[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6527642,"mediaKeyId","3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987","parentId",3551713,"title","Cliffside Sanitary District asks county for up to $57,005 to avoid service shortfall; board to consider request","audioSeconds",146,"startMs",5344000,"endMs",5490000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987&start=5344&end=5490","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987/thumbnail_5344000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6527642/Rutherford-County/North-Carolina/Cliffside-Sanitary-District-asks-county-for-up-to-57005-to-avoid-service-shortfall-board-to-consider-request","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527642-9656a43d428c3cee47d84fba59d61b15/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324130&Signature=hEMjdhNyItP1avYbNGfKOk9hspseTmlKTpIGrMrsQsmp9gZajJhwmK3TNupDOXaTKxwS-6K6um3jX91~R9E9DNftfKEnwdOZTUXqlSmy6D9FSAmiiQqgr4XZNgsDi2JsXKELz5bX5QWuAA8v~BJ6DiRBY25ShxY3COjHVbwl1YCingkuzZkRaf3oggDjjiTJwK2Ez1KbOQFlpTcS5p3EIoOEkpvHUz2KqAIMVWe7U56m9mwCkGb2MI3TkHcAYiZ0XtbqkWYhDjqnLhskJJXxQaA1LoFieqQ7LRm12c~FdvdcL4--qiq3WGzxf2n30Ev8b~-oYuU8On0evoGn2wH9yA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rutherford County","date","2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","article","Members of the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners discussed a request from Cliffside Sanitary District for a one‑time county supplement to cover a projected operating shortfall.

Staff reported the district projects roughly $145,000 in sewer revenues next year and revenue from its small tax base of about $11,000, leaving an estimated shortfall of about $57,005.70. Staff recounted that the district previously was operated under Local Government Commission oversight, that DEQ distressed‑unit funds aided its operations during the LGC period, and that the newly formed local board is now seeking county assistance to maintain service continuity.

Why it matters: Cliffside is a low‑wealth district with limited tax base and essential community assets (two schools, EMS station and library) tied to the sewer system. Staff said the system has unused capacity and has been studied for possible economic development uses; county support could keep the system operational while the district seeks longer‑term solutions.

Ending: commissioners signaled general sympathy and directed staff to research legal options and the mechanics for any county supplement; because the item affects a separate local governmental entity, staff said formal counsel review is needed before any appropriation would be recommended.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rutherford County - Board of Commissioners on 2025-05-27 5:00 PM - May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Cliffside Sanitary District, a small local sewer district, has submitted a request for county support after years of state oversight and capital needs; staff said the district projects a $57,005 deficit and the county may consider a one‑time supplement.","taxTitle","Rutherford County, North Carolina","taxId",45173,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527647,"Five local fire districts ask to raise tax rates as volunteers decline and equipment costs rise",113,453000,566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987&start=453&end=566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987/thumbnail_453000.jpg","/articles/6527647/Rutherford-County/North-Carolina/Five-local-fire-districts-ask-to-raise-tax-rates-as-volunteers-decline-and-equipment-costs-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527647-1c434e146629b88049c80758a3231cd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324130&Signature=EayOC7q6uN2EECIP8Gb1lB29uE9pXFStk8YP~NcmaQnl-mCL0U5Xy~YgFHmnD7lC3G69l2loQaqXJoXcYAQczLffbFwYsIQdd9CUYrnn9UVG6R5uqk0qombPaArzWhKgPVWYQX96EtY19GSqbP7K~kdztCtuvYdLRCqNCanOQI~xFWg6gy1J5FNatqJAKlyJz1Y2D1N3LvyiHZASxyNGFJlgWo-TaeKJUMAzEkXqDjwjjhRfIkr3kxS0kg2Cgz3Kd4ZBLt4e~~DAxvmRr47BsSNUH6wYvONbDuO5Xo4VI-~ugwKYcd-NN-xvhGsPe61rguvM72evDMopXXOl8XwYEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rutherford County staff briefed commissioners on five fire‑district requests for modest tax‑rate increases to sustain operations and replace aging equipment.

Staff said the requests come from Bills Creek, Berry Mountain, Chimney Rock, Cliffside, and Elleboro (spelled variously in materials) fire districts. Examples included Bills Creek requesting an increase from 0.075 to 0.085 and Chimney Rock proposing a rise from 0.05 to 0.07. Cliffside’s request cited increased operating costs, a five‑year plan that includes adding a full‑time firefighter, vehicle replacement and station remodeling, and Elleboro indicated funding for turnout gear, training and a multipurpose truck financed for about $480,000 and the intention to hire three full‑time firefighters.

Why it matters: staff emphasized that volunteerism has declined and personnel costs plus equipment prices (the manager said pumpers that once cost about $250,000 are now roughly $550,000) are pressuring district budgets. Commissioners were told that if volunteer response falls, ISO ratings can worsen and homeowners’ insurance premiums across those districts can rise.

