Mayor and Town Manager Join WCAB to Recap Rutherfordton Council Meeting

Road projects, housing proposals, and a once-in-a-century school celebration dominated the Rutherfordton Town Council’s Sept. 3 meeting, according to Mayor Jimmy Dancy and Town Manager Doug Barrick, who recapped the highlights on WCAB radio the following morning.

The council worked through a 289-page agenda packet, approving new business incentives, authorizing major grants, and previewing the Charlotte Road overhaul that will reshape the gateway between Rutherfordton and Spindale. Leaders also urged residents to mark their calendars for R-S Central High School’s 100th anniversary festivities later this month, which will feature a historic parade route, reunions, and fireworks.

Business growth and housing options

One of the evening’s first votes was a zoning amendment allowing Hunt Pest Control, a family-owned company, to move into its first brick-and-mortar location on Railroad Avenue. Mayor Dancy called it a “small business success story” and an example of how zoning changes can encourage growth.

Council also discussed a broader “small residential unit community” amendment, which would create a path for neighborhoods of homes between 400 and 1,200 square feet. Members agreed to table the proposal until October after touring similar developments in the region. Barrick said the idea could make housing more attainable for young workers, retirees, and widowers.

Major infrastructure investments

The town authorized its share of a federal RAISE grant that will modernize 2.5 miles of Charlotte Road, with construction targeted for mid-2026. The $25.9 million project includes a multi-use trail linking Rutherfordton’s Purple Martin Greenway to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, new roundabouts, and upgraded transit stops. Barrick said the work is designed to “ensure the bypass does not bypass our community.”

Other approvals included a FEMA-backed culvert replacement on North Cleghorn Street, where storm damage from Hurricane Helene forced closures. CRW Land Services of Old Fort was awarded the job for $78,000 — well below the engineer’s estimate of $114,000. Additional storm-damaged pipes on Second Street, Third Street, and Skyline Drive will be bid out this fall.

Council also voted to purchase property on Purple Martin Place to expand the town cemetery, and to contract Withers Ravenel for a resiliency study aimed at strengthening utilities and infrastructure in a “post-Helene environment.”

A milestone celebration for R-S Central

The highlight of the council’s recap was R-S Central High School’s 100th anniversary, set for Sept. 18–19. Plans include:

• A wreath-laying at the original Hilltop campus on Charlotte Road.

• Alumni photo opportunities on the historic steps.

• Centennial merchandise and a documentary film premiere.

• A reimagined homecoming parade, continuous from Spindale to Rutherfordton, traveling northbound on Main Street for the first time in decades.

• A halftime celebration featuring 25 former homecoming queens and alumni dating back to the class of 1945.

• Fireworks following the homecoming football game.

Local businesses are also planning “Paint the Town Blue” specials throughout the week to welcome returning graduates. “Grab your chair, hang out on Main Street, and just soak it all in,” Barrick said.

Looking ahead

Rutherfordton’s popular Hilltop Fall Festival is nearly sold out of vendor spots, with only a handful of booths still open on the 400 block. The town is also recruiting for its Citizens Academy, which begins Sept. 11. The eight-week program gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at municipal operations; two spots remained open as of Thursday morning.

Mayor Dancy encouraged residents to attend public meetings and get involved in civic life. “We want you to know the truth of what happens in the town meetings,” he said.

For more details, see the full meeting recap here.