Rutherford County commissioners approve economic, disaster and appointments; authorize animal services contract and disaster funding

The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners approved a series of resolutions, appointments and financial actions on April 7, 2025, including support for an incoming employer, disaster-response spending tied to Hurricane Helene and a three-year management agreement for animal-control operations.

Key votes and outcomes

• Project Cold (economic development): The board approved a resolution backing a company identified as “Project Cold” to locate operations in Forest City. County economic-development staff said the project anticipates 88 jobs over the first three years, an average salary of $50,411 and a $6,450,000 capital investment. The resolution authorizes support through a local industrial grant equal to 50% of the assessed personal property taxes for up to five years, contingent on jobs, investment and wage levels being met. Motion: “Motion we approve the resolution.” Outcome: approved by voice/hand vote; no roll-call tally provided in the record.

• Animal-control management agreement: The county authorized the county manager and county attorney to negotiate terms and to execute documents to contract with Heart of the Foothills Animal Services to operate the county’s animal-control facility beginning July 1, 2025, under a proposed three-year agreement. Motion: authorization to negotiate and execute. Outcome: approved by voice/hand vote; no roll-call tally provided.

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