Rutherford County public meetings in 2022

Social Services Board

The meeting consists of routine reviews of November financial and service reports. The board will also conduct a budget discussion and receive updates on social work and economic services programs.

• Budget discussion
• November financial report review
• November service report review
• Personnel report from November 13, 2022
• Social work and economic services program updates

The Board approved the meeting agenda and amended minutes. Members discussed personnel reports, budget items, and service updates, including a $27,562 payment to a family for missed adoption assistance from 2016.

• Adopted the Agenda (3-0)
• Approved the Minutes as amended (3-0)
• Entered Closed Session (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to the CDBG Coronavirus Grant project budget. The agenda also includes discussions on the sale of Old Harris School property and various budget amendments.

• Public hearing for CDBG Coronavirus Grant budget amendment
• Resolution regarding the sale of Old Harris School property
• Budget amendments, including ICC - Open Arena
• Appointments to Rutherford County Boards and Commissions
• Review of the 2022 Audit Report

The Board approved the sale of the Old Harris School property to Stuart Beam and shifted $160,000 in CDBG funds from public services to broadband construction. The Board also accepted a clean audit for the year ending June 30, 2022, and made several board appointments.

• Approved sale of Old Harris School property to Stuart Beam for $89,300 (5-0)
• Approved CDBG Coronavirus Grant budget amendment to move $160,000 from public services to broadband facilities (5-0)
• Accepted 2022 audit report with an unmodified opinion (5-0)
• Appointed Richard Lawson as Tax Assessor and Collector for a four-year term (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments presented by Finance Director (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including November 7 meeting minutes and tax refunds (5-0)
• Appointed members to Board of Equalization and Review, Farmland Preservation Advisory Board, and Watershed Review Board (5-0)
• Appointed 12 members to Fire Department Boards of Trustees for Fireman’s Relief Fund (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will hold an organizational meeting to elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The agenda also includes the swearing-in of Judge Robert Martelle and the approval of bonds for county officials.

• Election of Chairman
• Election of Vice-Chairman
• Swearing-in ceremony for Judge Robert Martelle
• Approval of bonds for county officials

The Board of Commissioners held an organizational meeting to elect its Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The Board also approved updated bond amounts for several county officials, including the Finance Director.

• Elected Commissioner King as Chairman (5-0)
• Elected Commissioner Toney as Vice-Chairman (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved bonds for county officials, including Finance Director at $1,000,000 and Finance Director (TDA) at $450,000 (5-0)

Social Services Board

The board will review October 2022 financial and service reports. The meeting includes discussions regarding the budget and updates on social work and economic services programs.

• Budget discussion
• October 2022 financial report
• October 2022 service report
• Personnel report from October 16, 2022
• Program updates for social work and economic services

The Board adopted the meeting agenda and approved the previous minutes. The session primarily consisted of reports on personnel, budget expenditures, and service caseloads, including a discussion on a state-mandated care obligation for an individual with an expired green card.

• Adopted the Agenda (4-0)
• Approved the Minutes (4-0)
• Entered Closed Session (4-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding the Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The agenda also includes discussions on budget amendments, EMS project bids, and a Republic Services rate increase. Additionally, commissioners will receive updates on the Legacy Soccer Park and the Tourism Development Authority.

• Public hearing for the Comprehensive Transportation Plan
• Budget amendments
• Bids for the EMS Project
• Republic Services rate increase discussion
• Resolutions awarding side arms to Sheriff Chris Francis and Chief Deputy Warren Sprouse

The Board of Commissioners approved a $713,447 contract for the Spindale EMS Station renovation and adopted a regional Comprehensive Transportation Plan. Other actions included approving budget amendments and adjusting the waste disposal contract with Republic Services.

