NEWTON, N.C. (WHKY) – The Catawba County Board of Commissioners approved a series of funding, property and public-safety measures during its regular meeting Monday night (August 17).

Commissioners approved all six items on the consent agenda. Among them was a $48,000 appropriation for Bandy’s Crossroads Fire Department for a one-time purchase of firefighter personal protective equipment and portable radios. The board also accepted $375,000 in grant funding through the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to remove stream debris blockages throughout Catawba County. Another $219,000 was reallocated from previously approved Hickory City Schools capital projects to address emerging project needs requested by the school system.

Commissioners also approved more than $58,000 in tax releases, refunds and motor-vehicle bill adjustments requested during July. The board approved the retirement of drug-interdiction K-9 Loki, transferring ownership of the dog to handler Jeremy Graham. Commissioners also appropriated $65,000 from the sale of county-owned property at 245 East N Street in Newton to an existing county capital project. Ashure Ministry, Inc. was the successful bidder following the county’s upset-bid process.

In the attorney’s report, commissioners approved the purchase of the former Western Steer property at 334 Southwest Boulevard in Newton. The county agreed to purchase the property for $1.55 million, with the board approving a total appropriation of $1.6 million to complete the transaction. County officials say the property, located at the intersection of U.S. 321 and Highway 10, is strategically positioned next to existing county-owned parcels. The purchase is intended to provide room for future expansion of public facilities, services or infrastructure. The transaction remains subject to the seller resolving certain title issues.

Commissioners also approved action related to the county’s participation in ongoing opioid litigation. A federal judge has directed the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee to prepare a proposed short-form amended complaint that would allow eligible local governments to add claims against Pharmacy Benefits Managers, or PBMs, without preparing separate lengthy complaints.