County Report Notes Governor’s January Visit, Rising Development Activity

A monthly operations report from Rutherford County highlights steady development activity, thousands of emergency calls and ongoing county services across multiple departments.

The February 2026 report, available on the county’s website but not otherwise publicized, provides a snapshot of activity within county government departments.

Governor's visit to the county airport

The front page of the report shows an image of a plane with two white SUVs, with the words overlaid, "January 2026 Governor Josh Stein’s visit to Rutherford County via KFQD." The governor was on-site at Isothermal Community College for the January GROWNC meeting on January 9, but the report did not specify the date the photograph was taken. 

Development and construction activity

Building activity remained strong during the month. The county’s Building Inspections Department issued 204 permits and collected $42,505 in permit fees. Officials reported 13 new homes permitted with a combined value of $5.15 million, along with one new duplex valued at $250,000.

Inspectors completed 1,116 inspections during the month.

Property records also showed continued real estate transactions. County officials recorded 342 deeds transferring property and 34 estate transfers. In addition, 299 parcels were reviewed alongside building permits and another 220 parcels were reviewed without associated permits.

The county collected $2.16 million in current-year property taxes and an additional $112,775 in prior-year taxes, totaling more than $2.27 million collected during the reporting period.

Emergency communications activity

The county’s emergency communications center handled 10,105 total calls through Feb. 18, including 3,224 emergency 911 calls and 6,881 administrative calls. Dispatchers recorded 165 abandoned 911 calls.

The 911 center also recently completed the installation of new communications consoles designed to improve dispatch operations.

Animal control and shelter data

Animal Control officers reported handling 58 animals that were picked up or surrendered during the month.

Of those animals, 21 were adopted from the shelter, 19 were rescued by outside groups, and six were returned to their owners. Three animals were euthanized. Officers responded to 76 calls during the month.

Solid waste operations

The county’s landfill and convenience centers processed large volumes of material during the month. Officials reported collecting 2,514 tons of household garbage and 434 tons of construction and demolition debris.

Recycling programs collected 124 tons of recyclable materials, while smaller amounts of metals, electronics, tires and yard waste were also processed.

The Solid Waste Department also reported purchasing a new wheel loader to support landfill operations and continues to offer free mulch to residents at the landfill during scheduled hours.

Library and community programs

The county library system announced new programming designed to serve adults with disabilities. Beginning in March, libraries will offer monthly accessible story time sessions and craft programs, along with a read-aloud program currently under development.

Tourism and community initiatives

Tourism officials reported continued work on the Rutherford Bound tourism initiative. The effort has completed nine projects and has 16 projects currently underway, with approximately $22.5 million raised for tourism-related development.

Upcoming ribbon-cutting events include Norris Park in early March and Legacy Soccer Park later in the month.

Transit and veterans services

Transit services recognized 10 drivers for safe driving awards, representing a combined 58 years of accident-free driving and more than 220,000 miles driven without at-fault incidents.

Veterans Services reported 443 contacts with local veterans through appointments, walk-ins and outreach efforts during January and February.