January 21, 2025, MB#57 Regular Session, January 21, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Catawba County Board of Commissioners Appointments Youth Council Appointments CVMC Board of Trustees - Alan Story Catawba County Planning Board - Robert Eades Juvenile Crime Prevention Council = Robert Mullinax 209 01/21/25 Nursing & Rest Home Community Advisory Committee - Barbara Huffman Nursing & Rest Home Community Advisory Committee - Tanya Reid Home & Community Block Grant Advisory Committee - Dr. Allen Bandy Home & Community Block Grant Advisory Committee - Jonell Fields Closed Session Attorney Client Privilege Cooperative Extensions Youth Council Appointments Catawba County Youth Council Legal Catawba County 24 CVS 614 Settlement Presentations Catawba County Youth Council Public Comment Michael McRee Jackson Rollins Kenyon Kelly Sherrill Watkins Ed Lineberger Public Hearings 221 01/21/25 209 01/21/25 210 01/21/25 221 01/21/25 210 01/21/25 209 01/21/25 Final Assessment Roll: Aspen Heights Subdivision Road Improvement Project Final Assessment Roll: Brookstone Subdivision Road Improvement Project Final Assessment Roll: Wind Bluff Court in Thel Knolls Subdivision Road 210 01/21/25 212 01/21/25 216 01/21/25 211 01/21/25 213 01/21/25 217 01/21/25 220 01/21/25 221 01/21/25 221 01/21/25 221 01/21/25 Improvement Project Resolutions Resolution Confirming Assessment Roll for Aspen Heights Subdivision and Levying Resolution Confirming Assessment Roll for Brookstone Subdivision and Levying Resolution Confirming Assessment Roll for Wind Bluff Court in The Knolls Subdivision and Levying Assessments (Resolution 2025-4) Resolution to Approve Submitting Requests for Funding for Session Law 2023-134 Appropriation of $20Million to Catawba County (Resolution 2025-5) Declare Badge and Service Weapon Surplus for Retiring Sheriff Deputy Geoff Morris Declare Badge and Service Weapon Surplus for Retiring Sheriff Barton Lowdermilk Assessments (Resolution 2025-2) Assessments (Resolution 2025-3) Sheriff's Office Tax December Tax Refunds, Releases and Adjustments 208 January 21, 2025, MB#57 Utilities and Engineering Final Assessment Roll: Aspen Heights Subdivision Road Improvement Project Final Assessment Roll: Brookstone Subdivision Road Improvement Project Final Assessment Roll: Wind Bluff Court in The Knolls Subdivision Road 210 01/21/25 212 01/21/25 216 01/21/25 220 01/21/25 Improvement Project Water/Sewer Project Funding Appropriation The Catawba County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the Board of Commissioners Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Catawba County Justice Center, 100 Present were Chair Randy Isenhower and Commissioners Robert C. Abernethy, Jr., Barbara G. Beatty, and Also present were County Manager Mary S. Furtado, Assistant County Manager Paul Murray, Assistant County Manager Justin Merritt, County Attorney Jodi Stewart, Assistant County Attorney Josh Teague, and County Clerk 1. Chair Randy senhower called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., noting a quorum was present. Government Drive, Newton, North Carolina. Cole Setzer. Vice-Chair. Austin Allran was not present. Dale Stiles. 2. Commissioner Barbara G. Beatty led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Commissioner Robert C. Abernethy, Jr., offered the invocation. 4. Commissioner Abernethy made a motion to approve the Minutes from the Board's Regular Meeting of December 16, 2024 and Special Meeting of January 14, 2025. The motion carried unanimously. 5. Recognition of Special Guests: 6. Public Comments. Chair senhower welcomed everyone present. Michael McRee and Sherrill Watkins came forward and requested the monument on the grounds of the 1924 Courthouse not be removed. Kenyon Kelley came forward and requested the monument on the grounds of the 1924 Courthouse be relocated. Jackson Rollins and Ed Lineberger came forward and spoke about the geodetic survey between Catawba County and Lincoln County, each expressing their desire to remain a Upon a recommendation by Chair Isenhower that came in the form of a motion which unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Alan Story to the CVMC Board of Trustees for a second term, with a term expiration Upon a recommendation by Chair Isenhower that came in the form of a motion which unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Robert Eades to the Catawba County Planning Board for a second term, with a term Upon the recommendation by Commissioner Abernethy that came in the form of a motion which unanimously carried, the Board reappointed the following to the Nursing and Rest Home Community Advisory Committee: Barbara Huffman to a sixth term with a term expiration of September 12, 2027 and Upon the recommendation of Chair Isenhower that came in the form of a motion which unanimously carried, the Board appointed / reappointed 33 members to the Catawba County Youth Council. Appointment letters resident of Lincoln County. 