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Cherryville, NC (WNN)— On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the Cherryville City Council convened for its regular work session. During this session, the council approved several year-end budget amendments, listened to a comprehensive report from a local animal welfare group, and discussed upcoming changes to the city’s utility billing system.
The meeting started on time at 5:30 p.m. quickly approving the agenda.
Finance Director Dixie Wall introduced the city’s budget amendments for the year-end, detailing changes to the funding for different departments. A $5,000 safety grant was obtained from the League of Municipalities designated to purchase a light bar. This will be used at night by several city departments. FEMA provided $118,090.00 in reimbursements for damages caused by Hurricane Helene. This money is to be distributed to the affected departments directly, to cover the expenses incurred during that time period from Helene.
Throughout the year, the city received various donations, including Recreation, police, and general donations. One such donation was for the 4th of July Fireworks.
Furthermore, adjustments for several un-budgeted expenses were also included. Such as a $23,000 charge for water meters ordered last year but received this year, recreation expenses for supplies and uniforms for the basketball teams, and the costs for maintenance and repairs on a pool liner hole at the Cherryville City Pool.
Ultimately, the budget included a vacation time payout for a retiring public works employee. The council approved all proposed budget amendments unanimously.
Ashley Carpenter, founder of Take a Chance Animal Rescue, introduced representatives from the Association of Animal Welfare, a local non-profit, to share more about their critical work. Carpenter’s presentation hoped to achieve endorsement from the city to host a free rabies vaccination event in Cherryville. Carpenter presented a vivid and graphic video recounting the severe abuse of a kitten named Sir Crispin Fireball. After being thrown into a fire pit and having his body poured into hot candle wax, the organization rescued the kitten.
Ashley Carpenter giving a presentation at the work session meeting.
June 24th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)
Carpenter emphasized the Association of Animal Welfare’s commitment to the kitten’s recovery and how they worked with law enforcement. This resulted in the organization securing its first felony animal cruelty charge in 2024 for this case. She then explained that the organization, which has been in operation for 26 years, relies entirely on donations, fundraisers, and small loan grants with no paid employees. Its work is made possible by dedicated volunteers.
Alison Still, the Organization’s president emphasized many vital programs. The programs involved were the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiative and “Born Free Felines.” This approach aims to control feral cat populations through spaying or neutering, testing, and vaccinations, after which the cats are returned to their original homes.
Alison Still speaking during the Association of Animal Welfare’s presentation at the work session meeting.
June 24th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)
As they pointed out, the Organization has helped more than 4,000 animals in the area. There have been significant efforts in Cherryville. They talked about their affordable spay/neuter initiative, which assists pet owners in paying for essential surgeries by covering part of the expenses at facilities such as the Snip Clinic in Shelby.
Another important service offered is assistance with emergency veterinary care. The organization helps pet owners by providing financial support during critical medical events, frequently covering a large part or sometimes all of the expenses for treatment. Though not a complete food bank, it provides pet food for those who are temporarily unable to feed their pets.
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A stray cat sitting under a car behind Homefolks Cafe of Cherryville, NC.
June 25th, 2025. By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
The organization puts on a range of community activities and fundraising events, which feature several events. One is an annual letter campaign, the “Paws and Whiskers” fundraiser where paper food bowls are sold, styled after like the sale of paper shamrocks for Multiple Sclerosis. Still was also excited to mention the “Barking Dogs and Pickleball Tournament”, their biggest fundraiser of the year.
Last year, they effectively ran a free rabies clinic and are preparing to hold another one in Cherryville to meet the legal obligation for rabies vaccination. Their goal is to provide legally required vaccinations at no cost to the community.
The doghouse-building initiative “The Doghouse Derby” partners with Gaston County Animal Services to create and provide doghouses for those who require them. A contest for ugly sweaters is being introduced as part of a new initiative during the Christmas parades. Council members showed gratitude for the organization’s work.
The city council believes the free rabies vaccination clinic would be a beneficiary for Cherryville. They suggested Still and Carpenter get in contact with David Day and the Cherryville Main Street Program. This would involve possible partnerships, such as offering space for the group at community events like the Cherry Blossom Festival to enhance public awareness.
Public Works Director Chris King presented a request to declare several city vehicles and equipment as surplus. The items included a 1993 ditch witch, a piece of equipment used for digging narrow trenches, described as fully equipped but not having been moved since 2004 or 2005 primarily to remove it from inventory.
The photo of the Ditch Witch.
Photo from: City of Cherryville.
Also declared surplus was a Chevrolet dump truck, which was involved in an accident approximately a year ago. Despite having a good engine and transmission, the frame was severely damaged, making repairs economically unfeasible. The city has already secured a replacement dump truck..
The photo of the Dump Truck.
Photo from: City of Cherryville.
Finally, a 2006 International boom truck with 171,000 city miles was included. While still operable and in good shape due to consistent five-thousand-mile maintenance, it is being replaced as part of the current budget. The council voted unanimously to declare these three vehicles surplus.
City Manager Brian Dalton announced that the city is transitioning to Tyler Technologies, a new utility billing system that will replace the city’s current system, Northstar. The new system is scheduled to go live this week. When August utility bills go out, this transition will bring several changes for customers. Those who pay their bill online must set up a new portal. Details will be provided via mail and on the website.
Notably, this change involves credit and debit card transactions. The city considered three alternatives for these charges:
The third option is seen as the most balanced choice by the city manager. It is designed to maintain customer expenses at the current online payment fee of $2.50. A fee will now be enforced for all credit and debit card transactions, including those conducted in person at City Hall. This changes the existing policy that previously allowed face-to-face card payments without any fee.
Customers are recommended to establish payments using bank draft to prevent any fees, as this method does not charge either the city or the customer. The information about existing bank drafts will be automatically transferred to the new system.
Cherryville, NC City Hall where utility bills are paid to the city.
June 26th, 2025 by Mason Beam (WNN)
In order to enhance operational efficiency, payments made in cash and by credit or debit card will be accepted at City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The options for drop box and mail will be accessible around the clock,24/7. The city intends to share information about these changes widely and expects to allow a short grace period for customers to adapt to the updated hours and payment options. A vote by the council regarding the selected transaction fee model will take place in the meeting set for July.
Further questions were raised by council members concerning the outdoor bill payment kiosk. Dalton mentioned that the kiosk encountered problems due to sun exposure. This impacted its computer and an earlier fee system made using it less appealing. The council talked about moving the kiosk to a place with shade or improving its software. The concept of broadening its capabilities to facilitate payments for property taxes in Gaston County was noted. However, it was recognized as a task that could be quite intricate.
The Billpay kiosk located outside of Cherryville NC City Hall.
June 26th, 2025 by Mason Beam (WNN)
The council asked about a generator that had been seen operating from time to time at City Hall. It was clarified that this is a load shift generator that automatically activates during periods of high electricity demand, particularly on hot days.
However, the city does not manage its operation or accept direct fees for its use. However, discussions are ongoing with ElectriCities to provide training to city staff on how to manually activate the generator to power the downtown area during power outages. This capability would be a significant asset for local businesses, enabling them to continue operations during unexpected disruptions.
The Electricities generator behind city hall.
June 26th, 2025 by Mason Beam (WNN)
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
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