Catawba County News

Catawba-Lincoln Boundary Line Re-established February 2, 2025
Published: January 23, 2025
On February 2, 2025, the state-defined boundary line between Catawba and Lincoln counties will be re-established in accordance with a survey conducted by the North Carolina Geodetic Survey (NCGS).
The boundary line between Catawba and Lincoln counties was established by the state in 1842. Over decades of parcel changes, the commonly recognized boundary between the two counties gradually shifted. This has caused discrepancies regarding the boundary’s actual location and confusion among property owners.
In early 2022, Lincoln County initiated discussions with Catawba County regarding the accuracy of the boundary line between the two counties. In April 2022, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners requested a boundary line survey from the North Carolina Geodetic Survey, and the Catawba County Board of Commissioners requested a survey in June 2022.
Both counties received the official survey on February 2, 2024, which confirmed the state-established line. The counties had one year to adopt that line; North Carolina law provides that it becomes conclusive following that time frame. Upon receiving the survey, staff from both counties began the long process of collaboratively planning service transitions to minimize citizen impacts related to the re-established boundary.
Last week, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners began discussions regarding possible alternatives to the state law in response to citizen concerns. This included a proposed joint resolution between the two counties voicing support for the state to maintain the commonly recognized boundary. Because neither county commission has the authority to pass legislation that would keep the commonly recognized boundary line intact, a joint resolution would not prevent the state-defined boundary from going into effect on February 2, 2025. This proposed path for resolution also did not guarantee the issues related to confusion around citizen service provision would actually be resolved. As a result, Catawba County opted to stay the course and follow state law as had been previously agreed to by both counties.
Residents can view the re-established boundary line and learn more about how it affects their property by visiting the Catawba-Lincoln boundary line mapping tool at https://bit.ly/catawbalincolnline. Residents with questions are encouraged to call the Catawba County boundary information line at 828-465-9608.
Additionally, Catawba County invites residents to stop by one of two community open house events to talk with Catawba County representatives regarding services that may be affected by this change. The events are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Thursday, January 30, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
9154 Sherrills Ford Road, Terrell, NC 28682
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Maiden High School Auditorium
600 W. Main Street, Maiden, NC 28650