Monroe City Council accepts $440,000 grant for Expressway Commerce Park development

The Monroe City Council convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss significant developments, including the Expressway Commerce Park project and the upcoming fiscal year budget.

The meeting began with a presentation by Lisa Hollowell, who sought council approval for a grant from the North Carolina Economic Development Partnership. The grant, totaling approximately $440,000, is intended for preliminary engineering work at the Expressway Commerce Park site. The council unanimously approved the motion to accept the grant and authorized the city manager to execute the necessary documents.

Hollowell also highlighted ongoing efforts to secure additional funding for site projects. There is a proposal to repurpose $10 million already awarded to 15 projects for site clearing and further development. Additionally, over $200 million is being requested to prepare these sites for industrial use. The council expressed optimism about these developments, indicating strong support for moving the initiative forward.

Following this, the council shifted focus to the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget discussion. City officials, including Manager Watson and Lisa Strickland, addressed the challenges posed by a recent property value reassessment in Union County. This reassessment has led to significant changes in property values, particularly in Monroe. The council was informed that while property taxes are the primary revenue source for the general fund, other revenue streams, such as fees and permits, also contribute to the budget.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on the enterprise fund budgets at the upcoming strategic meeting on May 13. The council emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping the budget, ensuring that various projects and initiatives receive adequate support.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to economic development and fiscal planning, setting the stage for future growth and community engagement.