Commissioners approve economic development incentive grant

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners approved an economic development incentive grant for Hefner Reels LLC to support the local company’s planned expansion.

Michael Worley, Economic Development Director, said he began discussions with representatives of Hefner Reels in August 2026.

The company plans to expand its current operations by upfitting an existing warehouse for manufacturing and storage, along with a $1.3 million investment in new equipment.

“This grant will help Hefner Reels operate more efficiently as it grows, increasing its competitiveness in the market,” Worley said. “We are excited to assist this local company with its expansion.”

Based on the capital investment, the company qualifies for a Level 1 Economic Development Incentive Grant not to exceed $9,360, to be paid in two annual installments.

Hefner Reels currently employs 45 people and is expected to create additional jobs as part of the expansion.

“It’s always great to see an existing, long-term business in Alexander County succeeding and expanding,” said Commissioner Marty Pennell. “I commend them for taking another step forward and investing here.”

In other business:
• Commissioners approved the Sterling Road Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project Public Services Amendment as presented by Sherry Griffin, Special Projects Manager for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG). Griffin said the Sterling Road grant remains open, allowing the county to request additional funding. The county plans to request $1.2 million to purchase two ambulances for EMS Station #1; however, there is no guarantee of funding.

Griffin also provided a brief update on the Sterling Road project. She said drainage issues were identified following heavy rainfall, and work is beginning on additional storm drains. Housing rehabilitation work is expected to begin soon.

• Commissioners recognized the Alexander County 4-H Grill Billies, who recently won the national championship at the 2026 National 4-H Food Challenge in Texas. They are the first North Carolina team to win the national competition. The victory also marked the first time an out-of-state team has claimed the national title, ending Texas’s eight-year winning streak. The Grill Billies competed against 17 teams in a competition designed to test culinary skills, nutrition knowledge, creativity, teamwork, and communication. Chairman Larry Yoder presented team members and 4-H staff with Alexander County caps, pins, and stickers. (Read More…)

The board also approved a National 4-H Week proclamation as presented by Alexander County Cooperative Extension Director Allison Brown.

• First Baptist Church of Taylorsville was recognized for celebrating its 175th anniversary. The board approved a proclamation commemorating the milestone.

Pastor Scott Henson said, “Thank you for this honor, as we work together to make our community even better.”

• During the public comment period, Helen Chestnut and Betty Long expressed their appreciation to commissioners for their support of America 250 events held this year in Alexander County. They invited the public to attend the fourth America 250 history lecture on Saturday, November 14, at 3:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Dr. Warren Hollar will be the guest speaker, and special music will be provided. Chestnut and Long both serve on the county’s Historic Preservation Commission and America 250 committee.

J.T. Ritch also addressed commissioners regarding the county’s convenience sites and landfill. He questioned the $2-per-bag fee at the convenience sites, operating hours, and the inability to accept credit or debit card payments.

• Commissioners approved three budget amendments as presented by County Manager Justin Mundy.

The first amendment increases the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center budgets to implement the Local Law Enforcement Officer Compensation Bonus Program administered by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

The second amendment transfers funds from the Governing Body budget to Administration to accommodate organizational changes related to filling a vacant position. It also increases the Sheriff’s Office budget to use Federal Equitable Sharing funds to purchase equipment for the Special Response Team to use in hazardous conditions. In addition, the amendment provides for the refund of unspent Juvenile Crime Prevention Council funds from the previous budget year.

The third amendment increases the Economic Development Department budget to account for a second $50,000 grant from the North Carolina Railroad Company.

• Commissioners approved the consent agenda as presented by County Manager Mundy. Items included tax abatements and adjustments totaling $3,879.68 and tax refunds totaling $612.99; minutes from the August 31 planning work session, September 14 regular meeting, and September 14 Consolidated Human Services Board meeting; the September line-item transfer report; WPCOG charter and bylaws updates; personnel policy revisions; and a request from Sheriff Chad Pennell to surplus retiring Captain Michael Lunsford’s service weapon and badge.

The next regular meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, November 2, at 6:00 p.m. at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education (Room 103). Regular meetings are recorded and may be viewed on the county’s Government Channel (Spectrum Channel 192) or the county’s YouTube channel. Meeting agendas, minutes, videos, and additional information are available at alexandercountync.gov/commissioners.

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