Gary L Herman
Alexander County closed out 2025 with steady progress and meaningful accomplishments that continued moving the community forward.
“As 2025 comes to a close, Alexander County can look back on a year of progress driven by planning and working together,” said Marty Pennell, Chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners. “I’m proud of what we accomplished and confident we’re well-positioned to continue improving the quality of life for our citizens.”
JANUARY 2025
At the January 6th meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, Public Information Officer Gary Herman presented information about a branding initiative and website redesign. The county will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek a marketing firm to assist with brand development and implementation.
Alexander County Emergency Management urged the public to register for the Special Needs Registry, which has been established to assist those with special needs during an emergency or disaster situation. Register at http://alexandercountync.gov/specialneeds.
Alexander County announced the 2025 Summer Concert Series on the Rotary Performance Stage at Alexander County Courthouse Park in downtown Taylorsville. The free concerts are scheduled for May 10 (Julio & The Saltine), June 7 (Dirty Grass Soul), July 19 (Caribbean Chillers), September 6 (Tribute – A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band), and September 20 (Eliminator).
FEBRUARY
At the February 3rd meeting, the Alexander County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to move to a four-year property revaluation cycle, as presented by County Manager Todd Herms. Prior to this change, Alexander County utilized an eight-year cycle with the next revaluation scheduled for 2031. The new cycle will result in a revaluation, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. In North Carolina, there are 51 counties with a four-year cycle, five counties with a five-year cycle, 10 with a six-year cycle, two with a seven-year cycle, and 32 with an eight-year cycle.
Alexander County hired Michael Worley to serve as the new Economic Development Director. Worley was selected from a pool of 35 applicants from 10 different states. His first day on the job will be Monday, March 3. Worley has more than 25 years of leadership experience in business growth, economic development, and government relations.
MARCH
At the March 10th meeting, the Alexander County Board of Commissioners approved a bid for the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) water line expansion project, which comes as great news for residents in the 12 areas of the county in which water lines will be installed. Commissioners approved the low bid from Bell Construction Company in the amount of $4,081,668 for approximately 42,500 linear feet of water lines.
Commissioners approved the low bid submitted by David E. Looper, Inc. in the amount of $1,445,153 for the EMS Station #1 project. The project includes a five-bay climate-controlled garage, 4,800 square feet of office space and training, storage for medical records and supplies, and additional features. The project is funded by a state grant and ARPA revenue replacement funds.
Commissioners approved West Consultants to serve as the project engineer for the Sterling Road CDBG project, which includes road upgrades and housing improvements. The project deadline is August 20, 2026.
Health Director Billie Walker presented the 2024 State of the County Health Report (SOTCH), which is an abbreviated version of the Community Health Assessment. The four health priorities are mental health, substance use disorder, healthy living, and child care & parenting.
The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office issued two burn bans in March due to extreme fire danger conditions throughout Alexander County. The purpose of this burn ban is to protect life and property.
Alexander County was awarded a Multimodal Planning Grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to develop a comprehensive Multimodal Network Plan. This plan will establish a clear strategy for enhancing transportation for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users across the county. The goal is to create a connected system of transportation routes that safely integrates walking paths, bike lanes, public transit, and roads.
APRIL
Bethlehem Park officially reopened on April 1 after more than a year of renovations. Improvements at Bethlehem Park include a new 30×96-foot restroom/concession/picnic building, a new playground, conversion of two tennis courts to pickleball courts, half-court basketball areas, new lighting with steel poles and LED lights, conversion of the large baseball field to a soccer field, new baseball/softball batting cages, new ADA sidewalks and entry, parking lot resurfacing, drainage improvements, and more. The total project cost is $2,370,000, which is funded by state-appropriated funds and sales tax revenues.
At the April 7th meeting, Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the county-initiated rezoning case. A total of 67 parcels were submitted for rezoning, most of which involved allowing a single-wide mobile home on the properties. The Alexander County Planning Board considered each request and recommended approval.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the newly transformed Taylorsville ACE Hardware on Friday, April 11. Owners Jeff & Sherrie Davis and Joey & Stacey Cothren and staff were joined by local officials for the special event.
The new Alexander County Emergency Services Training Facility was dedicated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 14. The new facility, located at 175 Fairgrounds Road in Taylorsville, features a “burn cell” that can be replaced as needed, as well as a semi-open floor plan, two interior stairs, a rappelling tower, and multi-level windows for ventilation and ladder training.
The proposed 2025-2026 county budget was presented to the Alexander County Board of Commissioners at a work session held on Monday, April 21. Jennifer Herman, Finance Director, presented the proposed budget. Herman emphasized that this is only a proposed budget, and a formal presentation and public hearing are scheduled for the May 19th board meeting.
Alexander County Board of Commissioners Chairman Marty Pennell announced that County Manager Todd Herms has resigned, effective April 30.
MAY
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of Debra Bechtel as Interim County Manager. Bechtel has extensive experience in North Carolina local government, including her service as an Assistant District Attorney in Catawba County and 25 years with Catawba County Government, where she served as County Attorney.
