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Editor’s note: Thank you to my volunteer videographer. Chimney Rock Village recently changed its meeting schedule. They are now held at the same time as the Rutherford County Commissioners meeting and the Lake Lure town council meeting. If you’re interested in assisting with videographer duties please email CopsandCongress@gmail.com.
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — Village officials in Chimney Rock convened this week for a council workshop, discussing the town’s ongoing recovery efforts following last year’s devastating storm. The meeting covered key financial concerns, FEMA reimbursements, property value declines, and the possibility of new public restrooms. Officials warned of tightening budgets in the coming years as the community grapples with reduced revenue and increased expenses. The meeting was held at the same time as the Lake Lure town council meeting.
Relief Fund Nearly Exhausted
Village officials began the meeting by addressing the relief fund established for citizens impacted by the disaster.
Additionally, the village allocated $150,000 toward restoration and cleanup, covering areas not reimbursed by FEMA or the Army Corps of Engineers.
FEMA Reimbursements: A Slow but Necessary Process
Officials provided an update on FEMA reimbursements, which have been crucial in covering recovery costs.
“To say something’s approved with FEMA (for reimbursement) is like putting a noose around your own neck,” Town Administrator Steve Duncan said.
While navigating FEMA’s reimbursement system has been complex, village officials emphasized progress.
“I have learned to maneuver in FEMA's website, which I consider a major accomplishment,” Duncan said. “As you know, we did finally get our first reimbursement at $302,141.26.” There are hundreds of thousands of dollars pending.
Tax Base Decline Threatens Village Budget
A stark reality for Chimney Rock is the significant decline in property values due to storm-related damage, which has major implications for the village’s budget.
“We have started receiving some projections on the changes in the tax value of our property,” Duncan said. “That's somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 to $35 million of value.”
The decline is particularly severe in the downtown business district, which has lost 55% of its value, with multiple properties impacted by flooding from the Rocky Broad River during Hurricane Helene.
Officials expect updated tax value assessments by late April. They also cautioned that while current assessments are down, some rebuilt properties could see increases in their tax value.
Debating the Future of Public Restrooms
A lengthy discussion took place regarding public restrooms, as officials weighed options for temporary versus permanent facilities. A nonprofit organization, Spokes of Hope, has offered to build restrooms at no cost to the village. However, some officials expressed concerns about long-term maintenance costs.
The debate continued as officials considered financial impacts. The council ultimately decided to gather more information before making a final decision at the next meeting on March 18.
Security and Public Safety Measures Extended
Officials also discussed continuing security measures in the village through the Apex Security firm, with plans to shift from checkpoint operations to patrolling. The proposed contract would cost $187,560, which officials believe will be reimbursed by FEMA.
While the cost is steep, officials emphasized its necessity. “Technically, we are still under an emergency resolution,” Duncan said. “I've been told we can get a full 100% reimbursement on this.”
The state of emergency resolution signed by Rutherford County Chairman Bryan King on September 26, 2024, was not expected to last this long under state law. It’s unclear when it will end.
Chimney Rock Village has had a checkpoint in place for months. It remains closed to the public. The town falls under the jurisdiction of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office with an agreement with the Lake Lure Police Department. The security firm’s current contract ends March 31.
Emergency Watershed Protection Program Announced
The USDA Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program was introduced to help stabilize damaged riverbanks and slopes. The program, funded at 100%, will not require any financial contribution from the village or property owners.
“This is a good thing,” Penny Martinez said. “It's not 100% guaranteed, they're going to come out and just do a quick site inspection and take pictures.” Martinez is a housing planner and has been acting as a disaster coordinator for the Foothills Regional Commission, the regional council of governments for Rutherford, McDowell, Polk and Cleveland counties. More details on the program are expected to be released next week. Other surrounding counties, like Buncombe County, have had it in place for months. It is unclear why Chimney Rock Village residents and Rutherford County residents have not been able to sign up for it.
Looking Ahead
As the village moves forward, officials are preparing budget workshops for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Public hearings and final budget approvals are expected by June 30. Meanwhile, business owners are targeting Memorial Day for a partial reopening, though an official grand reopening is planned for the fall.
“The biggest thing we're hearing from residents is they just want things to go back to how they were before,” Mayor Peter O’Leary said. “People want their businesses, their river access, and their community spaces back.”
With ongoing challenges, from tax revenue losses to FEMA reimbursements, Chimney Rock officials continue to navigate the delicate balance of recovery and financial stability.
Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress Commentary
It’s 2025—Follow the Americans with Disabilities Act and Record the Meetings
Public safety is about more than law enforcement—it’s about government accountability, accessibility, and making sure policies serve everyone. Right now, I see five major concerns that need immediate attention and five encouraging signs of progress.
Five Things I’m Watching
No Excuse for Inaccessible Meetings – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been federal law since 1991. It requires public meetings to be fully accessible, yet Chimney Rock’s Town Council meetings still fail this basic standard. The current setup forces people who can’t use stairs to be dropped off—but what about those who drive themselves? That’s not access, and it’s not legal. Additionally, it’s 2025—meetings should be recorded and available online so all residents can stay informed, whether they can attend in person or not. It shouldn’t have to be up to independent journalists and volunteer videographers.
FEMA Delays, Local Budget Crisis – The village is still waiting on FEMA reimbursements while struggling with a tax revenue shortfall of 55%. Officials have navigated the bureaucracy well so far, but without faster federal relief, essential services could take a hit. How long can the local government keep operating on financial uncertainty?
Short-Term Security, No Long-Term Plan – Chimney Rock is spending nearly $200,000 on private security through July, yet there’s no clear plan for what happens when that funding runs out. Will local law enforcement step in? Will businesses be left on their own? Public safety isn’t something that can be handled month-to-month—it needs a sustainable strategy. Many questions remain about the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s plans for designing access to Chimney Rock State Park.
Confusing and Conflicting Meeting Schedules – Chimney Rock’s council meetings are being scheduled at the same time as the Rutherford County Commissioners’ meeting and Lake Lure’s town council meeting and other Lake Lure meetings in March. It appears to me that this scheduling error, whether intentional or not, is preventing cooperation between the two towns. I’ve personally seen Lake Lure’s mayor and town council members at previous Chimney Rock meetings, but that won’t be possible going forward. Are they intentionally choosing conflicting dates, or do they not even realize the problem? Either way, it’s a serious issue. In my view, the Mayor of Chimney Rock and its leaders should be attending County Commissioner meetings and Lake Lure meetings.
Lack of Regional Collaboration – Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are deeply connected through tourism, infrastructure, and emergency planning. Yet Chimney Rock’s council seems to be operating in isolation. If they aren’t actively engaging with their neighbors, that’s a problem.
Government meetings must be accessible. Public funds must be spent wisely. And in 2025, there’s no excuse not to record meetings for public access. I’ll be watching. Stay tuned for more from Cops & Congress.
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