Highlights from Monday’s Town Board Meeting

By Dave Vieser — The Town Board took another important step toward the widening of West Catawba Avenue at Monday’s meeting, approving the donation of three town-owned parcels worth $351,325 to the N.C. Department of Transportation. The parcels are located in front of Robbins Park and will be used to accommodate a portion of the new four-lane highway.

Property acquisition such as this will be a major part of the $34.6 million widening project this year, while actual road construction is expected to begin next year, with completion by 2031.

Commissioners also continued the public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, which includes a 2-cent tax rate increase. Just two citizens spoke on the spending plan: Jack Higgins of Bailey Glen suggested the town consider reducing the tax hike to 1 cent rather than 2 cents. Janet Spain, while complimenting the town for its fiscal operations, cautioned town officials to watch the impact inflation will have on spending during the next year.

The budget hearing will continue June 1.

Also at Monday’s Town Board meeting, commissioner unanimously approved a previously approved conditional zoning request for Champion Tire, located on Bailey Road just west of N.C. 115. As a result, the gravel parking area will be used by Champion Tire as a truck staging and storage area, while the company’s existing structure at 11034 Bailey Road will continue to be used as an office building.