[0:01] [music]
[0:11] [music]
[0:20] » At this time I'd like to call this
meeting of the Alexander County Board of
[0:23] Commissioners into regular session. And
this is the 3rd day of August, 2026.
[0:28] And at this time I'd like to call on
Commissioner Marty Pennell for the
[0:32] invocation. That will be followed by
Commissioner Ronnie Reese for the Pledge
[0:36] of Allegiance. If you would please rise.
[0:40] » [clears throat]
[0:43] » Heavenly Father, we come to you today,
Lord, just to praise your name, Lord.
[0:46] We're so thankful for your grace and
your mercy.
[0:49] Lord, just thank you for you being a
just God. Lord, just pray that you be
[0:53] with Alexander County.
This meeting today, Lord, that your will
[0:56] will be done and no one else's.
And Lord, we pray that you be with our
[1:00] service members
at home and abroad and things going on
[1:04] and overseas.
Lord, just pray that you be with their
[1:06] families and them individually.
And Lord, we just pray that you be with
[1:11] the United States as we're going through
perilous times.
[1:14] Lord, just pray and we're thankful for
our personnel here in the county and all
[1:19] the folks that are involved in uh things
running smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
[1:25] Lord, we pray that you be with our uh
law enforcement and also our uh uh
[1:31] » [snorts]
>> medical uh personnel, Lord. Just keep
[1:35] your hand on them as they go these calls
and the families involved. Touch them as
[1:39] only you can.
In your holy name we pray. Amen.
[1:45] » Attention. Salute. Pledge.
>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
[1:52] United States of America
and to the republic for which it saying,
[1:57] one nation under God, indivisible with
liberty and justice for all.
[2:08] » This time, does any commissioner have a
report?
[2:16] Well, gentlemen, this uh
on Friday at about 1:00, we had the
[2:19] opportunity
uh
[2:23] Commissioner Reese and Commissioner
Pennell, Commissioner Harmon, and
[2:26] myself, and our county manager, we
attended the ribbon cutting of
[2:31] College Silver Shack, is that what she
calls it?
[2:33] » Silver Shack.
>> Silver what?
[2:35] » Silver Shack. Anyway, it was absolutely
fantastic. And and the thing that I want
[2:40] to say about that more than anything is
I've never seen a young lady as excited
[2:43] as she was and the hard work that she's
put in to make that building what it is.
[2:48] It's absolutely fantastic. And uh
we had [clears throat] the assistant
[2:52] director of the North Carolina Commerce
that was here with us, and he presented
[2:56] a little a a short speech. And above
that is two uh
[3:01] two apartments.
And it's a great uh thing that's
[3:04] happening for Alexander County and for
the town of Taylorsville.
[3:08] And the biggest thing about that is
didn't cost the county or taxpayers not
[3:12] one penny.
All of that was done with grant money.
[3:16] And we've been working on this, I know,
for a long time, and it finally came to
[3:21] be.
And if you get an opportunity go by and
[3:24] see it. Uh
it's one of those things where different
[3:28] organizations and different government
entities working together can make
[3:32] something happen and and improve the
quality of life for folks and also the
[3:36] quality of the way downtown looks and
makes it a really good thing.
[3:41] And the other thing I want you to do is
I just like for you to take a look on
[3:45] each side right here, okay?
Over there is a new American flag, and
[3:50] if you look at the top of it, it has the
eagle on it.
[3:53] On this side
is the North Carolina flag
[3:57] that is here.
And Justin,
[4:00] Josh,
I'd like to tell y'all thank you for
[4:03] y'all taking care of that that day that
you got the phone call and I appreciate
[4:07] it. Good job, well done, and this will
represent us here in this in this uh
[4:11] building very well. So, great job, guys,
and thank you very much.
[4:16] Does any other commissioner have
anything?
[4:20] Mhm, okay. So, with that, with uh
the adoption of the agenda, the
[4:25] the agenda is has been presented to you.
I'd entertain a motion at this time.
[4:30] » Make a motion we adopt.
>> Second.
[4:33] » Motion's made and second. Any
discussion?
[4:36] There being none, all those in favor
indicate by raising your right hand.
[4:39] Those who oppose likewise. And then, you
see this chair empty right here.
[4:44] Commissioner Layel will be along
shortly. He was running just a little
[4:46] bit behind, and he called and let us
know that he would be here shortly.
[4:50] Uh item number six on the agenda is
public comment period. We did not have
[4:54] anybody to sign up to speak tonight.
Item number seven, the North Carolina
[4:59] Railroad Company uh
micro grant agreement for industrial
[5:04] park site development. And this time,
I'd like to call on Mr. Michael Worley,
[5:09] the economic development director.
>> [snorts]
[5:12] [clears throat]
[5:17] » Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioners,
tonight uh it's a pleasure to bring
[5:21] before us to you
an agreement that uh I reached out to
[5:25] the North Carolina Railroad Company to
seek out a grant for the optional
[5:28] property that you guys took under option
in this period for studies in which we
[5:32] are seeking to do.
Alexander County Economic Development
[5:35] desires to stimulate and develop the
economy here in Alexander County,
[5:39] alleviate the problems of unemployment
and underemployment by creating and
[5:44] retaining jobs for our citizens and
develop local tax base increases. So
[5:48] that way we can pursue an opportunity to
help those uh
[5:52] bring out bring forth a lower tax base.
NCRR created this program to provide
[5:57] funding for communities in order to help
eliminate site development barriers in
[6:02] which they create a pipeline of
investment to new industrial sites. The
[6:06] North Carolina Railroads micro grant
program provides funding for development
[6:10] site evaluations such as environmental
site assessments,
[6:14] wetland stream delineations, boundary
and other surveys, geological technical
[6:20] reports, and ti- title options.
And it increases the number of
[6:24] industrial sites that are ready for
development here in the county in North
[6:27] Carolina.
Alexander Economic Development
[6:30] identified the site 0062292
and 0067284
[6:36] brought forth to the commissioners for
uh public vote for option on the
[6:40] property on W.E. Babb Industrial Drive
that requires certain studies and
[6:45] determine whether it could be developed
and marketed for petition potential
[6:49] industrial customers.
Alexander County Economic Development
[6:52] has applied for this grant for funding
to assist with these studies and agreed
[6:57] to award uh
economic development with $50,000 in
[7:01] micro grant to assist with the cost of
these studies.
[7:04] It is desired to
Alexander County Economic Development
[7:08] and the North Carolina Railroad to enter
this agreement to set forth the business
[7:12] terms and conditions for this micro
grant for up to 2 years to you do the
[7:16] studies and up to 5 years to make sure
that we market to industrial customers
[7:21] and provide opportunity for site
development. The studies will consist of
[7:25] a phase one ESA, site survey, and if
found necessary by the phase one ESA and
[7:31] site survey, a boundary and
topographical survey and alta survey,
[7:34] streams and wetlands survey, threatened
and endangered species survey, and
[7:38] geotechnical studies with borings.
It is the pleasure to recommend this
[7:43] agreement to the commissioners to offset
the tax dollars which the county will
[7:46] not pay a dime.
Any questions?
[7:50] » Best part, county doesn't pay a dime.
>> Absolutely.
[7:52] » That's exactly right.
Gentlemen, any questions?
[7:57] » There is a grant from the state, is that
where it's coming from?
[8:00] » It's coming from North Carolina
Railroad.