7. Appointments. of December 31, 2028. expiration of December 31, 2028. Tanya Reid to at third term with a term expiration of March 16, 2027. were presented to these appointees. 209 January 21, 2025, MB#57 8. Presentations. upcoming projects. 9. Public Hearings. Aliah Excamilla, President of the Catawba County Youth Council, and Kylie Dagenhart, Member Engagement representative, presented to the Board an update of the Youth Council's activities and a. Utilities and Engineering Assistant Director Jack Chandler requested the Board of Commissioners conduct a public hearing to consider adoption of a resolution confirming the Final Assessment Roll for Aspen On December 2, 2024, the Board adopted a resolution for Aspen Heights subdivision establishing the Preliminary Assessment Roll, scheduling a public hearing for the approval of the Final Assessment Roll, and authorized submittal of a petition for NCDOT to accept the subject roads. The next step in the process is for the Board to conduct the advertised public hearing, adopt the Final Assessment Roll, and charge the Tax Administrator with the collection of the assessments. Property owners will then be notified of the The total project costs associated with Aspen Heights subdivision road improvements are $42,959.00. The basis for assessment is by lot in accordance with the number of subdivision lots at the time the petition was The individual assessment for each of the eleven lots is $3,905.36. This amount can be paid either as a lump sum before the first assessment bill comes due or in 10 annual payments with 1.5% annual interest. The table below summarizes the statutory process for establishing private road assessments and, for the items that have been completed, provides the dates on which the Board of Commissioners took each required action. The table also outlines the remaining steps the Board will still need to take in order to Heights subdivision and authorizing collection oft the assessments. assessment and payment options. submitted, which is eleven. The first annual payment, prior to the application ofi interest, is $423.47. implement the assessment (noted in italics, with planned dates). NCGSS S 153A-205 153A-190 & 153A-191 153A-192 153A-192 143-131 143-131 153A-193 & 194 153A-195 Date Action Items 6/15/2023 Citizens petition BOC with >75% of property owners & >75% of 10/16/2023 Preliminary Resolution describing the Project, financing and 11/6/2023 BOC holds Public Hearing on Preliminary Assessment 11/6/2023 BOC adopts Final Resolution approving Project, setting financing 12/13/2023 Project is bid in accordance with NC Procurement Procedures. road frontage. BOC accepts Citizen Petition, makes funding decision and adopts setting time for Public Hearing. Resolution. terms. 1/17/2024 Bid awarded. 12/2/2024 1/21/2025 BOC determines Project Total Cost, sets date and time for Public BOC holds Public Hearing on the Preliminary Assessment Rolls annuals, confirms Preliminary Assessment Rolls. If confirmed, Tax Administrator is authorized to collect assessment fees in Hearing on the Preliminary Assessment Rolls. same manner as property taxes. 210 January 21,2025, MB#57 The Board of Commissioners may modify or annul the Final Assessment Roll or any individual assessments. If_the Board of Commissioners should choose to annul the Final Assessment Roll or any individual assessments, the County would be unable to recover the project funds spent repairing the roads and would After Mr. Chandler's presentation, there were no questions. Chair Isenhower opened the public hearing. With no one coming forward, the Chair closed the public hearing. Commissioner Beatty made a motion to adopt the resolution confirming the Final Assessment Roll for Aspen Heights subdivision and authorizing have established a precedent of dedicating public funding to private road repair projects. collection of the assessments. The motion carried unanimously at 7:28 p.m. The following resolution applies: RESOLUTION No. 2025-2 RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL FORASPEN HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION AND LEVYING. ASSESSMENTS WHEREAS, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners has on this day held a public hearing, after due notice as required by law, on the Final Assessment Roll for the improvement of Aspen Court in Aspen WHEREAS, the Board has heard all those present who requested to be heard, and has found the NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners that: 1. The Assessment Roll for the improvement of Aspen Court in Aspen Heights subdivision is hereby declared to be correct, and is hereby confirmed in accordance with NCGS $153A-195. 