Tiffany Hall-Long

The meeting featured a discussion regarding the closure of the Yadkin Valley Senior Center, including community concerns and potential solutions for continuing programs and services. The Council received a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025 audit, which resulted in a clean opinion. Additionally, the Council addressed resolutions for an emergency management grant application for pump station generators, rescinded a previous resolution regarding lead and copper grant water line replacements, and accepted a new loan offer from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. The Council also authorized the pursuit of grant funding for mobile radios for the Police Department to comply with statewide emergency communication mandates.

The meeting commenced with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, followed by reentry into open session. The Consent Agenda, which included approval for the January 2, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes and quarterly financials for October/November/December 2025, was approved. During the presentation segment, SRO Mitchell Kemp discussed the reintegration of the D.A.R.E. program at Jonesville Elementary School, with the student essay contest winner presenting his work. Key business items involved the approval of a Resolution for Approving Local Water Supply Plan, which is required for public water services, and the approval of the Employment Agreement for the newly hired Town Manager, Wenona C. Thompson, including an amendment to Section 7. Following another closed session regarding personnel matters, the Board approved a salary increase for Water Distribution ORC J. Matthews. The meeting concluded after addressing pending items and setting the next meeting date.

The Town of Jonesville Council convened for a Special Called Meeting. The primary action taken was a motion to enter into a closed session to conduct interviews for Town Manager candidates, which was approved unanimously. Subsequently, a motion to return to open session was approved, followed by a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval to extend the Town's contract for auditing accounts with Bernard Robinson & Company LLP. The Council also approved the Town of Jonesville's departmental organization chart. Specific personnel actions included approving a 3% annual salary increase for Water Distribution ORC Joshua Matthews, approving the hiring of a Streets supervisor at $46,000 annually, and approving a 3% annual salary increase along with a title change for Assistant to the Town Manager William Buffkin to Assistant Town Manager. A closed session was held for personnel matters.

The Town Council reviewed and approved the Consent Agenda, which included departmental reports and budget amendments for the Police Department and Building & Grounds. The agenda was amended to remove presentations scheduled due to inclement weather. Key business items approved included an agreement with The Wooten Company for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance concerning two emergency pump stations, and a budget amendment for this agreement. The Council also approved a proposal with Black Mountain Software to integrate meter replacement project information into the current water administration software, funded by the Viable Utilities Grant. Furthermore, an amendment to the Engineering Services Agreement with The Wooten Company was approved to upgrade a water line on Westbrook and Lake Street. The Board entered and subsequently exited a closed session to discuss personnel matters related to the Town Manager position and a full-time Police Department position. The meeting concluded with recognition of the success of Christmas in Jonesville.