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.

Local Government Commission Response Letter The board considered ratifying a response letter to the NC State Treasurer's Office, required because Ranlo is on the Unit Assistance List following the fiscal year 2022 audit.

• Town staff reported that fiscal year 2022 was the strongest financial year the town has seen in some time, with the general fund balance growing from approximately 20% to 45.7%, and the utility fund swinging from a roughly $104,000 loss to a $465,000 gain.
• Staff noted that improvements to the tax rate and utility rate adjustments made in prior years contributed significantly to the turnaround.
• The Town Manager reported that he personally spoke with the State Treasurer at a recent conference in Winston-Salem and indicated the town would be petitioning for removal from the Unit Assistance List. The Treasurer acknowledged the town's progress.
• The board voted to ratify the letter and authorized board members to sign it for submission to the State Treasurer's fiscal management office. The motion passed unanimously.

Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Discussion Planning Staff presented options for scheduling early budget talks ahead of the upcoming fiscal year 2024 budget process.

• Staff noted that Gaston County's property revaluation is expected to show a 75–78% increase in property values in Ranlo, making early tax rate discussions critical for accurate revenue projections.
• Options presented included a special meeting on March 2nd or 16th, or beginning the March 9th regular meeting early to incorporate preliminary budget discussions.
• The board agreed to begin the March 9th regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. to allow time for early budget discussion before the regular meeting agenda.

Capital Projects Update Staff provided an update on several ongoing infrastructure and utility projects across town.

• South Ranlo Waterline Rehabilitation: Final engineering renderings were received this week and have been signed off for permitting. The permitting process is expected to take a couple of months, with construction progress hoped for by fall.
• Boulder Court Project: Work is progressing well and is expected to be completed within the next month. Custom Paving and the Wooten Company were recognized for their work on the project.
• Electronic Water Meters: Approximately 1,585 new electronic meters have been installed out of a total of roughly 1,690, with about 105 larger meters remaining. The new meters will help detect leaks in real time and improve billing accuracy.
• Ranlo Avenue Waterline Upfit: Final state permitting is expected within days. Staff is working with adjacent property owners to obtain construction easements to loop the water system and improve water pressure in that area.

Recreation and Community Events Staff presented a tentative schedule of community events for spring through fall 2023.

• April: Grand opening event at the lodge, targeting an April 1 opening date, with a spring/Easter celebration planned.
• May: Senior Brunch Bingo, continuing a well-attended event from the prior year.
• June: Music and Movies in the Park (details to be finalized closer to the date).
• July 28–29: The town's 60th anniversary celebration, marking the town's incorporation on July 29, 1963. Plans include amusement rides through a profit-sharing arrangement with R&D Amusement at no cost to the town, live music including the band Image (led by Gastonia Mayor Walker Reid), specializing in 1960s and 70s cover music, and a fireworks display.
• August 1: National Night Out with the police department.
• September: Fall Festival, similar in format to prior years.
• A recreational sports survey included with water bills received approximately 50 responses. Of those, seven residents indicated interest in youth recreational sports. Staff noted many children may already be enrolled in leagues through neighboring communities.
• Staff is working with Garland Burks, a marketing firm that previously assisted with the town's branding campaign, to produce promotional content for the 60th anniversary celebration, including video, interviews with current and former officials, and business spotlights, running from March through July.

Mountain View Grove Development (Broadway Area) A commissioner asked for an update on a proposed residential development off Broadway.

• The Mountain View Grove project, originally approved by the planning board in 2014, proposed 10 new homes. Staff worked with the developer for approximately a year and a half to meet engineering and design requirements. Plans were approved roughly six months ago.
• Since approval, the developer has had little communication with the town and there has been no movement on construction. Staff indicated uncertainty about whether market conditions or other factors are causing the delay.

Mitchum Road / DOT Drainage and Road Improvements A commissioner asked for an update on NC DOT activity along Mitchum Road.

• DOT crews cleared significant blockages from storm drains in that area approximately one month ago, which helped alleviate some flooding issues. Similar drainage problems along Spencer Mountain Road are also being addressed.
• The Town Manager is scheduled to attend a DOT meeting on February 23rd regarding transportation funding. Discussions include a potential turning lane at Spencer Mountain Road and Highway 74, as well as broader infrastructure improvements in the area.