2. The Board, pursuant to authority conferred by Chapter 153A, Article 9 of the North Carolina General Statutes, does hereby levy assessments as contained in the Assessment Roll shown on Attachment A, 3. The Catawba County Clerk is hereby directed to deliver to the Catawba County Tax Administrator the 4. The Catawba County Tax Administrator is hereby charged with collection of the assessments in 5. The Catawba County Tax Administrator is hereby further directed to publish once on the 13th day of February, 2025, a notice of confirmation of the Assessment Roll, which notice shall set forth the terms of payment oft the assessments such that any assessments contained in the Assessment Roll may be paid in full, without interest to the Catawba County Tax Administrator on or prior to January 21, 2026, ora any property owner may elect to pay the assessment in ten (10) annual installments bearing interest at the rate of 1.5% per annum, the first installment with interest due and payable on January 22, 2026 and the succeeding installments with interest due and payable on the same date in each succeeding Heights subdivision; and Assessment Roll to be proper and correct. attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Assessment Roll. accordance with the procedure established by law. year until the assessment is paid in full. Adopted this 21st day of January, 2025. A copy of Aspen Heights Subdivision is hereto attached: 211 January 21, 2025, MB#57 CATAWBA COUNTY UTILITIES & ENGINEERING ASPEN HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION Road Improvement Project AEEE 110 544534 unylahpin 51X51 05410 51N53 MNELERET ASPEN CT $3353 Silel location Creeks, Streams Structures Parcel Address Aspen Heights NORTM linche equals7 75f feet b. Utilities and Engineering Assistant Director Jack Chandler requested the Board of Commissioners conduct a public hearing to consider adoption of a resolution confirming the Final Assessment Roll for On December 2, 2024, the Board adopted a resolution for Brookstone subdivision establishing the Preliminary Assessment Roll, scheduling a public hearing for the approval of the Final Assessment Roll, and authorized submittal of a petition for NCDOT to accept the subject roads. The next step in the process is for the Board to conduct the advertised public hearing, adopt the Final Assessment Roll, and charge the Tax Administrator with the collection of the assessments. Property owners will then be notified of the The total project costs associated with Brookstone subdivision road improvements are $338,175.12. The basis for assessment is by loti in accordance with the number of subdivision lots at the time the petition was The individual assessment for each oft the ninety-one lots is $3,716.21. This amount can be paid either as a lump sum before the first assessment bill comes due or in 10 annual payments with 1.5% annual interest. Brookstone subdivision and authorizing collection of the assessments. assessment and payment options. submitted, which is ninety-one. The first annual payment, prior to the application of interest, is $402.96. 212 January 21, 2025, MB#57 The table below summarizes the statutory process for establishing private road assessments and, for the items that have been completed, provides the dates on which the Board of Commissioners took each required action. The table also outlines the remaining steps the Board will still need to take in order to implement the assessment (noted in italics, with planned dates). NCGS S 153A-1908 & Date Action Items 153A-205 9/8/2023 Citizens petition BOC with >75% of property owners & >75% of road 153A-191 1/16/2024 Preliminary Resolution describing the Project, financing and setting 153A-192 2/5/2024 BOC holds Public Hearing on Preliminary Assessment Resolution. 153A-192 2/5/2024 BOC adopts Final Resolution approving Project, setting financing 143-131 3/13/2024 Project is bid in accordance with NC Procurement Procedures. 153A-193 & 12/2/2024 BOC determines Project Total Cost, sets date and time for Public 153A-195 1/21/2025 annuals, confirms Preliminary Assessment Rolls. If confirmed, Tax The Board of Commissioners may modify or annul the Final Assessment Roll or any individual assessments. If_the Board of Commissioners should choose to annul the Final Assessment Roll or any individual assessments, the County would be unable to recover the project funds spent repairing the roads and would After Mr. Chandler's presentation, there were no questions. Chair Isenhower opened the public hearing. With no one coming forward, the Chair closed the public hearing. Commissioner Abernethy made a motion to adopt the resolution confirming the Final Assessment Roll for Brookstone subdivision and authorizing frontage. BOC accepts Citizen Petition, makes funding decision and adopts time for Public Hearing. terms. 