Catawba County News
BOC Recap: 10/5/26
Published: October 06, 2026
The October 5, 2026 Board of Commissioners meeting was called to order at 7pm. The agenda for the meeting can be found at https://bit.ly/3utv5SE.
BOC approved minutes from the Board’s Regular Meeting of September 21, 2026.
Presentations
Commissioner Setzer presented a proclamation declaring October 4-10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week.
Department Report
Staff requests the Board of Commissioners accept the proposed Schedule of Values, Standards and Rules for the 2027 Property Revaluation as prescribed by North Carolina General Statutes and set a public hearing to consider adoption of this Schedule for November 2, 2026. BOC approved both items.
Consent Agenda
1 – The Finance and Personnel Subcommittee requests the Board of Commissioners appropriate $301,419.20 for state-appropriated Law Enforcement Officer bonuses, in compliance with Session Law 2026-41, section 41.3.
Background
Session Law 2026-41 section 41.3 directs the State Bureau of Investigation to award local law enforcement officers with a lump sum compensation bonus in the amount of $1,750. To be eligible for the bonus, officers must be sworn, employed as a law enforcement officer as of June 30, 2026, and be either employed full-time or permanent part-time. Additional State funding is provided to cover the cost of the County’s share of FICA payroll taxes related to the bonuses. The total amount of State funding provided equates to $1,883.37 per FTE. Applying the criteria for eligibility, the County has determined 160 FTEs are eligible for the bonus. Legislation requires the bonus to be paid separately from the employee’s regular salary, and payable as close as practicable to October 15, 2026. Staff is requesting an appropriation of $301,419.20 (160 x $1,883.37) to process the LEO state-funded bonuses. No County funding is required for the bonuses.
2 – The Policy and Public Works Subcommittee requests the Board of Commissioners approve the proposed changes to the WPCOG’s Charter and Bylaws, consistent with the actions taken by WPCOG Executive Committee and Policy Board.
3 – Staff requests the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution amending the list of Map Review Officers.
City of Newton is requesting Randy Williams be removed. City of Conover is requesting Madeleine Epley be removed. Town of Longview is requesting Susan Matheson be removed, and Elizabeth Moss and Laney Lancaster be added. Town of Catawba is requesting Elizabeth Moss and Laney Lancaster be added.
With approval of the resolution incorporating the changes noted above, the active list of Review Officers will be:
Catawba County: Chris Timberlake, Laurie LoCicero, Diana Gandia, Blake Wright, Jonathan Pilkenton
City of Hickory: Brian Frazier, Cal Overby, Mike Kirby, and Wilson Elliott
City of Newton: Alex S. Fulbright
City of Conover: Stephanie Watson, Heather Stephens and Erik Schlichting
City of Claremont: Bryce Carter
Town of Long View: Elizabeth Moss, Laney Lancaster, Daniel Odom
Town of Maiden: Addyson Ikard
Town of Catawba: Elizabeth Moss, Laney Lancaster, Daniel Odom
Town of Brookford: Marshall Eckard
4 – Staff requests the Board of Commissioners approve a resolution to retire drug interdiction K-9s Odin and Thor and transfer ownership of Odin to K-9 handler Dustin Ladd and Thor to K-9 handler Daniel Ikerd.
BOC approved all four items.
Manager’s Report
1 - Contingency transfer of $2,000 to cover purchase through NCDOT auction of property adjacent to South Newton Elementary, for purposes of addressing driveway encroachment.
2 - Contingency transfer of $7,150 to cover purchase of Sherrills Ford EMS Base.
3 - Transfer of $65, 000 from Future Public Safety Capital Project reserve to Conover Capital to account for second year of funding in 2-year funding arrangement. (Funds were planned for but not encumbered.)
Adjournment
BOC adjourned the meeting at 7:40 pm and entered into closed session with no further action anticipated.