Rutherford County public meetings in 2025

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will meet to discuss the November budget and financial reports. The agenda includes personnel and service reports as well as program updates from Social Work and Economic Services.

• Review of November 2025 Personnel Report
• Budget and Financial Report discussion for November
• November 2025 Service Report review
• Program updates for Social Work and Economic Services
• Welcome of new board member Lynn Hoppes

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider a third amendment to the conditional agreement for the purchase and sale of real property known as Project Quiet, which comprises 47.43 acres on Daniel Road. The amendment is identified as ID 25-4347A. A closed‑session will address personnel matters under NCGS 143‑318.11(a)(6) (ID 25-4346A).

• Third amendment to conditional agreement for purchase of 47.43 acres on Daniel Road (Project Quiet) – ID 25-4347A
• Closed‑session personnel discussion under NCGS 143‑318.11(a)(6) – ID 25-4346A
• Agenda approval (procedural item)

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda unanimously. They approved a third amendment to the conditional agreement with Quiet Creek Properties for the 47.43‑acre Project Quiet, adding a $50,000 extension fee and extending the closing date to May 19, 2026. The board entered closed session to discuss personnel matters and then adjourned the meeting, each action passing with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved third amendment to Project Quiet agreement, adding $50,000 fee and extending closing to May 19, 2026 (5-0)
• Entered closed session for personnel discussion (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding Economic Development Project ID 25-4336. The meeting also includes the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman and a review of the Rutherford County Housing Study.

• Public hearing for Economic Development Project ID 25-4336
• Bid tab for the renovation and upfit of the Rutherford County Courthouse
• December 2025 Budget Amendments
• Rutherford County Housing Study presentation
• Appointment to the Tourism Development Authority

The Board elected Bryan King as Chairman and Alan Toney as Vice‑Chairman. It approved the conveyance of a 2.6‑acre property for an economic‑development project and adopted the proposed budget amendments. Commissioners also appointed Jessica Davis to the Tourism Development Authority and awarded the courthouse renovation contract to Beam Construction for a total of $4,837,000.

• Elected Bryan King Chairman (3‑2)
• Elected Alan Toney Vice‑Chairman (3‑2)
• Approved conveyance of 2.6‑acre Gateway Commerce Court property (5‑0)
• Approved budget amendments (5‑0)
• Appointed Jessica Davis to Tourism Development Authority (5‑0)
• Awarded courthouse renovation contract to Beam Construction, base bid $4,664,000, total $4,837,000 (5‑0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will meet to discuss the October 2025 budget, personnel, and service reports. The agenda includes the adoption of proposed rules of procedure and a review of security updates.

• Adoption of proposed rules of procedure update
• Discussion of October 2025 budget and financial report
• Review of October 2025 personnel report
• Review of October 2025 service report
• Review of October 2025 security report

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will consider an amendment to the Hangar Development Resolution for Site 8 (FID 25‑4318A). It will also vote on a resolution approving Hangar 8F for Causebe LLC (25C187). No other items are listed on the agenda.

• Amendment of Hangar Development Resolution for Site 8 (FID 25‑4318A)
• Resolution approving Hangar 8F for Causebe LLC (25C187)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will consider approving a hangar proposal for Bart Jones, Causebe, LLC, and review the September 2025 financial report. The meeting will also include an informational update on the EDA Sewer Project and the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Approval of Hangar 8F construction for Bart Jones, Causebe, LLC
• Review of September 2025 financial report
• Informational update on EDA Sewer Project
• Adoption of 2026 Airport Regular Meeting Schedule
• Approval of September 8, 2025 meeting minutes

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners will vote on budget amendment items for November 2025, including library camera upgrades, EMS equipment lease, and the Operation Green Light resolution. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda approvals, appointments to county boards and commissions, and a discussion of the New Isothermal Community College Career Commons Space proposal.