Ending: staff noted the fire‑district rate requests are included in materials and will be part of the budget ordinance process for commissioner consideration; commissioners asked for follow‑up questions and for staff to bring more detailed district budgets as needed.","County staff outlined several fire‑district requests to raise their local tax rates to cover equipment, staffing and station repairs amid declining volunteerism and higher equipment prices.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527653,"County staff say reopening convenience centers Wednesdays would require fee tweaks; commissioners ask for plan",166,1730000,1896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987&start=1730&end=1896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987/thumbnail_1730000.jpg","/articles/6527653/Rutherford-County/North-Carolina/County-staff-say-reopening-convenience-centers-Wednesdays-would-require-fee-tweaks-commissioners-ask-for-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527653-109b84808106a3bc42fd197ec2624c0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324130&Signature=bQOoYHmd25JZjzplp-U3l55XMx6vZgaL4DpR~TZVyo866DfYVFdcO6iQk0ARbgf0muB0mHdJ1mTSA4RScvo2X7Jd7sjwa9u9hDJVJRHYBHu8hcsN5StEcbxtEa9z7EqQfgyoKug9GraE-T~AvX4Avh2G4nGdx07ePQBstcCKvar~e~jv-XB3EIgwhCLnhqVZGq1AIDUA7KNxVv9WLq8U4AKcA8DVifSQt5r7UR~Mzj6KHK-XubXz~bj~LnGUkYXT3VklGyKEqn1LSEiEzPt2tiE1e5~27DphaDhj5QpIuqhXzAu6IVTz3xbAoqLb0n2VKi9~GqBxkjJYBNw71WnAOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rutherford County commissioners discussed restoring Wednesday service at convenience centers and modestly increasing the annual convenience center fee to maintain operations.

Solid‑waste staff and the county manager said the solid‑waste function is run as an enterprise fund and must be self‑sustaining; state rules limit supplementing an enterprise fund from the general fund. Staff presented options that would keep centers open six days a week by modestly raising the annual RA fee (the presenter discussed moving recycling fees from about $30–$43 and increasing the RA fee from $45 to $46 depending on whether a COLA is approved). Commissioners expressed support for returning the Wednesday schedule if staff can show options that preserve jobs and avoid layoffs.

Why it matters: solid‑waste operations are one of the county’s significant enterprise operations; staff warned that vendor availability, disposal costs and closure/reopening cell engineering expenses drive significant costs. Reopening Wednesdays would raise operational costs and may require a fee increase or other scheduling changes to keep the fund solvent.

Ending: staff will return with modeled options for reopening Wednesdays including the fee changes and staffing implications, and with updated budget numbers that reflect any decision for the public hearing.","Commissioners discussed reopening convenience centers on Wednesdays and a modest increase to the RA (convenience center) fee to sustain operations, while noting the solid‑waste enterprise fund must remain self‑sufficient.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527658,"Commissioners debate where to budget five school resource officers amid grant complexities",542,3058000,3600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987&start=3058&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987/thumbnail_3058000.jpg","/articles/6527658/Rutherford-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-debate-where-to-budget-five-school-resource-officers-amid-grant-complexities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527658-1d6a7c9c91fe7bf89629b2a716a7abea/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324130&Signature=i0K-oBuIORXNq1vjjR-4L6EduRpZ7M~CBt8YyEmeLn4NkQQZMlBiOm2BLQd08Eb5X1-EBerMqvZcAf-bo5S792Tjf6GPvTTDv70HxcD0KHiQgx0QZK-jhhTdBRVN1ar4RUZIYwb4D3VjQ2Mp~LhCNE7aw2aGohysrlY7HEHnfg03UCq-N2hWhETfWtBPDFWKuOuFE78hxZ~AvUZdBuTqV7kqb98MBgn64BB~~KPVyuzw8-ZqWyhjjptJX9OxHJb3arupHHu91JLanGFTpNDZ0RDpULgoTi0auX5tR0AorXV4CKDnwRIDthketRrTHUS2ki3nKlMTfcOTMPPa7D-Ebg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rutherford County commissioners spent substantial time at the workshop discussing funding for five additional school resource officers and how to structure that funding to preserve grant eligibility and local accountability.

County staff described two primary options: fund the SROs as part of the school system’s operating budget (the historical approach) or direct‑fund them through the sheriff’s office. Staff said that funding the positions through the school system helps the schools draw down certain state and federal grants and supports “low‑wealth” funding formulas that increase grant competitiveness. Staff also noted that, whichever entity is the employer, the officers remain sheriff’s deputies and that memoranda of understanding between the school system and the sheriff will define day‑to‑day responsibilities.

The board asked how grant proceeds would be handled if the schools receive new grants or SAFER funding and whether grant dollars would flow back to the county to reimburse salary costs billed to the school system. Staff said the county currently processes payroll in the sheriff’s budget (department 43.12) and bills the school system for salaries and benefits; if schools secure grants that cover salary costs, those revenues would be applied against the county’s bill to the schools. Staff also warned that many grants contain multi‑year requirements that can obligate the county to cover the fourth year of a grant if the grantee cannot continue funding.

Why it matters: commissioners emphasized the primary goal is SRO coverage in every school and expressed concern that shifting line‑items should not reduce accountability or weaken the sheriff’s ability to direct deputies’ operational deployment. Several commissioners said they favor keeping the SRO funding in the school budget because of grant and reimbursement mechanisms; the sheriff’s office has expressed a preference for direct funding through his department.

