Town Council Special Called Meeting January 21, 2026

Town Council Addresses Urgent Needs at Special Called Meeting

On January 21, 2026, the Town Council convened a special meeting to address pressing financial and staffing matters impacting our community. The meeting, attended by all council members, focused primarily on unexpected costs at the Lakeview Senior Center, initiating assessments for the Public Services Building following flood damage, and beginning the search for a new Town Manager and Finance Director.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the Lakeview Senior Center, where repairs are needed to ensure accessibility and code compliance. Initial repair estimates significantly exceeded the original budget due to unforeseen complexities in relocating existing plumbing and electrical work, which were found to be non-compliant with current building codes. After a discussion emphasizing the importance of ensuring senior citizens' safety and getting the repairs done correctly, the Council unanimously approved a budget amendment allocating an additional $40,000 from Helene's unassigned fund balance. This brings the total funding for the project to $55,000 and will address the identified issues. Residents can expect contractors to begin work as soon as possible, pending a swift selection process and responsive bids.

The Council also tackled the ongoing challenges surrounding the Public Services Building, which sustained substantial damage and flooding. Recognizing that a previous FEMA assessment was inadequate for securing full reimbursement, the Council approved a Master Services Agreement with Doma Corps and Associates. This local firm will conduct comprehensive assessments of the building, ensuring compliance with FEMA requirements. The scope and cost of these assessments remain somewhat uncertain, potentially ranging from $10,000 to a million dollars depending on FEMA and insurance determinations. Council members stressed the importance of accurate assessments to maximize financial assistance for repairs, a crucial step in restoring this vital community resource. Doma Corps and Associates will begin their assessments immediately, with a task order for design work to follow once FEMA approves the scope of repairs.

Finally, acknowledging vacancies in key leadership positions, the Council authorized Mayor to sign proposals with Piedmont Pride Regional Council for a search of both the Town Manager and Finance Director roles. This decision follows previous discussions regarding these crucial vacancies, with Council members expressing confidence in Piedmont Pride's ability to conduct a thorough and effective search. A minor correction regarding terminology will be made to the proposal before it is finalized, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

This special meeting highlighted the challenges facing our town, particularly in navigating increased costs post-COVID and responding to unexpected infrastructure needs. The Council’s decisions demonstrate a commitment to addressing these issues promptly, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents while maximizing available resources. Residents can expect further updates on the Lakeview Senior Center repairs, the Public Services Building assessment, and the search for new leadership as these processes unfold.