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.

Commissioner Swearing-In The board welcomed a newly appointed commissioner to the board at the start of the meeting.

• Commissioner Effie Locker was sworn in to office, administered by the Mayor, with a state senator present for the affirmation.

Officer Swearing-In – Ranlo Police Department The board formally welcomed a new member of the Ranlo Police Department.

• Detective Jacob Landon Springs was sworn in as a police officer with the Town of Ranlo Police Department.

Youth Community Service Recognition The board recognized two young Ranlo residents for their outstanding volunteer service to the community over the past four months.

• Carson and Ryan were honored for conducting community cleanups at the walking track, ball fields, parks, and in their own neighborhood; delivering food to elderly neighbors; and helping repair a damaged gate at a local church in partnership with Chief Lunsburg and Pastor Cobb.
• The board presented the two young men with certificates of recognition on behalf of the Town of Ranlo Board of Commissioners and the Ranlo Police Department.

LEAF for North Carolina Fellowship Farewell The board recognized the conclusion of the LEAF for North Carolina fellowship placement with the Town of Ranlo.

• Fellow Tanya Christie presented a summary of her year of service to the town, which included reconciling 12 months of bank statements, organizing and reporting on state and NC Department of Environmental Quality grants, revamping the personnel policy manual, helping launch the "Chats with Charlie" community outreach initiative, and planning town events including the Christmas parade and Senior Bingo.
• Town staff and board members expressed appreciation for Christie's contributions, noting her involvement touched every major town initiative over the past year. This was her final meeting as a fellow.

Annual Financial Audit Contract The board considered renewing the town's contract for its annual financial statement audit.

• The town has worked with auditor Eddie Carrick, CPA, for the past four audits. The board voted to enter into the audit agreement again for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The audit is expected to be conducted in September.
• Motion was made and seconded; the board approved the contract.

Fiscal Year 2023–2024 Budget Amendments Staff presented year-end budget amendments needed to close out the town's books on June 30, 2024.

• Town management reported that all bank reconciliations and journal entries are now current following extensive work by finance staff since July 2023.
• The amendments are internal accounting transfers only — no actual funds are being moved — and are necessary to formally close the fiscal year. The town is projected to finish the year in a budget surplus.
• Effective June 1, the town implemented a spending freeze, allowing only emergency expenditures, to ensure a clean fiscal year close.
• In response to a question, staff confirmed the town will remain on the NC Local Government Commission's Unit Assistance List for the coming fiscal year, but noted the town is trending in the right direction with growth in fund balance. A follow-up call with the State Treasurer's Office was scheduled to discuss a path to removal from the list.
• Motion was made and seconded; the board approved the budget amendments.

Fiscal Year 2024–2025 Budget Adoption The board held a public hearing and considered adoption of the town's budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

• The proposed budget was presented at the May 16 regular meeting, published in the Gaston Gazette, posted on the town website, and made available at Town Hall during business hours.
• The budget maintains the same property tax rate as the prior fiscal year — no tax increase.
• No members of the public signed up to speak during the public hearing.
• Motion was made and seconded; the board unanimously adopted the FY 2024–2025 budget.

Stormwater Management Plan Ratification Staff presented the final step in completing the town's five-year municipal stormwater permit with the NC Department of Environmental Quality.

• The plan, known as the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit, outlines approximately 50 permit requirements the town will meet over the next five years to manage stormwater runoff and protect local waterways.
• Staff met with the head of MS4 permitting at the state to finalize remaining details. No board vote was required; the Mayor and Town Manager will sign the plan and submit it to the state, with the permit going live in July.

Town Manager's Report The Town Manager shared several updates on recent events, upcoming activities, and department news.

• The town participated in Warlick Academy's graduation ceremony, providing lunch for graduates. Staff expressed enthusiasm for deepening the town's partnership with the school, with potential citizen academy programming — such as hands-on trades skills — expected to launch around September.
• The town held its first Senior Bingo event at the lodge, drawing close to 40 attendees. The event featured breakfast and multiple rounds of bingo.
• A community blood drive is scheduled for June 17 from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at the lodge. All donors will receive a $15 e-gift card.
• The Ranlo Police Department received a grant to fund a second K9 officer. The department currently has one K9, Tyme. Work with a trainer to acquire and train a second dog will begin over the coming months.
• The board approved closing Town Hall on both Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 as paid holidays for town staff, consistent with past practice.

Police Department Monthly Report Chief of Police presented the department's activity summary for the month of May.

• The department responded to 524 calls for service in May, made 8 arrests, issued 48 citations, and served 7 warrant citations. Notable call types included 9 civil disturbances, 14 domestic calls, 6 overdoses, and 3 shootings.
• The department announced a free car seat check event on Saturday, June 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the fire department. Certified officers will inspect car seats and help ensure proper installation.
• National Night Out is planned for August 6 from 5:00–9:00 p.m. Planning is underway and may include a military helicopter flyover.