:43:02,880 --> 00:43:10,080 know that this this discussion pertains to 604 00:43:07,480 --> 00:43:13,200 the subject of the you know, the rezoning. 605 00:43:10,760 --> 00:43:17,400 » Yes, but you had mentioned that you would like to see 606 00:43:15,120 --> 00:43:20,920 more affordable housing. And some of the homes were built back in 607 00:43:19,240 --> 00:43:25,200 the '80s and they're they're worth three times 608 00:43:23,480 --> 00:43:29,360 what people paid for. But they don't plan on selling, but 609 00:43:26,840 --> 00:43:32,520 they're being taxed at an amount. Do you feel like that's fair? 610 00:43:33,000 --> 00:43:38,240 » Well I I'm going to 611 00:43:35,680 --> 00:43:40,640 » Well, you didn't create the system. >> Huh? 612 00:43:38,880 --> 00:43:44,000 » We didn't create the system. >> Well, you're running it. 613 00:43:42,360 --> 00:43:45,720 » Can I talk I'm going to interrupt 614 00:43:44,720 --> 00:43:47,160 » Mr. Chairman, can I >> Absolutely. 615 00:43:46,360 --> 00:43:49,880 » make a statement? >> If you'd like to make a statement, you 616 00:43:48,600 --> 00:43:52,680 can have 30 seconds. >> So 617 00:43:51,720 --> 00:43:55,000 30 seconds? >> I was going to say give me just a 618 00:43:53,800 --> 00:43:58,760 second, it's probably a minute. I'm sorry. Okay, here here's the deal, okay? 619 00:43:57,560 --> 00:44:03,160 All right, we have a public hearing that's coming up here in just a minute 620 00:44:00,080 --> 00:44:07,360 on the 2027 schedule of values that we can talk about the values and what are 621 00:44:04,680 --> 00:44:12,200 going down and how things are going to be, and the schedule for that and all. 622 00:44:09,880 --> 00:44:14,920 And then I think at that time, Mr. Sherrill, it would be a good time for 623 00:44:13,440 --> 00:44:19,040 you to bring up the subject you just did, and we can talk about that for a 624 00:44:16,440 --> 00:44:22,920 few minutes. Okay? Because it's another public hearing that 625 00:44:20,920 --> 00:44:26,080 is not in relationship to the item that we're discussing at this time. And I 626 00:44:24,840 --> 00:44:30,680 don't want to feel like I'm somebody sitting up here trying to cut people off 627 00:44:27,640 --> 00:44:36,960 because I'm not. But, I think we need to stay on the subject at hand about this 628 00:44:33,440 --> 00:44:42,440 rezoning case and hold it to that, and then go into the next issue, which will 629 00:44:40,040 --> 00:44:45,560 be item number 10 on the schedule of values. We'll be an opportunity to speak 630 00:44:44,200 --> 00:44:49,120 about that. But, I in no way, shape, or form am I 631 00:44:47,160 --> 00:44:52,360 trying to cut anybody off. I want everybody to understand that. But, I'm 632 00:44:50,760 --> 00:44:54,440 just going to try to I'm trying to keep it on the subject. That's all I'm trying 633 00:44:53,960 --> 00:44:58,720 to do. >> I was just addressing Mr. Lyle. 634 00:44:56,120 --> 00:45:00,160 » I understand, sir. Okay? Thank Thank you. 635 00:44:59,560 --> 00:45:02,600 Uh Mr. Pennell. 636 00:45:01,120 --> 00:45:06,760 » I'll wait till the evaluation. >> So, okay. Thank you. 637 00:45:05,240 --> 00:45:09,720 Okay. So, if there isn't anyone else at this time, I'd entertain a motion to 638 00:45:08,240 --> 00:45:12,520 close the public hearing. >> I'll make a motion to close the public 639 00:45:11,240 --> 00:45:13,560 hearing. >> Do I have a second? 640 00:45:13,120 --> 00:45:18,080 » Second. >> Motion's made, second. Any discussion? 641 00:45:16,800 --> 00:45:22,080 There being none, all those in favor indicate by right raising your right 642 00:45:19,560 --> 00:45:26,120 hand. All those opposed likewise. All right. And gentlemen, I'd entertain a 643 00:45:23,720 --> 00:45:29,240 motion as it concerns the rezoning case of RZ-26-05-Garcia. 644 00:45:31,680 --> 00:45:39,760 » Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion that we approve the rezoning case 645 00:45:36,280 --> 00:45:39,760 uh RZ-26-05-Garcia. 