Polk County public meetings in 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board of Commissioners will honor a retiring employee, appoint a new Chief Finance Officer, and approve a 911 grant. The meeting also includes a budget amendment for the Sheriff's Department and a discussion on compensatory time.

• Resolution honoring Sandra Hughes for dedicated service
• Appointment of Sonya Ayers as Chief Finance Officer
• Approval of 911 grant
• Budget amendment for Sheriff's Department
• Discussion on compensatory time and budget amendment

Board of Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance and adopted the new road name Beiler Lane. They also approved several budget amendments, including increased funding for the Public School Building Capital Fund, a reallocation of Emergency Medical Services funds, and an increase to the YMCA project budget. Additional actions included reinstating the county DMV office, appointing members to the Appearance Commission and the Columbus Fire Department Board, and scheduling a public hearing on new road names for December 15.

• Approved Subdivision Ordinance text amendments (unanimous)
• Approved new road name Beiler Lane (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment increasing Public School Building Capital Fund (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment moving EMS funds to part‑time salary line (unanimous)
• Approved increase to YMCA Project Budget Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to reinstate Polk County DMV Office (unanimous)
• Appointed Clyde Younkin to the Appearance Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed John Sauve to the Columbus Fire Department Board of Directors (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed new road name for ZEL Ridge off Manus Chapel Road. The board will also consider budget amendments for 911 radio equipment and state health plan retirement rates.

• Public hearing for proposed road name: ZEL Ridge - Private Road off Manus Chapel Road
• Hurricane Helene Disaster Response and Recovery Grant Project Budget Ordinance
• Tax refund request in the amount of $502.29
• Budget amendment for 911 Communication radio purchase
• Request to create a part-time Office Assistant position in Solid Waste

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a purchase order and budget amendment to fund a CAT Wheel Loader for solid‑waste use. They also approved the new road name ZELRidge Private Road, scheduled a subdivision‑ordinance hearing for November 17, and adopted HR policy updates. Additional actions included a budget amendment for increased State Health Plan retirement contributions and the appointment of an animal‑cruelty investigator.

• Approved purchase order and budget amendment for CAT Wheel Loader (unanimous)
• Approved proposed new road name ZELRidge Private Road (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing on subdivision ordinance text amendments for Nov 17 (unanimous)
• Approved HR policy updates (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment for increased retirement rate contribution (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment to transfer funds for 911 radio purchase (unanimous)
• Appointed Pauline (Paula) Spinale as Animal Cruelty Investigator (unanimous)
• Adjourned regular meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed new road names and vote on a consent agenda including disaster response loans and budget amendments for EMS and forest ranger positions.

• Public hearing on proposed new road names
• Award Service Contract to Stott Construction Inc. for Recreational Complex Paving
• State Cashflow Loans for Disaster Response Activities (Round 3)
• Budget Amendment for EMS Salaries
• Budget Amendment for Assistant Forest Ranger Position

The board approved a budget amendment that raises EMT starting pay from $19.21 to $23.31 per hour and paramedic starting pay from $23.92 to $30.14 per hour. It also adopted the proposed new road names, including changing Ayden Drive to Ayden Lee Drive. Additional actions included appointing volunteers to three boards, sending subdivision‑recombination wording to the Planning Board, and approving legal‑fee funding.

• Approved EMS salary increase to $23.31/hr for EMTs and $30.14/hr for paramedics (unanimous)
• Approved proposed new road names, including Ayden Lee Drive (unanimous)
• Sent subdivision‑recombination wording to Planning Board for review (unanimous)
• Appointed volunteers to Animal Cruelty Investigators, Appearance Commission, and Economic & Tourism Development Commission (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment to fund legal fees for Van Winkle Law Firm (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund requests of $18,217.04 and $250.28 (unanimous)
• Approved service contract award to Stott Construction Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved proclamations for POW/MIA, Military Suicide Awareness, and Hurricane Helene emergency workers (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and vote on FY 2027 Polk County Transportation Authority grants. The meeting includes a presentation on the 2025 Housing Study and discussions on animal control and library policy updates.

• FY 2027 Polk County Transportation Authority (PCTA) Community Transportation Grants
• Polk County 2025 Housing Study presentation
• Tax refund request for $5,649.46
• Approval of road names: Narrow Way and Mercy Ridge
• Amendments to the Polk County Animal Control Ordinance

The commissioners approved the FY2027 Polk County Transportation Authority grant applications (grant numbers 5311, 5310, 5339, 5307) and adopted the Sponsorship Policy. They also approved a $750,000 budget amendment for Polk County Schools, library policy updates, and amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance. In addition, five volunteer board appointments were confirmed.

