Catawba County News
BOC Recap 10-6-25
Published: October 07, 2025
The October 6, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting was called to order at 7pm. The agenda for tonight’s meeting can be found at https://bit.ly/3utv5SE.
BOC approved minutes from the Board’s Regular Meeting of September 15, 2025.
Appointments
County Manager Mary S. Furtado recommends the reappointment of Brian Myers as Tax Administrator, with a term expiration of October31, 2029.
Presentations
1 – Catawba County Budget & Management Director Jennifer Mace and Budget and Management Analyst Ian Bumgarner received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.
2 – Commissioner Abernethy presented a proclamation declaring October 5-11, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week. Presented to Fire Marshal Troy Scott.
Consent Agenda
1 - The Finance and Personnel Subcommittee requests the Board of Commissioners approve proposed revisions to the Catawba County Personnel Code.
2 - The Policy and Public Works Subcommittee requests the Board of Commissioners award the bid for the Wellington Subdivision Road Improvements to Midstate Contractors, Inc., of Hickory, in the amount of $355,037.64, transfer $365,000.00from Subdivision Road Improvement Future Projects, and authorize the County Manager to execute all necessary documents associated with the project.
3 – The Policy and Public Works Subcommittee requests the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution directing staff to create a report for extending five existing Fire Service Districts to align with the new county line, and set a required public hearing for the regular November 3, 2025 meeting as prescribed by NCGS 153A-303.
4 – The Policy and Public Works Subcommittee requests the Board of Commissioners adopt the proposed resolution assigning exclusive planning and development jurisdiction for 5011 Lebanon Road in Maiden to Catawba County.
5 – Staff requests the Catawba County Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution amending the list of Map Review Officers.
BACKGROUND
North Carolina General Statutes require all counties to appoint Review Officers to review each plat or map before recordation to certify it meets the statutory mapping requirements. The law requires individuals to be appointed by name, not by job title, so any time a staffing change occurs, a new Review Officer must be appointed and approved by resolution of the Board of Commissioners and subsequently recorded in the Register of Deeds Office.
Catawba County is requesting Fran Darnall and Madison Whisnant be removed as review officers and Maggie Gaughan be changed to reflect as Maggie Izlar. Town of Catawba is requesting John Wear be removed as a review officer.
With approval of the resolution incorporating the changes noted above, the active list of Review Officers will be:
Catawba County: Chris Timberlake, Laurie LoCicero, Maggie Izlar
City of Hickory: Brian Frazier, Cal Overby, Mike Kirby, and Wilson Elliott
City of Newton: Randy Williams and Alex S. Fulbright
City of Conover: Stephanie Watson, Heather Stephens, Madeleine Epley, and Erik Schlichting
City of Claremont: Bryce Carter
Town of Long View: Susan Matheson
Town of Maiden: Blake Wright
Town of Catawba: Ashley Young
Town of Brookford: Marshall Eckard
6 - Staff requests the Board of Commissioners approve a proposed 3-year lease agreement between Catawba County and Ashure Ministry, Inc. for 2.53 acres owned by Catawba County located at 245 East N St. in Newton (Parcel Identification Number 363908979575).
BOC approved all 6 agenda items.
Manager’s Report
1 - Budget Transfer from special contingency to recognize donations received by the Animal Shelter to support medical supplies and veterinary services for the animals.
BOC adjourned the meeting at 7:50 pm.