HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-2024
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April 2, 2024
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA SESSION
April 2, 2024
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, April
2, 2024, at 4:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room located in the Iredell County
Government Center 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chair Melissa Neader
Vice Chair Bert Connolly
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Brad Stroud, Sr.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Finance Director Deb Cheek, and Clerk to the Board Amy
Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Neader called the meeting to order.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the
following adjustments:
VIII.3A Request from Emergency Communications for approval to proclaim April 2024
as National 911 Education Month and April 14 - 20, 2024 as National Telecommunicator Week.
VIII.8 Approval of Budget Amendment #36 to appropriate contingency to conduct a Pay
and Classification study of all full-time and permanent part-time positions.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Department of Social Services for approval to proclaim April as
Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Request from the Health Department for approval to proclaim April 1 - 7, 2024, as
Public Health Week.
Request from the Library for approval to proclaim April 7-13, 2024, as National
Library Week.
Request from Emergency Communications for approval to proclaim April 2024 as
National 911 Education Month and April 14 - 20, 2024 as National Telecommunicator Week.
The above proclamations will be presented for approval during the 6pm Regular Meeting.
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April 2, 2024
Request from Parks & Recreation for approval of Budget Amendment # 35 to accept
and appropriate a grant from the Iredell Arts Council to commission a mural at Scotts
Rosenwald Community Building. Parks & Recreation Director Tate Osborne requested approval
of Budget Amendment #35 to accept and appropriate a grant in the amount of $4,994 to
commission a mural at Scotts Rosenwald Community Building. Osborne said the current mural is
dilapidated. The new mural will depict the history of the former school.
Chair Neader asked when the mural will be completed.
Osborne said the end of May. Staff will plan an event to highlight the mural.
Commissioner Houpe asked if there was a picture of the proposed mural.
Osborne will provide a picture to the Board.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for approval to award "Sole Source for
Product" including Installation for the Animal Services Flooring Project. Purchasing Officer
Antonia Stines requested approval to utilize an exception under the NCGS for bidding
requirements to award of “Sole Source for Product” including installation to Silkal America to
provide a flooring solution for Animal Services kennels. The total cost of the product and
installation is $55,325.
Commissioner Houpe asked about the warranty.
Stines said the product has a five-year warranty.
Commissioner Houpe asked about the previous product.
Mull said the last flooring product was supposed to last 10 years but because of the type
flooring required for kennels, there is no product that is going to last more than four-to-five
years. Mull noted the product did not have a 10-year warranty.
Commissioner Houpe asked if certain cleaning products would forfeit the warranty.
Commissioner Brown asked if the warranty is 100%.
Stines said 100%. The company has technicians who serve their work and product as
long as the flooring is being properly maintained.
Chair Neader asked what area the flooring is being installed.
Stines said the outside kennels.
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April 2, 2024
Commissioner Houpe asked if the company will do annual inspections.
Stines was unsure but any issues will be reported to the company.
Commissioner Houpe asked staff to request an annual inspection.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Administration for approval of the Risk Management Policies and
Procedures to be considered administrative policies. County Manager Beth Mull requested
approval of the Risk Management Policies and Procedures to be considered administrative
policies. Mull said numerous policies are tied back to the County’s insurance requirements and
OSHA.
This item was placed on consent.
County Construction Projects Update. County Manager Beth Mull
This item was placed on consent.
Approval of Budget Amendment #36 to appropriate contingency to conduct a Pay
and Classification study of all full-time and permanent part-time positions. County Manager
Beth Mull requested approval of Budget Amendment #36 in the amount of $45,000 to conduct a
pay and classification study of all full-time and permanent part-time positions. There is an
unprecedented new position and reclassification request. As the budget team was going through
the process it was discovered that the Department Directors were trying to address certain market
issues with reclassifications. The pay and classification study will go through each job description
to make sure they are classified correctly, assigned the correct grade, and determine the
competitive market pay.
Mull noted there is funding available in this fiscal year’s contingency funds. She
recommended allowing the consultant to start the study in May so the consultant can get the
updated salaries in July. Mull recommended the changes be implemented mid-year.
