Rural Hall, North Carolina

Schedule 2026

The provided document is a schedule of meeting dates for the 2026 calendar year. It lists regular meetings, a budget retreat, and a budget hearing.

• March 9, 2026: Budget Retreat at 2:00 PM
• June 8, 2026: FY ’25-’26 Budget Hearing at 7:00 PM

2026 RHABA Membership Form

The provided document is a membership form for RHABA rather than a meeting agenda. It outlines the requirements and costs for new and renewing members for 2026.

• Individual/Business Owner membership: $140 cash/check or $145 credit card
• Business Paid/Reimbursed membership: $190 cash/check or $195 credit card
• Guest fee: $15 cash/check or $20 credit card per meeting
• Membership includes monthly meal costs for 12 meetings per year

December 29 Council

Rural Hall Council Package

The Rural Hall Town Council will approve the minutes from the June 8, 2026 meeting and then discuss several new business items, including a presentation on Covington Park, a revision of the 2026 council meeting schedule, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation mowing and maintenance agreement. Department reports will follow before the meeting is adjourned.

• Consent agenda: approval of minutes from June 8, 2026 regular council meeting
• Covington Park presentation – Withers Ravenel (Attachment 2)
• 2026 Town of Rural Hall council meeting schedule revision (Attachment 3)
• NCDOT mowing and maintenance agreement (Attachment 4)
• Department reports (Attachment 5)

Package

The Rural Hall Town Council will discuss Draft Resolution 912, which would supersede Resolution 901, withdraw the town's opposition, and affirm support for the Project Iron Spur data center pending further evaluation. The council will also consider adopting a revised contract with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office that reduces the FY 2026‑27 cost by $8,670. Additional agenda items include a FY 2025‑2026 budget amendment and an executive session on property acquisition.

• Adopt revised Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office contract reducing FY 2026‑27 cost by $8,670
• Consider Draft Resolution 912 to supersede Resolution 901 and support Project Iron Spur data center
• Acknowledge The Drox Group’s written annexation commitment for the data center project
• Review FY 2025‑2026 Budget Amendment (Attachment 1)
• Executive session on property acquisition per NCGS 143‑318.11(a)(4)

June 22, 2026 Council

The Rural Hall Town Council adopted a budget amendment (Resolution Ordinance #896) after election expenses exceeded the original estimate by $6,618.21. The council approved a revision to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office contract that reduces the contract amount by $8,670. The council also adopted Resolution #912, which supersedes Resolution #901 and addresses the Town’s response to the Project Iron Spur data center, including annexation intent and rezoning considerations.

• Adopted Resolution Ordinance #896 to amend the FY 2025-2026 budget after election costs totaled $20,118.21, exceeding the budget by $6,618.21
• Approved Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Contract Revision, reducing the contract amount by $8,670
• Adopted Resolution #912, superseding Resolution #901, concerning Project Iron Spur data center annexation and potential rezoning
• Received final election invoices from Forsyth County for the 2025 municipal primary ($15,411.48) and November election ($4,706.73)
• Entered a closed session per NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) on property acquisition; no action was taken in that session

Town of Rural Hall Concil Package

The Rural Hall Town Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026‑27 budget ordinance (Ordinance #906) and may adopt it after the hearing. Council members will also consider several ordinances, including a capital project for Covington Park, road closure declarations, and tax collection orders. Service agreements for the fire department’s suppression system and generator, as well as a contract renewal with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, are on the agenda.

• Ordinance #906 – FY 2026‑27 Budget Ordinance (public hearing June 8, 2026)
• Fire Department Suppression System Service Agreement
• Fire Department Generator Service Agreement
• Forsyth County Sheriff Office Contract Renewal
• Ordinance #883 – Capital Project Covington Park Improvements

June 8, 2026 Council

The Rural Hall Town Council approved the FY 2026-27 budget by adopting Ordinance #906 and adopted a Fund Balance Policy (Resolution #907). It also approved service agreements for fire protection maintenance with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP and a multiyear generator agreement with Cummins Inc. Additional ordinances were adopted for Covington Park improvements, road closures for 2026 events, and tax collection for 2025‑2026. The meeting noted a $5,000 grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for RuralFest 2026 and the Med & Shred event.

• Adopted Ordinance #906 FY 2026-27 Budget
• $5,000 grant from Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for RuralFest 2026 and Med & Shred event
• Fire Protection System Maintenance Agreement with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP
• Fire Station Generator Multiyear Service Agreement with Cummins Inc.
• Adopted Resolution #907 Fund Balance Policy

FY 2026 27 Budget

The Rural Hall Town Council will consider and vote on the proposed FY 2026‑2027 General Fund budget of $5,687,110. The budget keeps the property tax rate at $0.28 per $100 valuation and includes funding for public safety, public works, and recreation. A $771,000 match for a PARTF grant to improve Covington Park is part of the proposal. A public hearing on the Budget Ordinance is scheduled for June 8, 2026.

