Iredell County commissioners approve consent agenda including mutual-aid, contracts and grants; set Aug. public hearing for 'Project Ace 25'

Iredell County commissioners at their Tuesday pre-agenda meeting approved a package of routine contracts, grants and personnel actions by unanimous consent and set a public hearing in August for a possible economic development incentive tied to "Project Ace 25." Several departmental requests were presented and approved at the 4:00 p.m. session for formal action or later execution by the county manager.

Emergency Management requested reaffirmation of the statewide mutual-aid agreement (the 2023 form of the agreement). "We don't have to have a state of emergency to to request that," Emergency Management representative Kent Green told the board, explaining the agreement makes it easier for jurisdictions to share resources.

Emergency Management also requested approval of a three-year agreement with VOC, the county's virtual emergency operations center platform. Staff said the three-year purchase was budgeted and will save about $3,600 over the contract period compared with shorter-term options. The board gave consent.

Emergency Medical Services asked for approval to apply for a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant to buy additional video laryngoscopes. EMS representative Eric Morrison said the request would be "about a $30,000 to $32,000" proposal and that the next application period opens in October; the board approved requesting the grant and delegated signature authority to the county manager.

EMS also presented a revision to the department's physical-agility testing policy intended to align the written policy with current practice; staff said the test itself remains unchanged and the revision formally rescinds an annual retesting requirement that had not been uniformly enforced. The board approved the policy update by consent.

Library staff sought and received approval to accept a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) scholarship grant of $1,775 from the State Library of North Carolina and to amend the county budget accordingly. The purchasing division presented a surplus declaration and private-sale request for sheriff's K-9 Benji; the veterinary evaluation recommended retirement after 11 years of service and staff said transfer to the handler would require a $1 payment and a hold-harmless agreement. The board approved the surplus declaration and transfer process.

Finance staff requested renewal of a three-year contract for a debt-and-lease tracking software (referred to in materials as "Grama book"). Staff said the vendor had a small price increase but continuing a three-year term kept the county at a lower rate than a one-year option; the board consented.

Emergency Communications requested approval of a two-year PSAP (public-safety answering point) funding agreement with the North Carolina 9-1-1 Board, continuing allocations to the secondary PSAPs in Statesville and Mooresville; Emergency Communications manager Nikki Carswell told the board the agreement does not reduce Iredell County's monthly base allocation and meets required interoperability and backup standards. The board approved the agreement and authorized the county manager to sign.

Human Resources requested adding a part-time "logistics technician" classification to the pay-and-classification schedule; staff clarified this would not create a new position but would allow reclassification of an existing vacant part-time EMT role to take nonclinical supply and vehicle-resupply duties off frontline EMS crews. The board approved the classification addition by consent.

Administration sought renewal of a lease with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Juvenile Justice, for Suite 1101 at Government Center South; staff said the county would continue to manage facilities and janitorial services. Tax administration presented June 2025 refunds and releases for approval. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings and moved to set a public hearing in August for a potential economic development incentive tied to "Project Ace 25."

Appointments and vacancies were announced for several boards and commissions, including planning and advisory committees; a slate of incumbent volunteers were presented to be reappointed where indicated.

Finally, Commissioner Howe moved that the board enter closed session after a five-minute recess for attorney-client, economic development, personnel and property-acquisition matters under North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11; the motion carried and the board recessed into closed session.

Most of the items reported at the 4:00 p.m. pre-agenda session were advanced by unanimous consent and will be executed or brought back for formal signatures as needed at the county manager's direction.