646 00:45:40,480 --> 00:45:42,880 » Second. 647 00:45:42,920 --> 00:45:45,600 » Motion's [clears throat] made. Is there a second? 648 00:45:44,840 --> 00:45:50,600 » Second. >> Motion's made, second. Any discussion? 649 00:45:49,280 --> 00:45:54,240 There being none, all those in favor indicate by raising your right hand. 650 00:45:52,520 --> 00:45:58,120 Those opposed likewise, the motion carries. Thank you, gentlemen. All 651 00:45:55,960 --> 00:46:04,440 right. Now, item number 10. Public hearing 2027 schedule of values. 652 00:46:02,200 --> 00:46:10,160 Mr. Justin Mundy, county manager. Gentlemen, I'd entertain a motion at 653 00:46:05,800 --> 00:46:13,960 this time to open the public hearing. >> I make a motion to open public hearing 654 00:46:12,040 --> 00:46:18,120 in reference to schedule of values. 655 00:46:16,760 --> 00:46:20,480 » Motion made. >> Second. 656 00:46:18,640 --> 00:46:23,140 » Okay, thank you. Motion's been seconded. All in favor indicate by raising your 657 00:46:21,800 --> 00:46:26,640 right hand. Those opposed [clears throat] likewise. County 658 00:46:24,800 --> 00:46:31,640 manager, Mr. Justin Mundy, sir. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, if you'll 659 00:46:28,360 --> 00:46:36,200 recall on July 13th uh at our July 13th Commissioners meeting, the 2027 schedule 660 00:46:34,080 --> 00:46:42,040 of values was presented. A public hearing is required pursuant to NC 661 00:46:38,360 --> 00:46:45,720 General Statute 105-317C. The statute requires a 7-day period 662 00:46:43,960 --> 00:46:48,680 after the public hearing before the schedule of values can be considered for 663 00:46:47,520 --> 00:46:52,080 approval. A request to adopt the schedule of 664 00:46:50,160 --> 00:46:55,800 values will be at the next meeting, September 14th. 665 00:46:53,880 --> 00:46:58,040 So, we're required by statute to have a public hearing. 666 00:46:57,120 --> 00:47:00,080 So, that's what we're doing here tonight. 667 00:46:58,720 --> 00:47:02,120 » Thank you. All right. 668 00:47:00,880 --> 00:47:05,000 Gentlemen, any discussion? 669 00:47:06,480 --> 00:47:13,080 As this is a public hearing, and if anyone has anything that they would like 670 00:47:10,000 --> 00:47:15,800 to say or at this time in regards to the appraisal of real property in Alexander 671 00:47:14,800 --> 00:47:19,440 County, uh now's the opportunity. 672 00:47:20,280 --> 00:47:25,440 » I guess it's the same values we've used for 673 00:47:24,200 --> 00:47:27,800 every time we've had to do a reappraisal, 674 00:47:26,720 --> 00:47:30,240 reevaluation. >> Mhm. 675 00:47:31,680 --> 00:47:39,280 Excuse me. Doug, would you like to address that? 676 00:47:36,440 --> 00:47:42,960 If you don't mind, please. And if you would, you can introduce 677 00:47:40,440 --> 00:47:42,960 yourself. 678 00:47:44,960 --> 00:47:49,160 » Thank you, gentlemen. I'm Doug Fox, tax administrator. 679 00:47:48,120 --> 00:47:52,560 Uh each time you do a reappraisal, 680 00:47:51,400 --> 00:47:56,200 you have to develop a schedule of values. That's kind of the basis of 681 00:47:54,880 --> 00:48:02,680 values. The values are developed through sales 682 00:47:59,840 --> 00:48:07,080 and and cost of construction and income models. 683 00:48:05,120 --> 00:48:10,440 But, it's kind of our base of how we 684 00:48:08,280 --> 00:48:13,160 start the reappraisal process. And there has to be an adoption of 685 00:48:11,600 --> 00:48:15,840 schedule values each time you have a reappraisal. 