• General Fund budget total $5,687,110
• Property tax rate $0.28 per $100 valuation (unchanged)
• Fire Department budget $1,841,250
• PARTF Grant Match $771,000 for Covington Park improvements
• Public Works budget $816,300

May 11, 2026 Council

The Rural Hall Town Council adopted a resolution declaring May as Historic Preservation Month and approved a resolution to oppose state legislation limiting local property tax authority. The Council also reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and authorized discussions with state representatives regarding a potential separation from the Forsyth County Fire Service District.

• Adoption of Resolution #905 declaring Historic Preservation Month
• Adoption of Resolution #904 opposing state legislation on property tax authority
• Approval of $14,213.37 tax assessor refunds to three taxpayers
• Review of proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget
• Authorization to discuss removing town from Forsyth County Fire Service District

Town of Rural Hall Council Package

The Rural Hall Town Council will vote on a resolution to refund $1,213.37 to local taxpayers. It will also consider a resolution opposing state legislation that would limit local property tax authority. Additional items include declaring May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month, presenting the FY 2026‑2027 budget proposal, and receiving an update on the upcoming RuralFest event.

• Resolution #903: Adopt refund of $1,213.37 from Forsyth County Tax Assessor
• Resolution #904: Oppose state legislation limiting local property tax authority
• Resolution #905: Declare May 2026 Historic Preservation Month
• Presentation of FY 2026‑2027 Budget Proposal
• RuralFest 2026 update

April 21, 2026

The Town Council received a presentation from Forsyth County Deputy County Manager Kyle Haney regarding fire tax revenue and the Overlay Service District. The discussion focused on whether the Town should remove itself from the district to avoid potential tax rate increases and instead use an Interlocal Agreement for fire services.

• Presentation on the Overlay Service District tax rate increase to 0.179 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
• Discussion of a recommendation to use the Overlay Service District to fund all personnel and capital costs for the fire system in Fiscal Year 2026-2027
• Proposal to transition to an Interlocal Agreement for supplemental fire services similar to the City of King and Town of Walkertown

April 13, 2026 Council

The Rural Hall Town Council adopted the agenda and consent agenda unanimously. It approved a $489.44 refund to Corelogic Real Estate Tax Services per Resolution #902. The council amended Resolution #901 by removing section 2 before adopting it concerning rezoning for a data center. An amendment to Ordinance #879 was passed to add parking access from Broad Street and land purchase for the new fire station.

• Adopt agenda and consent agenda (minutes and March 9 budget workshop) – unanimous
• Approve Forsyth County Tax Assessor Refund Resolution #902: $489.44 to Corelogic Real Estate Tax Services
• Amend Resolution #901 to remove section 2 before adopting rezoning for a data center
• Amend Ordinance #879 to include parking access from Broad Street and land purchase for new fire station construction
• Discuss data center proposal and FY 26‑27 budget preparation

Town of Rural Hall Package

At the April 13 regular council meeting, the Town of Rural Hall will discuss a resolution to rezone land for a data center. The agenda also includes an amendment to the fire station capital project ordinance. The council will review a refund from the Forsyth County Tax Assessor. Additional items are the approval of March 9 meeting minutes and a public comment period.

• Resolution Concerning Rezoning for Data Center (Attachment 3)
• Fire Station Capital Project Ordinance Amendment (Attachment 4)
• Forsyth County Tax Assessor Refund (Attachment 2)
• Approval of Minutes from March 9, 2026 (Attachment 1)
• Public comment period for citizen input

March 9 2026 Council

The council adopted the Forsyth County Tax Assessor Refund Resolution and authorized a request to modify the town charter’s election deadlines. It also approved a 20% match for the Broad St. Pedestrian Project, an audit contract with Anderson Smith & Wike, PLLC, a piggyback purchase of SCBA air packs, and a naming‑rights policy for town facilities. Finally, the council permitted a beer/wine vendor at the 2026 RuralFest, with the motion passing 3‑1.