With the recent completion of improvements at Bethlehem Park, county leaders and staff are discussing other parks and recreation needs. At the May 5th meeting, the Alexander County Board of Commissioners heard a report about improvements at East Alexander Park. To help determine the cost and scope of the project, the county is doing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an engineering firm.
Fire chiefs were invited to speak at the May meeting to discuss their budget requests and needs for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Most of the eight volunteer fire departments requested a budget increase from the county’s general fund or an increase in their fire tax rate.
The state’s Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program announced that 394 homes and businesses in Alexander County will be connected to high-speed internet. Zirrus will be the internet service provider.
Commissioners continued their discussion of the 2025-2026 proposed budget at a work session on May 12. Items discussed at the work session include fire department requests, raises for sheriff/detention/911 and EMS personnel, solid waste fees, school system requests, parks and recreation needs, and a forestry service request.
A public hearing to discuss the proposed 2025-2026 county budget was held at the May 19th meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners. The proposed general fund budget totals $60,327,132, which is a 6.5 percent increase over the current year’s adopted budget.
The Alexander County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) toured the downtown commercial district of the Town of Elkin on May 22. HPC members representing Alexander County were Alexander County Commissioner Larry Yoder, Helen Chestnut, Nancy Coley, Betty Long, and Taylorsville Town Council member Tamara Odom.
The Wittenburg Access Swim Beach opened for the summer on Monday, May 26. The beach area will be open six days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays for maintenance) from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Spectrum announced the launch of internet, mobile, TV, and voice services to more than 355 homes and small businesses in the Stony Point and Taylorsville areas of Alexander County.
JUNE
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2025-2026 budget by a unanimous vote at the June 2nd meeting. The general fund budget totals $60,586,611. The property tax rate remains at 65 cents per $100 valuation. The new budget includes a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all county employees, a continued focus on public safety, capital projects, additional school funding, and more. The budget also includes an increase in fire taxes for all volunteer fire departments, as well as a 12.5 percent pay increase for EMS, Sheriff’s Office, Detention, and 911 employees.
Alexander County announced a pedestrian and bicycle plan, called “Walk & Bike Alexander County.” The county established a steering committee to help guide the project and solicited community input, which will help prioritize a list of recommended sidewalks, greenways, bike lanes, and transit-related projects.
Members of the Alexander County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) were welcomed by the Lincoln County Historic Preservation Commission on June 12 to enjoy a tour of historic downtown Lincolnton.
The 11th Annual Vertical Mile Challenge (VMC) Trail Race attracted almost 140 runners from across North Carolina and beyond on a hot Saturday, June 21, at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area. There was a total of 130 finishers, with 76 who completed the full VMC (8 laps, 16 miles) and 54 who completed the half VMC (4 laps, 8 miles).
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday, June 20, at the new Little Japan restaurant, located on the corner of Hwy. 127 and Rink Dam Road in Bethlehem. Little Japan serves a wide variety of Japanese dishes, including a sushi menu.
JULY
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of life for Alexander County residents by authorizing an $80,000 Building Reuse Grant application to support the relocation of Urgent Care of Mountain View (UCMV) at their July 14th meeting. “We recognize how important it is for our citizens to have convenient access to quality healthcare,” said Chairman Pennell. “Supporting this project shows our commitment to helping this local provider expand and modernize their services to help fulfill some of the medical needs of our community.”
Greg Foster, Alexander County 911 Communications Director, was named the 2025 Communications Center Leader of the Year by the NC National Emergency Number Association.
Alexander County Government reinstated the use of the CodeRED emergency notification system to keep residents informed and enhance public safety. CodeRED is a useful tool to provide important messaging via phone, email, text, and push notifications. Residents may register for CodeRED alerts at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
Chairman Marty Pennell joined The Rustic Roast owner Robbie Medina and his supporters for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 18, at the new shop, located at 926 NC Highway 90 East in Taylorsville.
Christopher Hicks began duties as the new Fire Marshal on July 28. His fire service experience dates back to 1991, when he served as a junior firefighter for the Conover Fire Department. After a brief career in law enforcement, he was hired as a fire engineer with the Conover Fire Department, where he worked his way through the ranks as fire inspector and lieutenant. In September 2023, Hicks was hired as the fire marshal in Wilkes County.
AUGUST
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners honored the contributions of Buddy McKinney and Nancy Sharpe with the presentation of “Keys to the County” at the August 4th meeting. Commissioner Josh Lail presented a “Key to the County” to McKinney, who recently retired from the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office after 20 years of service. Vice Chairman Larry Yoder presented a “Key to the County” to Sharpe, who retired from the Alexander County Board of Elections after 20 years of service.
The county purchased two new 2024 Ford F-450 ambulances built by Northwestern Emergency Vehicles of West Jefferson. The trucks are four-wheel drive with 6.7-liter diesel engines. The trucks have been on backorder for several years due to supply chain issues.
The Alexander County Board of Elections appointed Cheryl Feimster to serve as Elections Director. Feimster was hired as the Deputy Elections Director in October 2019 and has now been promoted following the departure of former Elections Director Patrick Wike. She attained the Administrator of Elections certification in August 2021.