686 00:48:16,680 --> 00:48:21,760 But, the >> pretty much the same process we've 687 00:48:19,360 --> 00:48:24,720 always had. It's not the difference changing. No, sir. This This We do it 688 00:48:23,840 --> 00:48:27,960 public here. >> That's 689 00:48:26,440 --> 00:48:32,080 It's mandatory by state. >> Okay. So, Mr. Fox, if you would, 690 00:48:33,080 --> 00:48:36,640 would you would you explain 691 00:48:37,480 --> 00:48:46,240 would you explain the process as in why we do what we why why you do what 692 00:48:44,040 --> 00:48:51,158 you do you know, in 693 00:48:47,920 --> 00:48:53,778 determining what value should be? >> [clears throat] 694 00:48:51,320 --> 00:48:55,920 » So, the whole point of a reappraisal >> [snorts] 695 00:48:53,800 --> 00:49:00,160 » is to equalize values. So, if we were our values will soon be 4 696 00:48:58,680 --> 00:49:03,880 years old and we could be extremely high or 697 00:49:02,440 --> 00:49:07,680 extremely low. The whole point is to try to equalize 698 00:49:05,440 --> 00:49:11,320 values based off of what the market is saying 699 00:49:08,760 --> 00:49:15,120 property's value in 2027. And that's the whole process 700 00:49:13,880 --> 00:49:18,200 for the reappraisal. >> Who 701 00:49:17,359 --> 00:49:23,400 » [clears throat] >> Who asks and or requires values to try 702 00:49:21,960 --> 00:49:28,520 to be tax value try to be 703 00:49:25,440 --> 00:49:32,720 equal to tax value? I mean, tax value to market value. 704 00:49:30,760 --> 00:49:36,640 » Well, the state requires that it be 705 00:49:35,000 --> 00:49:39,200 market value is tax value. >> So, the state of North Carolina requires 706 00:49:38,680 --> 00:49:44,560 that. >> We get equalized if if we're not 707 00:49:42,200 --> 00:49:48,800 if we're below a certain percentage on certain years. It's kind of tricky 708 00:49:46,120 --> 00:49:54,840 how that plays out. We get equalized on our public utility values 709 00:49:51,240 --> 00:49:58,480 and other things. So, we're required by North Carolina General Statutes to do 710 00:49:57,040 --> 00:50:02,760 the reappraisal. And our values are supposed to be 100% 711 00:50:01,680 --> 00:50:05,840 of the market at the time of the reappraisal. And 712 00:50:04,440 --> 00:50:10,680 that's as you all know, it's a moving target. You're never going to be 713 00:50:08,640 --> 00:50:14,000 exactly 100%. >> Okay, just one. So, we've got to be in a 714 00:50:12,920 --> 00:50:17,400 certain percentage. >> Right. 715 00:50:15,040 --> 00:50:21,480 If we're not, we're penalized. The county is with fines or additional 716 00:50:20,840 --> 00:50:25,680 charges. >> No, we get equalized doing our public 717 00:50:23,600 --> 00:50:29,840 utilities. Basically, they get decreased in value, which 718 00:50:28,000 --> 00:50:32,160 essentially just raises taxes the other way. 719 00:50:31,080 --> 00:50:35,360 So, the public utilities are valued by the state 720 00:50:33,960 --> 00:50:41,480 of North Carolina. And if our values are below 95% 721 00:50:39,320 --> 00:50:45,560 and again, in certain years then we the public utility companies get 722 00:50:43,400 --> 00:50:53,000 equalized. >> Okay, thank you. 723 00:50:48,240 --> 00:50:53,000 » I have a question for you. Um Mr. Fox. 724 00:50:53,760 --> 00:51:01,600 We used to do our reevaluations every 8 years, octennial as required or 4 years 725 00:50:59,560 --> 00:51:06,080 by the state. The state gives the option 4 years or 8 years. Is that right? 726 00:51:03,880 --> 00:51:08,240 » You can do a reappraisal every year. Most people are 727 00:51:07,360 --> 00:51:11,360 » mandatory. >> Mandatory every 8. 728 00:51:09,680 --> 00:51:15,400 » Okay, so we used to [clears throat] do 729 00:51:13,080 --> 00:51:21,160 uh and I was on this board when we did every 8 years and then 730 00:51:17,920 --> 00:51:24,960 when the um the economy just uh and values just went through the 731 00:51:23,400 --> 00:51:27,440 the roof, that's that hit us on our octennial year, right? 732 00:51:27,120 --> 00:51:32,360 » Yes, sir. >> So, when we had our reevaluation 733 00:51:29,880 --> 00:51:36,760 everybody felt the values were elevated, which they were elevated from the 734 00:51:33,640 --> 00:51:41,560 previous 8 years, yes. So, I know that I was sitting on the 735 00:51:39,680 --> 00:51:46,360 this board when we we heard from the community that hey, 736 00:51:44,120 --> 00:51:49,960 we don't want 8 years, we want 4 years. We don't want if there's going to be a 737 00:51:47,800 --> 00:51:53,840 hit, we don't want such a big hit. I heard that 738 00:51:52,560 --> 00:51:58,480 a lot to say the least. So, I know that the 739 00:51:56,120 --> 00:52:04,360 board voted to change it to 4 years because that's what the citizens wanted. 