143-131 194 5/6/2024 Bid awarded. Hearing on the Preliminary Assessment Rolls. BOC holds Public Hearing on the Preliminary Assessment Rolls Administrator is authorized to collect assessment fees in same manner as property taxes. have established a precedent of dedicating public funding to private road repair projects. collection of the assessments. The motion carried unanimously at 7:29 p.m. The following resolution applies: RESOLUTION No. 2025-3 RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR BROOKSTONE SUBDIVISION AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS WHEREAS, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners has on this day held a public hearing, after due notice as required by law, on the Final Assessment Roll for the improvement of Brookstone Drive, Tuscany Court, Windsor Court, Waterford Drive and a portion of Cottingham Drive in Brookstone subdivision; and WHEREAS, the Board has heard all those present who requested to be heard, and has found the NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners that: 1. The Assessment Roll for the improvement of Brookstone Drive, Tuscany Court, Windsor Court, Waterford Drive and a portion of Cottingham Drive in Brookstone subdivision is hereby declared to be Assessment Roll to be proper and correct. correct, and is hereby confirmed in accordance with NCGS $153A-195. 213 January 21, 2025, MB#57 2. The Board, pursuant to authority conferred by Chapter 153A, Article 9 of the North Carolina General Statutes, does hereby levy assessments as contained in the Assessment Roll shown on. Attachment A, 3. The Catawba County Clerk is hereby directed to deliver to the Catawba County Tax Administrator the 4. The Catawba County Tax Administrator is hereby charged with collection of the assessments in 5. The Catawba County Tax Administrator is hereby further directed to publish once on the 13th day of February, 2025, a notice of confirmation of the Assessment Roll, which notice shall set forth the terms of payment of the assessments such that any assessments contained in the Assessment Roll may be paid in full, without interest to the Catawba County Tax Administrator on or prior to January 21, 2026, or any property owner may elect to pay the assessment in ten (10) annual installments bearing interest at the rate of 1.5% per annum, the first installment with interest due and payable on January 22, 2026 and the succeeding installments with interest due and payable on the same date in each succeeding attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Assessment Roll. accordance with the procedure established by law. year until the assessment is paid in full. Adopted this 21st day of January, 2025. A copy of Brookstone Subdivision is hereto attached: 214 January 21, 2025, MB#57 CATAWBA COUNTY UTILITIES & ENGINEERING BROOKSTONE SUBDIVISION Road Improvement Project Sitel locotion lrudures Brooisionen Purels BroolsioneA Mdresses catawba InRe. IRe county lidegslléfat January 21, 2025, MB#57 C. Utilities and Engineering Assistant Director Jack Chandler requested the Board of Commissioners conduct a public hearing to consider adoption of a resolution confirming the Final Assessment Roll for Wind Bluff On December 2, 2024, the Board adopted a resolution for Wind Bluff Court in The Knolls subdivision establishing the Preliminary Assessment Roll, scheduling a public hearing for the approval of the Final Assessment Roll, and authorized submittal of a petition for NCDOT to accept the subject roads. The next step in the process is for the Board to conduct the advertised public hearing, adopt the Final Assessment Roll, and charge the Tax Administrator with collection of assessments. Property owners will then be notified The total project costs associated with Wind Bluff Court in The Knolls subdivision road improvements are $34,896.50. The basis for assessment is by lot in accordance with the number of subdivision lots at the time The individual assessment for each of the five lots is $6,979.30. This amount can be paid either as a lump sum before the first assessment bill comes due or in 10 annual payments with 1.5% annual interest. The first The table below summarizes the statutory process for establishing private road assessments