[8:02] » North Carolina Railroad?
>> Yes.
[8:05] » Yeah, everything's got to be studied and
engineered and all kinds of
[8:08] preparations, so you can't just go and
start doing something, so.
[8:11] » Yeah, this is our initial studies to
make sure that the property is
[8:14] developable before the county enters
into a purchase in which I would bring
[8:18] before you guys uh
either in the affirmative or the nay
[8:23] if it's not developable.
>> Very good.
[8:26] » All right, thank you.
Thank you.
[8:29] Gentlemen, I'll entertain a motion.
>> I make a motion that we approve.
[8:34] » Second.
>> Motion's made and second. Is there any
[8:37] further discussion?
There being none, all those in favor
[8:40] indicate by
>> [clears throat]
[8:42] » Those opposed likewise. The motion
carries. Thank you very much. Don't
[8:46] move.
>> Okay.
[8:47] » We're going to hold you up there a
little bit.
[8:49] Item number eight is a public hearing,
economic development expenditures,
[8:54] Ardura professional services agreement,
Mr. Michael Worley, economic development
[8:59] director. And gentlemen, I'd entertain a
motion to open the public hearing.
[9:04] » Make a motion to open public hearing for
economic development expenditure.
[9:09] » Second.
>> Motion's made and second. Any
[9:11] discussion?
There being none, all those in favor
[9:15] indicate by raising your right hand.
Motion carries. Mr. Worley.
[9:19] » All right.
It is a pleasure once again to let you
[9:23] know that we sent out a request for
qualifications in late 2025.
[9:29] And when it was sent out, we found that
Ardura was selected because of
[9:33] experience plus the familiarity with
Alexander County and the site from past
[9:37] experience here doing work
on pages that you guys have from A1
[9:41] through A6, you'll see the request for
services listed. And these are phase one
[9:46] environmental site assessment, which is
the ESA, natural resources
[9:50] uh for top desktop review, preliminary
threatened and endangered species
[9:55] review, habitat assessment on site,
streams and wetland determination,
[10:00] wetland and stream delineation study,
and jurisdictional determination. We
[10:05] will not, however, on this particular
contract be doing the civil engineering
[10:10] master planning at this phase and at
this time
[10:13] uh because the NCR does not uh cover
that under the grant terms. So, that
[10:18] will be handled by our attorney Ben.
Uh the estimated contract cost between
[10:23] 17,000 and 22,000 to be paid for
completely with the North Carolina
[10:27] Railroad micro grant.
And it is happy to recommend this
[10:31] contract for Adura
at this time. Is there any questions?
[10:38] » So, the
>> Derrick Miller with Alexander County.
[10:40] » Yes.
>> We've used them before.
[10:42] » We've used the the consultant on site,
Shad Waters.
[10:46] » Okay. So, people, if there's somebody
listening, this is property behind Craft
[10:50] Master and adjacent to Paragon.
>> Yes.
[10:53] » There's nothing on this property right
now.
[10:54] » No, it's all wooded and uh the last
studies were even done at about 1990 to
[10:59] 91.
>> Okay. Thank you.
[11:02] » [clears throat]
>> Uh now, since this is a public hearing,
[11:05] anybody in the audience has the
opportunity to come and speak if they'd
[11:08] like to. And if you have a question or
something you'd be like, come to the
[11:11] microphone if you don't mind and get
your name and
[11:15] state your name and
[11:28] » Good afternoon, gentlemen.
Ladies.
[11:32] I live on the Plains Church Road. Some
of you guys I've spoke to in the past
[11:38] about some of the pollutants that you
have coming out of the plastic
[11:41] industries that are around.
I get no answers.
[11:47] I've even spoken with county manager
who told me I was smart enough to figure
[11:52] it out, hung the phone up.
Now, I've been in touch with the EPA
[11:57] over this mess.
I'm a cancer survivor.
[12:02] I contracted cancer
after I moved to 671 White Plains Road.
[12:10] I lived there before you put Paragon
Films in in Board Alice.
[12:15] And my question to you guys is and to
this guy
[12:20] is what do you plan on developing this
land for?
[12:24] You know, there's massive wildlife out
there. You have a middle school right
[12:29] down the road
which is an open path of air
[12:33] that comes down that highway straight to
that middle school to the football
[12:36] field.
But I don't think anybody's ever paid
[12:40] any attention to that. They're wanting
to develop, develop, develop, develop,
[12:45] but what about the people that has spent
their entire lives working a job
[12:49] and and homestead and building homes
to live in and get to point of
[12:55] retirement
and now we have to listen to a a pump up
[12:59] there
>> [snorts]
[13:00] » sucking out uh material
in the mornings and the evenings
[13:07] and I'm told they're for Board Alice.
[13:11] I followed one of those trucks one day
and he went down and hit 77.
[13:16] My only question is what's in those
tankers?
[13:21] Is it I see old pump when they start
pumping it out.
[13:26] Nobody seems to know what's in them.
But I do know one thing,
[13:32] if you look up the cause of squamous
cell carcinoma,
[13:35] you will find that plastic carcinogens
do contribute to that.
[13:42] And I've had quite a bit of skin cancer
living out in that area.
[13:48] I have a garage I work out of, it's
private garage.
[13:53] I don't even have to door anymore
because of the smell that's coming
[13:57] across the hill.
But yet, when I talked to Mr. Pennell,
[14:05] he's he I even talked to him over at the
election. He said,
[14:09] "Well, Bob, we had a meeting about the
the noise." I said, "Well, what about
[14:14] the emissions they're putting out?"
He never got back to me.
[14:21] And a couple of other ones I spoke to
you, too, Ronnie.
[14:25] And I spoke to your county manager.
And all I got, he told me, he said,
[14:29] "Well, sounds like you're smart enough,
you figure it out."
[14:33] So, I've done some digging and some
research.
[14:37] And I have figured it out.
None of those are American-owned
[14:42] companies that you have in there.
[14:45] Now, when do we get to the point I know
my time's thin, so I tell me when it's
[14:50] about to run out.
But when do we get to the point where
[14:55] we're held accountable for the emissions
that we put out
[15:00] in this air?
[15:03] I yield back my time for an answer.
>> If you don't mind, please, for the
[15:09] clerk, would you please state your name
again, please?
[15:13] » It is Robert Sherrill.
>> Mr. Sherrill, okay.
[15:15] » S H E R R I L L.
>> Thank you.
[15:19] » Thank you.
>> And one other the I want to add,
[15:24] if you go through the county,
most of the elderly people have a lot of
[15:28] skin cancer.
[15:32] And that And that is something
that I have to go to derma every 6
[15:37] months.
[15:40] Guys, I used to live on the lake. Didn't
bother.
[15:46] That's all I have to say.
Somebody Somebody needs to be held
[15:49] accountable.
And here where I want to develop 250
[15:53] more acres,
and you got all these children down here
[15:56] in this middle school.
What about their lungs?
[16:00] What about their skin? What about their
athletic abilities that they have?
[16:06] Do you see what that cancer did to me?
[16:11] Stop and think
before you start digging for money.
[16:16] » Mr. Sheriff, I got a question.
>> Go ahead.
[16:19] » What did the EPA tell you?
[16:23] » Well, uh
I asked the EPA,
[16:27] I think I told you this as well.
I said, uh
[16:32] "What kind of permits are they running
under?" Because I used to manage Dixie
[16:36] Seating Company down here.
