By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
Involuntary annexation will be the focus of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners meeting Monday night.
Commissioners will hear from N.C. Rep. Fred Steen, who serves on the legislative committee looking at revamping the state’s annexation laws.
N.C. Rep. Lorene Coates and N.C. Sen. Andrew Brock, both of whom have spoken out against involuntary annexation, are also expected to attend.
In November, the board unanimously adopted a resolution opposing forced annexation and calling on the General Assembly to repeal laws that allow municipalities to involuntarily annex areas outside their boundaries.
And commissioners will resume their discussion concerning Salisbury’s plan to annex large areas along N.C. 150 west.
Vice Chairman Chad Mitchell has asked for a discussion by the board regarding the proposed annexation.
Last week, commissioners voiced strong opposition to the annexation and warned that it may imperil cooperation on joint city-county ventures in the future.
In other matters, the board will:
– Hold a public hearing on increasing membership on the Rowan County Planning Board from nine to 11.
If they approve the expansion, commissioners will also consider filling up to four vacancies on the board. The county has received 24 applications.
– Discuss a request from the Rowan Transit System to move its offices and fleet operations from the school bus garage area off Old Concord Road to the former Gamewell property on Industrial Avenue. A 10-year lease agreement is being recommended.
– Discuss an update from the Rowan-Salisbury School System on the classroom supply program. County commissioners allocate $375,000 yearly to reimburse teachers for materials they buy to use in their classrooms.
– Review information on three county-owned houses that commissioners have declared surplus properties. Board members are considering setting minimum prices to start a bidding process on the properties.
The operator of Greenleaf Homes, who submitted a bid of $59,000 earlier this month on one of the houses, has increased his offer to $70,000. The house is located at 1127 S. Main St.
The Rowan County Board of Commissioners meets at 7 p.m. Monday in the J. Newton Cohen Sr. Meeting Room, County Administrative Offices Building, 130 W. Innes St.
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Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette@salisburypost.com.