and, for the items that have been completed, provides the dates on which the Board of Commissioners took each required action. The table also outlines the remaining steps the Board will still need to take in order to Courti in The Knolls subdivision and authorizing collection oft the assessments. oft the assessment and payment options. the petition was submitted, which is five. annual payment, prior to the application of interest, is $756.79. implement the assessment (noted in italics, with planned dates). NCGSS 153A-205 153A-190 & 153A-191 153A-192 153A-192 143-131 143-131 153A-193 & 194 Date Action Items 7/3/2023 Citizens petition BOC with >75% of property owners & >75% of road 11/20/2023 Preliminary Resolution describing the Project, financing and setting time 12/18/2023 BOC holds Public Hearing on Preliminary Assessment Resolution. 12/18/2023 BOC adopts Final Resolution approving Project, setting financing terms. 12/28/2023 Project is bid in accordance with NC Procurement Procedures. frontage. BOC accepts Citizen Petition, makes funding decision and adopts for Public Hearing. 2/19/2024 Bid awarded. 12/2/2024 BOC determines Project Total Cost, sets date and time for Public BOC holds Public Hearing on the Preliminary Assessment Rolls Administrator is authorized to collect assessment fees in same manner Hearing on the Preliminary Assessment Rolls. 1/21/2025 annuals, confirms Preliminary Assessment Rolls. If confirmed, Tax 153A-195 as property taxes. The Board of Commissioners may modify or annul the Final Assessment Roll or any individual assessments. If the Board of Commissioners should choose to annul the Final Assessment Roll or any individual assessments, the County would be unable to recover the project funds spent repairing the roads and would After Mr. Chandler's presentation, there were no questions. Chair Isenhower opened the public hearing. With no one coming forward, the Chair closed the public hearing. Commissioner Cole Setzer made a motion have established a precedent of dedicating public funding to private road repair projects 216 January 21, 2025, MB#57 to adopt the resolution confirming the Final Assessment Roll for Wind Bluff Court in The Knolls subdivision and authorizing collection of the assessments. The motion carried unanimously at 7:30 p.m. The following resolution applies: RESOLUTION No. 2025-4 RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE KNOLLS SUBDIVISION ANDI LEVYING ASSESSMENTS WHEREAS, the Catawba County Board of Commissioners has on this day held a public hearing, after due notice as required by law, on the Final Assessment Roll for the improvement of Wind Bluff Court in The WHEREAS, the Board has heard all those present who requested to be heard, and has found the NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners that: Knolls subdivision; and Assessment Roll to be proper and correct. 1. The Assessment Roll for the improvement of Wind Bluff Court in The Knolls subdivision is hereby declared to be correct, and is hereby confirmed in accordance with NCGS $153A-195. 2. The Board, pursuant to authority conferred by Chapter 153A, Article 9 of the North Carolina General Statutes, does hereby levy assessments as contained in the Assessment Roll shown on 3. The Catawba County Clerk is hereby directed to deliver to the Catawba County Tax Administrator 4. The Catawba County Tax Administrator is hereby charged with collection of the assessments in 5. The Catawba County Tax Administrator is hereby further directed to publish once on the 13th day of February, 2025, a notice of confirmation of the Assessment Roll, which notice shall set forth the terms of payment of the assessments such that any assessments contained ini the Assessment Roll may be paid in full, without interest to the Catawba County Tax Administrator on or prior to. January 21, 2026, or any property owner may elect to pay the assessment in ten (10) annual installments bearing interest at the rate of 1.5% per annum, the first installment with interest due and payable on January 22, 2026 and the succeeding installments with interest due and payable on the same date Attachment A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. the Assessment Roll. accordance with the procedure established by law. ine each succeeding year until the assessment is paid in full. Adopted this 21st day of January, 2025. A copy of The Knolls Subdivision is hereto attached: 217 January 21, 2025, MB#57 CATAWBA COUNTY UTILITIES ENGINEERING THE KNOLLS SUBDIVISION Road Improvement Project catawba county 20 28 21 ORCHAR lumps Sum Paymeat $6,97930 Aanueln Peynant- $756.79 23 LAFONEX JOEYDALE 363812864360 lampSumA Ruymeat- 5697930 AntudlA Paynent- 