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[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.

Alexander County Board of Commissioners Meeting - August 3, 2026

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