Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

The following is a staff-prepared summary of key discussion points and decisions from this meeting. For the complete official record, please refer to the approved minutes above.

K9 Officer Axel Sworn In The Ranlo Police Department welcomed a new K9 officer to its ranks at this meeting.

• K9 Officer Axel, handled by Officer Tanokco, was officially sworn in as a police officer for the Town of Ranlo.
• Attendees were reminded that Axel is a working dog and should not be approached.

Honorary Police Officer Sworn In The town recognized a young community member with a special honor at this meeting.

• Eight-year-old Jackson was sworn in as an honorary police officer for the Town of Ranlo, believed to be the youngest honorary officer in Gaston County.
• Board members requested that the occasion be featured in the local gazette.

Financial Report The town manager presented the monthly financial status update for the board's review.

• The general fund showed a notable increase due to a substantial property tax collection in November, with approximately $900,000 collected and a 64.8% collection rate reached at that point in the fiscal year.

Spencer Heights Speed Bumps Staff provided an update on the ongoing trial of temporary speed bumps in the Spencer Heights neighborhood.

• The temporary speed bump installed at the Wicklow Drive entrance to Spencer Heights did not produce a noticeable reduction in speeding, according to feedback from the neighborhood HOA.
• The HOA expressed continued interest in a speed bump on Sun River Drive. Staff will relocate the temporary speed bump to that location before the next meeting to test its effectiveness before any permanent installation.

2025 Meeting Schedule, Holiday Schedule, and Bulk Pickup Schedule The board approved the town's schedules for the coming year.

• The 2025 observed holiday schedule reflects no changes from 2024. The board meeting schedule remains the second Thursday of each month, consistent with the town charter.
• The bulk pickup schedule for 2025 was presented alongside the holiday and meeting schedules.
• Staff noted these schedules will be posted to the town website and may be included in the January town manager newsletter. The board also discussed the option of mailing the schedules to residents, noting that renters may not always receive information that goes to property owners.
• Motion to approve was made and seconded; approved unanimously.

Budget Amendment — Community Policing Donation The board considered a budget amendment to record a donation received for the community policing program.

• A $2,000 donation was received for the police department's community policing program, specifically for police calendars. A typographical error in the amendment document (an extra zero) was corrected before approval.
• The board voted to amend the figure to $2,000 and then approved the corrected amendment; both votes were unanimous.

Budget Amendment — HSI Account Transfer The board also considered a budget amendment related to drug-related policing funds.

• A $5,000 transfer was recorded from the police HSI (drug-related policing) account to the town's internal HSI account, as required by law for funds derived from drug-related enforcement activity.
• Motion to approve was made and seconded; approved unanimously.

Employee Pay Raise The board took action on a compensation increase for town staff.

• The board approved a 5% pay raise across all town departments, totaling $82,981.98.
• Motion was made and seconded; approved unanimously.

Police Department Monthly Report Chief Lunsford presented the department's activity report for November.

• The department responded to 410 calls for service in November, made 7 arrests, and issued 5 citations.
• The Flock license plate reader cameras are operational and recorded approximately 225,000 vehicles passing by in November. The system generated 9 hits related to stolen vehicles and other alerts.
• Cameras are currently located at a main intersection, at the lodge, on Park Drive, and on Dub Street, with one unit that rotates locations to cover additional areas.

Mayor's Report and Board Comments The mayor and commissioners shared updates and community observations.

• The mayor reported that the NC League of Municipalities (NCLM) meeting in November included a discussion about upcoming interstate construction work. Right-of-way acquisition is currently underway, with construction activity expected to begin as early as February.
• A commissioner commended the Ranlo Police Department for their active participation in the Toys for Tots motorcycle ride, noting their visible and genuine involvement in community events.
• Upcoming town events mentioned include Christmas at the Lodge (5–7 p.m. that Friday, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus and hot chocolate) and the Christmas Parade on December 21st. Registration to participate in the parade was still open through Monday.
• The NCLM Town and State Dinner is scheduled for February 26th in Raleigh. Board members and elected officials interested in attending were asked to notify the town manager by the end of December.