• Adopted Forsyth County Tax Assessor Refund Resolution #899 (unanimous)
• Authorized request to modify municipal election charter deadlines (unanimous)
• Approved 20% match for Broad St. Pedestrian Project (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 audit contract with Anderson Smith & Wike, PLLC (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #900 for piggyback purchase of Scott SCBA air packs (unanimous)
• Adopted Facility Naming Rights Policy for town facilities (unanimous)
• Approved alcohol sales at 2026 RuralFest, beer/wine vendor (3‑1)
• Adopted agenda and consent agenda (unanimous)

3 9

The Rural Hall Town Council will consider several items, including a property‑tax refund of $438.76, a legislative request to adjust municipal election timing, a proposal to fund the Broad Street pedestrian project with the town’s share rising from $154,000 to about $210,000, the FY 2026 town audit contract, and a piggyback bid resolution for fire‑department air‑pack equipment. Additional items are a facility naming‑rights policy and approval of alcohol sales for the upcoming RuralFest.

• Forsyth County Tax Assessor Refund – town to issue a $438.76 check to a business
• Legislative request to adjust municipal elections (attachment 4)
• Broad Street Pedestrian Project – town share increase from $154,000 to approximately $210,000
• FY 2026 audit contract (attachment 6)
• Piggyback bid resolution for fire department air‑packs (attachment 7)

March 9 2026 Budget Worksession

The Rural Hall Town Council held its FY 2026‑2027 budget work session on March 9, 2026. Various officials presented revenue, expenditure, and project updates. The only formal action taken was a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded and approved.

• Adjourned the meeting at 4:17 PM (motion by Councilwoman Anita Ring, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Eddie Horn)

February 9 2026 Council

The Rural Hall Town Council approved the Withers Ravenel Engineering contract for Phase I of Covington Park upgrades. It also approved rental guidelines for the fire department’s training room and adopted a resolution declaring February 2026 Black History Month. The council tabled a proposal to add a regular agenda item and gave consensus to move forward with the Regional Flexible Funding application for the Broad Street Pedestrian Project.

• Approved Withers Ravenel Engineering contract for Covington Park Phase I (unanimous)
• Approved fire department training‑room rental guidelines (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution declaring February 2026 Black History Month (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, including prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Excused Councilwoman Anita Ring’s absence (unanimous)
• Tabled addition of a regular agenda item until next month (unanimous)
• Gave consensus to proceed with Regional Flexible Funding application for Broad Street Pedestrian Project (no formal vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:49 pm (unanimous)

Town of Rural Hall Council Package ( )

The Rural Hall Town Council will consider designating February 2026 as Black History Month, approve minutes from previous meetings, and discuss the future of agenda briefing meetings. The body will also review a proposed policy for renting the Fire Department training room and a mid-year budget review.

• Designation of February 2026 as Black History Month
• Approval of minutes from December 29, 2025 and January 12, 2026 meetings
• Discussion on holding an agenda briefing meeting
• Policy for renting Fire Department training room
• Mid-Year Budget Review

Town of Rural Hall Package

The Rural Hall Town Council will discuss a budget amendment for FY 2025‑2026 operating expenses, review the proposed 2026 Broad Street Luminary Project date, and consider changes to the Broad Street speed limit and the Church and Park Street intersection. The meeting also includes a presentation of the FY 2024‑2025 audit and a public comment period.

• Budget Amendment – FY 2025‑2026 Operating Budget (Attachment 6)
• Luminary Project Dates for 2026 (Attachment 3)
• Broad Street Speed Limit discussion (Attachment 4)
• Church and Park Street Intersection Modification proposal (Attachment 5)
• Audit Presentation for FY 24‑25 by Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC (Attachment 1)

January 12, 2026 Council

The council unanimously approved a FY 25‑26 budget amendment reallocating General Government funds to cover fire department costs and authorizing $8,500 for public works bucket‑truck engine repairs. They also unanimously requested a traffic speed study from NCDOT for Broad Street and approved making the intersection of Church Street and Park Street a four‑way stop. The agenda, consent agenda, and FY 24‑25 audit were adopted without dissent.

• Adopt agenda as written (unanimous)
• Accept FY 24‑25 audit presented by Ben Johnson (unanimous)
• Approve consent agenda (unanimous)
• Request NCDOT traffic speed study for Broad Street (unanimous)
• Approve four‑way stop at Church & Park Streets (unanimous)
• Approve FY 25‑26 budget amendment, reallocating funds and authorizing $8,500 for bucket‑truck repairs (unanimous)

Spring 2026 Newsletter

The Town of Rural Hall is initiating improvements to Covington Park and Town Hall property in January. The town will also begin work on the next fiscal year's budget in March.

• Covington Park improvements funded by a NC PARTF grant
• Improvements to Town Hall property
• RuralFest scheduled for May 15-16
• Budget planning for next year beginning in March
• Town flag purchases available for $20 each