• Approved $713,447 low bid from Hoke Enterprises for Spindale EMS Station renovation (5-0)
• Approved resolution for Comprehensive Transportation Plan and re-adopted 2014 Land Classification Study (5-0)
• Approved contract with Upland Architects for design services for Animal Control, Courtroom #4, and 145 College Ave (5-0)
• Approved contract with W.K. Dickson for a sewer study update (5-0)
• Approved amendment to Republic Services contract for $2.38 per ton increase effective Jan 1, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved refunding tax years 2018-2021 to Rumbling Bald due to clerical error (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Awarded service side arms to retiring Chief Deputy Warren Sprouse and Sheriff Chris Francis for $1.00 each (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will review financial reports for July through September 2022. The board is also scheduled to discuss an amended ground lease agreement and a work authorization for lighting.

• Amended Ground Lease Agreement
• Work Authorization No. 4 (Lighting CA-CO)
• Financial Report (July 2022–Sept 2022)
• Approval of September and October meeting minutes
• 2023 meeting schedule

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will review the September 2022 financial report and the 2021-2022 DSS staff turnover report. The meeting also includes program updates regarding social work and economic services.

• Review of 2021-2022 DSS staff turnover report
• Discussion of September 2022 financial report
• Review of September 2022 service report
• Program updates for social work and economic services

The board adopted the agenda and previous minutes unanimously. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of reports and discussions on personnel, budget, and program updates.

• Adopted agenda (5-0)
• Adopted previous minutes (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will address a ground lease agreement for Kiazen Black Mtn Holdings. The meeting also includes an amendment to a land lease agreement.

• Ground Lease Agreement ID 22-3279 for Kiazen Black Mtn Holdings
• Amendment to Land Lease Agreement dated 10.12.22

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority is holding a special meeting to discuss new business. The agenda includes Work Authorization No. 3 regarding the design-bid phase of Eastside Development - Phase 1.

• Work Authorization No. 3 for Eastside Development - Phase 1 (Design-Bid)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding FY 2024 Senior Center grants for elderly individuals and those with disabilities. The agenda also includes discussions on budget amendments, NC Arts Council grant recommendations, and the adoption of the 2023 Schedule of Values.

• Public hearing for FY 2024 Senior Center grants
• Budget amendments
• Microsoft Enterprise Agreement amendment
• NC Arts Council Grassroots Grant recommendations
• Appointment to Farmland Preservation Advisory Board

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the 2023 Schedule of Values, Standards, and Rules for the county's reappraisal, effective January 1, 2023. The board also approved a $100,000 grant application for senior transportation, budget amendments, a Microsoft enterprise agreement, and arts grant funding recommendations. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved 2023 Schedule of Values for reappraisal (5-0)
• Approved resolution for 5310 Elderly/Disabled Transportation Grant application (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (5-0)
• Approved NC Arts Council Grassroots grant recommendations (5-0)
• Approved ARPA Grassroots grant recommendations (5-0)
• Approved proclamation for Union Mills VFD Day (5-0)
• Appointed Harley Lattimore to Farmland Preservation Advisory Board (5-0)

Social Services Board

The board will review August 2022 financial and service reports. The agenda includes discussions regarding the budget and updates on social work and economic services programs. The meeting also covers the 2022-2024 County MOU and its signing statement.

• Budget discussion
• August 2022 financial report
• August 2022 service report
• 2022-2024 County MOU and signing statement
• Personnel report

The board voted unanimously to adopt the meeting agenda and the previous meeting's minutes. Staff introduced multiple new hires across IT, Income Maintenance, and Family & Children's Services. The board reviewed the budget and financial report, and the director reported that a two-year MOU with the state has been executed. No public comments were made, and no substantive decisions beyond routine approvals were recorded.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (5-0).
• Adopted the previous meeting's minutes (5-0).
• Heard personnel report introducing new employees in IT, Income Maintenance, and Family & Children's Services.
• Reviewed budget items and the August 2022 financial report.
• Noted that the agency is stabilizing but still facing hiring challenges.
• Reported that a two-year MOU with the state has been signed by the County Manager and Director.
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:15 PM (5-0).

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the 2023 Schedule of Values, Standards, Rules, and Present-Use Schedule of Values. The agenda also includes agenda approval.