Commissioner Houpe asked if lapse salaries could be used to fund the study.
Mull recommended not using lapse salaries money because this FY has not ended.
Mull said it would be ideal for the consultant to start in May by reviewing all of the job
descriptions and in July when other counties do their pay increases and start a new fiscal year the
consultant will be able to gather those new salaries.
Commissioner Houpe said some counties do not participate and give out salary information
even though it is public record.
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April 2, 2024
Mull said she would recommend that the Board consider pay scale adjustments and
implement the findings of the study in January. Mull added that she would like for the consultant
to look at longevity and provide a recommendation if the Board would like to do that and to make
sure the County is competitive in the market. Mull will present a balanced budget on Tuesday,
May 7 including a recommendation for any increases beginning July 1.
Chair Neader asked if the study would address the reclassification requests.
Mull said yes. As staff vetted the reclassification requests they were in an effort to get more
competitive in order not to lose staff.
Commissioner Houpe asked Mull to provide the cost for a 5% increase across the board.
Mull said it was looked at internally and suggested the longevity piece be tied in with the
consultant. The consultant will be able to provide a couple of different options. She explained that
she looked into longevity, and it could be a set amount, based on years of service, that is added to
the base. Several years ago, the County did a one-time adjustment for longevity to address
compression. Some counties have a separate longevity program.
This item was placed on consent.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following:
• Fairgrounds Master Plan – Mull will speak with the consultant on Thursday about
finalizing the master plan for the fairgrounds property. The County hired a consultant to
conduct a master plan. There were various stakeholder meetings and input provided, and a
list of top items that the Board wanted to include in the project. The consultant has looked
at the topography of the land to figure out what could fit on the site based on the top list of
amenities that came out of the focus group meeting. The consultant has a preliminary
master plan, but staff asked them to create an a la carte list of phases 1 - 3. Mull said the
plan was to include the arena in Phase 1 but other things could be added into Phase 1 based
on the cost and how much money was allocated for the phase. Mull is hopeful the cost may
be less since the cost of construction has slightly gone down. She will keep the Board
updated on when the Master Plan will come back for board approval.
Commissioner Houpe asked if Phase 1 can include whatever the Board decides to plug in
whether it be barns or the arena. He also asked if the site work is considered as a whole or with
each phase.
Mull said the arena was always a part of Phase 1 and depending on the cost and how much
was allocated to Phase 1 it would include the site work and things around the arena.
Commissioner Houpe said Phase 1 will probably have to include enough site work and
parking.
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Chair Neader said Phase 1 will not necessarily include the full site work.
Commissioner Brown said Phase 1 included a new entrance and leveling out that area.
Mull said Phase 1 included an entrance and the driveway into the property. The grassy area
will continue to be used for parking. The phase also has an alternate option based on funding
and bids.
Mull will bring the Master Plan back to the Board for approval.
At 4:33pm, the Board entered into Closed Session.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
April 2, 2024
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 2,
2024, at 6:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Iredell County Government Center,
200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chair Melissa Neader
Vice Chair Bert Connolly
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Brad Stroud, Sr.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
County Attorney Lisa Valdez, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: by Chair Neader.
INVOCATION: by Commissioner Stroud.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: led by Chair Neader.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the
following adjustments:
VIII.3A Request from Emergency Communications for approval to proclaim April 2024
as National 911 Education Month and April 14 - 20, 2024 as National Telecommunicator Week.
VIII.9 Approval of Budget Amendment #36 to appropriate contingency to conduct a Pay
and Classification study of all full-time and permanent part-time positions.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
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Request from the Department of Social Services for approval to proclaim April as
Child Abuse Prevention Month. Program Administrator Karen Thompson said numerous entities
help fight child abuse. Starting in February 2023 – March 2024 the county has screened 1,054
child protective reports that involved 2,196 children. The work is plentiful and the workers are
few. There are 25 investigators for the County. Thompson said the County is seeing a record
amount of drug use in Iredell County. It is time for a change. Once a week there are babies born
with substances in their system. Families are living in places they should not be living in. April is
Child Abuse Prevention Month but needs to be a continuous cause. Thompson said there are three
big factors: mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
Thompson expressed appreciation to the Dove House, Pharoah’s Parenting, Children’s
Hope Alliance, Children’s Advocacy Center, Guardian Ad Litem, and Partnership for Young
Children for their continued collaboration in fighting child abuse. Thompson encourag ed anyone
who sees something to say something.
