By KARISSA MILLER
Iredell County commissioners on Tuesday are scheduled to consider a request from Iredell-Statesville Schools administrators to support an application for a N.C. Public School Capital Fund Grant.
Tim Ivey, I-SS chief of technology and facilities officer, will give a presentation to the Board of Commissioners outlining the district’s $80 million grant request.
The funds awarded through this grant must be used on new construction projects, repairs or renovations, according to grant requirements.
The projects under consideration by I-SS include:
♦ Statesville High School a Career Technology Education expansion — $13.8 million
♦ Harmony Elementary School replacement of fourth/fifth grade wing — $8.6 million
♦ Additional funds for new Weathers Creek High School — $39.65 million
♦ Lake Norman Elementary gym/classroom addition — $11 million
♦ Lakeshore Middle School expansion — $6.7 million
According to the Department of Public Instruction, the unallocated balance in the state’s needs-based public school capital outlay fund is $237,582,941.
The availability of grant funding comes at a critical time for I-SS and the county, which funds school construction costs.
The latest estimate for the new high school has increased to $147 million. The 2020 bond referendum approved by voters earmarked $80 million for the new school, which will be built off Overcash Road in Troutman.
The grant requires a 25 percent match, but the county would be allowed to count bond funds earmarked for the new Weathers Creek High School as part of that match so the county’s share would be an estimated $10 million if the grant request is fully funded.
The commissioners’ meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Iredell County Government Center, 200 S. Center Street in Statesville. The board will also meet at 5 p.m. to discuss items on the agenda in more detail. Both meetings are open to the public.
OTHER BUSINESS
The commissioners will conduct a public hearing Tuesday evening to consider approval of an economic development incentive that would create 16 new jobs in Iredell. The $75,313 tax incentive over a three-year period for “Project Layers” is based on the company’s investment of up to $4.7 million and the contract must be signed within 180 days.
Also, during the meeting, the board will:
♦ Consider a request from the Register of Deeds for approval to refund Revenue Stamps in the amount of $960 to Benbow, Davidson, & Martin, PC.
♦ Consider a request from Emergency Management for approval to allow the County Manager to sign the updated Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement.
♦ Consider a request from Parks & Recreation for approval of Capital Project Ordinance and to accept a Carolina Thread Trail grant in the amount of $30,000.
♦ Consider a request for approval to apply for a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant.
♦ Hear a report of Unpaid Taxes that are liens on Real Property and set advertising date.
♦ Consider a request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meeting on January 18, 2022.
♦ Consider a request from the Finance Department for consideration and acceptance of highest upset bid offer for Harmony Highway Surplus Property and to close the upset bid process.