Wilkes County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wilkes County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed Homeless Shelter in Rock Creek Community
Residents raised questions about a homeless shelter planned in the Rock Creek community; the chairman said commissioners will meet to gather information and that residents' voices have been heard.
Bevara economic incentive agreement (Project Pressure)
The county approved an incentive deal rebating 80% of Bevara's property taxes for up to six years in exchange for 92 jobs and up to $19.6 million in investment at the former Goodnight Brothers facility. Residents worried about water and electricity use and whether the project was a disguised data center; officials said payments only come after taxes are paid, so the county can't lose money.
Former Lincoln Heights School property disposition
The school board offered the surplus former Lincoln Heights School property to the county first, but commissioners declined, so the land will go up for sale or bid instead.
Relocation of the Peter H. Johnson grave for L-P expansion
Louisiana-Pacific found a grave from the 1820s on land where it wants to build a new R&D lab. The county had to sign off under state grave-relocation law, and the company is paying all costs while moving the grave to a quiet spot on the same property.
Westside Corporate Hangar Site Development
The county is investing $151,918 in design work to make two 100x100-foot hangar sites pad-ready at the airport, hoping to land a tenant with five aircraft. Hangared aircraft staying six months or more generate property tax revenue for the county.