Chair Neader said she did not understand the daily struggles and complexity of the cases
until joining the DSS Board. The DSS team is continuously working.
The Board expressed sincere appreciation to Thompson and other DSS staff members for
the work they do for the children in the community.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
APRIL 2024
WHEREAS, in Federal fiscal year 2023, 3.9 million reports were made to child protective services in
the US; and
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community,
and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and
WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Iredell County;
and
WHEREAS, child abuse can have long‐term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have
lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and
WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social,
emotional, and developmental well‐being of children; and
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created
between child welfare professionals, education, health, community‐ and faith‐based organizations,
businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and
WHEREAS, communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create
strong and thriving children and families; and
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WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase awareness
about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well‐being of children and
families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and
WHEREAS, prevention remains the best defense for our children and families.
NOW, THEREFORE, We, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim April 2024
as NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in Iredell County in partnership with Iredell County
Department of Social Services, Iredell County Guardian Ad-litem, Pharos Parenting, Children’s Hope
Alliance, and Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center. We urge all citizens to recognize this month
by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.
Request from the Health Department for approval to proclaim April 1 - 7, 2024, as
Public Health Week. Public Information Officer Sierra Ashworth thanked the Board for
recognizing the importance of Public Health. The County is privileged to have an exceptional team
at the Health Department from clinical professionals to environmental health experts as well as the
administrative staff. Each member works ties tirelessly to advance the causes of Public Health. In
the past year, the Clinical Services team made over 52,000 client contacts, the food protection and
facilities program inspected more than 1,600 establishments, the on-site water protection program
conducted 4,300 community visits, the health promotion team participated in at least 50 activities,
and through social media staff was able to provide health education information to approximately
26,000 people.
The Board expressed appreciation to the Health Department staff for their continued work
for the citizens.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK
April 1-7, 2024
WHEREAS, since 1995, the American Public Health Association, through the National Public Health
Week, has educated the public, policy makers and public health professionals about issues
important to improving the public’s health; and
WHEREAS, the week of April 1-7, 2024, is National Public Health Week and the theme is
“Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We are all Public Health”; and
WHEREAS, public health professionals have always and will continue to focus on entire
communities within Iredell County and create cultural connections to enhance health equity to
promote opportunities for enhanced health, well-being and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, public health professionals use the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging
life, and promoting health through strategic planning efforts designed to improve the health of
people and their communities. P romoting healthy lifestyles, reducing disease and injury, and
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detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases, are all important responsibilities of
public health professionals; and
WHEREAS, public health professionals will continue to help communities prevent, prepare for,
withstand and recover from the impact of a full range of health threats, including disease outbreaks
like COVID-19, natural disasters, and more. Public health will also work diligently to anticipate and
mitigate future emerging health threats in Iredell County; and
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Health Department is dedicated to helping communities reach
a better state of health, by researching and using evidence-based practices, current
population health data and input from the community; and
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Health Department team will continue to work alongside local,
regional and state stakeholders to assess complex issues and develop workable solutions t o
promote healthy people and healthy comm unities to create the needed foundation to
improve the health, safety and well -being of individuals living in Iredell County; and
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Health Department team will continue to work towards their
mission of promoting and protecting community, personal and environmental health; and
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF CO MMISSIONERS, do hereby
proclaim April 1-7 , 2024, as "PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK" in Iredell County, North Carolina, and call
upon the people to observe this week by helping our families, friends, neighbors, co -workers
and leaders better understand the value of public health and supporting great opportunities
to adopt preve ntion lifestyles to live optimal lives.