• Approve minutes from the October 6, 2025 Commissioners meeting (Consent Agenda)
• Adopt tax refunds and releases for November 2025 (Consent Agenda)
• Consider appointments to Rutherford County boards and commissions (Regular Agenda)
• Review the New Isothermal Community College Career Commons Space proposal (Regular Agenda)
• Consider November 2025 budget amendments, including library cameras, EMS equipment lease, and Operation Green Light resolution (New Business)

The commissioners unanimously approved the November budget amendments, including library cameras and performance cabling. They also authorized the County Manager and other officials to negotiate and sign a 49‑month lease for EMS stretchers and cardiac monitors. Additional actions included adopting a resolution for Operation Green Light and moving into a closed session on industrial location matters.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Authorized advertising and appointment process for expiring board terms (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments for library cameras, access control, and performance cabling (5-0)
• Authorized negotiation and execution of EMS equipment lease (5-0)
• Approved Operation Green Light resolution for veterans (5-0)
• Moved into closed session on industrial location discussion (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Social Services Board

The board will meet to discuss and adopt updated rules of procedure. Members will review personnel, budget, financial, and service reports from September 2025. The meeting includes program updates from Social Work, Economic Services, and the Director.

• Adoption of Proposed Rules of Procedure Update
• Personnel Report - September 2025
• Budget Discussion - September 2025
• Financial Report - September 2025
• Service Report - September 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding state funding and an industrial development grant for Project Newco. The body is also reviewing contracts for a Sheriff's Office upfit and a Phase 2 expansion of the Rutherford County Detention Facility.

• Public hearing for Industrial Development Grant regarding Project Newco
• Beam Construction Design/Build Contract for Sheriff’s Office Upfit Project
• Design/Build Expansion/Renovation Project for Rutherford County Detention Facility Phase 2
• MCCI Agreement for Building Inspection Software
• Budget Amendments for October 2025

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda, several grant and development resolutions, the October budget amendments, and authorized contracts for the Sheriff’s Office renovation and the Detention Facility Phase 2. All motions passed unanimously (5‑0). The Board also approved the consent agenda.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Adopted grant application resolution RES 26-084 (5-0)
• Approved Project Newco industrial grant resolution RES 26-085 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Authorized $2,777,000 Sheriff’s Office upfit contract (5-0)
• Authorized Detention Facility Phase 2 design/build fees $822,850 (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Rutherford County Social Services Board will convene to discuss and adopt minutes, personnel reports, and budget updates for August 2025. The meeting includes a review of service reports, program updates, and a director's report.

• Adoption of August 2025 minutes
• Personnel Report - August 2025
• Budget Discussion - August 2025
• Service Report - August 2025
• Director's Report - August 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on opioid settlement funds, road name changes, and grants for the Senior Center and Transit. The board will also consider budget amendments and approve resolutions for various county projects.

• Public hearing on opioid settlement funds
• Public hearing on changing street names
• Public hearing on Senior Center and Transit grants
• Budget amendments for September 2025
• Resolution rejecting high bid for 0 Shotwell Lane

The commissioners unanimously approved the FY 2026 Community Transportation Program resolution, providing a $195,000 grant with a $19,500 local match. They also approved a FY 2027‑28 transportation grant totaling $1,170,914 with a $157,542 local share. An ordinance changing several road names was adopted, while a separate ordinance on address numbers received no action. Proclamations designating Great Trails State Day and Great Trails State Month were also approved.

• Approved FY 2026 Community Transportation Program resolution ($195,000 total, $19,500 local share) (5-0)
• Approved FY 2027‑28 transportation grant ($1,170,914 total, $157,542 local share) (5-0)
• Approved ordinance changing multiple street names (5-0)
• No action taken on ordinance changing address numbers on Gilboa Church Road
• Approved Great Trails State Day proclamation (5-0)
• Approved Great Trails State Month proclamation (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (minutes and tax refunds) (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will review a hangar development request submitted by W. Barry Jenkins and Alpha Island Time Holding, LLC. The board will also consider the lowest bid for an airport perimeter fencing project. Additional agenda items include the approval of minutes, a financial report for July 2025, and informational updates on advanced air mobility infrastructure.

