[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6511645,"mediaKeyId","5322131-fabdd29075477da4bdb287e021e31e7f","parentId",5322131,"title","County presentation finds no urgent need to merge Spindale and Rutherfordton wastewater systems but urges planning for consolidation","audioSeconds",1660,"startMs",1770000,"endMs",3430000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322131-fabdd29075477da4bdb287e021e31e7f&start=1770&end=3430","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322131-fabdd29075477da4bdb287e021e31e7f/thumbnail_1770000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511645/Rutherford-County/North-Carolina/County-presentation-finds-no-urgent-need-to-merge-Spindale-and-Rutherfordton-wastewater-systems-but-urges-planning-for-consolidation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511645-39d4baf3d5d2698795a10f7c1f81ba95/orig.mp4?Expires=1771106120&Signature=X5tycS1ODqHUhj1JY466KhsiSRJG5x~ZB8PHyN0YwJfrzQaz9QblRfqsLBVc6tC2o2m7opEgw~ZfNRJL49xluPc6DEXxbwZAlFxD9ORWYfLHzwEuI~Cmr~0WK9vhXf1NaQ5FLx9CQ0LJ-wVU1k~MBWDtA2mqKrP2hOhgQSLFy-KEjVN-WQcI80Cp5V9HM1ibsO5vOxyGOQze3NixTjPxLQyoNqJKjyJxuEyhNROMFG8qQaAz4tXqMeu~dxs6TBsRt5dpHymPcrPgnRENy1UQKsG1ncav0kMFtv2l3is3II4lt2NAOtLTLB4QDe6PkEpXUG5oXhI1rDgJxr9LiP1wJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rutherford County","date","2025-07-07T00:00:00Z","article","A county-funded consultant presented findings on a regionalization study of wastewater services for Rutherford County on July 7, saying the utilities in Spindale and Rutherfordton have made significant improvements since 2014 and that consolidation, while not immediately required, should be planned for.

The study, prepared by Ardura (formerly WK Dixon), was summarized by consultant Seth Robertson and introduced by County Manager Steve Garrison. Robertson told the Board the review focused on regulatory compliance, infrastructure investment needs, financial sustainability and customer affordability, and emergency resiliency following recent storm events.

The main takeaway is that \"there's not an obvious short term driver that says you have to do some type of merger or regionalization or consolidation,\" Robertson said, adding that the utilities have secured grant funding, completed capital projects and raised rates in a measured way to improve finances. He added that long-term pressures — higher construction costs and shrinking grant availability — make planning for consolidation prudent.

Why it matters: Consolidation can create economies of scale that reduce per-customer costs and improve emergency response, the report said. Robertson highlighted that consolidated operations can save on staff and contracting costs and permit flow sharing between systems during outages or extreme weather.

Key recommendations from the consultant and county staff include: forming a joint working group among Rutherford County, the towns of Spindale and Rutherfordton, and Broad River Water Authority; completing asset-management inventories (especially Rutherfordton's ongoing inventory); developing a combined capital improvement plan; engaging the N.C. Division of Water Infrastructure early to pursue funding tied to regionalization; and creating an integrated countywide emergency response plan for utilities. Robertson also recommended considering membership in WaterWarn, a statewide mutual-aid network for utilities.

The presentation emphasized that Broad River Water Authority already has charter language allowing wastewater operations, making it a potential vehicle for a larger consolidated utility. Robertson said preliminary analysis indicated bringing Cliffside Sanitary District into a consolidated structure would be feasible if sufficient grant funding addressed its capital needs but warned that Cliffside's small size makes self-funding difficult.

County Manager Steve Garrison and town managers Doug Berry (Rutherfordton) and Scott Weber (Spindale) attended and were named in the presentation as active participants in the study. Financial analysis work for the study was credited to Ralph Tellis.

No action required: The Board was told the study is informational; no vote was required. Robertson said the report will be finalized and submitted to the state, and the county will provide minutes showing the study was presented to close out the grant.