Finance Director Jennifer Herman was a 2025 recipient of the “Heroic Hands” award, presented by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC). The award recognizes public servants across the state who exemplify dedication and commitment to their communities. Herman was formally recognized among her peers at the 118th Annual NCACC Conference in Greenville on August 21.
The North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM) announced the full membership and launch of its Task Force on Veterans’ Health. Alexander County Veteran Services Officer Cherry Kilby was selected to be a member of the 43-person task force.
SEPTEMBER
Alexander County will receive additional opioid settlement funding to support the county’s efforts to curb the opioid epidemic and resulting overdoses. At the September 8th meeting, the Alexander County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to enter into opioid settlement agreements with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, along with eight generic opioid manufacturers.
Alexander County launched a new public input survey and invited residents, businesses, and members of nearby communities to provide feedback on the county’s new branding project. Alexander County recently hired HAVEN Creative, a communications and marketing agency, to lead its branding initiative.
Brennen Little, Micah Chapman, and Weston Brown traveled to Athens, GA, to compete in the first annual National Youth Cattle Working Contest on September 15. They were representing North Carolina as the 2025 State Champions. During this competition, they were tasked with vaccinating, tattooing, ear tagging, DNA sampling, and deworming two cows and one calf. The team won the Grand Champion Team award.
The Alexander County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) visited Historic Downtown West Jefferson on Tuesday, September 23. The Town of West Jefferson shared their experiences in preserving the historic district.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday, September 26, at Redbird Ridge Estate in Alexander County. The event venue and retreat center is located at 171 NC Highway 127.
OCTOBER
Members of the Alexander Rescue Squad’s Junior Rescue Competition Team were recognized at the October 6th meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners for their outstanding performance at the North Carolina Association of Rescue & EMS annual convention in Fayetteville. The team — comprised of Kade Church, Hunter Dancy, Wyatt Johnson, and Coley Whitener — earned second place in the state, and received the Chad Smith Spirit Award, marking the first time a junior team has ever received this distinction.
Alexander County Government participated in “Operation Green Light for Veterans” again this year. In 2025, the county administration building, services center, and courthouse park will be illuminated in green from November 4-11 as part of the initiative.
Alexander County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) announced the addition of a second ambulance to EMS Station 2 (Bethlehem base) in response to a growing number of emergency calls in the southwest region of the county. A total of eight paramedics are being hired to staff the new ambulance, which was put into service on September 15.
Clerk to the Board Jamie Starnes administers the oath of office to new County Manager Justin Mundy pictured with wife Jordyn and daughter Jayda
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners selected Justin Mundy as the new County Manager, following a comprehensive search and interview process. Mundy will officially begin his duties on December 1, 2025. A lifelong Alexander County resident, Mundy brings both professional experience and a deep commitment to the county he calls home. He previously served as Finance Director and Interim Town Manager for the Town of Troutman.
The Alexander County Christmas Parade Committee selected Mr. George Herman as the 2025 Grand Marshal. Herman retired from the Alexander County Public Works & Facilities Department in September after 20 years of service.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday, November 14, to celebrate the opening of Peoples Drug Store’s new Express Care facility at their newly renovated location at 255 NC Highway 16 South in Taylorsville.
DECEMBER
Alexander County officially welcomed a new leader on Monday, December 1, as Justin Mundy was sworn in as County Manager at 8:30 a.m. Mundy said he is excited to work alongside the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, county staff, and residents. “I’ve lived in Alexander County my whole life, so it’s an honor to be able to serve the community I live in and grew up in,” Mundy said.
Commissioners approved bids for the Three Forks Church Road water line extension project and the Bethlehem booster station project at their December 8th meeting. The Three Forks project, which totals $1,725,883, will include the installation of 10,600 linear feet of 8-inch water lines. The booster station project totals $2,414,980, which will go hand-in-hand with the Bethlehem water tank project.
All five Alexander County Commissioners voiced firm opposition to the proposed incorporation of the Bethlehem community during the December 8th meeting.
Commissioners honored Bud and Judy Caywood with a “Key to the County” for their service to Alexander County during their 21 years of residency here. The couple is moving to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
A ribbon cutting was held on Monday, December 15, to celebrate the grand opening of a major expansion at Alexander County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Station #1. The 9,300-square-foot addition was funded by a $750,000 state allocation and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, with no local tax dollars used. The expansion includes a 5-bay climate-controlled garage, a state-of-the-art training room, and administrative office space.
Thirty-seven Alexander County employees were recognized for their years of service during the county’s Employee Holiday Luncheon on December 12.
County staff is currently planning a year-long series of events in 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
“Alexander County entered 2025 with momentum, and that momentum is carrying us forward with meaningful results,” Chairman Pennell said. “By staying focused on smart growth and responsible leadership, we are poised to build on this progress and create new opportunities for our residents.”
Learn more about Alexander County at https://alexandercountync.gov and https://visitalexandernc.com.