And, uh
[16:40] I was under EPA guidelines.
And they would just drop in at any given
[16:44] time and put a filter on my sacks. And
there was many times I got a ticket for
[16:50] 34 grand
over a fault street.
[16:54] But I asked them, I said, "Are you going
in there and and and and getting
[16:57] reaped?" They said, "No. They're
operating on a permit that they filed
[17:00] for when they opened."
Well, look how big they've expanded.
[17:03] Look at all the chemical bins out there.
"Are you not going after them?" "No, we
[17:08] don't No, we don't No.
We walked through there and everything
[17:12] looked fine."
Well, I can I can walk through
[17:16] and close my right eye and everything's
going to look good, you know what I'm
[17:19] saying?
But, um
[17:23] some of the answers that you get
from public officials
[17:28] I mean, I'll let you come live down at
my place for a while if you want to.
[17:31] I'll rent it out to you.
[17:34] And you can see for yourself.
[17:41] Any other questions?
>> I think I'll start
[17:45] in regards to the noise.
This might be a statement or answer for
[17:52] the county manager to make.
But, did we not send folks out there at
[17:56] different time intervals on multiple
days to assess that?
[18:00] » Yes, sir, we did.
[18:03] » But, my complaint wasn't the noise.
[18:08] Somebody else filed that complaint. Go
back and look at your records.
[18:11] » Uh the reason I brought it up is because
you were talking about hearing the
[18:15] the pump sucking a moment ago, sir.
That's why I brought that up.
[18:20] » Yeah.
Uh nobody seems to want to tell you
[18:24] what's in those uh tankers that are
sitting up around the new expansion of
[18:29] the quote railway system.
[18:34] » One more question uh
for the county manager. Do we have any
[18:38] uh
Do we have anything recently from the
[18:41] EPA in regards to that site at all
anything?
[18:44] » Not to my knowledge.
>> Okay.
[18:48] » And excuse me, were you the one telling
me if I I was smart enough to figure it
[18:52] out?
>> No, sir, I never told you that.
[18:55] » Okay. All right.
Thank you.
[19:00] But, uh
the guy that owns the Borealist, you
[19:04] guys are familiar with where he lives
and what he is.
[19:11] How does Inner County
backbone is on country living.
[19:16] Pure country living.
We got some of the prettiest wildlife
[19:20] around here.
Some of the best attractions, views.
[19:25] Then instead of spending all that money,
why don't you guys put a bowling alley
[19:28] in here, a theater?
Because everybody in this county goes to
[19:33] Hickory, Wilkesboro, Statesville,
me included, to spend my money.
[19:40] You know why?
What What's there to do here? Go eat at
[19:43] Scotty's?
[19:46] » I I know I'm the one talking a lot here,
so I apologize, but
[19:50] uh in reference to that statement,
that's that's not a
[19:53] a county
uh entity. That is a private sector
[19:58] establishment.
>> That's all right.
[20:00] » So, I mean, I don't know how we do that.
>> wanted to throw that in there.
[20:03] » All right. I understand.
>> You know, I'm kind of frustrated with
[20:05] the county as to what they're doing.
And um
[20:09] you know, the the way the taxes are
going.
[20:13] I'm going to go ahead and get this off
my chest. Will you let me do it?
[20:17] All right.
We we have some money.
[20:20] » as as long as you stay on the subject
that we're discussing here as far as the
[20:23] public hearing is concerned, yes, sir.
>> All right. Well,
[20:26] » But if it's not if it's not if it's not
in conjunction with this, we'd be glad
[20:30] for you to come I'm just going to
explain it to you. Uh because on this
[20:34] public hearing, it's all about what
we're talking about here
[20:36] » I got
>> and trying to do things.
[20:38] » I got
>> If you have something that you'd like to
[20:40] say at a later date, if you'd call the
clerk, then you can come back and there
[20:45] will be a 3-minute time limit for you to
express your opinion about things. When
[20:49] you And at that time, sir, you would not
be able to call anybody out name or
[20:52] point a finger at anybody. And that's
just part of the the protocol as the way
[20:57] we do things.
>> understand that.
[20:59] » I certainly am. Thank you for that.
>> Oh, yes, sir. Thank you.
[21:02] » Yes, sir. And I'd like to hear something
heard somebody about what's going on
[21:07] there.
>> Well, you know, I'm not going to say
[21:09] what's in those plastic tankers down
there,
[21:11] but based on everything that I've seen,
it was plastic pallets, and
[21:16] uh
I'll be glad to check and see what they
[21:19] are, and uh I'll make sure that you get
an answer to what's on those tankers
[21:23] sitting down there.
>> Well, sir, we have May I speak?
[21:26] » Yes.
>> Okay. We have videos
[21:29] going back into the winter months
when they would burn their stuff off,
[21:34] and I have a
person of interest who worked there
[21:39] and was told to burn their stuff off
late at night, anything that was
[21:44] uh run off that had
run out of the rail,
[21:49] they was to go back and put them in the
incinerator at night.
[21:52] And it looked like white snow coming
down.
[21:56] » Mhm.
>> I still have these videos.
[22:00] Anytime you want to see them, I'll be
glad to show them to you.
[22:05] I can do that.
>> Mr. Chairman, can I speak just a minute?
[22:07] » Yes.
>> What we will do, we'll look at what
[22:11] you're talking about, follow up on it.
We need to find out from the EPA, you
[22:16] know, I guess,
if they actually did come out, what they
[22:19] did find. And uh but
to your point again,
[22:24] you know, when a company's coming,
we don't personally go out and
[22:30] you know, do all the stuff, but there's
companies that are from all different
[22:34] places that come in, but you know, they
should be following all the rules and
[22:40] the procedures. If somebody's not,
you know, and we can say that they
[22:44] aren't, then we can, you know, do
something.
[22:47] » Yes, well.
[22:52] I'm not going to make any comments. I'll
plead the fifth on that one.
[22:56] But uh
as a plant manager of 26 years,
[23:00] uh over a rocking chair factory,
I know how the EPA works
[23:06] and uh
[23:09] I'm [clears throat] going to leave it at
that.
[23:11] I dealt with them many many many many
years.
[23:16] They
They got a burr.
[23:19] Look at you. You're going to pay. Some
days they just "How you doing? Good
[23:23] seeing you."
out the door.
[23:26] And the two kids they sent out there
[23:30] Can I explain to you how he did it?
>> [cough]
[23:34] » He said, "Well, I'm going to walk over
here." They These These bushes that are
[23:38] this high.
[23:41] And there's plenty of open air that
comes down and goes right straight back
[23:44] to the mountain where the kids are down
there at the school.
[23:49] So, he walks right up to these bushes
and he holds his meter up.
[23:53] And there's no way the air can get past
it because there's a big dogwood tree
[23:57] there and a bunch of evergreens sitting
over here.
[24:00] It says,
"Sir, I can smell something but I can't
[24:04] identify it."
But it was everything.
[24:09] Rest my case.
>> Mr. Chair,
[24:12] I I know that some of the opinions that
you may have and some of your thoughts
[24:15] and some of the things that uh you're
talking about. If you would like, I
[24:20] would be more than glad for myself and
the county manager to have a meeting
[24:24] with you and we'll discuss these things
if you'd like.