Ending: Commissioners thanked the study team and the participating towns. County staff said they will use the report as a platform for future conversations about interconnection projects, shared staffing/purchasing and grant opportunities tied to regionalization.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rutherford County - Board of Commissioners on 2025-07-07 6:00 PM - Jul 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A county-funded consultant presented findings on a regionalization study of wastewater services for Rutherford County on July 7, saying the utilities in Spindale and Rutherfordton have made significant improvements since 2014 and that consolidation, while not immediately required, should be planned for.","taxTitle","Rutherford County, North Carolina","taxId",45173,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511632,"Votes at a glance: Rutherford County Board of Commissioners, July 7, 2025",4585,60000,4645000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322131-fabdd29075477da4bdb287e021e31e7f&start=60&end=4645","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322131-fabdd29075477da4bdb287e021e31e7f/thumbnail_60000.jpg","/articles/6511632/Rutherford-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Rutherford-County-Board-of-Commissioners-July-7-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511632-6a4e1fe4390f0a04464f8c189ace5516/orig.mp4?Expires=1771106120&Signature=ZMJytiJ5~4~FF679ZmBGnC5dMg2wxlT41pkNteOcCtSckSLjdotfvqy1eHb5zjffxqQZRKdjuCMBPnH3IqF~HJWvubtfKIz2jPXMmWB0aEP6WGRVPPqSz-XPnkD9P1WRodhaLM7DcrEdmJ7d18RfSgToKkiPSqOmmfIWS9Q68Kcy5g1oSwyM2rMBqVHYJiFJW6Il2GghFZ~aCI-c7MgyaTGOwiIkjlZwvBBq56UjbBIahpMjN69i~PeobbxGcWWPMbLUaAAYoVHT6wre1nebp09sjdkHuDKi~PUjh4wAMx6JJi4-6mdNBtyB3N9ivi-7tlFo2vWZEfBV~VxGD0Cliw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its July 7 meeting, the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners approved a set of routine and substantive items. Most motions passed unanimously unless otherwise noted. The meeting also included an informational presentation on wastewater regionalization and a public hearing on addressing code updates.

Votes and formal outcomes (summaries):

- Agenda amendment: The Board voted to add an appointment to the Library Board of Trustees to the agenda (motion carried).

- Consent agenda: Approved as presented (motion carried).

- Proclamation: The Board adopted a proclamation honoring Terry Hines for his service to the county economic development advisory board (proclamation adopted; photo opportunity announced).

- Appointments:
- Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees: Amy Jenkins appointed (motion carried).
- Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority: Debbie Stanfield appointed to occupy the occupancy-tax-collector category (motion carried).
- Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority chair: Willard Whitson appointed as TDA chair for the year (motion carried).
- NCACC annual conference voting delegate: Michael Benfield appointed as voting delegate; Alan Toney appointed alternate voting delegate (motions carried).
- Library Board of Trustees: Pam Mara appointed to fill vacancy (motion carried).

- State cash-flow loan for disaster response: The Board approved a promissory-note/resolution for a second round of state cash-flow loans totaling $1,200,000 to be repaid over five years (motion carried). Staff said the funds are intended for disaster-response cash flow; use is restricted and the Board discussed interest earnings and potential state forgiveness/adjustments depending on FEMA reimbursements.

- Budget amendments: Approved (motions carried). Items include a transfer from a college capital reserve fund to replace a pool motor at Isothermal and a DEQ solid-waste grant appropriation for a 40-yard container replacement (matching funds present in departmental budget).

- Sheriff's Office design–build contract: Approved (see separate story). Phase 1 totals were reported at about $340,600 and will be funded by legislative grant funds.

- Tax collection report and charge to collect: Revenue Director Richard Lawson reported a 98.1% collection rate for tax year 2024–25. The Board approved the formal \"charge to collect\" action required by statute, directing the tax administrator to collect county taxes for the year (motion carried).

- Closed session: The Board recessed to closed session under N.C. General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) (personnel) and 143-318.11(a)(3) (attorney-client); no action was taken upon return to open session.

Ending: The meeting adjourned after routine reports and the scheduled closed session; county staff said they will finalize and submit study reports and the required meeting minutes for grant closeout where applicable.","The Board approved a series of appointments, a design–build contract for a sheriff's office upfit, a state cash-flow loan resolution, budget amendments, and a tax-collection charge. Several ceremonial recognitions were also adopted; a public hearing on addressing ordinance was held with no action.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511636,"Board approves phase 1 design–build contract to convert former school building into sheriff's office",476,3759000,4235000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322131-fabdd29075477da4bdb287e021e31e7f&start=3759&end=4235","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322131-fabdd29075477da4bdb287e021e31e7f/thumbnail_3759000.jpg","/articles/6511636/Rutherford-County/North-Carolina/Board-approves-phase-1-designbuild-contract-to-convert-former-school-building-into-sheriffs-office","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511636-53e5d7b1f10d1fb524afcd33738710b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771106120&Signature=ZwaqnKDdebKx6XHWRvhKxUgwk4jrM5YS1lUVbmt3qTHBM2EzJqhRZhghKYh6zavS4E3URrudDiCn0EFwpBA5fYBFAZ0LQusbQwhNG7JNjT64ufq4kxKjSIb0a1se182j2a-hoJdrs2-Fj8kCIbLK-PcKr1uuOJOpKcWYz6hrmq3LaV1E68hFd~k3S4QdIgBH7GCbeGe~QZSNLc7DrFtQCgE4hsVuBFrppFdtjhSHkOo2CsGLHvjrC04ZS~gLG-Ou9VEJtU7Oe1hKsG-HF5Tsr4PZFEM6ISwjoWbfGBLwnFHbX1nrmuXNX213XnY25d1Q74B~mrqN593gD5moLKO9nQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners voted July 7 to approve a phase 1 design–build contract with Beam Construction to convert a former sixth-grade building and cafeteria into a consolidated Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.