Request from the Library for approval to proclaim April 7-13, 2024, as National
Library Week. Library Director Juli Moore provided some data from FY23. The library has
registered users of 78,300. The door count was 187,586 people. The local history department saw
11,935 people. The department circulated a total of 467,493 items; 17 items were received through
NC Cardinal. Staff conducted 1,128 one-on-one technology consultations. The Library hosted
1,098 programs with an attendance of 16,981. Staff served 243 facilities, nursing homes, and
daycares during outreach over the year and delivered 4,667 items to those facilities.
The Board thanked Moore and her team for providing such a valuable resource to the
community.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
National Library Week
April 7-13, 2024
WHEREAS, libraries offer the opportunity for everyone to connect with others, learn new skills, and
pursue their passions, no matter where they are on life’s journey;
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WHEREAS, libraries have long served as trusted institutions, striving to ensure equitable access to
information and services for all members of the community;
WHEREAS, libraries adapt to the ever-changing needs of their communities, developing and
expanding collections, programs, and services that are as diverse as the populations they serve;
WHEREAS, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that promote a sense of local connection,
advancing understanding, civic engagement, and shared community goals;
WHEREAS, libraries play a pivotal role in economic development by providing resources and
support for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, thus contributing to local prosperity
and growth;
WHEREAS, libraries make choices that are good for the environment and make sense economically,
creating thriving communities for a better tomorrow;
WHEREAS, libraries are treasured institutions that preserve our collective heritage and knowledge,
safeguarding both physical and digital resources for present and future generations;
WHEREAS, libraries are an essential public good and fundamental institutions in democratic
societies, working to improve society, protect the right to education and literacy, and promote the
free exchange of information and ideas for all;
WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, and library workers are joining library supporters and advocates
across the nation to celebrate National Library Week;
NOW, THEREFORE, We, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim April 7-13,
2024, as National Library Week. During this week, we encourage all residents to visit their library
and celebrate the adventures and opportunities they unlock for us every day.
Request from Emergency Communications for approval to proclaim April 2024 as
National 911 Education Month and April 14 - 20, 2024 as National Telecommunicator Week.
Assistant Supervisor Paula Stroud presented the following proclamations for approval. ECOM
Center handled 205,203 law calls for service; 43,686 EMS calls for service ; 24,930 fire calls for
service; 11,642 Animal Control calls for service; and 9,776 rescue calls for service which totals
295,372 calls in one year. The center took 295 non-emergency incoming calls, 92,993 incoming
911 calls, and had a total of 3,992,617 radio transmissions.
The Board expressed sincere appreciation to ECOM staff for their dedicated service to the
citizens of Iredell County.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to approve the proclamations as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
National 9-1-1 Education Month
April 2024
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WHEREAS, 9-1-1 is nationally recognized as the number to call in an emergency to receive
immediate help from police, fire, emergency medical services, or other appropriate emergency
response entities; and
WHEREAS, 9-1-1 was designated by Congress as the national emergency call number under the
Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (Public Law 106 -81); and
WHEREAS, the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-494) established enhanced 9-1-1 as a
high national priority as part of our Nation's homeland security and public safety; and
WHEREAS, people of all ages use 9-1-1, and it is critical to educate the public of all ages on the
proper use of 9-1-1; and
WHEREAS, a growing segment of the population, including the deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind,
and individuals with speech disabilities increasingly communicate with nontraditional text, video
and instant messaging communications services and anticipate that these services will be able to
connect directly to
9-1-1; and
WHEREAS, thousands of 9-1-1 calls are made every year by children properly trained on the use of
9-1-1, resulting in lives saved which underscores the critical importance of training children early in
life about 9-1-1; and
WHEREAS, there is widespread misuse of the 9-1-1 system, including prank and non-emergency
calls, which can result in costly and inefficient use of 9-1-1 and emergency response resources,
NOW, therefore, We, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim April
2024 as National 9-1-1 Education Month and we call upon all government officials, parents,
teachers, school administrators, caregivers, businesses leaders, non-profit organizations, and
the people of the United States to observe this month with training, events, and activities to
educate the public on 9-1-1. Furthermore, to honor during this week those Public Safety
Telecommunicators who have dedicated their lives to providing this vital emergency service.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