• Public hearing for the 2023 Rutherford County Schedule of Values, Standards, Rules, and Present-Use Schedule of Values

The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting and conducted a public hearing on the 2023 Schedule of Values, Standards, Rules, and Present-Use Schedule of Values for the upcoming reappraisal. No public comments were made, and the hearing was closed after one minute. The board then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Conducted public hearing on 2023 Schedule of Values (no public comments)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority is reviewing proposals for airport flight tracking services. The board will also consider work authorizations for SWPPP-SPCC updates and a lease assignment for Hangar 3E. Additionally, the meeting includes updates on broadband deployment and the NPE 2022 grant award.

• Proposals for Rutherford County Airport Flight Tracking Services
• Work Authorization #2 for SWPPP-SPCC Update and Training
• Lease assignment of Hangar 3E from Scala to Stimple
• Broadband Deployment Project Amendment for Mt Vernon Tower Site
• July 2022 Airport Financial Report

Board of Commissioners

The Board will review budget amendments and several policies related to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The agenda also includes the sale of the Old Harris School property and a grant offer for the Streamflow Rehab Assistance Program.

• Sale of Old Harris School property to CL Developers
• Budget amendments for September 2022
• Policies for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding
• Streamflow Rehab Assistance Program (StRAP) grant offer
• Memorandum of Understanding with Department of Health and Human Services

The Board of Commissioners approved multiple items including ARPA funding policies, late property tax exemptions for five applicants, a $492,132 state grant for stream cleanup, and a resolution to sell the Old Harris School property for $65,000. All votes were unanimous 5-0 except one appointment where a commissioner was excused.

• Approved ARPA policies, subrecipient agreement, and contract clause addendum (5-0)
• Approved late property tax exemptions for Foothills Conservancy, Round Hill Baptist Church, Union Mills Learning Center, Ross A. Kennedy III, and Jeffrey D. Bell (each 5-0)
• Accepted 2023 Schedule of Values presentation and scheduled public hearing for Sept 19, 2022 (5-0)
• Authorized signing of DHHS Memorandum of Understanding with Signing Statement (5-0)
• Authorized Chairman to sign $492,132 StreamFlow Rehab Assistance Program grant contract (5-0)
• Approved annual EMS reconciliation of uncollectible debt totaling $3,931.57 (5-0)
• Approved resolution to sell Old Harris School property to CL Developers, LLC for $65,000 (5-0)
• Appointed Spence Romine to Tourism Development Authority and Dayna Causby to Farmland Preservation Advisory Board (each 5-0); appointed Alan Toney II to Transit Advisory Board (4-0, one excused)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider August 2022 budget amendments and a request for additional School Resource Officers. The agenda includes appointments to the Tourism Development Authority and Workforce Development Board. The board will also review contracts related to tire recycling and property purchases.

• August 2022 budget amendments
• Request for additional School Resource Officers (SRO)
• Appointment of Tourism Development Authority Chairperson
• Scrap tire recycling and disposal contract
• Agreement for purchase of real property

The Board approved adding up to eight full-time school resource officers to the Sheriff's Department, funded by the school system and other sources. They also approved the purchase of 5 acres at 545 Laurel Hill Drive for $47,000 for a possible Animal Control relocation, and renewed the tire recycling contract with increased prices.

• Approved up to 8 new SRO positions (5-0)
• Approved $47,000 purchase of 5 acres at 545 Laurel Hill Drive (5-0)
• Approved tire recycling price increases (5-0)
• Approved renewal of U.S. Tire Recycling contract (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments for August 2022 (5-0)
• Appointed Dave Long as TDA Chairperson (5-0)
• Appointed Cindy Cobb to Workforce Development Board (5-0)
• Authorized Chairman to submit NCACC legislative goals (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Rutherford County Social Services Board will meet to discuss June 2022 budget and financial reports. The agenda also includes updates on social work and economic services programs.

• June 2022 Budget Discussion
• June 2022 Financial Report
• June 2022 Service Report
• Personnel Report from June 26, 2022
• Program updates for Social Work and Economic Services

The Rutherford County Social Services Board met on July 20, 2022, and approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes unanimously. No public comments were made. The board received personnel, budget, financial, and service reports, and discussed staffing challenges and budget items. The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:10 PM.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (5-0)
• Entered closed session (vote not recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review July 2022 budget amendments and a reimbursement resolution for vehicles and equipment. The agenda also includes a credit card processing agreement for building inspections. Additionally, the board will address appointments to several local commissions.

