The Lake Gaston Association would like to thank the law enforcement officers who spoke on behalf of the Sheriff's Offices from the five counties surrounding Lake Gaston at the monthly LGA membership meeting on September 6, 2023. The Sheriffs discussed current law enforcement issues in their counties and provided insight into current programs.They also offered tips on how to not become a victim, including advice to always lock your doors, consider posting “Beware of Dog,” signs, and installing security systems and cameras.The event was very well attended by local Lake Gaston residents and businesses.
For more information you can refer to the meeting minutes on this web site: Home/About Us/Meeting Minutes/9.6 Meeting Minutes
Following are notes that are provided by one of the attendees. Disclaimer: These are not official.
Meeting opened by Ruby Vincent Garner, President of Lake Gaston Community Center Moment of Silence 9/11, Pledge Recognition Elected Officials Statement of Purpose: Dr Kelvin Edwards. Citizens have asked for more outreach. Board meetings do not allow for interaction. This is to be a forum where questions can be asked and answered. Officials present: Sheriff representative, Dr. Charles Tyner, Sr, Board of Commissioners; Dr. Kelvin Edwards, Sr, Board of Commissioners; Mr. Julian Phillips, County Manager; Ms. Rhonda Taylor, Director Social Services; Ms. Theresa Cade, Office of Aging; Mr. Derrick Bennett, Economic Development. Two guest presentations: Michael, from Farm bureau insurance. Price increases across the spectrum. Contributes $20,000 back to Northampton County. Ms. Terri Edwards - Monarch Bioenergy o Process hog manure waste. Use it to create renewable natural gas and fertilizer. Reduces harmful fumes. o https://monarchbio.com/. o Proposed to be located at existing Smithfield Property in the county.
County Commissioner presentation: Dr. Tyner’s statement included the following points: Northampton population has decreased. Overall wealth of the county has decreased. Impact: Price of services remains the same. Garbage, water, education costs still same. Best revenue taxes. He pointed out that they did not raise taxes, the re- evaluation of property values did it. The insurance man re-evaluated property values, county assessments should reflect the same value. State oversees the budget process. Q & A – I am listing the most relevant exchanges for PTPOA Neighbors: Q: Did the state approve the budget before or after the re-evaluation of property values? A: The State approved the budget before the reevaluation came back. Q: Would you please provide clarification on Revenue neutral rate versus tax rate. A: The revenue neutral rate would have been .73 on the dollar to match the same tax revenue as last year given increased property values. (County went with .835)
Additional comments: The majority of the increase in budget is to raise the pay of county employees. Also comments about rescue squad. Q: Why County building on Edwards Property in westernmost part of county when residents in this part of the county did not ask for it? A: Water access was a priority - Edwards property is largest piece of land on Lake Gaston that was available, County Study for economic development: Best asset County has for economic development is between 95 and western edge of county. Running sewer line allows this part of the county to be developed Q: Regarding the sewer, a citizen said they had heard that the current design is for an eight inch pipe. That size will not carry waste for the number of people they say they want to service. A: Chairman Tyner did not respond to the question about the size of the pipe, but said that there are future plans for development to be announced in coming weeks that depend on the sewer Q: Internet for rural citizens – has been promised, but no results A: Project in process. Fiber-optic infrastructure to be built in next 2-5 years. https://www.roanoke-chowannewsherald.com/2023/05/05/internet-provider-to- begin-work-soon-in-northampton/ Q: What about expanding 46? A: Yes they are doing it, do not have time line. They are in process of acquiring the “right-away” they need. State refers to it a “road enhancement project”, not widening the road. Q: Are state road designers and sewer designers working together? A: Not clear Q: What is happening along 46 where so much clearing is taking place: A: There will be a solar farm covering 1,000 some acres. County will get some revenue, but state has given so many tax breaks that Northampton County will not get much. Closing Comments: An announcement will be coming soon about water and sewer. This is to be a quarterly gathering.
Due to weather conditions the forum has been cancelled.
The Lake Gaston Association is hosting a Candidate Forum for Mecklenburg County candidates on Saturday, September 23rd, at 1:00 PM. The forum will be held at the South Hill VFD, 114 North Brunswick Ave, South Hill, VA, 23907. The Candidates are running for the Board of Supervisors, County School Board, and County Sheriff.After opening remarks, each candidate will answer questions from the moderator.Local citizens may submit questions for each group of candidates.There are very few opportunities to meet and question candidates running for local offices. Please come, meet the candidates, and exercise your democratic rights.
This forum is open to the public, and membership in the Lake Gaston Association is not required.
The Lake Gaston Association is now able to accept credit card payments in-person for membership dues. Vice President Eric Wooster helped Virginia Anderson of Littleton, NC become one of our newest members at the Littleton Lake Gaston Festival on September 2, 2023. The transaction was quick and easy and did not add any additional fees.
These changes became effective September 3, 2023. This is our first increase in 20 years. Invoices for 2024 will be emailed in October.
2024 General Household from $25 to $30. If payment by credit card, the convenience fee is $3.00. There is no convenience fee if paying by personal check.
Silver and Bronze - no change.
Lifetime will increase from $250 to $300 plus convenience fee.
Business memberships have increased to $60.00 (previously $50) plus convenience fee.