• Hangar request for a 50x40 Hangar 9A by Alpha Island Time Holding, LLC (Resolution ID 25-4230)
• Fencing Project – Lowest Bid for Work Authorization #5 (Bid Tabulation ID 25-4236)
• Director's/Financial Report – Airport July 2025 (ID 25-4192)
• Informational briefing on Infrastructure Improvements for Advanced Air Mobility (ID 25-4193)
• Consent agenda: approval of minutes from May 5, 2025 meeting (ID 25-4190)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will meet to discuss personnel, finance, and service reports from July 2025. The board will also receive program updates regarding social work and economic services.

• Personnel Report - July 2025
• Finance Report - July 2025
• Budget Discussion - July 2025
• Service Report - July 2025
• Director's Report - July 2025

The Social Services Board approved the meeting agenda by a 3‑0 vote. It then adopted the July 2025 minutes, also by a 3‑0 vote. Finally, the board adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m. with unanimous approval.

• Adopted agenda (3‑0)
• Adopted minutes (3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (3‑0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners will review and vote on several items, including updates to the county budget for August 2025, a software and management contract for the Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications, and auction resolutions for county properties on Shotwell Lane and Yates Lane. The agenda also includes an amendment to the Road Naming, Addressing, and Display Ordinance and an update on the new RCS Transportation and Operations Centers project. Items on the consent agenda will be approved by a single motion unless a commissioner moves them to the regular agenda.

• Budget Amendments – August 2025
• Sheriff’s Office and 911 Communication Software and Management Contract with Southern Software, Inc.
• GOVDEAL Auction resolution for Rutherford County property at 0 Shotwell Lane, Rutherfordton, NC
• GOVDEAL Auction resolution for Rutherford County property at 0 Yates Lane, Lake Lure, NC
• Amendment to the Road Naming, Addressing, and Display Ordinance

The Board approved an amendment to Chapter 3, Article VI of the County Code on road naming and addressing, and repealed Section 12‑2 of the Code. It also adopted the presented budget amendments and authorized a contract with Southern Software, Inc. for the Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications. Finally, the Board authorized electronic auctions of parcels at 0 Shotwell Lane, Rutherfordton and 0 Yates Lane, Lake Lure. All motions passed with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved amendment to Chapter 3, Article VI (road naming, addressing) – vote 5‑0
• Approved repeal of Section 12‑2 (road name procedure) – vote 5‑0
• Approved budget amendments presented by Finance Director – vote 5‑0
• Approved contract with Southern Software, Inc. for Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications – vote 5‑0
• Authorized electronic auction of Parcel 0 Shotwell Lane, Rutherfordton – vote 5‑0
• Authorized electronic auction of Parcel 0 Yates Lane, Lake Lure – vote 5‑0

Social Services Board

The board will adopt the meeting agenda and minutes, review a personnel report and the FY 2024‑2025 staff turnover report, and discuss the FY 2024‑2025 budget. It will also consider the June 2025 financial and service reports, receive updates from social work and economic services programs, and hear the director’s report before adjourning.

• Adoption of agenda and minutes
• Personnel Report (ID 25‑4214)
• FY 2024‑2025 DSS staff turnover report (ID 25‑4216)
• Budget discussion for FY 2024‑2025 (ID 25‑4213)
• June 2025 financial and service reports (IDs 25‑4215, 25‑4217)

The Social Services Board unanimously re‑elected Chairperson Godlock to remain chair and Vice Chair Steele to remain vice chair. The agenda and the prior meeting minutes were also adopted unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Re‑elected Chairperson Godlock (unanimous vote)
• Re‑elected Vice Chair Steele (unanimous vote)
• Adopted agenda (4‑0)
• Approved minutes (4‑0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding the Road Naming, Addressing, and Display Ordinance. The meeting also includes budget amendments and a design/build contract for the Sheriff’s Office upfit project.

