Catawba County board moves into closed session to discuss economic development incentives and property acquisition

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted on March 30, 2026, to enter a closed session to discuss the location or expansion of industries and the acquisition of real property, the board minutes show.

County Attorney Jodi Stewart asked the board to move into closed session under North Carolina General Statutes §143-318.11(a)(4) (matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses, including economic development incentives) and §143-318.11(a)(5) (matters concerning the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease). Stewart told the board she did not anticipate any action upon return to open session. "I do not anticipate any action upon return to open session," Stewart said.

Commissioner Barbara G. Beatty made the motion to enter closed session; the minutes record that the motion carried unanimously. The written record lists Vice Chair Austin Allran and Commissioners Robert C. Abernethy Jr. and Cole Setzer as present and states Chair Randy Isenhower and Commissioner Barbara G. Beatty were not present earlier in the minutes, creating an internal inconsistency in the document about attendance and participation.

The minutes do not provide further details about the economic development matters or the specific property or properties under consideration, nor do they state any vote tallies or list a second for the motion to enter closed session. County Attorney Stewart had indicated she did not expect the board to take formal action after the closed session.

The meeting minutes show the board later adjourned at 10:36 a.m. after the closed session and related business.