Commissioners Approve Transit Grants, Decline Road Renumbering, and Debate Opioid Settlement Priorities

Rutherford County commissioners worked through more than 40 agenda items at their Sept. 8 meeting. Topics included transportation funding, road renaming connected to the new U.S. 221 bypass, and planning for opioid settlement funds. The board also recognized county staff for statewide honors and issued proclamations on trails and recreation.

Transit Grants Support Local Services

The meeting began with public hearings on federal and state transportation grants. Commissioners unanimously approved applications totaling $1.17 million, with a local match of about $157,000. The funding will cover administrative costs, operations, and six new vehicles.

Officials emphasized that the county’s contribution would come from revenue already generated through transit services rather than new taxes.

The package also included $60,000 to continue transportation for dialysis patients, a program commissioners called essential.

Road Renaming and Addressing Challenges

A major discussion centered on renaming and address changes caused by the N.C. Department of Transportation’s construction of the U.S. 221 bypass. Several roads were divided by the project, requiring new names and numbering to meet 911 standards.

Laurel Hill Drive was split into separate roads now called Veterans Run and Promise Lane, following petitions from the town of Rutherfordton and the Rutherfordton Fire Department.

The most debated case involved Gilboa Church Road, where NCDOT’s reconfiguration created a dead end and reversed the numbering system. Emergency officials cautioned that renumbering could confuse both residents and first responders. Commissioners ultimately chose to keep the existing numbers to avoid disruption for about 50 households.

Opioid Settlement Funds Under Review

Commissioners also considered how to use the county’s share of opioid settlement funds. The settlement money is intended for treatment, prevention, and recovery programs, but counties have flexibility in allocating it.

Scott Luetgenau of Gatespring Consulting presented 15 recommendations, including harm reduction strategies. Commissioners noted a possible conflict with a recent federal executive order limiting support for certain programs. No final decisions were made, but the board stressed the importance of long-term planning.

Public Comment on Schools and Taxes

During public comment, resident Mike Dalton of the group Free Rutherford criticized the school system’s $90 million budget and pledged to oppose any tax increases. He said his group plans to campaign across the county on the issue.

Recognition and Awards

Commissioners recognized Finance Director Paula Roach for her service as part of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ “Heroic Hands” initiative. The Department of Social Services was also honored with two statewide awards for foster care innovation. DSS Director Dee Hunt updated commissioners on possible impacts of future federal funding changes.

Trails and Tourism Initiatives

The board approved proclamations marking September as “Great Trail State Month” and Oct. 18 as “Great Trail State Day,” part of a statewide campaign to highlight North Carolina’s trail system. Tourism Development Authority Director Don Cason said the designations would support recreation and economic growth.

Overall Meeting Takeaways

The meeting reflected the commissioners’ efforts to balance infrastructure needs, public health challenges, and fiscal priorities. From securing transportation grants to weighing opioid funding strategies, the board faced decisions with long-term community impacts.