[24:26] And this is the county manager sitting
here. He's only been with us about 6 to
[24:30] 8 months. So, uh if you'd like to do
that, if you'll
[24:34] if you'll call uh
the clerk to the board, we'll be glad to
[24:38] sit down and discuss it with you if
you'd like to.
[24:40] » your phone number. I'll take it with me.
>> We will. We'll take care of that, okay?
[24:43] All right.
Thank you.
[24:45] » Thank you.
>> [clears throat]
[24:48] » Is there anyone else that has anything
they'd like to say?
[24:53] All right.
[24:56] Gentlemen,
[25:01] So at this time
uh I didn't entertain a motion
[25:05] uh
concerning this
[25:07] uh
hiring these folks to do this.
[25:10] Uh oh, excuse me. I need to entertain a
motion to close the public hearing.
[25:14] Thank you very much.
>> Yeah.
[25:15] » Yeah. Need a second.
>> Second.
[25:17] » Motion's made, second. Any discussion?
There being none, all those in favor
[25:22] close the public hearing. Indicate by
raising your right hand.
[25:25] Thank you very much, gentlemen.
So
[25:29] the economic de- development
expenditures
[25:32] uh
I'd entertain a motion to approve the
[25:36] contract with Adura.
>> Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion to
[25:40] approve the contract.
>> Second.
[25:43] » Motion's made, second. Is there any
further discussion?
[25:48] All those in favor, indicate by raising
your right hand. All those opposed,
[25:51] likewise. The motion carries.
Thank you.
[25:57] Uh
[26:02] Item number nine on the agenda is public
hearing rezoning case RZ
[26:08] 26-05
Garcia. And at this time I'd like to
[26:13] call on Amy Buckman, county planner, to
present the rezoning case. And at this
[26:19] time, gentlemen, I'd entertain a motion
to open the public hearing.
[26:23] » Make a motion to open public hearing for
rezoning case RZ 26-05
[26:29] Garcia.
>> Second.
[26:31] » Motion's made, second. Any discussion?
There being none, all those in favor,
[26:35] indicate by raising your right hand.
Those opposed, likewise. Thank you very
[26:39] much, gentlemen. Ma'am.
>> Thank you.
[26:42] Uh so, Christian Romero Garcia has
petitioned to rezone
[26:47] uh approximately 0.89 acres off of Owen
Braswell Braswell Road in Taylorsville
[26:55] from R1 to R2R with the intention of
adding a single-wide manufactured home
[27:02] to the existing parcel. Um there's
already a double-wide there, so this
[27:06] would be an accessory dwelling unit.
This would be considered a downzoning.
[27:11] Uh R1 would allow four units per acre.
Um
[27:16] R2R allows two units per acre. However,
he wouldn't realistically be able to get
[27:22] four units per acre.
We'll get to that.
[27:26] Um all of the surrounding properties are
residential.
[27:32] So, when reviewing a rezoning, uh we
have to look at if it is consistent with
[27:38] a comprehensive plan.
Uh both R1 and R2R have the primary use
[27:43] of uh being residential properties.
[27:48] Uh that they promote uh the development
of a diversified and balanced mix of
[27:52] land uses. And again, both residential
um with potential small-scale commercial
[27:59] rural
commercial opportunities with a special
[28:02] use permit would be allowed.
And to direct growth to areas where
[28:06] essential services infrast- and
infrastructure are present and protect
[28:11] sensitive natural areas and key historic
cultural resources from extensive
[28:16] development.
So, this lot currently has a a
[28:20] double-wide manufactured home on it.
Public water is available, but not
[28:24] sewer.
Uh so, it would require septic.
[28:28] Uh there is also no state-maintained
road frontage to the property, so it is
[28:33] accessible through a private driveway
easement. Um and it's also located in
[28:38] the water supply watershed for protected
watershed area. So, all of these things
[28:43] would limit um
any development potential on the parcel.
[28:50] And to mitigate any negative impacts of
new development.
[28:55] So, when looking at the future land use
map, this site is located in the urban
[29:01] services area.
Um the urban services area in the
[29:05] comprehensive plan is described as uh
using a wide range of residential
[29:11] densities. And over the long term, uh
those policies should favor higher
[29:17] density development development
consistent with natural constraints and
[29:22] the availability of urban services.
Uh at the same time, policies and
[29:27] regulations should protect existing less
intensely developed communities. So
[29:31] again, this is in the water supply
watershed area.
[29:35] So therefore, it has limited development
potential. So it does have um some some
[29:41] economic factors there.
We also uh must look make sure that it
[29:46] is consistent with the Alexander County
land development code, which has uh
[29:52] stated goals of providing adequate air
and light, preventing the overcrowding
[29:57] of land, avoiding undue concentration of
the population, lessening congestion on
[30:02] roads, and to secure uh safety from
fire, panic, and dangers.
[30:07] And this um
[30:12] Oh, and any future development uh
Any future development will be required
[30:16] to adhere to all of the county's
regulations and policies.
[30:21] So,
um
[30:25] Another thing that we evaluate is the
full range of uses. So, R1 does allow
[30:30] higher density site built only. R2R is a
lower density, but would allow for both
[30:35] double-wide and single-wide manufactured
homes.
[30:39] Uh
this zoning would be considered a spot
[30:43] zoning.
Uh so, looking at the map, you can see
[30:47] R2R is kind of the darker tan color.
Um so, it does not actually adjoin the
[30:55] parcels. So, this would be considered a
spot zoning. Spot zoning is allowed um
[31:01] as long as reasons are given for how
it's consistent with the comprehensive
[31:05] plan
and that uh it doesn't negatively impact
[31:09] surrounding land use.
Uh or
[31:13] the neighborhood character.
Um there are other single wides. There
[31:17] is a double wide on the property, so
there is other manufactured homes
[31:21] nearby, so we don't feel like it will
negatively impact the character of the
[31:26] neighborhood.
Um
[31:29] So, staff feels this rezoning is
reasonable based on the limited
[31:34] development potential of the parcel,
uh again, due to accessibility only
[31:39] through a private private driveway,
uh the water supply watershed
[31:43] designation, and lack of public sewer.
And additionally, the comprehensive plan
[31:49] does state that the county should
support the creation of accessory
[31:52] dwelling units as a means
to have starter homes, supplement
[31:58] income, and reduce sprawl into more
rural communities.
[32:02] So, this rezoning would allow for the
addition of an accessory dwelling unit
[32:07] on a parcel with otherwise limited
development potential.
[32:11] And
um
[32:14] » [clears throat]
>> as a uh
[32:16] R2R or even at R2 zoning
would not be able to be subdivided. It
[32:22] would only be able to be used as an
accessory dwelling unit.
[32:26] Um so, it went before the planning board
on July 9th. Uh they voted to send a
[32:33] favorable recommendation to the board.
[32:37] So, if you have any questions
>> Miss Gibbs, I just have
[32:43] You have one. The Is there already a
mobile home on this property?
[32:48] » There is a double-wide on the property.
So, an accessory dwelling unit
[32:53] cannot be more than 75% the size of the
principal.
[32:58] So, the double-wide would be bigger,
this would be a smaller, but there are
[33:01] other
single-wides
[33:04] » [clears throat]
>> in the surrounding
[33:06] » they could put two septic tanks
on this.
[33:10] » So, they will have to go through that
process as an accessory dwelling unit
[33:14] since especially since it cannot be
subdivided, they could
[33:19] do a joint septic if that worked out.
That will be something they will have to
[33:25] work out with environmental health in
order to be permitted.