740 00:52:02,240 --> 00:52:07,400 But now, and just full disclosure out here in the community, 741 00:52:05,920 --> 00:52:12,080 it's you know, it's the commissioners are hungry, money hungry this and that, 742 00:52:09,480 --> 00:52:16,160 but our 4-year mark's here now and that was to appease the citizens 4 743 00:52:14,120 --> 00:52:21,480 years ago. And no valuation does not set the value. 744 00:52:19,520 --> 00:52:25,240 What sets the values? How many properties would you just I know this is 745 00:52:23,920 --> 00:52:30,120 a very out of the sky question. Our last 4 746 00:52:28,120 --> 00:52:34,320 years, how many [clears throat] parcels do you think have sold in Alexander 747 00:52:31,840 --> 00:52:34,320 County? 748 00:52:34,520 --> 00:52:38,760 Hundreds? Thousands? I mean, where are we at? 749 00:52:37,120 --> 00:52:40,680 » Um >> It's up there, isn't it? 750 00:52:39,680 --> 00:52:44,480 » Yes, it's up there. I I >> And that's houses, land, farms, 751 00:52:42,840 --> 00:52:48,680 businesses, you name it, across the board. So, 752 00:52:46,000 --> 00:52:52,360 that is what sets the values on evaluation. 753 00:52:50,200 --> 00:52:56,800 It's It's our citizens selling their property to whoever comes along and 754 00:52:54,840 --> 00:53:00,000 says, "Hey, even though you're offering you're 755 00:52:58,000 --> 00:53:03,120 asking 200,000, I'm going to give you 220 for that house cuz I really want 756 00:53:01,680 --> 00:53:06,680 it." That drives the evaluation up. 757 00:53:06,040 --> 00:53:10,160 » Mhm. >> So, 758 00:53:08,480 --> 00:53:14,200 it would be up to our citizens honestly to say, "No, I ain't going to take that 759 00:53:11,600 --> 00:53:20,280 220, give me that 200." That That truthfully is how this works. 760 00:53:18,320 --> 00:53:24,680 And no citizen that I know of is going to turn down 761 00:53:22,520 --> 00:53:28,480 that extra 20,000 and I have seen that time and time again 762 00:53:26,960 --> 00:53:32,720 in this in this county and the surrounding counties 763 00:53:30,240 --> 00:53:35,480 over the last Yeah, well, ever since we had the boom. 764 00:53:34,400 --> 00:53:39,360 So, um and you can disagree with that or 765 00:53:37,360 --> 00:53:43,000 not, you can go back, but the facts are there. 766 00:53:41,440 --> 00:53:46,480 All the facts are there to show what I just said. 767 00:53:44,320 --> 00:53:52,360 Um and on the audit are are we audited on our evaluation? 768 00:53:50,400 --> 00:53:56,800 » We have to report to the state. They compare sales to to tax value. 769 00:53:55,120 --> 00:53:59,160 » And how do they how do they audit that? I'm curious. 770 00:53:57,440 --> 00:54:01,960 » It's a random sample. >> So they pull certain properties just out 771 00:54:01,160 --> 00:54:04,640 of >> They send us a random sample of of 772 00:54:03,920 --> 00:54:07,320 deeds. >> Mhm. 773 00:54:05,120 --> 00:54:10,760 » And say find the first sale in this range of deeds, send it to them. What 774 00:54:09,400 --> 00:54:13,440 the tax value is. >> And if you're out of a certain 775 00:54:11,880 --> 00:54:15,840 percentage, what happens? >> Well, it's the equalization of the 776 00:54:14,720 --> 00:54:20,000 public utilities. >> Okay. 777 00:54:17,640 --> 00:54:20,000 Um 778 00:54:20,280 --> 00:54:24,320 Okay. I think that's it for me. 779 00:54:23,640 --> 00:54:27,560 Thank you. >> Well. 780 00:54:25,960 --> 00:54:30,880 Anyone else? >> Well, since we're on clarifying, I'd 781 00:54:29,040 --> 00:54:33,040 just like to say that you know, there's a 782 00:54:31,520 --> 00:54:36,840 probably a couple of people here, commissioner-elect and filing to run for 783 00:54:35,720 --> 00:54:41,640 commissioner. Being a county commissioner does not 784 00:54:38,440 --> 00:54:46,080 give you a free pass on property tax uh or anything. Whatever everybody else 785 00:54:44,960 --> 00:54:50,920 pays, that's what we pay. 786 00:54:47,920 --> 00:54:55,360 We get no money out of it. Only thing we get is services, and 787 00:54:52,880 --> 00:54:58,920 that's what it provides, is services for the county. 788 00:54:56,800 --> 00:55:01,960 So, just I'll throw that out there. >> Okay. Thank you. 789 00:55:00,320 --> 00:55:04,920 » Mr. Chairman, I'm going to make one more Okay. And I this is 790 00:55:05,200 --> 00:55:07,640 Um 791 00:55:07,760 --> 00:55:13,960 You know, I I I'm People who know me, I I own my own 792 00:55:10,800 --> 00:55:17,920 business. Um I have 793 00:55:15,920 --> 00:55:21,240 My first job out of college was straight commission, 100% commission. If I sold 794 00:55:19,760 --> 00:55:25,640 in it was insurance. If I sold insurance, I got paid. If I didn't sell 795 00:55:22,600 --> 00:55:25,640 insurance, I didn't get paid. 796 00:55:25,800 --> 00:55:31,080 What my dad and I used to do. Anyway. 797 00:55:29,800 --> 00:55:34,600 Jumped in the real estate business, you know, which is 798 00:55:32,720 --> 00:55:39,240 But anyway, I've always been a you know, real estate business and construction. 799 00:55:36,280 --> 00:55:42,000 but I've always been self-employed. 800 00:55:42,640 --> 00:55:48,520 Um what little bit of 801 00:55:49,000 --> 00:55:55,800 I want to use the term retirement that my wife and I have 802 00:55:53,040 --> 00:55:55,800 is in real estate. 803 00:55:57,400 --> 00:56:04,760 How many of you pay property tax on your 401k? 804 00:56:02,120 --> 00:56:04,760 Every year. 805 00:56:05,840 --> 00:56:12,800 How many of you pay property tax on your IRAs every year? 806 00:56:14,800 --> 00:56:20,360 I didn't ask sir, I didn't ask when you draw it out because guess what? If I 807 00:56:18,880 --> 00:56:23,200 sell one of those properties, I get to pay capital gains tax on top of the 808 00:56:21,960 --> 00:56:29,000 property tax I've been paying the whole time I had it. 809 00:56:25,040 --> 00:56:29,000 Okay? My point is 810 00:56:29,080 --> 00:56:33,640 we don't like paying property tax anymore than anybody else does. 811 00:56:37,160 --> 00:56:44,240 And like Mr. Reese said 812 00:56:42,040 --> 00:56:49,600 but there is a certain level of funding that Alexander County 813 00:56:47,800 --> 00:56:53,840 requires to provide the services that are provided. 814 00:56:51,880 --> 00:56:59,080 And you know, people 815 00:56:56,280 --> 00:57:01,880 people want more to do. Why don't we put it Why don't we do 816 00:57:00,560 --> 00:57:05,000 this? Why don't we do that? Why don't we do this? Why don't we do that? But we 817 00:57:03,440 --> 00:57:07,960 don't want any more people to move here. Don't want any new houses and we don't 818 00:57:06,440 --> 00:57:12,600 want property taxes. Okay, well explain to me what's going to 819 00:57:09,520 --> 00:57:12,600 pay for anything new. 820 00:57:14,520 --> 00:57:20,280 And I you know, and I just and like Mr. Reese said 821 00:57:17,920 --> 00:57:22,840 this is my 10th year on commission. 822 00:57:23,440 --> 00:57:30,200 And if if I had a dollar for every time 823 00:57:26,440 --> 00:57:30,200 somebody complained about property taxes 824 00:57:31,120 --> 00:57:34,560 I wouldn't have to go to work tomorrow. 825 00:57:39,560 --> 00:57:46,880 And honestly, if you look at it, compared to some other places, I think 826 00:57:44,240 --> 00:57:52,000 we're in pretty good shape in what we get for what we pay 827 00:57:49,240 --> 00:57:52,000 as citizens. 