• July 2022 budget amendments
• Credit card processing agreement for Building Inspections
• Reimbursement resolution for vehicles and equipment
• Appointments to Historic Preservation Commission and Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees
• June 2022 tax refunds and releases

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, including prior meeting minutes and tax refunds. They appointed voting delegates for NCACC conferences, Nick Bell to the Historic Preservation Commission, and Grady Franklin to the Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees. The board also approved budget amendments, a reimbursement resolution for vehicles and equipment, a credit card processing agreement for building inspections, and the annual tax collections settlement report.

• Approved consent agenda including June meeting minutes and tax refunds (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Benfield as voting delegate for NCACC Annual Conference (5-0)
• Appointed Vice Chairman Toney as alternate for NCACC Annual Conference (5-0)
• Appointed Vice Chairman Toney as voting delegate for NCACC Legislative Goals Conference (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Benfield as alternate for NCACC Legislative Goals Conference (5-0)
• Appointed Nick Bell to Historic Preservation Commission (5-0)
• Appointed Grady Franklin to Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments, reimbursement resolution, credit card processing agreement, and tax settlement (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Authority will consider work authorization for the conceptual design phase of a new terminal building. The agenda includes several hangar lease assignments and a request for hangar development. An easement for a Duke Energy underground power line is also presented for information.

• Work authorization for WK Dickson New Terminal Building conceptual design services
• Service contract update for ILS technical approach equipment
• Lease assignments for hangars 3F, 3A, 3B, and 6A
• Name change request from KH Aviation LLC to Hankinson Property Holdings, LLC
• Resolution approving the Jerry Stephens hangar development

Social Services Board

The board will discuss the May 2022 budget, financial report, and service report. Program updates will cover social work, economic services, and the Child and Family Specialty Plan. The Director's Report will also address House Bill 144.

• May 2022 budget and financial reports
• May 2022 service report
• Child and Family Specialty Plan updates
• Discussion of House Bill 144
• Personnel report from May 29, 2022

The Rutherford County Social Services Board unanimously approved extending Dr. Marino's contract through December 2022. The board also adopted the agenda and minutes, and discussed personnel vacancies, budget items, and program updates. No public comments were made.

• Extended Dr. Marino's contract through December 2022 (5-0)
• Adopted the agenda (5-0)
• Adopted the minutes (5-0)
• Entered closed session (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will discuss the adoption of the FY22-23 budget ordinance and a proposed budget for the Cliffside Sanitary District. The agenda also includes a review of building inspection permit schedules and the restructuring of Rutherford County 911 operations.

• FY22-23 Budget Ordinance adoption
• Cliffside Sanitary District Proposed Budget Ordinance
• Restructuring of Rutherford County 911 Operations
• Building inspection 2022 vs 2018 permit schedule review

The Board of Commissioners adopted the FY2022-2023 budget ordinance, approving $539,861 for Foothills Regional Commission-related nonprofits, $72,472 for the Economic Development Association, and $176,137 and $555,063 for fire rescue organizations. They also amended the 911 operations transfer date from July 1 to August 1, 2022, to align with a proposed state bonus for telecommunicators. All votes were unanimous among present members, with excusals for conflicts of interest.

• Adopted FY2022-2023 budget ordinance (5-0)
• Approved $539,861 for Foothills Regional Commission nonprofits (3-0, 2 excused)
• Approved $72,472 for Economic Development Association (4-0, 1 excused)
• Approved $176,137 for Fire Rescue Advisory Board and $555,063 for Sandy Mush Fire Dept (4-0, 1 excused)
• Amended 911 operations transfer to County Manager's Office to Aug 1, 2022 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding the FY 2022-2023 budget and the Community Development Block Grant. The agenda also includes discussions on ARPA funding plans, 911 operations restructuring, and contract renewals.

