Catawba County approves pyrotechnics permit, tax adjustments and a $5,000 contingency transfer

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners approved routine consent items and received a manager's report at its May 18 meeting.

Consent: County staff recommended and the board approved a pyrotechnics permit for PyroStar Entertainment LLC to conduct a fireworks display for the City of Claremont on May 30, 2026, at 3430 E Main St. The display is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:00 p.m. and last no longer than 30 minutes; PyroStar provided a safety plan and holds an Outdoor Pyrotechnics Display Operators Permit from the North Carolina Department of Insurance and the Office of State Fire Marshal. The board also approved 35 tax releases totaling $30,131.07, nine refunds totaling $7,699.20 and 46 motor‑vehicle billing adjustments/refunds totaling $5,151.40 for April. Chair Randy Isenhower moved the consent agenda; it carried unanimously.

Manager's report: County Manager Mary S. Furtado reported she completed, under delegated authority, a contingency transfer of $5,000 from contingency to the Catawba‑Wateree account to cover FY2026 lyngbya cost‑share obligations for DEQ aquatic weed control. Manager Furtado said the transfer covers the county's remaining FY2026 commitment for lyngbya control.

Other business: The board discussed a stop‑work order on a property owned by Curt Abee and the permitting steps required before the structure could host worship services; County Attorney Jodi Stewart and Manager Furtado said required electrical and environmental health permits and, in some cases, special‑use or temporary permits would be necessary. Manager Furtado said she would follow up with the property owner.

No formal votes beyond the consent approvals were recorded for the manager's transfer or the stop‑work discussion.