• Approved FY2027 PCTA grants (5311, 5310, 5339, 5307) – unanimous
• Adopted Sponsorship Policy – unanimous
• Approved $750,000 budget amendment for Polk County Schools – unanimous
• Approved Library policy and procedure updates – unanimous
• Approved Animal Control Ordinance text amendments – unanimous
• Appointed Jeanne Peters to Animal Cruelty Investigators – unanimous
• Appointed Don Dicey to Appearance Commission – unanimous
• Appointed Pat Linnon to Economic and Tourism Development Commission – unanimous

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed private road names and an address change. The agenda includes approving school capital funds, a landfill trash hauling contract, and volunteer board appointments.

• Public hearing on new road names: Narrow Way and Mercy Ridge, and address change for 11 Fox Paw Lane
• Approval of $500,000 NC Education Lottery Application for Public School Capital Fund
• Approval of $1,365,113.00 trash hauling contract with Republic Services, Inc.
• Approval of $231,923.96 transfer from Capital Reserve to reimburse Polk County Schools for PCHS Road Drainage
• Solid Waste Fee Refund Request of $560.00

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,365,113 purchase order for Republic Services to handle solid‑waste hauling and disposal. It also approved a $500,000 public‑school capital fund lottery application and a $231,923.96 transfer from the capital reserve for a road drainage project. Additional actions included renewing the county license‑plate agency contract, adopting the South Mountain Hazard Mitigation Plan, amending Manager Pittman's employment contract, and appointing members to volunteer boards.

• Approved $1,365,113 purchase order for Republic Services solid‑waste hauling (unanimous)
• Approved $500,000 Public School Capital Fund NC Lottery application (unanimous)
• Approved $231,923.96 transfer from Capital Reserve for road drainage project (unanimous)
• Approved renewal contract for Polk County license‑plate agency (unanimous)
• Approved South Mountain Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Manager Pittman's employment contract effective Aug 1 2025 (unanimous)
• Appointed three members to Animal Control Board (unanimous)
• Appointed one member to Appearance Commission (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on proposed zoning amendments for vacation rentals and new road names. The meeting includes a vote on the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget Ordinance and various budget amendments.

• Proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments to allow vacation rentals in the RE-5 permitted use table
• Proposed new road names: Walnut Cove (off Old Highway 19) and Strawberry Hill Lane (off Substation Road)
• Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget Ordinance including proposed fee changes
• Budget amendments: $136,698 for uninterruptible power source (UPS) and $108,108 for Sheriff, SRO, and Jail transfers
• Budget amendment of $17,728 for Opioid/McKinsey payment

The commissioners voted 4‑1 to deny the proposed amendment that would allow short‑term rentals in the RE‑5 zoning district. They approved the FY 2025/26 budget ordinance with an added $20,000 for 911 communications and a reduced tax rate, and also approved a $1,092,017.52 State Cashflow Loan, a FEMA disaster‑response grant ordinance, a Duke Energy easement, and new road names. Additionally, they appointed applicants to two fire‑district tax commissions.

• Denied zoning amendment to allow short‑term rentals in RE‑5 (4‑1)
• Approved FY 2025/26 budget ordinance with $20,000 for 911 services (unanimous)
• Approved $1,092,017.52 State Cashflow Loan (Round 2) for Hurricane Helene projects (unanimous)
• Approved FEMA Hurricane Helene Disaster Response and Recovery Grant Project Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved Duke Energy easement along Landfill Road and granted signatory authority (unanimous)
• Approved new road name Walnut Cove (unanimous)
• Approved new road name Strawberry Hill Lane (unanimous)
• Appointed applicants to Columbus Fire District Tax Commission (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to receive public comment on the County Manager's recommended budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Residents may review the proposed budget on the county website or at the County Manager's Office.

• Public hearing on the proposed FY 2025/2026 Budget

The Board held a public hearing on the proposed FY2025/26 budget. After one citizen comment, Commissioners thanked attendees. Commissioner Melton moved to adjourn, Vice‑Chairman Moore seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. No budget decisions were made.

• Adjourned public hearing (motion by Melton, seconded by Moore, unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a budget work session to review presentations from various county departments, including Public Schools, Sheriff's Office, EMS, and Health and Human Services. The meeting includes a discussion on a revenue-neutral property tax rate.

• Public Schools presentation by Superintendent Aaron Greene
• Sheriff's Department presentation covering SROs, Jail, 911, and Animal Control
• Emergency Medical Services presentation
• Health and Human Services Agency presentation
• Revenue Neutral Property Tax Rate discussion

The Board of Commissioners approved an additional $45,000 for Harmon Field, reducing the original $50,000 request. The county will keep its revenue‑neutral property tax rate at .4142, with the recommended rate remaining .4342 pending further review. The session was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved $45,000 additional funding for Harmon Field (consensus)
• Maintained revenue‑neutral property tax rate at .4142 (no change)
• Adjourned the Budget Work Session (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss and consider a resolution opposing House Bill 765. The meeting includes scheduling public hearings for zoning ordinance amendments and new road names. The board will also review tax refunds and volunteer board applications.