• Public hearing for FY 2022-2023 budget
• Public hearing for Community Development Block Grant
• Budget amendments and capital projects ordinance
• Audit contract review
• Restructuring of Rutherford County 911 operations

The Board of Commissioners approved the FY2022-2023 budget public hearing, a $13,019,597 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding plan, and several related ordinances. The ARPA plan allocates funds for water infrastructure, high-speed internet matching grants, an ambulance, and critical capital projects. The board also approved a three-year audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group, transferred 911 operations to the County Manager's office, and made numerous board appointments.

• Approved ARPA funding plan ordinance (PROJ ORD 22-002) (4-0)
• Approved budget amendments and capital projects ordinance (PROJ ORD 22-003) (4-0)
• Approved three-year audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group (4-0)
• Approved transfer of 911 operations to County Manager's office effective July 1, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved close out of 2017 CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Project (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including prior meeting minutes and tax refunds (4-0)
• Approved multiple board and commission appointments (4-0)
• Tabled appointment to Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees (4-0)

Social Services Board

The board will discuss April 2022 budget and financial reports. The meeting includes reviews of personnel, service, and program updates for social work and economic services.

• Personnel Report (May 2022)
• Budget Discussion (April/May 2022)
• Financial Report (April 2022)
• Service Report (April 2022)
• Program updates for Social Work and Economic Services

The board unanimously approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes. They received the personnel, budget, and service reports, and discussed staffing challenges, Medicaid expansion, and safety improvements. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Entered closed session (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners meeting includes a budget workshop. The agenda also covers the approval of the meeting agenda.

• Budget Workshop ID 22-3145A

Board of Commissioners

The meeting includes a budget workshop identified as ID 22-3144A. The remaining items on the agenda are procedural.

• Budget Workshop ID 22-3144A

Board of Commissioners

The Board will present the 2022-2023 budget and discuss May 2022 budget amendments. A public hearing is scheduled for a five percent matching grant for Project North Wind. The agenda also includes a property tax exemption request and county branding updates.

• Public hearing for Project North Wind five percent matching grant
• 2022-2023 budget presentation and May 2022 amendments
• Property tax exemption request from Rutherford County Economic Development Corporation
• PANGAEA Internet NCDIT GREAT Grant Application
• Appointments to the Rutherford County Economic Development Association

The Board approved a $50,000 Building Reuse Grant application for Project North Wind (Crossair, LLC), which will create 14 new jobs. They also authorized $1.5 million in ARPA funds as a match for PANGAEA Internet's GREAT grant application, approved a new county logo and tagline, and set dates for the FY2022-2023 budget hearings and adoption.

• Approved $50,000 Building Reuse Grant for Project North Wind (5-0)
• Authorized $1.5M ARPA match for PANGAEA Internet GREAT grant application (5-0)
• Approved new county logo, tagline 'Vibrant Communities - New Possibilities', and positioning statement (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments for May 2022 (5-0)
• Approved property tax exemption for Rutherford County Economic Development Corporation parcel (5-0)
• Approved dates for FY2022-2023 budget workshops, public hearing, and adoption (5-0)
• Reappointed King, Garrison, and Hines to Economic Development Association (5-0)
• Approved EMS Week and National Day of Prayer proclamations (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will meet to adopt the meeting agenda and previous minutes. The board is also scheduled to adopt the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023.

• Adoption of Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023

The Rutherford County Social Services Board unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget, which includes a projected 4% salary increase, increased security spending, and a $568,140 county cost increase. The board also approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes. No public comments were made.

• Adopted FY 2022-2023 budget (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (4-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will review March 2022 financial and service reports. The meeting includes discussions regarding the budget and updates on social work and economic services programs. The board will also receive estimates of the Medicaid expansion population by county.

• Budget discussion
• March 2022 financial report
• March 2022 service report
• Medicaid expansion population estimates
• Personnel report

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a budget meeting with the Rutherford County Board of Education. This item is listed under new business for the April 14, 2022, meeting.

• Budget Meeting with Rutherford County Board of Education (ID 22-3120A)

The Board of Commissioners held a joint meeting with the Board of Education to receive the 2022-2023 budget request. The school board requested $16,655,820 for operations (a 5.35% increase) and $3,691,077 for capital projects. No decisions were made; the meeting was informational only.