575639 RATCLEFFEB BRAMDONT 363812866299 22 a A 6 BLUFF WIND CT UNVERFEHRT WILWAE EDWARD 363812864052 lem,SimA Reyment- 56,97930 Aanualfoymat. $756.79 GANIT CHARLESN MKHAEL 363812858918 Lmps SumP Puymat- $6,979.30 AntudPymant- $756.79 26 LAILPAULR 363812856914 lumps Sunn Roymet. $6,979.30 Aanvdl Fayment- $756.79 25 24 4 30 27 "12 sl AddressP Points Struclures Projett Areo Tinhegulsske January 21, 2025, MB#57 10. Consent Agenda. County Manager Mary Furtado presented the following four items under the consent agenda. Chair Isenhower asked if any commissioner wished for an item to be broken out of the consent agenda for a. The Policy and Public Works Subcommittee recommended the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution authorizing use of a $20,000,000 Legislative appropriation to Catawba County as put forth in Session Laws 2023-134 and 2024-1 and authorizing the County Manager or her designee to submit and execute all required documents associated with obligating these funds; and appropriate $19,700,000 in funds from the Legislature to three planned projects (detailed below) and reduce $5,017,000 in previously Catawba County is the recipient of a $20,000,000 Legislative appropriation approved by the North Carolina General Assembly in Session Law 2023-134, subsequently amended by Session Law 2024-1. The Session As stipulated in the Session Law, 1.5% of the appropriation, or $300,000, will be withheld by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) for administrative costs. Staff recommends the remaining $19,700,000 be utilized to fund the following projects from the current Water and Sewer CIP, with 1. Brown Chapel and Mollys Backbone Wastewater Pump Station Upgrades, estimated to cost $3,500,000. The Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget included $2,000,000 in local funds that can be freed if 2. New Village Center Wastewater Pump Station Construction and Sherrills Ford Wastewater Pump Station Upgrades, estimated to cost $8,000,000. The Board of Commissioners appropriated $1,067,000 in local funds to two separate projects for this purpose on March 4,2024. It is recommended that $767,000 of these funds be reduced to account for the required withholding of 3. The Buffalo Shoals Road 16-inch Waterline Construction, estimated to cost $8,500,000. The Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget included $2,250,000 in local funds that will be freed if this action is approved. Staff has used conservative cost estimates for these projects but realize that the infrastructure bidding market remains volatile, and some local funding may be necessary to fully fund these projects. This cannot individual consideration. None was requested. appropriated local funds. Laws stipulates the appropriation be used for water or wastewater infrastructure projects. total projected costs as follows: this action is approved. 1.5% administrative costs by the State. be determined until bids are received and will be revisited at ai future date. SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION: Revenue: 475-431150-639115 Expense. Appropriations: NC DEQ Legislative Grant $19,700,000 $7,700,000 $8,500,000 475431150.86150021029 Browns Chapel & Mollys Backbone Sewer Upgrade $3,500,000 475-4311509891002802 SECC Village Center PS Upgrades 475431150.4851002808 Buffalo Shoals Water Construction APPROPRIATION REDUCTIONS (FREED LOCAL FUNDS): Revenue: 475-431150-690100 Expense Reductions: Fund Balance Applied ($5,017,000) ($596,000) ($171,000) 47543110.86150021029 Browns Chapel & Mollys Backbone Sewer Upgrade ($2,000,000) 47543115098900.2002 SECC Village Center PS Upgrades 4754311509891002807 SF Pump Station Improvements 219 January 21, 2025, MB#57 475491150.8851002008 Buffalo Shoals Water Construction ($2,250,000) The following resolution applies: RESOLUTION No. 2025-5 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SUBMITTING REQUESTS FOR FUNDING FOR SESSION LAW/2023-134 WHEREAS, Catawba County has received an appropriation of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) from the North Carolina General Assembly as put forth in Session Law 2023-134 and as amended in Session Law 2024-1 to assist Catawba County with meeting its water/wastewater infrastructure needs, and WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is allowed to use up to one and one- half percent of the appropriated funds (1.5%, or $300,000) for administrative costs; and WHEREAS, Catawba County intends to utilize the remaining nineteen million seven hundred thousand dollars $19,700,000) to fund the following water and wastewater projects: Brown Chapel and Mollys Backbone Wastewater Pump Station Upgrades, estimated to