The board approved a resolution directing $446,090 in opioid-settlement funds for FY 2026–27: $431,090 to continue a post‑overdose response community paramedic program through Alexander County EMS and $15,000 to operate harm‑reduction vending machines supplying naloxone and related items.

The board adopted a resolution authorizing Alexander County to participate in the NC CPACE program (administered by EDPNC), a private‑capital financing mechanism to help commercial, industrial and qualifying multifamily property owners fund energy, water and resilience improvements.

A North Carolina Commerce deputy secretary briefed the board on HUD CDBG-DR allocations, eligibility rules, and deadlines; Alexander County has 41 applications with five confirmed eligible and a Dec. 31 application deadline for the single-family program.

Judge Rob Young requested permission for the Alexander County Recovery Court to pursue state and federal grant funding to launch a post‑adjudication recovery court; commissioners voted to allow the group to proceed with applications. Treatment provider Julie Walker outlined typical grant sizes and matching rules.

The board adopted a resolution of intent to participate in North Carolina’s CPACE program (Senate Bill 802). County Attorney Ben Falconberry said the program lets qualifying commercial and multifamily owners access private long‑term financing for energy, water and resiliency upgrades; the county’s role would be limited to recording assessment liens.

County manager Justin Mundy presented a proposed FY 2026-27 general fund budget to the Alexander County Board on May 18 that includes a proposed two-cent property tax reduction and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees. Commissioners debated larger tax cuts and discussed school and fire district funding; no budget vote was taken.

Anthony Starr of the Western Piedmont Council of Governments told Alexander County commissioners that Charlotte Water is seeking to increase its interbasin transfer certificate from 33 million to 63 million gallons per day and that research shows large IBTs can have economic and environmental harms for source basins; Starr urged local engagement with legislators and the UNC Collaboratory study.

Traveling and thinking about books and things

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2026–27 budget on June 15, 2026, reducing the county property tax rate from $0.65 to $0.60 per $100 valuation. The 3–2 vote followed discussion about collection rates and long-term revenue pressure.

Alexander County commissioners reviewed a proposed $62,798,329 FY 2026–27 budget and voted to direct county staff to implement a 5¢ county tax-rate reduction, with a follow-up budget work session scheduled to refine revenue and fee changes.

Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin told county commissioners the district improved its fund balance after a 2023–24 shortfall, added 41 positions over two years, secured a $1.8 million Golden LEAF grant (five years) and reported declining enrollment from about 5,400 in 2012 to 4,200 in 2025.

Health Director Billy Walker presented a community health assessment (1,101 responses) identifying Healthy Living and Mental Health as top priorities and noting a post‑2023 decline in overdoses; DSS Director Carrie Gerald reported 11% vacancies, 47 children in custody and warned that H.R. 1 work and review requirements could increase caseloads and strain local food banks.

Alexander County marked the 2012 dedication of a new 50,000-square-foot sheriff’s office and detention center and officials said the county made the facility’s final loan payment in January 2026 after refinancing in 2020, leaving the general fund debt-free.

Commissioners awarded the 3 Forks Church Road waterline extension to Iron Mountain Construction for a low bid of $1,645,883 (plus $80,000 contingency) and accepted a $2.27 million low bid for the Bethlehem booster station to Brushy Mountain Builders (plus $140,000 contingency). The booster station will be funded via an interfund transfer from the water and sewer enterprise fund, not property taxes.

Board approves budget ordinances and announces broadband grant and summer concert series.

Creech calls for community members to join Alexander County's multimodal network steering committee

Planning board endorsed properties for affordable housing in neighborhoods with existing mobile homes.

Residents express concerns about Bethlehem's incorporation proposal and its financial burdens.

Commissioners support county-initiated rezoning case following recent public interest and complaints.

Planning Board approves rezoning requests to enhance housing options in Bethlehem area.

SCAFE fund aims to assist families adopting children with special needs in North Carolina.