• Public Hearing: Road Naming, Addressing, and Display Ordinance (ID 25-4204A)
• Beam Construction Design/Build Contract for Sheriff’s Office Upfit Project (ID 25-4189B)
• Budget Amendments - July 2025 (ID 25-4196A)
• State Cashflow Loans for Disaster Response Activities (ID 25-4203A)
• Appointment to Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees (ID 25-4200C)

The commissioners added a Library Board appointment to the agenda and adopted the agenda unanimously. They approved the consent agenda, a proclamation honoring Terry Hines, and multiple appointments, all with 5‑0 votes. The board also approved a $1,211,931.04 disaster‑response cash‑flow loan resolution. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Added Library Board appointment to agenda (5‑0)
• Adopted agenda with addition (5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda (5‑0)
• Approved Terry Hines proclamation (5‑0)
• Appointed Amy Jenkins to Isothermal Community College Board (5‑0)
• Appointed Debbi Stanfield to Tourism Development Authority (5‑0)
• Appointed William Whitson as TDA chair (5‑0)
• Approved $1,211,931.04 disaster response loan resolution (5‑0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will meet to discuss personnel, financial, and service reports from May 2025. The board will also receive program updates from Social Work, Economic Services, and the Director.

• Personnel Report - May 2025
• Financial Report - May 2025
• Budget Discussion - May 2025
• Service Report - May 2025
• Director's Report - May 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners will consider two items: an amendment to the State Cashflow Loans for Disaster Response Activities loan agreement (ID 25‑4182A) and the adoption of the FY 25‑26 budget ordinance (ID 25‑4183B). Both items are presented with attached documents for review. The meeting also includes routine agenda approval and adjournment.

• Amendment to State Cashflow Loans for Disaster Response Activities (ID 25‑4182A)
• Adoption of the FY 25‑26 Budget Ordinance (ID 25‑4183B)

The Board approved the meeting agenda, adopted an amendment to the State Cashflow Loan Agreement for disaster response, and adopted the FY 2025‑26 county budget. Specific budget line items, including Line Item 4310, were also approved. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved amendment to State Cashflow Loan Agreement (5-0)
• Approved FY 2025‑26 budget (5-0)
• Approved Commissioner Haynes' request (5-0)
• Approved Line Item 4310 of the budget (4-0, 1 excused)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on proposed changes to the Fairfield Mountains Volunteer Fire Department service district boundaries and the abolition of its service district, as well as adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. The meeting also includes routine approvals, proclamations, and updates on capital projects.

• Public hearing on changing Fairfield Mountains VFD service district boundaries
• Public hearing on abolishing the Fairfield Mountains Volunteer Fire Department service district
• Public hearing to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget
• Amendment to Soccer Complex Interlocal Agreement
• Resolution awarding Sergeant William Ed Toney’s service sidearm

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to change fire protection service district boundaries, affecting the Fairfield Mountains, Lake Lure Rural, and Outside Response Area districts, effective July 1, 2025. The Board also unanimously approved the abolition of the Fairfield Mountains Fire Protection Service District, with the same effective date. All votes were 5‑0 in favor.

• Approved fire protection service district boundary changes (5-0)
• Approved fire insurance district boundary changes (5-0)
• Approved abolition of Fairfield Mountains Fire Protection Service District (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will hold a closed session on an industrial location matter under N.C.G.S. 143‑318.11(a)(4). In the open session, commissioners will conduct a budget workshop. The meeting also includes routine items such as agenda approval and adjournment.

• Closed session on industrial location (ID 25-4161A) per N.C.G.S. 143‑318.11(a)(4)
• Budget workshop (ID 25-4160A)
• Agenda approval (routine)
• Adjournment

The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda with an amendment (5-0). They also approved moving a closed‑session item (ID‑25‑4161) to follow New Business and entered a closed session to discuss an industrial location (both 5-0). No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved agenda with amendment (5-0)
• Moved closed‑session item ID‑25‑4161 to follow New Business (5-0)
• Entered closed session for industrial location discussion (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will meet to discuss personnel, financial, and service reports from April and May 2025. The board will also receive program updates from Social Work, Economic Services, and the Director.

