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COLUMBUS—The Polk County Board of Commissioners convened on Monday, February 17, at the Bryant H. Womack Justice & Administration Building for a public hearing and regular meeting focused on zoning ordinances and recovery efforts following recent emergencies.

The public hearing discussed the ongoing revisions to the zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance, followed by the regular meeting, which saw the approval of the zoning ordinance amendment allowing temporary housing structures to aid individuals impacted by the state of emergency declared in Polk County.

After discussion, the Sub-Division Ordinance amendment aimed at clarifying easements, road maintenance agreements, and minor subdivisions was sent back to the County Planning Board for further evaluation, particularly concerning the measurements of entrances, addressing various concerns raised by Commissioner Myron Yoder regarding property notifications to affected property owners.

Among the key agenda items was the discussion regarding establishing the Polk County Regional Water Authority. Attorney Belton Zeigler presented a proposal to create the authority and announced the scheduling of a public hearing for the related resolution on March 17.

The board also reviewed proposed changes to the Voluntary Agricultural District & Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance and plans to hold another public hearing on March 17 regarding these changes, with insights provided by Kelly Gay from the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District and Dawn Jordan, the Director of Polk County Agricultural Economic Development.

In addition, the board approved service contracts for brush grinding and hauling, along with a $125,000 budget amendment, as presented by Travis Ballard, the Solid Waste Director. 

Bobby Arledge, the Emergency Management Director, provided an update on disaster recovery efforts. 

“A lot of movement with the Army Corps of Engineers has started waterway debris removal, and 52,000 cubic yards of debris has been removed from our waterways. An average dump truck holds about 14 cubic yards, so they have already removed 3700 dump trucks worth of debris from the water,” said Arledge. “Debris removal is coming to a close. To ensure your Helene debris is picked up, it must be on the side of the roadway by Feb. 20.” 

The board then introduced Kelly Cannon, the new County Public Information Officer. Cannon encouraged residents to follow the county on its social media sites. 

The current and proposed drafts of the Zoning Ordinance can be reviewed online at https://www.polknc.gov/ordinances.php or in the County Manager’s office.