April 14-20, 2024
WHEREAS, 9-1-1 emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire, rescue or emergency
medical services; and,
WHEREAS, when an emergency occurs the prompt response of police officers, firefighters and
paramedics is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property; and,
WHEREAS, the safety of our police officers and firefighters is dependent upon the quality and accuracy
of information obtained from citizens who telephone the Iredell County Emergency Communications
Center; and,
WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first, first responder and most critical contact our
citizens have with emergency services; and,
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WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the single vital link for our police officers and
firefighters by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring their safety;
and,
WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators of the Iredell County Emergency Communications Center
have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of
patients; and,
WHEREAS, each dispatcher exhibits compassion, understanding and professionalism during the
performance of their job in the past year,
NOW, Therefore, We, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim April 14 through
20, 2024, to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. We call upon all government officials,
parents, teachers, school administrators, caregivers, businesses leaders, non-profit organizations, and
the people of the United States to honor during this week those Public Safety Telecommunicators who
have dedicated their lives to providing this vital emergency service.
APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(None)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
• Request from Parks & Recreation for approval of Budget Amendment # 35 to accept and
appropriate a grant from the Iredell Arts Council to commission a mural at Scotts
Rosenwald Community Building. The mural will depict the history of Scotts Rosenwald.
A picture of the mural will be sent to the Board. The grant match is in-kind; staff will be
doing the building prep.
• Request from the Finance Department for approval to award "Sole Source for Product"
including Installation for the Animal Services Flooring Project in the amount of $55,325.
The flooring is for the outside kennel space. The product has a five-year warranty.
• Request from Administration for approval of the Risk Management Policies and
Procedures to be considered administrative policies.
• County Construction Projects Update.
• Approval of Budget Amendment #36 in the amount of $45,000 to appropriate contingency
to conduct a Pay and Classification study of all full-time and permanent part-time positions.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
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APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
(None)
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & UPDATES
Commissioner Houpe gave an update on the NCACC District 10 meeting that was held in
the County last week.
Vice Chair Connolly said, “I want this to be put in the record please madam clerk. There
are elected people who would like to take that $10 million that we have allocated for the
fairgrounds and move it somewhere else, and I just want people to know that there's a lot of dirty
politics that are played when it comes down to money and stuff. I want on the record that there are
people out there that are eyeing the money because we as commissioners want to be frugal with
the way we spend money and to make sure we do it properly. I would like that please put in the
record that there are people out here eyeing and looking at what we're doing, and I think they're
going to force our hand on taking back the money that was allocated to us.”
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Mull gave an update on the following:
• Fairgrounds Master Plan - Mull will speak with the consultant on Thursday about finalizing
the master plan for the fairgrounds property. The County hired a consultant to conduct a
master plan. There were various stakeholder meetings and input provided, and a list of top
items that the Board wanted to include in the project. The consultant has looked at the
topography of the land to figure out what could fit on the site based on the top list of
amenities that came out of the focus group meeting. The consultant has a preliminary
master plan, but staff asked them to create an a la carte list of phases 1 -3. Mull said the
plan was to include the arena in Phase 1 but other things could be added into Phase 1 based
on the cost and how much money was allocated for the phase. Mull is hopeful the cost may
be less since the cost of construction has slightly gone down. She will keep the Board
updated on when the Master Plan will be come back for board approval.
Commissioner Houpe asked about a farmers market at the fairgrounds.
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Mull said Parks & Recreation are going to host a farmers market. Once the events center
is built the farmers market can be hosted there. She noted the farmers market at Parks &
Recreation will be outdoors.
CLOSED SESSION
The Board held a Closed Session before the 6pm meeting and there were no action items
to report.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 7:47pm. The next regular meeting is
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 6pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Government Center, 200
South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk