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The youngest commissioner in recent history is sworn into office
Newly elected Rutherford County Commissioner Hunter Haynes, 30, was sworn into office just before the meeting. In the March primary election he triumphed over David Hunt by over 63% of the vote. He had no Democrat challenger in the general election. Haynes joined current commissioners Bryan King, Chairman, Alan Toney, Vice Chair, and Michael Benfield at the meeting. All are Republicans.
Donnie Haulk, also a Republican, is expected to be sworn in later this month following an election protest, which was rejected by the Rutherford County Board of Elections and the State Board of Elections last week. Keith Hunter, who filed the protest, has a few more days left to appeal the state board’s decision if he chooses. Haulk’s election, despite the protest, was certified by the state board at their last board meeting. Haulk did not have an opponent in the general election. He won against incumbent Commissioner Greg Lovelace in the March primary election. Lovelace still had a nameplate and seat at Monday’s meeting but was not present.
County Meeting Recap: Progress in community support and safety initiatives
The Rutherford County Commissioners convened for a meeting on Monday marked by prayers for guidance, updates on community development, and a host of new measures aimed at enhancing public safety and supporting local initiatives.
Supporting emergency services and recovery efforts
Duke Energy presented two major grants during the meeting. A $25,000 check was given to Rutherford County Emergency Management for swift water rescue initiatives. Another $50,000 was awarded to the Tourism Development Authority’s Rutherford Bound Disaster Recovery Fund to aid Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, which suffered significant damage during Hurricane Helene.
Emergency responders and county employees were lauded for their exceptional service during the storm, which left thousands without power. Collaboration with Duke Energy crews helped restore power to nearly all customers within two weeks, showcasing community resilience.
Advancing public safety
In a major step toward improving detention center conditions, the commissioners approved funds from a $10 million state grant for new security features. These include trapdoor installations on cell doors to enhance safety for officers and inmates, along with an expansion to accommodate more female inmates. The first phase of this project, focused on design, will cost $217,000 from Millennium Access Control Technology.
Additionally, the commissioners awarded Detective Lieutenant Jimmy Upton his service sidearm and badge for a symbolic $1 upon his retirement after 27 years of distinguished service.
Addressing homelessness and addiction recovery
Pat Chamberlain, Executive Director of Out of the Ashes, made a passionate appeal for financial support. The nonprofit has served over 300 individuals annually without government funding but was denied a recent opioid settlement grant. Chamberlain highlighted the group’s broader impact beyond addiction recovery, addressing the root causes of homelessness in the county.
Preserving community assets and policies
Several county-owned properties are set to be auctioned in January through GovDeals, an online platform, to generate revenue and reduce the county’s maintenance burden. The commissioners also approved amendments to the technology use policy, aligning it with new state legislation to prohibit pornographic material on government devices.
Enhancing cultural and social services
The board approved grassroots arts program grants and confirmed the continuation of the county's Child Fatality Prevention Team (CFPT) and Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) as a single-county initiative. The teams aim to address child welfare issues and propose policy improvements to prevent fatalities.
Read the meeting agenda on the county website and view the video on this page or on Facebook to see more details.
Analysis & Opinion
Cops & Congress Commentary: Strengthening Rutherford County’s Resilience
This week’s Rutherford County Commissioners meeting highlighted critical steps in disaster recovery, public safety, and community support, showcasing the promise of effective local governance. However, it also raised questions about accountability and priorities.
Disaster Recovery and Preparedness
Duke Energy’s grants for swift water rescue and disaster recovery in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are a win for the community. While these funds will help rebuild and prepare for future crises, the reliance on corporate contributions reveals gaps in proactive public sector planning. How can the county ensure long-term readiness without depending on external aid?
Public Safety Enhancements
The $10 million state grant for detention center security upgrades and facility expansion marks progress in public safety. These updates will improve safety for officers and inmates alike. However, broader reforms in detention conditions and oversight are still necessary to align with modern standards.
Nonprofit Support and Funding Gaps
Pat Chamberlain of Out of the Ashes delivered a heartfelt plea for support, emphasizing the nonprofit’s critical role in combating homelessness and addiction. Their rejection of opioid settlement funds by a committee managed by county manager Steve Garrison, in which three entities were ultimately awarded funds for two years, including the United Way of Rutherford County, highlights the need to reassess how funding decisions are made. Groups addressing the root causes of these issues deserve greater consideration.
The Road Ahead
This meeting underscores the importance of transparent and inclusive governance. While strides have been made, citizens deserve clear explanations of how decisions affect their lives.
Rutherford County has shown resilience, but lasting progress requires a commitment to clear communication and collaboration. Only by working together can local leaders ensure every resident benefits from good governance.
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What’s next for me this week? On Tuesday afternoon the Chimney Rock Town Council is scheduled to meet. Stay tuned here and on social media for more details and exclusive on-the-ground reporting.
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