828 00:57:52,880 --> 00:57:57,520 Um but that's just >> [clears throat] 829 00:57:56,560 --> 00:58:00,920 » And one other comment I thought while 830 00:57:59,600 --> 00:58:04,400 um Mr. was was talking, 831 00:58:05,760 --> 00:58:14,680 the property tax system is based on free market capitalism, 832 00:58:12,200 --> 00:58:17,320 which is what the United States was founded on. 833 00:58:17,480 --> 00:58:23,840 That's the reason the United States, if you look at GDP, gross domestic product, 834 00:58:24,360 --> 00:58:32,600 did you know the state of California, the state of California's 835 00:58:28,920 --> 00:58:37,480 gross domestic product is the fourth is There are only three countries countries 836 00:58:34,800 --> 00:58:41,840 in the world with domestic with gross domestic products bigger than the state 837 00:58:39,440 --> 00:58:44,320 of California. Oh, wait. And the first one 838 00:58:42,680 --> 00:58:47,840 is the United States. There are only two countries in the world, and you're 839 00:58:45,560 --> 00:58:52,880 welcome to check this and look at it all you want to, because I'm cuz I'm a nerd 840 00:58:50,200 --> 00:58:55,800 and I check stuff like that when I can't sleep at night. 841 00:59:00,480 --> 00:59:03,320 But you know, we 842 00:59:04,200 --> 00:59:08,760 the value of something is what somebody else will pay for it. 843 00:59:09,120 --> 00:59:14,760 You learn that in econom- you know, you learn that if you've ever taken a class 844 00:59:12,520 --> 00:59:18,480 an economics class, which I think every person in America should, 845 00:59:16,800 --> 00:59:21,200 by about the third grade, but we don't. 846 00:59:21,840 --> 00:59:27,600 The value of something is what somebody else will pay for it. 847 00:59:25,600 --> 00:59:30,160 It's not what you think it's worth. It's not what your grandma thinks it's worth. 848 00:59:29,160 --> 00:59:32,680 It's not what your kids think it's worth. It's what somebody else will pay 849 00:59:31,560 --> 00:59:38,040 for it. Well, our property tax system is based 850 00:59:35,040 --> 00:59:43,200 on what other people have paid for properties similar [snorts] to yours and 851 00:59:40,760 --> 00:59:43,200 mine. 852 00:59:44,080 --> 00:59:51,920 I mean, it's really you know, and it's just kind of it's to me 853 00:59:49,280 --> 00:59:56,040 it's a necessary evil. I would love if we if the the world and 854 00:59:54,600 --> 00:59:58,320 I say the world cuz I'm not talking about Alexander County cuz it's not, you 855 00:59:57,480 --> 01:00:02,000 know, but if 856 01:00:00,080 --> 01:00:05,680 you ask me, the fairest tax of all is sales tax cuz the more you buy, the more 857 01:00:03,840 --> 01:00:11,800 you pay. Typically, the more you make, the more you buy. 858 01:00:08,320 --> 01:00:11,800 But, don't see that happening. 859 01:00:14,280 --> 01:00:17,760 So, we have the system we have and that's 860 01:00:16,640 --> 01:00:21,880 and we here in Alexander County and on this 861 01:00:19,800 --> 01:00:25,840 board, I think do the best job we can with with it. 862 01:00:24,120 --> 01:00:29,600 And there's my soapbox for tonight. 863 01:00:27,880 --> 01:00:32,000 » Mr. Chairman, I'll make one comment. >> Go ahead. 864 01:00:32,400 --> 01:00:39,280 » No longer than I've been here, uh and that's the reason I'm here. I 865 01:00:37,480 --> 01:00:43,480 I So, only reason I run for commissioner of Moscow was that's part of part of 866 01:00:40,800 --> 01:00:48,360 paying property tax. And you know, wondered what I really got 867 01:00:45,920 --> 01:00:51,480 for my for my nickel. And uh 868 01:00:50,480 --> 01:00:55,160 but since I've been here, I really thank 869 01:00:53,440 --> 01:01:00,520 these gentlemen here. I think this board's done a good job. 870 01:00:57,240 --> 01:01:03,800 Been frugal with the taxpayers' money. Uh 871 01:01:01,560 --> 01:01:06,840 I think we tried to show that this year in this new budget 872 01:01:05,640 --> 01:01:11,320 by making a 5-cent cut. 873 01:01:09,760 --> 01:01:16,840 Not knowing what was coming with this reval. 874 01:01:13,320 --> 01:01:21,120 And let's just say we get a 15 or 18% increase. 875 01:01:19,200 --> 01:01:25,520 That don't mean everybody's taxes are going to go out the roof if this board 876 01:01:23,160 --> 01:01:32,280 sets your tax rate to where we can manage the county. 