FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a rezoning request for 4.67 acres off Salisbury Highway, clearing the way for a small trucking company to relocate there.
Jeffry Marro, who owns Marro Logistics LLC, asked the county to rezone the property from Residential Agriculture to General Business so he can run his fleet of trucks out of the site, which he purchased. He told commissioners that he had outgrown the site he currently leases.
One neighbor opposed the request during a public hearing on the matter Tuesday, telling commissioners he was concerned about stormwater run-off from the property contaminating his well and a nearby creek, which his livestock drink from.
Marro will have to apply for a building permit and submit a site plan to the county for approval. He agreed to construct natural buffers around his property, which are required by county ordinance.
Planning Director Matthew Todd supported the request, which he said was consistent with the county’s recently adopted 2045 Horizon Plan.
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the rezoning, following the recommendation of the planning board.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business:
♦ The board voted on a resolution authorizing the sale of Limited Obligation Bonds to finance $40 million to help pay for the construction of Weathers Creek High School. These bonds do not require voter approval, and the board will not raise taxes to cover the principal and interest payments, County Manager Beth Mull said.
A public hearing on the matter would be scheduled for February 6.
Voters approved a bond referendum in March of 2020 to provide $80 million for the Iredell-Statesville Schools project, along with additional funds for a new Mooresville Graded School District middle school and a new public safety center for Mitchell Community College.
I-SS has not put its new high school out for bid. The estimated cost of the construction has increased dramatically since the referendum. The I-SS Board of Education asked for up to $200 million for the project in April, but commissioners have committed to spending only $120 million at this point.
♦ Commissioners approved a request from the Town of Love Valley for a cash advance of $215,000 to purchase 14.7 acres for a new sewer system. The town will reimburse the county from the $2.5 million allocation from the State of North Carolina.
♦ The board approved a request from Animal Services to accept a $15,000 grant from PetSmart to build an offsite adoption program. The grant would cover the cost of contracted services for one person three times a month. This person would set up and organize adoption events outside the shelter. The grant would also cover the cost of a new tent, table, transportation kennels and a new vehicle wrap for the van. This grant does not have a match requirement.