• Agenda approved (5-0)
• Meeting adjourned (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will consider a resolution to request a state grant for an updated Rutherford County/Municipalities Joint Sewer Study. The agenda also includes a budget meeting with the Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees.

• Resolution requesting a state grant for the Rutherford County/Municipalities Joint Sewer Study
• Budget meeting with the Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to work with the Towns of Spindale and Rutherfordton on an updated wastewater system merger/regionalization feasibility study, funded by state grant funds. The board also held a joint budget meeting with the Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees, where the college presented its 2022-2023 budget request but made no specific capital project requests.

• Approved resolution for updated wastewater system merger/regionalization feasibility study with Spindale and Rutherfordton (5-0, RES 22-008)
• Held joint budget meeting with Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees; no specific capital requests made by college

Board of Commissioners

The Board will review April 2022 budget amendments and proposed changes to Animal Control service pricing. Discussion is also scheduled regarding recruitment and retention for EMS and the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. The agenda includes several committee appointments and official proclamations.

• April 2022 budget amendments
• Proposed Animal Control service fees
• EMS and Sheriff’s Office Detention Center recruitment/retention
• Appointment to Forest City Board of Planning and Adjustment
• Petition regarding an all-way stop at Bostic Sunshine Highway and NC 226

The Board approved a $125,253 appropriation from the General Fund to increase wages for Sheriff's Office and EMS staff and to switch EMS from 24-hour to 12-hour shifts, effective May 30, 2022. The board also approved several appointments, budget amendments, and fee increases, all by unanimous 5-0 votes.

• Approved $125,253 for EMS and Sheriff's Office pay raises and EMS 12-hour shift change (5-0)
• Appointed Tripp Flack to Forest City Board of Planning and Adjustment (5-0)
• Reappointed Dr. Gretchen Kelly to Animal Appellate Board (5-0)
• Appointed Charles Thrift to Keep Rutherford County Beautiful Committee (5-0)
• Approved April 2022 budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation (5-0)
• Approved National Public Health Week resolution (5-0)
• Approved Isothermal Community College Month resolution (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will conduct a routine review of February 2022 financial and service reports. The meeting also includes a personnel report and updates regarding social work and economic services programs.

• Review of February 2022 financial report
• Review of February 2022 service report
• Personnel report review
• Program updates for Social Work and Economic Services

The board approved the agenda and previous minutes unanimously. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting consisted of personnel introductions, budget and service reports, and a closed session. The board discussed challenges in child placement and Medicaid expansion but took no formal action.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (4-0)
• Entered closed session (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners will review budget amendments and a county project plan for the American Rescue Plan Act. The agenda also includes discussions regarding broadband services through the GREAT Grant Program and legislative funding for the Isothermal Community College Connector Road.

• American Rescue Plan Act - County Project Plan
• Budget Amendments - March 2022
• NCDIT GREAT Grant Program for Broadband Services
• Resolution Requesting Legislative Funding for Isothermal Community College Connector Road
• Appointment to Animal Appellate Board

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance allocating ARPA funds for a GREAT Grant match and to replace lost public revenues, and authorized a $1M match for a Charter Communications broadband grant application. They also accepted grants and a land donation for Broad River paddle accesses, and approved several resolutions and appointments.

• Approved ordinance allocating ARPA funds for GREAT Grant match and $10M standard allowance for lost revenue (5-0)
• Authorized Chairman to sign letter of intent with Charter Communications for $1M ARPA match for GREAT Grant (5-0)
• Approved accepting $495,000 in grants for Broad River paddle accesses (5-0)
• Approved accepting Duke Energy land donation for US 221A paddle access (5-0)
• Authorized negotiation with NC Wildlife Resources Commission for paddle site maintenance (5-0)
• Approved resolution awarding Captain Leon Godlock's service side arm for $1 (5-0)
• Approved resolution supporting legislative funding for Isothermal Community College connector road (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Benfield as Chairman of 2022 Board of Equalization and Review (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The authority will review airport financial reports covering July 2021 through January 2022. The board will also consider revisions to Section 1.8 of the RCAA Rules and Regulations. Additionally, a request from Heli Service regarding Hangar 5C relocation and construction is on the agenda.