cost three million five hundred thousand dollars ($3,500,000); and New Village Center Wastewater Pump Station Construction and Sherrills Ford Wastewater Pump Buffalo Shoals Road 16-inch Waterline Construction, estimated to cost eight million five hundred 1. The Catawba County Board of Commissioners does hereby approve the utilization of the Brown Chapel and Mollys Backbone Wastewater Pump Station Upgrades, estimated to cost three New Village Center Wastewater Pump Station Construction and Sherrills Ford Wastewater Pump The Buffalo Shoals Road 16-inch Waterline Construction, estimated to cost eight million five 2. Catawba County reserves the right to move appropriated funds between the aforesaid projects as 3. Mary Furtado, County Manager, her successors and designee, is hereby authorized and directed to submit Requests for Funding; furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with this appropriation and Requests for Funding; and to execute such other APPROPRIATION OF $20 MILLION TO CATAWBA COUNTY Station Upgrades, estimated to cost eight million dollars ($8,000,000); and thousand dollars ($8,500,000). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners: appropriated funds for the following water and wastewater projects: million five hundred thousand dollars ($3,500,000); and Station Upgrades, estimated to cost eight million dollars ($8,000,000); and hundred thousand dollars ($8,500,000). necessary. documents as may be required by the Division of Water Infrastructure. Adopted this 21st day of January, 2025. b. Staff recommended the Board of Commissioners Declaring Badge and Service Weapon Surplus for Retiring Sheriff Geoff Morris, effective January 21, 2025, pursuant to North Carolina Statute 20-187.2(a).He has requested his badge and service weapon. In lieu of receiving these items at a Board of Commissioners meeting, he has requested the weapon and badge be presented to him at a later time. 220 January 21, 2025, MB#57 C. Staff recommended the Board of Commissioners Declaring Badge and Service Weapon Surplus for Retiring Sheriff Barton Lowdermilk, effective January 21, 2025, pursuant to North Carolina Statute 20- 187.2(a).He has requested his badge and service weapon. In lieu of receiving these items at a Board of Commissioners meeting, hel has requested the weapon and badge be presented to him at al later time. d. The Tax Administrator recommended the Board of Commissioners approve 32 releases totaling $34,684.84, four refunds totaling $64,739.78 and 59 Motor Vehicles Bill adjustments / refunds totaling North Carolina General Statute 105-381(b) states upon receipt of a taxpayer's written request for release or refund, the taxing unit's governing body has 90 days to determine whether the taxpayer's request is valid to either approve the release or refund oft thei incorrect portion or to notify the taxpayeri in writing that no release During the month of December, Tax Office staff checked records and verified the legitimacy of 32 release requests totaling $34,684.84, four refund requests totaling $64,739.78, and 59 Motor Vehicle Bill Common reasons for release oft tax bills include changes in values and months, change in situs, businesses closing I being sold, and clerical errors. This month's releases include valuations orders by the NC Property Tax Commission (PTC). The refunds are due to valuation orders by the PTC and property being sold. The motor vehicle bill adjustments are largely due to pro-ration of tax bill amounts to account for mid-year The consent agenda items came in the form of a motion by Chair Isenhower, which carried unanimously. $5,942.86 requested during the month of December. orrefund will be made. adjustments/refunds totaling $5,942.86. transfers of ownership, change in values and change in situs. 11. Other Items of Business. None. 12. Manager's Report. None. 12. Attorney's Report. a. County Attorney Jodi Stewart reported to the Board a $22,500.00 settlement in the case of Opritza V. b. County Attorney Jodi Stewart requested the Board consider moving into Closed Session pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 143-318.11(a) (3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged. Attorney Stewart did not anticipate any action upon return to open session. Commissioner Abernethy made a motion to enter closed session for that purpose. The motion 13. Adjournment. No further action was taken. Upon a motign by Commissioner Beatty which unanimously Todd and Catawba County 24 CVS 614 (Catawba County). carried unanimously. carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. Randy Isenhower, Chair Catawba County Board of Commissioners Dale R. Stiles DE County Clerk a 221