[33:29] » Does he own any other land besides that?
>> No, I don't believe so.
[33:34] » So, they plan to live in it.
It's not going to be a trailer park.
[33:38] They're going to rent or live in the
trailer park.
[33:42] double-wide.
>> Um as far as I know, and and Mr. Garcia
[33:45] is here if he would like to to to answer
those questions, but
[33:50] yeah, as far as I know, it's for
personal use.
[33:53] » Okay, thank you.
[33:57] » [clears throat]
>> As this is a public hearing, anyone in
[33:59] the audience who has anything to say or
would like to speak or ask a question,
[34:02] this is your opportunity to do so.
[34:09] » How would that affect
>> Excuse me. If you would if you'd come up
[34:13] to the mic and state your name, please.
[34:17] Thank you.
[34:20] » How would that affect the joining
property?
[34:26] » That the property
>> If if if you don't mind, if you'd state
[34:29] your name, please.
>> Sandra Deanie.
[34:32] » Okay.
>> We we live on 24 Warm Braswell. I'm just
[34:37] asking how
would it affect
[34:40] the road frontage property?
[34:44] But we do give road right-of-way.
>> Right.
[34:50] I'll let her she's the expert, but in my
opinion, I don't think it would affect
[34:53] it at all.
>> Yeah, so it would not the rezoning
[34:57] nothing would change on that. There is
limited so a private driveway easement
[35:01] no more than five homes can be accessed
by a private driveway easement, so
[35:07] um
Yeah, and I I'm I'm not sure exactly how
[35:11] many are are off of that road, but I
believe we this is number four or five,
[35:17] so very limited
um as far as future growth.
[35:24] Yeah.
[35:26] » I I think you would consider it
five the home place.
[35:32] And then
[35:34] Daniel and Melina's owns
place there, too.
[35:38] » Yes.
>> He's his their son.
[35:41] So
and the road frontage
[35:47] me and my husband own
and then I own the road frontage beside
[35:52] it and there is a trailer on it.
My mother and father
[35:57] lived in it
in their older age.
[36:01] » So it like I said, it would not change
any of your zonings. It might change if
[36:08] you wanted to rezone,
um
[36:11] it would be more consistent with that,
but it doesn't really change. If you
[36:15] have a manufactured home there now and
you want to replace it even though it's
[36:19] not allowed, you can replace it. If this
had been an existing if he had one there
[36:24] and he just wanted to replace it
you can do it as long as you do it
[36:28] within a certain amount of time after
it's been removed. Um
[36:33] So, but yeah, it doesn't really
change any any
[36:39] zoning or uses around it.
>> Mhm. Okay. I just wanted to check on
[36:43] that.
>> Mhm.
[36:44] » Thank you.
>> Thank you, ma'am.
[36:46] » Thanks.
>> Anyone else?
[36:51] » Mr. Chairman, I would just say
um March of
[36:55] I think March of 2025 there was
there was legislation passed in North
[37:01] Carolina pertaining to accessory
dwellings
[37:04] on properties and the
[37:09] I saw this information initially through
the
[37:12] Home Builders Association.
Um but the purpose of that legislation
[37:18] was strictly
trying to help the affordable housing
[37:24] problem.
Um and
[37:32] you know,
I think it
[37:34] » Yeah.
>> With my with my day job, I definitely
[37:37] see the need
for more affordable housing.
[37:41] » Me too.
>> And
[37:43] um
and affordable housing may not
[37:49] may not be what we all
would love to see, [clears throat]
[37:57] but with costs being what they are,
you know, people need somewhere to live.
[38:04] » Mhm.
>> And
[38:06] » I will say from from this
>> know, we have to think, you know, in my
[38:09] opinion, we we need to think about
>> Mhm.
[38:12] » people need somewhere to live.
>> Mhm.
[38:15] » You know, as the primary
concern more than
[38:21] » Yeah.
>> hey, is it exactly what
[38:24] you know
>> And we are seeing more and more people
[38:27] » you know, in our
neighborhoods.
[38:29] » Yeah, we are seeing more and more people
that want to live in RVs or want to
[38:34] live in sheds that are converted to tiny
homes and they're not um
[38:38] certified like they're not inspected and
they're not considered safe to live in
[38:44] long-term. You know, manufactured homes
are and it is a way for
[38:50] I guess it allowing
uh
[38:53] supplementary income for some people,
you know, if you're living there and and
[38:56] it helps you afford your mortgage. But
we see a lot allowing children to
[39:02] somewhat leave the
um or or elderly, you know,
[39:07] older care being able to age at home, so
>> Well, I and
[39:12] I spent
I guess 3 days
[39:16] week before last um
[39:20] about 45 minutes
kind of south
[39:25] I guess southeast of Greenville, North
Carolina.
[39:28] And you know, just
people talk about Alexander County being
[39:32] rural and small and all that.
um the county this was uh
[39:39] 7-8 year old All-Star baseball county
All-Star team
[39:43] qualified to go to state championship.
And then it got rained out, so we stayed
[39:47] in a hotel down there for 3 days for
nothing.
[39:49] But um
I could not I mean I you know
[39:54] I just couldn't believe
how few stick-built homes there are
[40:00] in that part of the world.
um
[40:06] And
you know, I don't know what percentage,
[40:09] but if I had to guess
in the county that Williamston, North
[40:13] Carolina is in and I don't remember what
county it is.
[40:17] um
I would say at least seven out of 10 if
[40:20] not eight out of 10
homes are manufactured.
[40:27] And I just thought
[40:30] Yeah, I used to think there were a lot
of
[40:33] There was a lot of manufactured homes
around here and they're I mean but
[40:35] compared to
[40:39] you know
Eastern North Carolina farm country.
[40:44] So
we definitely don't have
[40:49] a large percentage.
[40:53] » Does anyone else
>> I'll make a comment on both sides of
[40:58] Macedonia Church Road you have single
wides
[41:01] in that general area just just
in regards to the map we're being shown
[41:06] here.
We also have single wides on Owen
[41:08] Braswell Road.
And the driveway leading into the
[41:12] manufactured double wide I think is
right beside a single wide.
[41:18] And I do agree with the Commissioner
Lyle the state did pass legislation
[41:23] offering auxiliary homes on
parcels of land which is a much needed
[41:29] thing throughout the state make it more
affordable to people to
[41:33] house in-laws or family or whoever.
>> [snorts]
[41:40] » I saw someone raise their hand.
If you would come forward please.
[41:54] » Yes sir.
>> If you would state your name please.
[41:58] » Robert Sherrill.
I'd like to address maybe the comment
[42:02] that Josh just brought up about he said
he'd like to see more affordable
[42:07] housing.
Well,
[42:10] why is it
when it comes reevaluation time
[42:14] you hire an outside firm to come in
and raise people's equity in their homes
[42:21] who have no intention of selling?
Do you not think that that has
[42:25] contributed to
unaffordable homes?
[42:41] » Well, that's a question that could be
answered.
[42:44] » And and I would I mean I would just say
um
[42:48] materials labor
um
[42:53] every aspect of building
a new home is way more expensive than it
[42:58] was that even a couple years ago.
And that's and honestly this I don't
[43:02] know that this this discussion pertains
to
[43:07] the subject of the you know, the
rezoning.
[43:10] » Yes, but you had mentioned that you
would like to see
[43:15] more affordable housing.
