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Board adopts multiple routine measures: Fire Marshal moved to county oversight; budget hearing set; US 21 repair supported
Summary
After terminating the Wilkes Rescue Squad contract, the Wilkes County Board of Commissioners approved multiple routine measures on May 6, including transferring the Fire Marshal to county oversight, adopting a resolution for NCDOT repairs on US 21, and scheduling public hearings on Project Rack and the FY2025–26 budget.
Following the meeting’s primary action on the Rescue Squad contract, the Wilkes County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved several additional routine measures on May 6.
Fire Marshal transfer: The board voted to move the appointed Fire Marshal position and the Fire Protection Department from the Sheriff’s Office to the Board of Commissioners/County Manager’s oversight effective immediately. County Attorney Tony Triplett noted state statute gives the board appointment authority; supporters said the change will better align fire, rescue and EMS oversight.
Resolution for US 21: The board adopted a resolution supporting the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s proposed roadway stabilization and soldier-pile wall repair for a 310-foot section of US 21. The resolution noted the project’s estimated cost exceeds $550,000 and was adopted to comply with the NCDOT local consultation process (N.C.G.S. §136-11.1).
Project Rack public hearing: At the request of the town of North Wilkesboro and the economic development corporation, the board set a public hearing for a proposed economic investment agreement (Project Rack) for June 17, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., so it would not conflict with a North Wilkesboro hearing on June 3.
Workforce Board: Joseph Bumgarner was reappointed as the private-sector representative to the High Country Workforce Development Board for a two-year term.
Budget schedule: County Manager John Yates presented the recommended FY2025–26 budget (total recommended budget $122,813,009; proposed tax rate $0.42 per $100, below the revenue-neutral rate). The board set a public hearing on the proposed budget for May 20, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Fire tax hearings: The board set a special called meeting for May 29, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. to hold public hearings for seven volunteer fire departments requesting changes to their fire district tax rates under the county’s adopted Fire Tax Policy.
Events and permits: The board approved fireworks-display permits for North Wilkesboro Speedway for May 17 and May 18, 2025 after Fire Marshal Chris Hicks confirmed required insurance and documentation.
Closed session and adjournment: The board entered closed session under multiple statutory exceptions and later returned to open session with no action reported; the meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
The items above passed by unanimous votes where recorded, and are summarized here as routine actions taken after the meeting’s primary substantive discussion.
