Kernersville board approves event closure, budget amendment, contracts and grant application in unanimous votes

The Kernersville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously on a series of routine and administrative items at its June 25 regular meeting. Key actions approved by the board included a temporary street closure for a downtown run and block party, a budget amendment, the sale of surplus fire‑department radios, a contract for transit services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and approval to apply for a federal SAFER grant to fund firefighter positions.

Temporary street closure and downtown event

The board approved a request from Savage Roasters to close a portion of North Main Street for the All Mountains Matter 5K and an associated block party on a date this October. Staff told the board the event has been held in prior years and was “well organized and well managed.” The motion to approve passed unanimously.

Budget amendment No. 9 (ordinance)

The board approved budget amendment No. 9, which staff said recognizes three revenue changes and three expenditure adjustments. The largest item addresses an increased payment owed to the City of High Point related to revenue sharing tied to the North Point business park near Macy Grove Road. Other adjustments include recognizing proceeds from the sale of fixed assets (noted in the packet as approximately $222,000 from the Tig Lane property sale) and increased investment interest receipts (noted in staff materials as $462,000). Staff said the net effect of the amendment is a decrease in the fund balance appropriation by $447,000. The motion carried unanimously.

Resolution declaring surplus property and sale of radios

The board approved a resolution authorizing the sale of five surplus portable radios (including batteries, antennas, clips and remote speakers) from the Fire Rescue Department to the Clemens Fire Department for $5,375. The sale followed earlier similar disposals to other agencies; the action passed unanimously.

Transit services contract for seniors and people with disabilities

The board authorized renewal of the town’s contract with Anchor Mobility to provide door‑to‑door transit service for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Staff said the service has been in place since 2013 under various providers; the current selection followed a bidding process in which Anchor Mobility was the sole bidder this year. The contract is structured for annual renewal under a multiyear funding plan; the board voted unanimously to authorize the contract.

Consent agenda and tax collection ordinances

The board approved a consent agenda that included minutes from prior meetings and two ordinances authorizing Forsyth County to collect Town of Kernersville taxes for 2025 and for prior years. No items were pulled from the consent agenda; the motion passed unanimously.

Nonprofit contracts added to July 8 agenda

The board voted to amend the July 8 agenda to add consideration of nonprofit funding contracts from the general fund and the occupancy tax fund for fiscal year 2025–26. Staff said the board already approved the funding amounts in the budget but must approve individual contracts; the agenda addition was unanimous.

SAFER grant application for firefighter positions

The board granted staff permission to apply for a SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant. Town staff described the grant as a multiyear award that would cover a portion of firefighter salaries for up to three years if awarded; the town would be responsible for 25% of salary costs in the first two years and 65% in the third year, with full local responsibility thereafter. The board voted to allow the town to submit the July 3 grant application; acceptance of any award would return to the board for separate approval.

Other business

The board recognized Jeff Meeks of the town’s Public Services department as North Carolina’s Solid Waste Employee of the Year and discussed ordering additional hearing‑assistance devices for meetings after some audience members used the existing devices. The board also held the required closed session under North Carolina General Statute 143‑318.11(a)(3) to consult with counsel; the board returned to open session and adjourned.

Votes at a glance

- Temporary street closure for All Mountains Matter 5K and block party: motion approved, unanimous. - Budget amendment No. 9 (ordinance): approved, unanimous. Staff materials referenced $462,000 additional investment interest receipts, $222,000 from sale of fixed assets, net fund balance appropriation decrease $447,000. - Resolution to declare surplus and sell five portable radios to Clemens Fire Department for $5,375: approved, unanimous. - Contract award to Anchor Mobility for transit services (seniors and individuals with disabilities): approved, unanimous. - Consent agenda (minutes; ordinances authorizing Forsyth County to collect town taxes for 2025 and prior years): approved, unanimous. - Motion to amend July 8 agenda to add nonprofit contracts (general fund and occupancy tax fund): approved, unanimous. - Motion to apply for SAFER grant (permission to submit application only): approved, unanimous.

All recorded motions in the public record were approved without recorded dissents; where mover/second were stated on the record the minutes reflect those speakers and the board’s unanimous voice votes.