Rutherfordton Tackles Transparency Questions and More at November Town Council Meeting

A Rutherfordton resident urged town leaders to show greater openness and empathy following the death of Bart Long, who was struck and killed by a Rutherfordton town vehicle last month while he was walking. The appeal came during a lengthy and well-attended Nov. 5 Town Council meeting, which also featured major updates on the town’s finances, infrastructure projects, and the proposed expansion of the Mint District Social District.

Speaking during public comment, Mason Rhodes delivered the most emotional remarks of the night. Rhodes, a 2025 Citizens Academy graduate, said he felt compelled to address Long’s death directly, offering a plea for humanity and accountability. He delivered the following statement: "I'm here tonight not just as a Citizens Academy graduate . I'm here with a heavy heart. My conscience simply won't let me move on from what I'd prefer to be talking about...I have to talk about Bart, the man who died after being struck by one of our town's vehicles. This is a profound tragedy made even more acute by his recent passing...This tragedy has also revealed a critical gap in our town's infrastructure. Reading the comments, I was shocked to learn that a Spindale police officer noted that body cameras and dash cameras are not standard equipment for our officers. In an era where accountability is paramount… I propose that we redirect next year's lease funding away from expanding surveillance networks… and instead invest it into our body and dash cameras — a tool that provides direct accountability and builds community trust."

Rhodes linked Long’s death to broader questions of transparency, community trust, and the need for updated police technology. His suggestion to shift resources away from license-plate–reading “flock cameras” toward body and dash cameras drew nods from several attendees, though council members did not respond during the meeting — standard practice during public comment.

A Busy Meeting: Social District, Audit Results, and Hospital Update

Long’s death was not formally on the council’s agenda, but Rhodes’ remarks underscored the broader theme of accountability threaded through the evening’s presentations.

Audit Report Shows Clean Opinion, Steady Financial Footing

Auditors from Martin Starnes & Associates presented the town’s FY25 financial audit, reporting a clean, unmodified opinion — the highest rating available. They noted that while fund balance levels remain below the 34% benchmark recommended by the N.C. Local Government Commission, Rutherfordton, has steadily improved its reserves year over year. Staff said final submission to the state will occur once federal OMB compliance documents, delayed by the federal shutdown, are released.

Members of the council and Town Manager Doug Barrick praised staff for reducing audit findings to a single issue — segregation of duties — which the town attributes to its small administrative staff.

Hospital CEO Highlights Growth

The meeting also included a wide-ranging update from Rutherford Regional Health System CEO Sudandra Ratnasamy, who highlighted new service lines, ongoing recruitment of medical specialists, and significant capital investments. She announced that the hospital had recently been named among the nation’s top 100 hospitals for joint replacement.

Council Expands Social District Boundaries

Following a public hearing, the council approved an expansion of the Mint District Social District, extending eligibility to additional downtown businesses, including Night Owl Iron Works and Mountain Haze Beer Garden. Business owners told the council the expansion would help boost foot traffic and support post-storm recovery.

The council also set a December public hearing to consider updates to the town’s ordinance on digital changing signs.

Other Actions

The council additionally:

• Approved Fire Station No. 2 as the polling location for Union Township.

• Adopted mutual aid updates with regional fire departments.

• Revised contract with Park Crossings for sidewalks and parking.

• Awarded FEMA-funded culvert repair contracts on Skyline Drive and West Third Street.

• Honored the 100th anniversary of the Firehouse Inn.

• Recognized the 2025 Citizens Academy graduates, presenting certificates and commemorative street-sign plaques.

• Announced registration for the Spindale–Rutherfordton Christmas Parade, open through Dec. 3 at noon.

Read the agenda packet for more details.