The Catawba County Board of Commissioners next meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2007 at the 1924 Courthouse, 30 North College Avenue in Newton, NC.

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a request to rezone two parcels totaling 1.93 acres, at 3628 Highway 127 South, from R-20 Residential to HC Highway Commercial; and consider the purchase of two parcels of land next to the Blackburn Landfill, totaling 5.17 acres, to allow for future expansion of the landfill, when the Board meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2007, in the 1924 Courthouse at 30 North College Avenue in Newton.

The Board will also consider amendments to the list of Map Review Officers appointed for the county and its municipalities; and a proposed change to the County Code regarding appointments to the Board of Trustees of Catawba Valley Medical Center. The Board will also receive a report on minimal fees collected from the public by the Department of Social Services during fiscal year 2006-07, to help cover costs associated with certain services.
See agenda

Note: The Board will hold a planning retreat on Monday October 15, beginning at 8 a.m. in the Second Floor Meeting Room of the Catawba County Government Center in Newton.  Retreat agenda

The City of Hickory and other water suppliers on the Upper Catawba River basin recently strengthened mandatory water restrictions.

Restrictions apply to customers in Hickory, Conover, Claremont, Town of Catawba, Brookford, Long View, Maiden, and Mountain View and Sherrills Ford areas of Catawba County.  Full story 

Duke Energy has also strengthened calls for water conservation on the Catawba-Wateree river chain.  The use of lake pumps is now banned.  Duke Energy restrictions

Catawba County Public Health will offer citizens three ways to get a flu shot.

Opportunities begin with a "drive-through" flu shot clinic at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 20.  Full story  October 20 drive-thru clinic

The Seniors Morning Out program will also provide an opportunity for seniors, age 60 and older, to get flu and pneumonia vaccinations on Friday, October 19.  Full story

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day scheduled for Saturday, November 3, 2007 at LP Frans Stadium in Hickory.

A Frequently Asked Questions page has been created with information about the November 6, 2007 quarter cent sales tax referendum.

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners has indicated that revenues from the sales tax, if approved by voters, would be used to avoid a 3.6 cent property tax increase over the next three years to address economic development and public safety needs.  The Board will ask Catawba County's delegation to the North Carolina General Assembly to increase the Homestead Exemption, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors living on a fixed income.  See FAQ

A Catawba County Youth Council is being organized!

Development of the council will provide an organized method for greater youth involvement in public policy and decision-making. Council members will be recommended by schools across Catawba County.  Full story

Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman reappointed for 30th year of service on National Association of Counties committee.

Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman has been reappointed to the National Association of Counties (NACo) Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee.  The committee focuses on all matters pertaining to criminal justice and public safety systems, including criminal justice and homeland security.  Full story

Catawba County Library plans activities for teens during Teen Read Week, October 14-20.

A scavenger hunt, book giveaway, storytelling and refreshments will mark the observance at various locations. All events are free and open to youth aged 12-18.  Teen Read Week encourages youth to discover the pleasures of reading for fun.  Full story

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to focus on the work of Social Services to prevent violence and protect victims. 

October is a month of national focus on issues of domestic violence. Catawba County Social Services has been a leader in recognizing the impact of this problem on families and children, in the arenas of Work First and Child Protective Services.  Full story

To learn more about Catawba County Government, go to www.catawbacountync.gov