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Alleghany commissioners authorize Blue Ridge Energy loan application up to $1.3 million; approve end-of-year budget moves
Summary
The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to pursue an interest-free loan through Blue Ridge Energy of up to $1.3 million and approved a package of budget cleanups, grants and conditional disbursements, including holding one fire department's payment until an audit is complete.
Alleghany County commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 18 to authorize a loan application with Blue Ridge Energy for an interest-free loan that the county may seek up to $1.3 million to support capital needs including planned transfer-station upgrades.
Finance staff told the board the loan would require review by the North Carolina Local Government Commission before funds could be issued. "Interest free. It would be up to 1,300,000," a finance representative said as the board discussed terms. The motion to proceed with the application carried 5-0.
Why it matters: County Manager Bill Shepley said the county will combine potential sources — the interest-free loan, grant work by the county grants officer, and a possible draw from fund balance — to upgrade the transfer facility and position it for future bids and operation. Shepley asked staff to prepare funding-option scenarios for the board at the next meeting or a work session.
Alongside the loan vote, commissioners approved several year-end financial items and grant-related amendments presented by the finance office. Actions included routine line-item transfers, a veteran-service grant adjustment and a $3,500 DSS rental-assistance appropriation.
The board also addressed fire-department disbursements and audit compliance. Commissioners discussed an ongoing audit of one department and voted to release funds to the four departments that have complied with audit requirements while withholding payment from the department that remains noncompliant pending the auditor's report. Finance staff said auditors have been working on the report for months and expect it in the next month.
Votes at a glance: the Blue Ridge Energy loan application authorization (vote 5-0); approval of line-item transfers and budget amendments (votes recorded as unanimous); conditional disbursement to fire departments (motion to pay compliant departments and withhold the noncompliant department passed; vote details recorded in minutes). The board also approved the consent agenda and other routine items.
The board directed staff to return with clearer funding scenarios and next steps for the transfer-station project at a future meeting.
