Cherryville City Council Lowers Electric Rate for Churches, Approves Recreation Board

Downtown Cherryville

Mason Beam (WNN)

Posted Thursday, October 2, 2025 3:25 pm

By: Wise News Network Staff

Cherryville, NC (WNN)- The Cherryville City Council held its regular work session on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, unanimously approving a new, reduced electric demand rate for local churches and formally appointing members to a revived Recreation Board.

Demand Rate Reduced for Churches

The City Council has decided to establish a discounted electric demand rate specifically for local Cherryville churches, effective October 1. Under this new rate, churches will pay $5 for each time they use over the 30 kW demand, for each 30-minute cycle.

This represents a significant reduction from the current demand charge of $8.64 which is charged to churches and small industries. City Manager Brian Dalton mentioned that although this initial demand rate of $8.64 was approved in 2021, it never appeared on church utility bills.

Councilman Jon Abernethy pointed out that the lower rate is justified because churches like First Baptist often host community events that don't generate revenue, such as feeding American Legion teams. These events can spike power usage and lead to substantial demand charges.

First Baptist Church In Cherryville, NC. October 1st,2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

Recreation Board Reinstated and Members Appointed

The Council unanimously approved the nominations to bring back the Recreation Board committee officially. The committee is designed to support the city's newly revitalized recreation department.

The five members appointed to the board are Mike Harrill, Steve Owens, Janet Fisher, Lynette Roberts, and Dennis Tate. Councilman Gary Freeman will serve as the board's liaison.

Recreation Programs

Following the approval, Parks and Recreation Director Lance Hudson provided updates on city recreation programs. Basketball practices are scheduled to begin in late October, with the season running from November until early next year. Hudson also mentioned exploring the creation of a new volleyball program, initially targeting ages 11 through 14.

Additionally, Hudson is scheduled to meet with county schools to discuss placing temporary lights at the Chavis Middle School football field to support a new flag football program and future soccer programs.

John Chavis Middle School's Practice Field. October 1st,2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

ABC Board Donates $30,000

Councilman Jon Abernethy, the ABC board liaison, reported that the local ABC board voted to donate $30,000 to the city. The donation, which exceeded the $18,000 authorized by the state, will be used for the upcoming remodeling of the council building.

The outside of the city council building. October 1st,2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

The renovation project is set to begin possibly on Monday, October 6, and will involve replacing kitchen cabinets, installing new floors and countertops, and purchasing new appliances.

The kitchen in the city council building. October 1st,2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

Beautification Efforts Receive Grant

In closing, council members expressed their support for the ongoing beautification efforts on Main Street. They mentioned that the city was given a $5,000 grant for these projects, which will focus on the downtown planters and ponds.

One of the many plants in downtown Cherryville. October 1st,2025

Mason Beam (WNN)

It was also announced that a new planting phase is set for Saturday, October 4. Additionally, there was a suggestion to paint an unpainted traffic light post at the corner of Academy and Pink streets, so it matches the color of the other poles on Main Street.