Katlyn Batts | Stanly County Journal
ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Commissioners met the new social services director, approved an incentive grant for a North Carolina company and passed a resolution in support of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 at their meeting on Jan. 16.
Michael Smith, the Economic Development Commission director, presented the commissioners with a proposal from the Carolina Stalite Company, a manufacturer of high-strength, lightweight aggregate. The company applied for a property tax incentive grant and is projected to bring a $1.3 million tax investment and create 14 new jobs. The proposal passed 7–0.
Carolina Stalite is a North Carolina-based company which uses natural resources only found in this part of the world.
“They have a significant international presence that we should all be proud of and another thing is they are making use of natural resources that are only found here in this part of the world literally,” said Smith.
In a separate economic development item, titled Project Tempered, an unnamed business applied for a state program which helps businesses reconfigure existing buildings. This business would invest $3 million and create 50 new jobs in Stanly County. The 55,000-square-foot building to be renovated is located in Albemarle. The reuse grant application requires the county to match 5 percent of the total grant, which would be $17,500 for this project. The resolution of support passed 7–0.
Dolly Clayton was introduced by the county manager as the new assistant director of the consolidated health and social services agency. Clayton will oversee the social services division and report to the new director of the agency, David Jenkins. Clayton has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Lenior-Rhyne University and a master’s of social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. She previously served as the health director in Caswell County and as a social services worker in Chatham and Cumberland counties.
“I am excited for the future and what it is going to mean for the citizens of Stanly County and excited to be a part of the team and be a part of this new direction we are going in,” said Clayton.
Public health educator Debbie Bennett presented the 2018 Community Health Assessment Survey information. She asked the commissioners along with the community to take the survey. Many grants are determined by the information gathered with these surveys. According to Bennett, more women fill out the survey than men, so she is focused on increasing male participation. The survey can be found on the health department’s website.
Chairman Joseph Burleson presented a resolution in support for the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. The resolution of support for the act passed with a 7–0 vote.
Congressman Richard Hudson, who represents Stanly County, introduced the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2017. The bill allows individuals who have their concealed carry permit to carry their concealed firearm across state lines in accordance with the laws of the state they enter. The bill passed the House in early December and has not yet moved in the U.S. Senate.
“I’m a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment and by passing this, it helps protect our law-abiding citizens who conceal carry when they cross state lines,” said Commissioner Ashley Morgan. “I feel this is long overdue and common sense. I would like to thank Congressman Hudson for his hard work on this bill.”
The next County Commissioners meeting will be held Monday February 6th at 7 p.m.