• Resolution for the opposition of House Bill 765
• Tax refund request in the amount of $73,955.53
• Scheduling of public hearing for Zoning Ordinance text amendments for June 16, 2025
• Scheduling of public hearing for proposed new road names for June 16, 2025
• Surplus sale of one Health and Human Services (HHSA) vehicle

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved several items unanimously. They scheduled a public hearing on a zoning amendment for vacation rentals, approved a $37,525 bridge replacement offer from NCDOT and a school‑project reimbursement, and approved a $73,955.53 tax refund. The board also adopted a resolution opposing House Bill 765 and filled multiple board vacancies.

• Approved NCDOT Bridge Replacement Offer of $37,525 (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing on zoning amendment for vacation rentals on June 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved school capital‑project reimbursement from PSBRRF (unanimous)
• Approved tax refund request of $73,955.53 (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution opposing House Bill 765 (unanimous)
• Appointed Teresa (Terri) Morrin to Board of Adjustment (unanimous)
• Appointed Adrienne Riley to Equalization and Review Board (unanimous)
• Appointed Dalton Putnam to Tryon Fire District Tax Commission (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will receive a presentation on the FY 2025/26 Balanced Budget and schedule a public hearing for June 2, 2025.

• Presentation of FY 2025/26 Balanced Budget
• Public hearing scheduled for June 2, 2025, at 5:00 pm in R. Jay Foster Hall of Justice

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda unanimously. The manager presented the FY 2025‑26 balanced budget. Commissioners voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on the budget ordinance on June 2, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for FY2025/26 budget ordinance on June 2, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned the special meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will vote on proposed new road names and address renumberings, and consider approving a Subdivision Ordinance Amendment. The meeting also includes routine approvals for sheriff's vehicle surplus sales, proclamations, and budget amendments.

• Public hearing on proposed new road names and address renumberings
• Consideration and approval of proposed Subdivision Ordinance Amendment
• Approval of $3,004.82 tax refund request through February 28, 2025
• Declare five sheriff's vehicles as surplus for electronic auction
• Restore a Sheriff's Department position unfunded in FY 23-24

The commissioners unanimously approved the proposed new road names and address renumbering presented at the public hearing. They also approved a subdivision ordinance amendment, new trail names for the Little White Oak Mountain Trail Network, a Board of Elections budget amendment, the addition of a Deputy Sheriff Patrol position, and a parcel change to the Green Creek fire district. Volunteer board appointments for Health and Human Services and the Mental Health Advisory Board were confirmed as well.

• Approved proposed new road names and address renumbering (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to the Subdivision Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved new trail names for Little White Oak Mountain Trail Network (unanimous)
• Approved Board of Elections budget amendment (unanimous)
• Approved addition of a Deputy Sheriff Patrol position (unanimous)
• Approved parcel change from Mill Spring to Green Creek fire district (unanimous)
• Appointed three members to the Health and Human Services Volunteer Board (unanimous)
• Appointed Luvenia Abrams to the Mental Health Advisory Board (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold three public hearings regarding a new water authority, agricultural district ordinances, and new road names. The board will also review the 2024 Sheriff's Department Annual Report and delinquent tax reports.

• Proposed resolution to organize the Polk County Regional Water Authority
• Proposed text amendments to the Voluntary Agricultural District & Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance
• Proposed new road names: Evergreen Drive (off Big Level Road) and Westlyn Way (off Peniel Road)
• Budget Amendment 4331 for LIDAR, Access Road & Generator
• Budget Amendment for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Phase Three

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. The board will also discuss the creation of the Polk County Regional Water Authority and award service contracts for brush grinding and hauling.

• Proposed zoning amendment to permit temporary housing for emergency recovery
• Proposed subdivision ordinance update regarding easements and private roads
• Discussion on organizing the Polk County Regional Water Authority
• Award of service contracts for brush grinding and hauling
• Tax refund request in the amount of $849.60

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss amending zoning ordinances to allow temporary housing units for displaced residents and extending a moratorium on permit fees. The meeting includes a public hearing on new road names and requests for school capital fund transfers.

• Proposed zoning amendment for temporary housing units as accessory structures for Hurricane Helene displaced residents
• Resolution to extend moratorium on permit fees under the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024
• Budget amendment for $241,209.00 for Tryon Elementary Pre-K addition and Polk County High School track repairs
• Budget amendment of $90,000 for Rostan Solutions, LLC as FEMA Grant Administrator
• Approval of six new private road names: Carson Meadows Drive, Fairway Drive, Kenneth Drive, Hidden View Lane, Oak Leaf Trail, and Haven Way

Planning Board

The Polk County Planning Board will meet to discuss updates to the Zoning Ordinance. The agenda focuses on rules regarding rehab facilities and a temporary housing emergency rule.

• Zoning Ordinance: Temporary Housing Emergency Rule
• Zoning Ordinance: Rehab Facilities