And some of the homes were built back in
[43:19] the '80s
and they're they're worth three times
[43:23] what people paid for.
But they don't plan on selling, but
[43:26] they're being taxed at an amount.
Do you feel like that's fair?
[43:33] » Well
I I'm going to
[43:35] » Well, you didn't create the system.
>> Huh?
[43:38] » We didn't create the system.
>> Well, you're running it.
[43:42] » Can I talk
I'm going to interrupt
[43:44] » Mr. Chairman, can I
>> Absolutely.
[43:46] » make a statement?
>> If you'd like to make a statement, you
[43:48] can have 30 seconds.
>> So
[43:51] 30 seconds?
>> I was going to say give me just a
[43:53] second, it's probably a minute. I'm
sorry. Okay, here here's the deal, okay?
[43:57] All right, we have a public hearing
that's coming up here in just a minute
[44:00] on the 2027 schedule of values that we
can talk about the values and what are
[44:04] going down and how things are going to
be, and the schedule for that and all.
[44:09] And then I think at that time, Mr.
Sherrill, it would be a good time for
[44:13] you to bring up the subject you just
did, and we can talk about that for a
[44:16] few minutes. Okay?
Because it's another public hearing that
[44:20] is not in relationship to the item that
we're discussing at this time. And I
[44:24] don't want to feel like I'm somebody
sitting up here trying to cut people off
[44:27] because I'm not. But, I think we need to
stay on the subject at hand about this
[44:33] rezoning case and hold it to that, and
then go into the next issue, which will
[44:40] be item number 10 on the schedule of
values. We'll be an opportunity to speak
[44:44] about that.
But, I in no way, shape, or form am I
[44:47] trying to cut anybody off. I want
everybody to understand that. But, I'm
[44:50] just going to try to I'm trying to keep
it on the subject. That's all I'm trying
[44:53] to do.
>> I was just addressing Mr. Lyle.
[44:56] » I understand, sir. Okay? Thank Thank
you.
[44:59] Uh
Mr. Pennell.
[45:01] » I'll wait till the evaluation.
>> So, okay. Thank you.
[45:05] Okay. So, if there isn't anyone else at
this time, I'd entertain a motion to
[45:08] close the public hearing.
>> I'll make a motion to close the public
[45:11] hearing.
>> Do I have a second?
[45:13] » Second.
>> Motion's made, second. Any discussion?
[45:16] There being none, all those in favor
indicate by right raising your right
[45:19] hand. All those opposed likewise. All
right. And gentlemen, I'd entertain a
[45:23] motion as it concerns the rezoning case
of RZ-26-05-Garcia.
[45:31] » Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion that we
approve the rezoning case
[45:36] uh RZ-26-05-Garcia.
[45:40] » Second.
[45:42] » Motion's [clears throat] made. Is there
a second?
[45:44] » Second.
>> Motion's made, second. Any discussion?
[45:49] There being none, all those in favor
indicate by raising your right hand.
[45:52] Those opposed likewise, the motion
carries. Thank you, gentlemen. All
[45:55] right. Now, item number 10.
Public hearing 2027 schedule of values.
[46:02] Mr. Justin Mundy, county manager.
Gentlemen, I'd entertain a motion at
[46:05] this time to open the public hearing.
>> I make a motion to open public hearing
[46:12] in reference to
schedule of values.
[46:16] » Motion made.
>> Second.
[46:18] » Okay, thank you. Motion's been seconded.
All in favor indicate by raising your
[46:21] right hand. Those opposed
[clears throat] likewise. County
[46:24] manager, Mr. Justin Mundy, sir.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, if you'll
[46:28] recall on July 13th uh at our July 13th
Commissioners meeting, the 2027 schedule
[46:34] of values was presented. A public
hearing is required pursuant to NC
[46:38] General Statute 105-317C.
The statute requires a 7-day period
[46:43] after the public hearing before the
schedule of values can be considered for
[46:47] approval.
A request to adopt the schedule of
[46:50] values will be at the next meeting,
September 14th.
[46:53] So, we're required by statute to have a
public hearing.
[46:57] So, that's what we're doing here
tonight.
[46:58] » Thank you.
All right.
[47:00] Gentlemen,
any discussion?
[47:06] As this is a public hearing, and if
anyone has anything that they would like
[47:10] to say or at this time in regards to the
appraisal of real property in Alexander
[47:14] County,
uh now's the opportunity.
[47:20] » I guess it's the same values we've used
for
[47:24] every time we've had to do a
reappraisal,
[47:26] reevaluation.
>> Mhm.
[47:31] Excuse me.
Doug, would you like to address that?
[47:36] If you don't mind, please.
And if you would, you can introduce
[47:40] yourself.
[47:44] » Thank you, gentlemen. I'm Doug Fox, tax
administrator.
[47:48] Uh
each time you do a reappraisal,
[47:51] you have to develop a schedule of
values. That's kind of the basis of
[47:54] values.
The values are developed through sales
[47:59] and and cost of construction
and income models.
[48:05] But, it's kind of our base
of how we
[48:08] start the reappraisal process.
And there has to be an adoption of
[48:11] schedule values each time you have a
reappraisal.
[48:16] But, the
>> pretty much the same process we've
[48:19] always had. It's not the difference
changing. No, sir. This This We do it
[48:23] public here.
>> That's
[48:26] It's mandatory by state.
>> Okay. So, Mr. Fox, if you would,
[48:33] would you would you explain
[48:37] would you explain the process as in
why we do what we why why you do what
[48:44] you do
you know, in
[48:47] determining what value should be?
>> [clears throat]
[48:51] » So, the whole point of a reappraisal
>> [snorts]
[48:53] » is to equalize values.
So, if we were our values will soon be 4
[48:58] years old
and we could be extremely high or
[49:02] extremely low.
The whole point is to try to equalize
[49:05] values based off of what the market is
saying
[49:08] property's value in 2027.
And that's the whole process
[49:13] for the reappraisal.
>> Who
[49:17] » [clears throat]
>> Who asks and or requires values to try
[49:21] to be
tax value try to be
[49:25] equal to tax value?
I mean, tax value to market value.
[49:30] » Well, the state requires
that it be
[49:35] market value is tax value.
>> So, the state of North Carolina requires
[49:38] that.
>> We get equalized if if we're not
[49:42] if we're below a certain percentage
on certain years. It's kind of tricky
[49:46] how that plays out. We get equalized on
our public utility values
[49:51] and other things. So, we're required by
North Carolina General Statutes to do
[49:57] the reappraisal.
And our values are supposed to be 100%
[50:01] of the market
at the time of the reappraisal. And
[50:04] that's as you all know, it's a moving
target. You're never going to be
[50:08] exactly 100%.
>> Okay, just one. So, we've got to be in a
[50:12] certain percentage.
>> Right.
[50:15] If we're not, we're penalized. The
county is with fines or additional
[50:20] charges.
>> No, we get equalized doing our public
[50:23] utilities. Basically, they get
decreased in value, which
[50:28] essentially just raises taxes the other
way.
[50:31] So, the
public utilities are valued by the state
[50:33] of North Carolina.
And if our values are below 95%
[50:39] and again, in certain years
then we the public utility companies get
[50:43] equalized.
>> Okay, thank you.
[50:48] » I have a question for you. Um Mr. Fox.
[50:53] We used to do our reevaluations every 8
years, octennial as required or 4 years
[50:59] by the state. The state gives the option
4 years or 8 years. Is that right?
