Gary L Herman
Businesses in the Bethlehem Fire District may see a decrease in insurance premiums. At the August 5th meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, Interim County Manager Ben Faulkenberry reported that the fire insurance classification for the Bethlehem Fire District has improved to a Class 4/9E from a Class 6/9E.
According to the NC Office of State Fire Marshal, Class 4 applies to commercial properties with a flow of 3,500 gallons per minute or less within five miles of a fire department. Class 9E applies to all other properties within the fire district outside of five miles, but no more than six miles.
“The improved fire insurance classification will benefit our businesses and industries in the Bethlehem Fire District by reducing insurance premiums, enhancing property values, and ensuring greater safety,” said Faulkenberry. “We are thankful for our fire departments and their dedication to protecting our citizens.”
In other business:
• Two people signed up to speak during the public comment period. Both individuals expressed their hope that the Alexander Senior Center would not be utilized for early voting this fall. A petition to use an alternate location was submitted to Chairman Josh Lail, who shared it with other commissioners as well as the Alexander County Board of Elections.
• Dr. Bill Griffin, the new Superintendent of Alexander County Schools, spoke briefly to the board. “We’re grateful for your service. We know the job you do is very difficult,” said Dr. Griffin. “I look forward to many years of working with each of you. I hope that our line of communication is always open and one we can build upon.”
• Commissioners approved seven budget amendments. The first budget amendment increases the Health Department budget for additional grant funds. The second budget amendment increases the Health Department budget to carry forward dental grant funds and Medicaid revenues from prior years. The third amendment increases the Information Technology budget for a federal Homeland Security cybersecurity grant, and adjusts the 911 Communications budget for updates on two grants. The fourth amendment accounts for the addition of a second grant for the 16 West Main Avenue Downtown Revitalization Project. The fifth, sixth, and seventh amendments adjust the multi-year project budget for federal ARPA funds to reimburse the General Fund for previous expenditures, and to use General Fund money to continue the water line project without the deadlines associated with ARPA funds.
The next meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners is set for Monday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education (room #103). Regular meetings are recorded and can be viewed on the county’s Government Channel on Spectrum channel 192 or the county’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/alexandercountync. Meeting agendas, minutes, videos, and more are available on the county’s website at https://alexandercountync.gov/commissioners.