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.

Hurricane Helene Mountain Response Presentation A joint team of officers and personnel from the Ranlo Police Department, Ranlo Fire Department, and the Town of Dallas Police Department presented on their mutual aid missions to the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area following Hurricane Helene.

• The team assisted with debris sifting, search operations alongside state K-9 teams, traffic direction, security for local government meetings, and general cleanup efforts in the storm-affected area.
• Ranlo's UTVs and drone were deployed daily and described as critical assets — the area's incident commander noted they had nothing comparable available at the time.
• Dallas Police Chief Robert Wilson praised the professionalism and teamwork of the Ranlo officers and fire personnel, saying they represented their town with distinction.
• Board members also noted personal volunteer efforts in the affected area, including participation in food truck operations to feed workers and residents.

Annual Audit Presentation (Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024) The town's auditor presented the results of the fiscal year 2024 audit to the Board of Commissioners.

• The town received a clean (unqualified) audit opinion, meaning the financial statements fairly represent the town's books and records.
• The town's unassigned fund balance stands at $3.8 million — equal to 114% of the current year's expenditures, well above the state average of approximately 60% for towns of similar size.
• The town's tax collection rate exceeded 99%, approximately 3% better than the state average.
• The primary reason revenues were lower compared to the prior year was that ARPA (federal relief) funds had been recognized in the previous fiscal year but not this one. Local taxes were noted as up, indicating continued economic activity.
• Expenditures increased year-over-year, partly due to inflation and partly due to capital purchases including approximately $157,000 in police department equipment and $128,000 in public works equipment.
• Two performance indicators flagged by the state Local Government Commission (LGC) — both the same as the prior year — relate to restricted water/sewer cash balances and the useful life of water and sewer fixed assets falling below 50%. The auditor noted these flags are informational and do not recommend spending money simply to resolve them, but do signal the need to plan for future maintenance and infrastructure replacement.
• The board signed a required response to the LGC acknowledging the flagged indicators, which will be submitted to the state.

Monthly Financial Report Staff presented the town's monthly expense and financial report for informational purposes.

• No significant changes were noted between last month and this month. The board received the report with no major questions.

2025 Community Events Calendar Staff presented a proposed calendar of town events for 2025 for board review and direction.

• The calendar includes returning events such as Miltown Nights, the July 4th community celebration, the Christmas parade, and senior bingo, as well as newly added or restored events including a spring community yard sale, fall community yard sale, and a spring/winter cleanup day.
• The board discussed moving the senior bingo date from May 30th to Friday, May 16th, to be held prior to Miltown Nights rather than on the same day.
• The Christmas parade was tentatively set for Saturday, December 13th — earlier than the prior year to avoid conflicts with school breaks. Staff will confirm availability with the float company before finalizing that date.
• Staff will explore the cost of bringing a document shredder truck to the spring cleanup event and report back to the board.
• Staff noted that future Christmas parade float applications will be updated to more clearly distinguish between float sponsors who plan to ride and those who do not, to avoid empty floats as occurred this past year.

Budget Amendments — Powell Bill Capital Purchases The board considered three budget amendments (2425-10, 2425-11, and 2425-12) using Powell Bill fund balance reserves — state-allocated funds designated for street-related purposes.

• Budget Amendment 2425-10: Approved the purchase of two arrow boards (lighted directional traffic boards) for use by police and public works during road work and emergencies. Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously.
• Budget Amendment 2425-11: Approved the purchase of one light tower to provide illumination during nighttime utility and road work operations. The self-powered unit can also serve as a portable generator. Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously.
• Budget Amendment 2425-12: Approved the purchase of two chainsaws to replace aging equipment used for storm debris clearing. Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously.

Winter Storm Preparedness — Town Manager Report The Town Manager advised the board and public of preparations underway for an approaching winter storm.

• The town was under a winter storm warning at the time of the meeting, with snow expected to begin Friday around 1:00 p.m., with potential for freezing rain and sleet and hazardous icy conditions.
• Town Hall will close at noon on Friday. Administrative staff will go home, but essential emergency operations will continue from the town's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at the fire station through Friday night and into Saturday morning.
• Residents were urged to protect water pipes, stay off the roads if possible, and be aware that town emergency personnel will remain working throughout the storm.

Monthly Police Report The Police Chief presented the department's activity summary for the prior month.

• The department responded to 517 events, issued 24 citations, and made 17 arrests.
• Calls included 5 assaults, 8 vehicle accidents, 13 civil disturbances, 20 domestic calls, 7 mental health service calls, and 2 overdoses. Officers also served 11 warrants.
• License plate reader cameras recorded 160,850 vehicles passing through; 12 hits on stolen vehicles were identified.