Board of commissioners meeting recap and actions

Here are the highlights from the September 15 meeting:

Camp Thrive provides summer opportunities for local participants

Representatives from Partners Health Management and Iredell Special Olympics updated the Board on the inaugural Camp Thrive program, which provided summer activities and community experiences for local children, teenagers and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The program offered three two-week sessions by age group, serving about 12–15 campers each. Organizers received approximately 60 applications, with additional applicants wait-listed. Activities included arts and crafts, bowling, pottery, golf, outdoor recreation and physical activities, while also promoting friendships, independence and community engagement. About 60 volunteers contributed an estimated 360 hours. Support came from the Statesville Fire Department, which provided first-aid coverage, as well as local businesses, churches and Special Olympics volunteers.

The pilot program spent approximately $16,500 in Partners Health Management funding provided by Iredell County. Organizers hope to serve more campers, expand community partnerships and establish Camp Thrive as a sustainable program.

Board approves economic development incentive for Akuma Corporation

The Board approved an economic development incentive for Project Lead, an expansion project involving Akuma Corporation, an existing Iredell County manufacturer.

Akuma has operated in Iredell County for 41 years and specializes in plastic injection molding products for the battery industry. During the meeting, county staff said the company plans to add a new product line for the production of lead bushings, which are battery terminals used in the battery industry.

The project represents a planned capital investment of $3,268,877 in new machinery and equipment. The full investment is anticipated to be made by December 31, 2027. The project is expected to retain 98 existing corporate and manufacturing employees.

County Economic Development staff said the project would support the company’s existing operations and future growth. The Board held a public hearing on the proposed incentive before approving the request.

2027 reappraisal schedule moves forward

The Board approved a request from the Tax Assessor to present the proposed Uniform Schedule of Values, Standards and Rules and set a public hearing for October 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. The schedules are being developed as part of Iredell County’s 2027 reappraisal process. Separate schedules have been prepared for appraising real property at market value and under the Present-Use Value Program. Once adopted, the schedules will be used for the 2027 through 2030 tax years.

The proposed schedules will be available for public inspection through the Tax Assessor’s Office, Iredell County Public Libraries and the County’s website. The Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed schedules on October 6 at 6 p.m.

Administrative matters approved

The Board approved several administrative items on the consent agenda, including:

• A $25,665 budget amendment for the Iredell County Health Department to address increased costs for replacement information technology equipment. The amendment includes $22,687 from Medicaid Max reserve funds and $2,978 from other Health Department budget areas.
• A resolution from Planning & Development amending the Map Review Officers List.
• An update to the Iredell County Board of Commissioners Code of Ethics.
• The August 2026 releases and refunds from Tax Administration.
• Minutes from the May 2026 Budget Retreat and the September 1, 2026, Board of Commissioners meeting.

Vacancies for county boards and committees

The Board announced vacancies on several county boards and advisory committees, including:

• Six appointments to the Adult Care Home Advisory Committee
• Three appointments to the Central Aging Advisory Committee, Region F
• Two appointments to the Iredell County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
• Six appointments to the Nursing Home Advisory Committee
• One ETJ appointment to the Statesville Planning Board
• One alternate ETJ appointment to the Troutman Planning Board

Residents interested in serving on a County board or committee can complete an application at: https://iredellcountync.gov/FormCenter/Administration-26/Iredell-County-Board-of-Commissioners-Ap-302.

The next regular meeting of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Iredell County Cooperative Extension.