• Revision to RCAA Rules and Regulations Section 1.8
• Heli Service Hangar 5C relocation and construction request
• Review of airport financials from July 2021 to January 2022

Social Services Board

The meeting consists of routine reviews of personnel, budget, and financial reports. Program updates regarding social work and economic services are also scheduled.

• Personnel Report
• Budget Discussion
• Financial Report for January 2022
• Service Report for January 2022
• Program updates on social work and economic services

The Rutherford County Social Services Board approved the meeting agenda and prior minutes, both by a 4-0 vote with one member absent. The board heard a personnel report noting high caseloads and staff overtime, and a budget discussion covering DNA testing costs. No public comments were made, and the board entered closed session before adjourning.

• Approved the meeting agenda by a 4-0 vote.
• Approved the meeting minutes by a 4-0 vote.
• Entered closed session by a 4-0 vote.
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:18 PM.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review budget amendments and state budget appropriations grants. The board is also scheduled to consider a sewer infrastructure transfer to the Town of Spindale and an EMS lease rate change with the Town of Bostic.

• Budget amendments for February 7, 2022
• Henson Road sewer infrastructure transfer to the Town of Spindale
• EMS lease rate change request with the Town of Bostic
• Blue Ridge Community Action CSBG application
• Adoption of supplements to the County Code of Ordinances

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a rate increase for EMS standby services from $1.00 per minute to $150.00 per hour, citing higher level of care and equipment. The board also approved several other items including budget amendments, a conflict of interest policy, tax lien advertising, and an EMS lease with the Town of Bostic.

• Approved EMS standby rate increase to $150/hour (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments for February 7, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Conflict of Interest Policy for state grants (5-0)
• Appointed Vice Chairman Toney as second authorizing official for tax certification (5-0)
• Approved advertising real property tax liens (5-0)
• Adopted Code of Ordinances Supplement 30 (ORD 22-001) (5-0)
• Approved sewer infrastructure transfer to Town of Spindale (5-0)
• Authorized EMS lease negotiation with Town of Bostic (5-0)

Social Services Board

The board will conduct a budget discussion and review the December 2021 financial and service reports. The meeting also includes program updates for social work and economic services.

• Budget discussion
• December 2021 financial report
• December 2021 service report
• Personnel report
• Program updates for Social Work and Economic Services

The Rutherford County Social Services Board met on January 19, 2022, and unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes of the previous meeting. The board received reports on personnel, budget, services, and program updates, and then voted unanimously to enter closed session. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and informational.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes (5-0)
• Entered closed session (5-0)
• Adjourned at 5:03 PM (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will consider budget amendments and the 2022-2023 budget calendar. The agenda also includes compilations for Volunteer Fire Departments and a resolution regarding Detective Bruce Greene's service side arm.

• Budget Amendments (Jan 3, 2022)
• 2022-2023 Budget Calendar
• Compilations for Volunteer Fire Departments
• Resolution awarding Detective Bruce Greene's service side arm
• December 2021 tax refunds and releases

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, budget amendments, the 2022-2023 budget calendar, and accepted the financial compilations for 11 volunteer fire departments. They also approved a resolution to sell Detective Bruce Greene's service side arm for $1.00 upon his retirement. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved consent agenda including prior meeting minutes and tax refunds (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments for January 3, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved 2022-2023 budget calendar (5-0)
• Accepted financial compilations for 11 volunteer fire departments (5-0)
• Approved resolution RES 22-001 to award Detective Bruce Greene's service side arm for $1.00 (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will hold elections for Chairman and Vice Chairman. The board will also review qualifications for an airport engineering firm and consider work authorization for a lighting rehab project.

• Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
• Review of qualifications for Airport Engineer Firm 2022-2027
• Work authorization for the Design/Bid for Lighting Rehab Project
• Airport Financial Report for July 2021–November 2021