877 01:01:28,480 --> 01:01:38,320 They may not be very much up uptick. And I feel like 878 01:01:34,040 --> 01:01:43,960 this board has done that and uh but it's like Josh said uh 879 01:01:40,720 --> 01:01:48,120 I farm for a living. Uh my 401k is in my property and whatever I've put together 880 01:01:46,040 --> 01:01:51,280 my whole life. That's all I've got to retire on. 881 01:01:49,720 --> 01:01:54,120 And uh yeah, when I need to buy another piece 882 01:01:52,760 --> 01:01:58,160 of property uh 883 01:01:55,400 --> 01:02:04,680 I don't like having to pay 15 or 20,000 acre to try to farm it. 884 01:02:00,920 --> 01:02:07,560 But that's the reality today. And uh 885 01:02:06,120 --> 01:02:12,800 I just hope there's enough people still in business whenever I finally decide to 886 01:02:09,560 --> 01:02:15,840 quit that'll pay me that 20 or 30,000 dollars acre for my property so I can 887 01:02:14,680 --> 01:02:19,520 retire. Or 50. I don't know when it's going to 888 01:02:17,640 --> 01:02:24,120 be, but you can bet if we if time goes on 889 01:02:20,520 --> 01:02:27,120 uh it's going to keep going up. And uh 890 01:02:25,440 --> 01:02:31,120 but as long as the commissioners are frugal with the taxpayers' money 891 01:02:29,760 --> 01:02:36,200 uh I dang sure want Chad Pennell to send a 892 01:02:33,120 --> 01:02:42,400 deputy if I need somebody at my house. I dang sure want Jeff Sigmon to send a 893 01:02:39,000 --> 01:02:47,040 paramedics if I'm having a heart attack. If there's a fire on my property, I want 894 01:02:44,080 --> 01:02:50,640 to make sure the fire trucks pull up. And somebody's got to pay for all that. 895 01:02:51,080 --> 01:02:55,720 Thank you. >> All right. 896 01:02:57,920 --> 01:03:02,960 Okay. All right. Well, the public hearing 897 01:03:01,240 --> 01:03:07,640 I didn't entertain a motion at this time to close the public hearing. 898 01:03:05,720 --> 01:03:12,840 » Make a motion to close public hearing 2027 schedule of values. 899 01:03:11,160 --> 01:03:14,960 » Motion is heard. Do we have a second? >> Second. 900 01:03:13,640 --> 01:03:18,600 » Motion made and seconded. Any further discussion? 901 01:03:16,920 --> 01:03:21,960 There being none, all those in indicate by raising your right hand. Those 902 01:03:20,200 --> 01:03:27,680 opposed likewise. Gentlemen, I'd entertain a motion concerning the two 903 01:03:24,920 --> 01:03:30,680 2020 2027 schedule. 904 01:03:29,080 --> 01:03:33,680 I don't I we don't have to. That's right. We don't have to vote on it now. 905 01:03:32,320 --> 01:03:36,560 That's very good. All right. 906 01:03:35,200 --> 01:03:40,360 Thank you. I was going to vote on it. 907 01:03:38,240 --> 01:03:45,480 Number 11, budget ordinance number amendments number two and three. County 908 01:03:43,040 --> 01:03:48,560 Manager Justin Mundy. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, there's two 909 01:03:47,040 --> 01:03:52,360 budget ordinance amendments in front of you tonight for consideration. Uh the 910 01:03:50,720 --> 01:03:55,760 first one, number two, is to increase the Sheriff's Office budget for the use 911 01:03:54,000 --> 01:03:59,200 of federal equitable share funds for equipment purchases. 912 01:03:57,560 --> 01:04:03,080 These special funds must be used to increase the law enforcement budget. 913 01:04:01,360 --> 01:04:06,760 Fund balance is solely being used as a revenue source simply because the 914 01:04:05,120 --> 01:04:10,360 federal funds were received in a prior budget year. 915 01:04:08,320 --> 01:04:14,600 This number two is also to increase the DSS budget to reflect the fiscal year 27 916 01:04:13,000 --> 01:04:19,960 state and federal grant funding allocation for nutrition expenses and 917 01:04:17,320 --> 01:04:24,000 the required local match. Number three is to adjust the general 918 01:04:22,040 --> 01:04:28,680 fund budget for updated allocations of the fiscal year 27 workers compensation 919 01:04:26,800 --> 01:04:32,280 and property and liability insurance premiums across various departments in 920 01:04:30,760 --> 01:04:36,520 the general fund. And no fund balance will be used for 921 01:04:34,560 --> 01:04:41,760 number three. I'll be happy to answer any questions. 