Ending: staff recommended a line‑item approach to increase transparency — showing the county’s contribution and the portion expected to be reimbursed by grants — and said they would return with budget language and an explanation of how reimbursements would be processed.","Commissioners discussed whether school resource officers (SROs) should be budgeted through the Rutherford County School System or direct‑funded through the sheriff’s office, weighing grant eligibility and accountability concerns.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527663,"Rutherford County commissioners weigh using $6.1 million in fund balance to close budget shortfall",4591,101000,4692000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987&start=101&end=4692","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3551713-a5990bec076087ca0af117273a5c0987/thumbnail_101000.jpg","/articles/6527663/Rutherford-County/North-Carolina/Rutherford-County-commissioners-weigh-using-61-million-in-fund-balance-to-close-budget-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527663-4e098dd0046b426717ceb5746bd3a7b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324130&Signature=bPGmRTohp9ebtDKkG2ZkezVrXd97Ds7DqQX5mVHoPgxdUkRf~z6y1FxiYeB4FitSCSFwBtGZZA~EK20wBQpVKOwHmjxWXbSe8GHc2U1PXshQ3dKA-hiF~TY~rqP3Ey0FeRbNcEgHUOeQAFnaPM0rgJDCT8bkAjj6WBOLnEZoREMF3X1NN2Z21UXzOdhW41WHBzPvn3vo4xg~9cedyQUnVUc1QsUST6ltrO16kwTl3Pp61T6iSF1fnADMwIXFzX-lAWhpR7cRh~OrgY5YXFn8UMQZvDohujehcuv7Qn6OEz~Iy6kMYDl1tVCyjvuC6GIiyIJCsanbPaygyyaDtcMErg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rutherford County commissioners met in a workshop to review a revised fiscal 2025–26 proposed budget after staff removed a previously proposed 11.5‑cent tax increase, and to consider using local fund balance to close the remaining gap.

County budget presenter Garrison told the board that departments, schools, the college and community partners requested about $107,237,287 in total; after preliminary revenue estimates that left an initial gap of roughly $13 million. Staff trimmed department requests and capital lines so the manager’s recommended operating budget was lower than department submissions. With the tax‑rate increase removed, the county would need to appropriate fund balance to balance the budget; staff identified a recommended appropriation of about $6,107,002.82.

The revised package includes a number of reductions and targeted additions: county operations would hold a recommended 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees; recommended public‑safety technology purchases include replacement public‑safety records/CAD software and funding for the Flock camera system; the recommended general fund operating budget for county departments was reduced from roughly $63 million requested to a recommended $58,115,669; and the manager recommended preserving $1,000,000 in school capital plus an additional $821,310 to bring school capital to about $1.8 million.

Why it matters: staff warned commissioners that drawing down fund balance at higher levels could trigger scrutiny from the North Carolina Local Government Commission and markets that rate municipal debt. The county is also facing large, hurricane‑related FEMA debris costs and property valuation losses concentrated in the Lake Lure / Chimney Rock area, which reduce taxable value and increase fiscal pressure. Garrison and staff repeatedly told the commission that a $10.5 million fund‑balance appropriation would be “not comfortable” for the manager and could invite concerns from rating agencies; the $6.1 million figure was presented as a compromise that would require continued departmental budget discipline and possible vacancy freezes.

Commissioners asked staff for further refinement but generally indicated support for the lower fund‑balance draw compared with the larger gap that would result from keeping the tax increase. Staff said they will present a budget ordinance that reflects the board’s consensus for the public budget hearing on Monday.

Additional details: the manager described several drivers of the fiscal pressure: a recommended 10% increase in health insurance costs, a 9–10% increase in liability/risk management and a roughly 9.62% increase in the law‑enforcement officers’ separation allowance. The manager also said capital requests were pared from approximately $1.3 million requested to about $300,000 in the recommended budget, and IT requests were largely reduced but still include the public‑safety systems noted above. Staff estimated the county’s current conservative sales‑tax projection and said sales‑tax trends and ad valorem collection rates remain key variables for the next fiscal year.

Ending: staff will return a revised budget ordinance that incorporates the board’s direction — including the school funding adjustment and a Cliffside Sanitary District request (see separate article) — for the public hearing. The board also directed staff to include language in the budget ordinance authorizing the county manager to freeze vacant positions if conditions change during the year.","At a workshop, county staff presented a revised budget that removes a proposed 11.5-cent tax increase and would require roughly $6.1 million from fund balance to cover the remaining gap; commissioners discussed school funding, FEMA debris costs and credit‑rating risks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cliffside Sanitary District asks county for up to $57,005 to avoid service shortfall; board to consider request

Five local fire districts ask to raise tax rates as volunteers decline and equipment costs rise

County staff say reopening convenience centers Wednesdays would require fee tweaks; commissioners ask for plan

Commissioners debate where to budget five school resource officers amid grant complexities

Rutherford County commissioners weigh using $6.1 million in fund balance to close budget shortfall