• Personnel Report - April 2025
• Financial Report - April 2025
• Financial Report - May 2025
• Service Report - April 2025
• Director's Report - May 2025

The Social Services Board adopted the meeting agenda with a 5‑0 vote, Chairperson Godlock absent. The board approved the April 2025 minutes with the same 5‑0 vote. After reviewing personnel, budget, and program updates, the board adjourned with a 4‑0 vote, Chairperson Godlock absent.

• Adopt agenda (5-0)
• Approve minutes (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct a budget workshop. The remainder of the agenda consists of procedural items.

• Budget Workshop ID 25-4154

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda with a 5‑0 vote. They discussed the County Manager’s budget recommendation, which includes an 11.5‑cent tax increase, but no vote was taken. Staff were directed to prepare a budget alternative that does not rely on a tax increase. The meeting was adjourned with a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Staff to develop budget without tax increase (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding Project Newco. The meeting also includes a budget presentation for 2025-2026 and a review of an audit contract with Gould Killian.

• Public hearing for Project Newco
• Budget presentation for 2025-2026
• Audit contract with Gould Killian
• Partners Health Maintenance of Effort Funds recommendation
• Amendment to State Cashflow Loans for Disaster Response Activities agreement

The commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to grant a Job Development Investment Grant for Project Newco, which aims to create at least 125 jobs and attract $45 million in investment. They also approved $137,200 in maintenance‑of‑effort funding for Partners Behavioral Health, an amendment to the state disaster cash‑flow loan agreement, and a $79,000 audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group. Additional unanimous actions included proclamations for Older Americans Month and EMS Week, the consent agenda, and advertising upcoming board appointments.

• Approved Project Newco industrial development grant (5-0)
• Approved $137,200 Partners Behavioral Health maintenance‑of‑effort funding (5-0)
• Approved amendment to state disaster cash‑flow loan agreement (5-0)
• Approved audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group for $79,000 (5-0)
• Approved Older Americans Month proclamation (5-0)
• Approved EMS Week proclamation (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (5-0)
• Approved motion to advertise board appointments (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will review a work authorization for perimeter fencing design and construction. The board will also consider hangar transfers and a draft budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

• Perimeter Fencing Design/Bid and Construction Phase Services Work Authorization
• Transfer of Hangar 3E from Gerald Stimple to Hyde
• Transfer of Hangar 4G from Gerald Stimple to Laura Frese
• QTpod Subscription Service Agreement
• Draft Budget for FYE2026

Board of Commissioners

The Board will discuss the FY26 Rutherford County budget narrative and capital outlay request. It will consider a budget amendment to use ICC capital outlay funds for utility line relocation. The meeting will review a resolution designating an applicant’s agent for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and a memorandum of agreement for Tropical Storm Helene debris removal. An agreement with iWorQ for county garage services will also be examined.

• FY26 Rutherford County budget narrative and capital outlay request (ID 25-4133A)
• Budget amendment to utilize ICC capital outlay funds for utility line relocation (ID 25-4131B)
• Resolution to designate applicant’s agent for NC Department of Public Safety (ID 25-4134C)
• MOA with State Emergency Management Agency for Tropical Storm Helene debris removal (ID 25-4135D)
• iWorQ Systems agreement for county garage services (ID 25-4132E)

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda, a budget amendment to allocate Isothermal Community College capital outlay funds for an underground utility line relocation, and a resolution designating the County Manager and Fire Marshal as agents for a grant request. They also authorized negotiations and execution of a debris‑removal memorandum of agreement and an iWorQ vehicle‑management contract. All motions passed with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved budget amendment to use ICC capital outlay funds for utility line relocation (5-0)
• Approved resolution designating County Manager as primary agent and Fire Marshal as secondary for NCDPS grant (5-0)
• Authorized County Manager, Attorney and other officials to negotiate and sign debris‑removal MOA (5-0)
• Authorized County Manager, Attorney and other officials to negotiate and sign iWorQ vehicle‑management agreement (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will meet to discuss budget, personnel, and service reports from March 2025. The board will also receive program updates from Social Work, Economic Services, and the Director.

