Top Stories for July 24, 2024
Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. The agenda will be available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV.
1. HOMES Sweet Home: Mecklenburg County homeowners who are struggling with rising costs of living have an ally in the HOMES program. HOMES, or Helping Out Mecklenburg’s homeowners with Economic Support, is a seasonal program designed to help residents reduce the annual cost of homeownership. This year, HOMES is back with increased funding to reach more households. HOMES provides economic assistance grants of up to $648 to qualifying Mecklenburg County residential homeowners. Charlotte residents may receive an additional $367 and Davidson residents an additional $566. There is no age requirement to participate in the program, and the home does not have to be paid off. The application period runs through Nov. 22. Visit MeckNC.gov/4HOMES for details.
2. No More No-Cost COVID Vaccines: The program that has provided no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through Mecklenburg County Public Health is coming to an end. The federal Bridge Access Program was created to cover the gap for uninsured and underinsured residents after the pandemic public health emergency expired. Without the program, Public Health will not be able to provide the vaccine for all who are uninsured. After August, people who want a COVID-19 vaccine must use their health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, or pay out of pocket. The vaccines continue to provide a vital layer of protection against severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death, and will continue to be available at hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics.
3. Rolling Out the “Mobi-mat”: Ramsey Creek Beach on Lake Norman is now more accessible to visitors with disabilities, following the introduction of the “Mobi-mat.” The Mobi-mat is a non-slip access mat that allows visitors who use wheelchairs to enjoy the sand and sun alongside everyone else. July marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and this is one of many ways Park and Recreation fosters a sense of belonging in our community. The ADA ensures equal access to opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Since the ADA became law, everything from auditory and visual announcements on public transportation to accessible seating at movie theaters has improved experiences for individuals with disabilities. View photos of the Mobi-mat at Ramsey Creek Beach.
4. Rabies Alert: Mecklenburg County has recorded its 10th positive case of rabies this year. For the first time in recent years, a cat has tested positive. The cat was a stray discovered and reported by concerned citizens. Public Health leaders advise the community to never to approach, touch, or feed a wild animal even if it appears friendly. Parents are also asked to caution their children who may want to pet a stray animal. Residents can report stray and wild animals that are acting sick or abnormal to CMPD Animal Care and Control by calling 311.
5. Who Counts the County’s Cash?: The Charlotte Business Journal (CBJ) has named Mecklenburg County’s chief financial officer, David Boyd, the 2024 Chief Financial Officer of the Year for a Civic/Government Organization. The award recognizes local professionals with outstanding performance in their roles as corporate financial stewards. As CFO, Boyd oversees the functions of the Mecklenburg County Financial Services Department, including financial reporting, financial planning, investments and banking, debt management, capital planning, procurement, payroll, grant administration and compliance, accounts payable/receivable, and compliance. The award recognizes Boyd’s leadership, expertise and ability to drive positive change.