Rowan County commissioners on Oct. 20 approved county staff to apply for a state building reuse/rural healthcare grant (up to $500,000) on behalf of Project Vitamin and voted to provide the required 5% local match of $25,000 from county economic development funds as a forgivable loan tied to job-creation performance.

Economic development staff described Project Vitamin as an existing Rowan County healthcare employer providing mental-health and home-health services across North Carolina. The company plans a new facility with an estimated $10.5 million investment and told staff it aims to create about 501 new jobs over five years. Staff said average pay for positions is roughly $64,848, with median pay around $54,000 and entry-level roles near $45,000; many openings are expected to be peer-support specialists, certified counselors and case managers.

Under the proposal the county asked staff to submit the state grant application; if awarded, the grant would reimburse construction costs. Commerce requires a cash match; staff requested a $25,000 forgivable loan from county economic development funds to meet the 5% match if the county receives the full award. The loan would be forgiven on a pro rata basis as job targets are met; if job goals are not met the borrower would repay a percentage corresponding to the shortfall. Staff estimated additional county property-tax revenue of about $580,000 over 10 years based on projected investment and depreciation assumptions.

Speakers during the public hearing asked whether positions would be filled by county residents. Commissioners and staff said while the county cannot legally restrict hiring to residents, the project includes training opportunities (including coordination with Rowan‑Cabarrus Community College) that could help local residents compete for jobs.

Ending: The board approved applying for the grant and awarding the $25,000 match as a forgivable loan contingent on meeting job‑creation benchmarks; staff will submit the grant application by the Commerce deadline and manage grant administration if the award is made.