Aubrey Clay presented the project, saying phase 1 covers pre-construction design services, a roof allowance, and utility separation work to create dedicated gas, water and sewer service for the new facility. Clay told the Board the facility conversion will consolidate divisions of the Sheriff's Department under a single roof and support an upcoming remodel of the county detention center.

Clay said the project is being delivered as a fixed-price design–build because the county has a tight budget for this work. \"This project will be fully funded through legislative grant funds with no local tax dollars,\" Clay said.

County staff and commissioners discussed timing. The contractor expects to begin roof work within weeks; county staff said they are coordinating this project's schedule with the detention-center remodel so administrative staff can be relocated while detention work proceeds.

Motion and outcome: The Board approved the phase 1 design–build contract with Beam Construction and authorized the project to proceed. The motion was offered by a commissioner during the meeting and was seconded; the Board voted in favor with no recorded opposition.

Ending: County staff said the work on the former school building will also provide secure, climate-controlled evidence storage and allow construction on the detention center to proceed with fewer operational disruptions.","Commissioners approved a fixed-price design–build contract with Beam Construction to upfit a former sixth-grade building and cafeteria for the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office; county staff said the project will be funded entirely with legislative grant funds and no local tax dollars.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511640,"Rutherford County holds public hearing on updates to street naming, addressing and display ordinance",315,233000,548000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322131-fabdd29075477da4bdb287e021e31e7f&start=233&end=548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322131-fabdd29075477da4bdb287e021e31e7f/thumbnail_233000.jpg","/articles/6511640/Rutherford-County/North-Carolina/Rutherford-County-holds-public-hearing-on-updates-to-street-naming-addressing-and-display-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511640-a64e014e521345163927750b7c37f58e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771106120&Signature=Hhvdaxyy~AaFARuaPPMkTCW2OoagqwZVuiKQpF8A65Fz4GEl11UB0TN3Q9XdIu5vvRlBELuLVgp1ZOC9VeP-x6fWwi7yVZc6cBTNRJbBAhYXWk1OFEUyjnBcFimdzSeMNLTyaopORZqa8DFminW0D7NzaimArppGIw~-CjTbzFif1PgypwYmSs2buJFi8jBGSUtbQNT9ttkOVt4lAlNzjo0OYmMnfpiLp3~sy13lzKJCLzMHK7lEJUd9pyTQRwJqmHQIpjONm6BwdIJsdruUnAqiJKdIrLGZ6cHk2ST51WX~nuMedSKM9svSkDVx9bV3Nx0cf6mWNE1FW5c8Sp78tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rutherford County planning staff presented a public hearing on proposed updates to the county's street naming, addressing and display ordinance on July 7, telling the Board the ordinance has not been revised since 1991 and needs changes to align with current state law and the building code.

A county planner identified as Katie explained the primary goals: standardize definitions and terminology, align local requirements with the North Carolina building code and recent statutory changes, and embed a street reassignment policy into the ordinance to comply with a statute referenced during the hearing. \"There's really not any changes per se in the day to day workings of the addressing department,\" the planner said, adding the draft changes are mostly clarifications to match state code and newer local ordinances for mobile home parks and RV parks.

County counsel noted the current ordinance lacks a procedure for reassignment of street numbers — a process that can be required when road configurations change for emergency-response reasons — and said a new ordinance would embed a street reassignment policy consistent with the statute cited by counsel.

The public hearing was opened and closed; no members of the public requested to speak on this item. The Board took no action; the planner and county attorney said the hearing is part of the statutorily required process for adopting an ordinance that will include a reassignment policy and alignment with the building code.

Ending: County staff said the proposed ordinance will standardize addressing language and remove inadvertent local variations from older code; next steps include preparing the draft ordinance for the Board's future consideration.","Planning staff presented a proposed update to a 1991 addressing ordinance to align county language with the North Carolina building code, state statute changes, and newer mobile home/RV park rules; hearing closed with no public speakers and no action taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County presentation finds no urgent need to merge Spindale and Rutherfordton wastewater systems but urges planning for consolidation

Votes at a glance: Rutherford County Board of Commissioners, July 7, 2025

Board approves phase 1 design–build contract to convert former school building into sheriff's office

Rutherford County holds public hearing on updates to street naming, addressing and display ordinance