[51:03] » You can do a reappraisal every year.
Most people are
[51:07] » mandatory.
>> Mandatory every 8.
[51:09] » Okay, so
we used to [clears throat] do
[51:13] uh and I was on this board when we did
every 8 years and then
[51:17] when the um the economy just uh and
values just went through the
[51:23] the roof, that's that hit us on our
octennial year, right?
[51:27] » Yes, sir.
>> So, when we had our reevaluation
[51:29] everybody felt the values were elevated,
which they were elevated from the
[51:33] previous 8 years, yes.
So, I know that I was sitting on the
[51:39] this board when
we we heard from the community that hey,
[51:44] we don't want 8 years, we want 4 years.
We don't want if there's going to be a
[51:47] hit, we don't want such a big hit.
I heard that
[51:52] a lot
to say the least. So, I know that the
[51:56] board voted to change it to 4 years
because that's what the citizens wanted.
[52:02] But now, and just full disclosure out
here in the community,
[52:05] it's you know, it's the commissioners
are hungry, money hungry this and that,
[52:09] but our 4-year mark's here now
and that was to appease the citizens 4
[52:14] years ago.
And no valuation does not set the value.
[52:19] What sets the values? How many
properties would you just I know this is
[52:23] a very
out of the sky question. Our last 4
[52:28] years, how many [clears throat] parcels
do you think have sold in Alexander
[52:31] County?
[52:34] Hundreds? Thousands? I mean, where are
we at?
[52:37] » Um
>> It's up there, isn't it?
[52:39] » Yes, it's up there. I I
>> And that's houses, land, farms,
[52:42] businesses, you name it, across the
board. So,
[52:46] that is what sets the values on
evaluation.
[52:50] It's It's our citizens selling their
property to whoever comes along and
[52:54] says, "Hey,
even though you're offering you're
[52:58] asking 200,000, I'm going to give you
220 for that house cuz I really want
[53:01] it."
That drives the evaluation up.
[53:06] » Mhm.
>> So,
[53:08] it would be up to our citizens honestly
to say, "No, I ain't going to take that
[53:11] 220, give me that 200."
That That truthfully is how this works.
[53:18] And no citizen
that I know of is going to turn down
[53:22] that extra 20,000
and I have seen that time and time again
[53:26] in this in this county and the
surrounding counties
[53:30] over the last
Yeah, well, ever since we had the boom.
[53:34] So,
um and you can disagree with that or
[53:37] not, you can go back, but the facts are
there.
[53:41] All the facts are there to show what I
just said.
[53:44] Um and on the audit
are are we audited on our evaluation?
[53:50] » We have to report to the state.
They compare sales to to tax value.
[53:55] » And how do they how do they audit that?
I'm curious.
[53:57] » It's a random sample.
>> So they pull certain properties just out
[54:01] of
>> They send us a random sample of of
[54:03] deeds.
>> Mhm.
[54:05] » And say find the first sale in this
range of deeds, send it to them. What
[54:09] the tax value is.
>> And if you're out of a certain
[54:11] percentage, what happens?
>> Well, it's the equalization of the
[54:14] public utilities.
>> Okay.
[54:17] Um
[54:20] Okay.
I think that's it for me.
[54:23] Thank you.
>> Well.
[54:25] Anyone else?
>> Well, since we're on clarifying, I'd
[54:29] just like to say that you know, there's
a
[54:31] probably a couple of people here,
commissioner-elect and filing to run for
[54:35] commissioner.
Being a county commissioner does not
[54:38] give you a free pass on property tax
uh or anything. Whatever everybody else
[54:44] pays,
that's what we pay.
[54:47] We get no money out of it.
Only thing we get is services, and
[54:52] that's what it provides, is services for
the county.
[54:56] So, just I'll throw that out there.
>> Okay. Thank you.
[55:00] » Mr. Chairman, I'm going to make one more
Okay. And I this is
[55:05] Um
[55:07] You know, I I I'm
People who know me, I I own my own
[55:10] business. Um
I have
[55:15] My first job out of college was straight
commission, 100% commission. If I sold
[55:19] in it was insurance. If I sold
insurance, I got paid. If I didn't sell
[55:22] insurance, I didn't get paid.
[55:25] What my dad and I used to do.
Anyway.
[55:29] Jumped in the real estate business, you
know, which is
[55:32] But anyway, I've always been a you know,
real estate business and construction.
[55:36] but I've always been
self-employed.
[55:42] Um
what little bit of
[55:49] I want to use the term retirement that
my wife and I have
[55:53] is in real estate.
[55:57] How many of you pay property tax on your
401k?
[56:02] Every year.
[56:05] How many of you pay property tax on your
IRAs every year?
[56:14] I didn't ask sir, I didn't ask when you
draw it out because guess what? If I
[56:18] sell one of those properties, I get to
pay capital gains tax on top of the
[56:21] property tax I've been paying the whole
time I had it.
[56:25] Okay? My point is
[56:29] we don't like paying property tax
anymore than anybody else does.
[56:37] And
like Mr. Reese said
[56:42] but there is a certain level
of funding that Alexander County
[56:47] requires to provide the services that
are provided.
[56:51] And
you know, people
[56:56] people want more to do.
Why don't we put it Why don't we do
[57:00] this? Why don't we do that? Why don't we
do this? Why don't we do that? But we
[57:03] don't want any more people to move here.
Don't want any new houses and we don't
[57:06] want property taxes.
Okay, well explain to me what's going to
[57:09] pay for anything new.
[57:14] And I you know, and I just and like Mr.
Reese said
[57:17] this is my 10th year on
commission.
[57:23] And if
if I had a dollar for every time
[57:26] somebody complained about property taxes
[57:31] I wouldn't have to go to work tomorrow.
[57:39] And honestly, if you look at it,
compared to some other places, I think
[57:44] we're in pretty good shape
in what we get for what we pay
[57:49] as citizens.
[57:52] Um but that's just
>> [clears throat]
[57:56] » And
one other comment I thought while
[57:59] um
Mr. was was talking,
[58:05] the property tax system is based on
free market capitalism,
[58:12] which is what the United States was
founded on.
[58:17] That's the reason the United States, if
you look at GDP, gross domestic product,
[58:24] did you know the state of California,
the state of California's
[58:28] gross domestic product is the fourth is
There are only three countries countries
[58:34] in the world with domestic with gross
domestic products bigger than the state
[58:39] of California. Oh, wait. And the first
one
[58:42] is the United States. There are only two
countries in the world, and you're
[58:45] welcome to check this and look at it all
you want to, because I'm cuz I'm a nerd
[58:50] and I check stuff like that
when I can't sleep at night.
[59:00] But you know, we
[59:04] the value of something is what somebody
else will pay for it.
[59:09] You learn that in econom- you know, you
learn that if you've ever taken a class
[59:12] an economics class, which I think every
person in America should,
[59:16] by about the third grade,
but we don't.
[59:21] The value of something is what somebody
else will pay for it.
[59:25] It's not what you think it's worth. It's
not what your grandma thinks it's worth.
[59:29] It's not what your kids think it's
worth. It's what somebody else will pay
[59:31] for it.
Well, our property tax system is based
[59:35] on what other people have paid for
properties similar [snorts] to yours and
[59:40] mine.
[59:44] I mean, it's really you know, and it's
just kind of it's to me
[59:49] it's a necessary evil.