• Personnel Report (ID 25-4125)
• Financial Report - March 2025 (ID 25-4126)
• Budget Discussion - March 2025 (ID 25-4127)
• Service Report - March 2025 (ID 25-4128)
• Director's Report - March 2025 (ID 25-4129)

The Social Services Board approved the meeting agenda with a 5‑0 vote. It then adopted the prior meeting minutes, also by a 5‑0 vote. The board adjourned the session at 5:04 p.m. with a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Adopted agenda (5-0 vote)
• Adopted meeting minutes (5-0 vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:04 p.m. (5-0 vote)

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners will discuss several financial and operational items, including state cashflow loans for disaster response, budget amendments for April 2025, and the JCPC funding allocation for FY 2025‑2026. The agenda also includes a public hearing on Project Cold, a management agreement with Heart of the Foothills, and various proclamations and appointments. Items on the consent agenda and a closed‑session attorney‑client matter will be addressed as routine business.

• State Cashflow Loans for Disaster Response Activities
• Budget Amendments – April 2025
• JCPC Funding Allocation for Fiscal Year 2025‑2026
• Management and Operations Agreement with Heart of the Foothills
• Public Hearing – Project Cold

The commissioners unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Project Cold industrial development grant, which will fund a new manufacturing operation with 88 full‑time jobs and a $6,450,000 investment. They also approved several proclamations and appointed individuals to county boards, each passing with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved Project Cold industrial development grant (5-0)
• Approved proclamation honoring WWII veteran John Thomas Hill (5-0)
• Approved proclamation declaring April 18 Line Worker Appreciation Day (5-0)
• Approved resolution recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week (5-0)
• Approved Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation (5-0)
• Appointed Sydney Pellegrini to the Social Services Board (5-0)
• Appointed Charles Flack to the Forest City Board of Planning and Adjustment (ETJ) (5-0)
• Appointed Susan Epley to the Transit Advisory Board (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Rutherford County Social Services Board will consider the February 2025 budget, review the February financial and service reports, and receive updates on personnel, a new board member, and the Lighthouse program. The meeting also includes public comments and adoption of prior minutes.

• Budget Discussion – February 2025
• Personnel Report – March 2, 2025
• Service Report – February 2025
• Director’s Report – Lighthouse Update
• Public Comments

The Social Services Board met on March 19, 2025, but no quorum was present, so the session was informational only. Consequently, the agenda, minutes, and any potential actions were not adopted. The board received updates on a declined board member, a personnel retirement award, budget items, program activities, and upcoming events. No votes or decisions were recorded.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss budget amendments and a sole source request for an EMS oxygen generation system. The meeting includes appointments to several boards and a review of a comprehensive fire and rescue service study.

• Budget Amendments - March, 2025
• Sole Source Request for EMS Oxygen Generation System
• Agreement for Operations/Management of Animal Control Services
• Amended Audit Contract for FY24
• Agreement to Amend Conditional Agreement for Project Quiet

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners unanimously accepted the FY24 audit, approved budget amendments, and authorized negotiations for animal control services with Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue. The board also approved a sole source purchase for an EMS oxygen generation system and amended the audit contract. All votes were 5-0.

• Accepted FY24 audit report (5-0)
• Approved March 2025 budget amendments (5-0)
• Amended audit contract to Feb 28, 2025 completion (5-0)
• Approved sole source purchase for EMS oxygen generation system (5-0)
• Approved agreement to amend conditional land sale with Quiet Creek Properties (5-0)
• Authorized negotiations with Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for animal control services (5-0)
• Approved resolution awarding Deputy Justin McCluney's service side arm for $1.00 (5-0)
• Appointed Terri Walker to Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will meet to discuss the January 2025 budget and financial reports. The agenda includes a personnel report and updates on social work and economic services programs. The board will also welcome new member Cody Ezell.

• Welcome of new board member Cody Ezell
• Review of Personnel Report dated 02/02/2025
• Discussion of January 2025 Budget and Financial Reports
• Review of January 2025 Service Report
• Program updates for Social Work and Economic Services

The board adopted the agenda and minutes, welcomed new member Cody Ezell, and received personnel, budget, service, and program updates. No substantive policy decisions were made; the board entered closed session and adjourned.