922 01:04:39,040 --> 01:04:41,760 » Any questions? 923 01:04:42,320 --> 01:04:48,400 All those I'd entertain a motion at this time. 924 01:04:44,920 --> 01:04:51,880 » Chairman, I make a motion to approve budget ordinance amendments two and 925 01:04:50,280 --> 01:04:54,000 three. >> Second. 926 01:04:52,560 --> 01:04:57,640 » Motion is made and seconded. Any further discussion? 927 01:04:56,200 --> 01:05:00,920 There being none, all those in favor indicate by raising your right hand. 928 01:04:59,280 --> 01:05:05,560 Those opposed likewise. The motion carries. Item number 12, consent agenda. 929 01:05:03,640 --> 01:05:09,640 Justin Mundy, County Manager. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, on the consent 930 01:05:07,200 --> 01:05:13,960 agenda in front of you tonight, we have some tax abatements and adjustments and 931 01:05:11,560 --> 01:05:16,800 tax refunds for July 6th through July 26th. 932 01:05:15,440 --> 01:05:22,960 Uh we have a set of minutes from the July 13th regular meeting. We have a 933 01:05:19,240 --> 01:05:26,440 line item transfer report for July 2026. We have a few uh board committee 934 01:05:24,560 --> 01:05:30,120 appointments, Council on Aging and Historic Preservation Commission. 935 01:05:28,600 --> 01:05:36,240 And then we have a request from Public Works to surplus a 2006 Ford Taurus. VIN 936 01:05:33,320 --> 01:05:40,560 number is listed with 112,177 mi. 937 01:05:37,280 --> 01:05:40,560 I'd be happy to answer any questions. 938 01:05:41,520 --> 01:05:46,520 » Okay. Any questions? Entertain a motion. 939 01:05:46,600 --> 01:05:53,000 » Make a motion we accept the consent agenda and approve as stated. 940 01:05:51,080 --> 01:05:56,320 » Second. Motion's made second. Any discussion? 941 01:05:54,960 --> 01:05:59,680 There being none, all those in favor indicate by raising your right hand. 942 01:05:58,200 --> 01:06:04,120 Those opposed likewise. The motion carries. Thank you, gentlemen. Item 943 01:06:01,360 --> 01:06:08,920 number 13, at this time our county attorney, Mr. Ben Falconberry. 944 01:06:07,480 --> 01:06:12,200 » Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. At this time I ask for a motion to go 945 01:06:10,520 --> 01:06:17,360 into closed session pursuant to General Statute 143-318-11A4 946 01:06:16,080 --> 01:06:20,760 and 5 in order for the board to discuss 947 01:06:18,920 --> 01:06:24,560 matters relating to the location or expansion of new industries or 948 01:06:22,560 --> 01:06:27,160 businesses in the area including any 949 01:06:25,800 --> 01:06:31,680 uh any potential agreement on a tentative list of economic development 950 01:06:29,320 --> 01:06:36,600 incentives that may be offered or to instruct and to instruct the public 951 01:06:33,560 --> 01:06:40,360 body's staff on negotiating uh positions to be taken on behalf of the 952 01:06:38,520 --> 01:06:45,440 county in negotiating price and other material terms of a contract or proposed 953 01:06:42,480 --> 01:06:49,920 contract. I do not anticipate any further action following closed session. 954 01:06:48,080 --> 01:06:53,120 » Very good. Thank you, sir. We entertain a motion. 955 01:06:51,440 --> 01:06:56,600 » Make a motion to approve what he just stated. 956 01:06:55,560 --> 01:07:00,640 » I'll second. >> Second. 957 01:06:57,560 --> 01:07:03,600 » Motion's made second. Any discussion? There being none, all in favor indicate 958 01:07:02,080 --> 01:07:09,320 by raising your right hand. Those opposed likewise. Therefore, the general 959 01:07:06,400 --> 01:07:13,520 session at this time will adjourn into a uh closed closed session. We will 960 01:07:11,800 --> 01:07:18,680 re-adjourn for the primary purpose of adjournment only. 961 01:07:16,200 --> 01:07:18,680 Thank you.