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Lincoln County approves transportation grant, hires soil‑scientist, awards pump‑station contract; manager briefs commissioners on economic development
Summary
The board approved an NCDOT FY27 transportation grant ($64,000 with a $16,000 local match), added a full‑time licensed soil scientist position in Environmental Health (~$76,000 annual cost), awarded Pump Station 29 upgrades to Lock Lane Construction for $398,422, and received an economic development update highlighting large private industrial buildings under construction.
Lincoln County commissioners on Tuesday approved a slate of operational items including a transportation grant for senior and veteran rides, a new environmental health position, and a construction contract for a pump‑station upgrade, and listened to an update on regional economic development.
Katherine Sain presented an FY27 NCDOT 53.10 capital purchase/service transportation grant request that would fund rides for veterans, residents 65 and older and people with disabilities to groceries, pharmacies, big‑box stores and medical appointments. The county requested $64,000 from NCDOT and will provide a 20% match of $16,000, which the presenter said will be built into the FY27 budget; the board approved the grant at the public‑hearing vote.
In public works business, Jonathan presented a notice of award for Pump Station 29 in the Norman Point subdivision. Bids were opened July 15 after an initial rebid; Lock Lane Construction was the low bidder at $398,422. The board approved the notice of award.
The board approved creating a new full‑time licensed soil scientist position in the Environmental Health department to reduce reliance on outside consultants for complex lot evaluations. The presenter put the annual cost at approximately $76,000 including fringe benefits; the board approved the position on a motion by Commissioner Susina.
Andrew Bryant briefed the board on an assignment of split jurisdiction under N.C. Gen. Stat. 160A for a parcel partly inside Lincolnton’s extraterritorial jurisdiction; the Lincolnton City Council had already passed a similar resolution and the board approved the county assumption of planning and permitting authority for that parcel.
Cliff, economic development staff, updated commissioners on workforce development funding to subsidize early‑college course fees, a new contract with Global Site Location Industries to market Lincoln County, and on two large privately funded speculative buildings in the Lincoln Commerce Center (a 177,000‑sq‑ft building called Midway 321 and a 367,000‑sq‑ft building by Crow Holdings). He said those projects and site marketing are attracting regional attention.
Public comment included Michael Schrum, who urged the board to investigate governance and possible conflicts at the South Fork Volunteer Fire Department after a closed‑session vote involving the fire chief’s spouse; Schrum said a tie vote protected the fire chief and raised response‑time concerns. Benny Hall also addressed the board, reading provisions on oaths and alleging corruption in spending and project management.
The county manager distributed the FY27 budget preparation manual, noted scheduling changes to incorporate budget work sessions and a budget retreat, and gave brief project updates on the family library beam‑signing and airport contractor mobilization for Eaglewood phase 1. The county attorney said staff is drafting a revised solid waste ordinance and reported a default‑judgment motion scheduled in superior court on the Hodges International lawsuit.
The board also read a proclamation designating Constitution Week (Sept. 17–23) and presented appreciation letters to Senior Services staff for their response to a medical emergency on Aug. 21, 2025. The regular meeting adjourned and members planned a short break before a work session.