I would love if we if the the world and
[59:54] I say the world cuz I'm not talking
about Alexander County cuz it's not, you
[59:57] know,
but if
[1:00:00] you ask me, the fairest tax of all is
sales tax cuz the more you buy, the more
[1:00:03] you pay. Typically, the more you make,
the more you buy.
[1:00:08] But, don't see that happening.
[1:00:14] So, we have the system we have and
that's
[1:00:16] and
we here in Alexander County and on this
[1:00:19] board, I think do the best job we can
with with it.
[1:00:24] And
there's my soapbox for tonight.
[1:00:27] » Mr. Chairman, I'll make one comment.
>> Go ahead.
[1:00:32] » No longer than I've been here, uh
and that's the reason I'm here. I
[1:00:37] I So, only reason I run for commissioner
of Moscow was that's part of part of
[1:00:40] paying property tax.
And you know, wondered what I really got
[1:00:45] for my for my nickel.
And uh
[1:00:50] but
since I've been here, I really thank
[1:00:53] these gentlemen here. I think this
board's done a good job.
[1:00:57] Been frugal with the taxpayers' money.
Uh
[1:01:01] I think we tried to show that this year
in this new budget
[1:01:05] by
making a 5-cent cut.
[1:01:09] Not knowing what was coming with this
reval.
[1:01:13] And let's just say we get a 15 or 18%
increase.
[1:01:19] That don't mean everybody's taxes are
going to go out the roof if this board
[1:01:23] sets your tax rate
to where we can manage the county.
[1:01:28] They may not be very much up uptick.
And I feel like
[1:01:34] this board has done that and uh
but it's like Josh said uh
[1:01:40] I farm for a living. Uh my 401k is in my
property and whatever I've put together
[1:01:46] my whole life. That's all I've got to
retire on.
[1:01:49] And uh
yeah, when I need to buy another piece
[1:01:52] of property
uh
[1:01:55] I don't like having to pay 15 or 20,000
acre to try to farm it.
[1:02:00] But that's the reality today.
And uh
[1:02:06] I just hope there's enough people still
in business whenever I finally decide to
[1:02:09] quit that'll pay me that 20 or 30,000
dollars acre for my property so I can
[1:02:14] retire.
Or 50. I don't know when it's going to
[1:02:17] be, but you can bet if we if time goes
on
[1:02:20] uh it's going to keep going up.
And uh
[1:02:25] but as long as the commissioners are
frugal with the taxpayers' money
[1:02:29] uh
I dang sure want Chad Pennell to send a
[1:02:33] deputy if I need somebody at my house.
I dang sure want Jeff Sigmon to send a
[1:02:39] paramedics if I'm having a heart attack.
If there's a fire on my property, I want
[1:02:44] to make sure the fire trucks pull up.
And somebody's got to pay for all that.
[1:02:51] Thank you.
>> All right.
[1:02:57] Okay. All right. Well, the public
hearing
[1:03:01] I didn't entertain a motion at this time
to close the public hearing.
[1:03:05] » Make a motion to close public hearing
2027 schedule of values.
[1:03:11] » Motion is heard. Do we have a second?
>> Second.
[1:03:13] » Motion made and seconded. Any further
discussion?
[1:03:16] There being none, all those in indicate
by raising your right hand. Those
[1:03:20] opposed likewise. Gentlemen, I'd
entertain a motion concerning the two
[1:03:24] 2020 2027
schedule.
[1:03:29] I don't I we don't have to. That's
right. We don't have to vote on it now.
[1:03:32] That's very good.
All right.
[1:03:35] Thank you.
I was going to vote on it.
[1:03:38] Number 11, budget ordinance number
amendments number two and three. County
[1:03:43] Manager Justin Mundy.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, there's two
[1:03:47] budget ordinance amendments in front of
you tonight for consideration. Uh the
[1:03:50] first one, number two, is to increase
the Sheriff's Office budget for the use
[1:03:54] of federal equitable share funds for
equipment purchases.
[1:03:57] These special funds must be used to
increase the law enforcement budget.
[1:04:01] Fund balance is solely being used as a
revenue source simply because the
[1:04:05] federal funds were received in a prior
budget year.
[1:04:08] This number two is also to increase the
DSS budget to reflect the fiscal year 27
[1:04:13] state and federal grant funding
allocation for nutrition expenses and
[1:04:17] the required local match.
Number three is to adjust the general
[1:04:22] fund budget for updated allocations of
the fiscal year 27 workers compensation
[1:04:26] and property and liability insurance
premiums across various departments in
[1:04:30] the general fund.
And no fund balance will be used for
[1:04:34] number three.
I'll be happy to answer any questions.
[1:04:39] » Any questions?
[1:04:42] All those I'd entertain a motion at this
time.
[1:04:44] » Chairman, I make a motion to approve
budget ordinance amendments two and
[1:04:50] three.
>> Second.
[1:04:52] » Motion is made and seconded. Any further
discussion?
[1:04:56] There being none, all those in favor
indicate by raising your right hand.
[1:04:59] Those opposed likewise. The motion
carries. Item number 12, consent agenda.
[1:05:03] Justin Mundy, County Manager.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, on the consent
[1:05:07] agenda in front of you tonight, we have
some tax abatements and adjustments and
[1:05:11] tax refunds for July 6th through July
26th.
[1:05:15] Uh we have a set of minutes from the
July 13th regular meeting. We have a
[1:05:19] line item transfer report for July 2026.
We have a few uh board committee
[1:05:24] appointments, Council on Aging and
Historic Preservation Commission.
[1:05:28] And then we have a request from Public
Works to surplus a 2006 Ford Taurus. VIN
[1:05:33] number is listed with 112,177
mi.
[1:05:37] I'd be happy to answer any questions.
[1:05:41] » Okay. Any questions?
Entertain a motion.
[1:05:46] » Make a motion we accept the consent
agenda and approve as stated.
[1:05:51] » Second. Motion's made second. Any
discussion?
[1:05:54] There being none, all those in favor
indicate by raising your right hand.
[1:05:58] Those opposed likewise. The motion
carries. Thank you, gentlemen. Item
[1:06:01] number 13, at this time our county
attorney, Mr. Ben Falconberry.
[1:06:07] » Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners.
At this time I ask for a motion to go
[1:06:10] into closed session
pursuant to General Statute 143-318-11A4
[1:06:16] and 5
in order for the board to discuss
[1:06:18] matters relating to the location or
expansion of new industries or
[1:06:22] businesses in the area
including any
[1:06:25] uh any potential agreement on a
tentative list of economic development
[1:06:29] incentives that may be offered or to
instruct and to instruct the public
[1:06:33] body's staff on negotiating uh
positions to be taken on behalf of the
[1:06:38] county in negotiating price and other
material terms of a contract or proposed
[1:06:42] contract. I do not anticipate any
further action following closed session.
[1:06:48] » Very good. Thank you, sir. We entertain
a motion.
[1:06:51] » Make a motion to approve what he just
stated.
[1:06:55] » I'll second.
>> Second.
[1:06:57] » Motion's made second. Any discussion?
There being none, all in favor indicate
[1:07:02] by raising your right hand. Those
opposed likewise. Therefore, the general
[1:07:06] session at this time will adjourn into a
uh closed closed session. We will
[1:07:11] re-adjourn for the primary purpose of
adjournment only.
[1:07:16] Thank you.