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

Board of Commissioners

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review priorities and set goals for the year. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting is procedural.

• Review of Priorities (ID 25-4070)
• Goals Setting (ID 25-4053)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a work session focused on goal setting. The session includes a SWOT analysis to identify county strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

• SWOT Analysis presentation by Alan Toney, II of the Foothills Regional Commission
• Round table discussion for goal setting

The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting focused on goal setting for 2025-2026, facilitated by Alan Toney II of the Foothills Regional Commission. They reviewed a SMART Goals framework and conducted a SWOT analysis, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the county. No formal decisions were made; discussions will continue at the next goal-setting session on February 13, 2025. The meeting adjourned unanimously at 7:00 pm.

• Adjourned meeting unanimously (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding route changes for the Transit Department’s TriCity Xpress. The meeting includes decisions on property auctions, budget amendments, and several new service contracts.

• Public hearing on Transit Department’s TriCity Xpress Route Change
• Proposed online auction of county property at 0 Old Caroleen Road
• Resolutions for sold properties at 0 Roundabout Road, 0 Rumbling Bald Road, 0 Yates Road, and 0 Cedar Street
• Contracts with Pictometry, Axon Enterprise, Inc., and purchase of Flock Safety Cameras
• Budget amendments for February 2025, including a Pyatt HVAC proposal for Isothermal Community College

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners approved changes to the TriCity Xpress transit routes, including extended times and new stops. They also approved the sale of four county-owned properties via auction, a contract amendment with Southern Disaster Recovery for debris removal, and several appointments to boards. The board deferred decisions on Flock Safety cameras and an SRO task force to future meetings.

• Approved TriCity Xpress route changes (5-0)
• Approved sale of 0 Roundabout Road, Lake Lure (5-0)
• Approved sale of 0 Rumbling Bald Road, Lake Lure (5-0)
• Approved sale of 0 Yates Lane, Lake Lure (5-0)
• Approved sale of 0 Cedar Street, Rutherfordton (5-0)
• Approved Contract Amendment #001 with Southern Disaster Recovery (5-0)
• Approved advertisement of unpaid taxes (4-0, Haulk excused)
• Deferred Flock Safety camera purchase to budget discussions

Social Services Board

The board will adopt the agenda and minutes, review the December 2024 budget and financial report, and receive service and program updates. It will also discuss an open board member seat.

• Adoption of agenda
• Adoption of minutes
• Budget discussion for December 2024
• Financial report for December 2024
• Discussion of open board member seat

The board voted unanimously to adopt the agenda and the minutes. No formal decisions were made; the meeting consisted of informational reports and discussions on personnel, budget, services, and program updates.

• Adopted the agenda (3-0)
• Adopted the minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned at 5:03 p.m. (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct its regular meeting, starting with public comments and a consent agenda of non-controversial items. Appointments to the Planning Commission and the Chairman of the Board of Equalization and Review will be decided. Budget amendments for January 2025 and ICC quotes will be discussed under new business.

• Appointments to Rutherford County Planning Commission
• Appointment of Chairman of 2025 Board of Equalization and Review
• Budget Amendments - January 2025
• ICC Quotes - Jan 2025
• Public comments on county government

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners approved the consent agenda, including tax refunds and releases, and made appointments to the Planning Commission and Board of Equalization and Review. Preston Janco was appointed to the Planning Commission for District 2, and Commissioner Benfield was named chairman of the Board of Equalization and Review. The board also approved budget amendments and the 2025-2026 budget calendar. A community health assessment was presented for information only.

• Approved consent agenda including tax refunds ($2,692.26) and releases ($25,122.70) (5-0)
• Appointed Preston Janco to Planning Commission District 2 (3-2)
• Appointed Commissioner Benfield as Chairman of Board of Equalization and Review (5-0)
• Approved January 2025 budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 budget calendar (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will meet to elect its leadership for the coming term. The board will also review financial reports and minutes from previous meetings.

• Election of Chairman
• Election of Vice Chairman
• Review of November 2024 financial report