Top Stories for Oct. 30, 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 met on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The agenda is available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV. The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m.
1. Your Vote Counts: Saturday, Nov. 2 is the last day to vote early in the 2024 General Election. Voters can visit any of the 33 early voting sites in Mecklenburg County and are encouraged to check their voter registration before heading out. Voters who choose to vote early can register and vote on the same day. But it’s too late to register to vote on Election Day, Nov. 5. Election Day voting is open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned precinct on Election Day. And don’t forget—voters need a photo ID to vote in North Carolina elections. Most voters can use their driver's license, but there are many types of accepted photo IDs. Voters without an ID can still vote with a provisional ballot. Here are 10 facts about photo ID requirements from the N.C. Board of Elections. Find more resources and information at Vote.MeckNC.gov.
2. Search for a County Manager: During a special meeting on Oct. 29, the Board of County Commissioners heard presentations from three prospective executive recruitment firms to conduct the search for a new County Manager. The firms are Baker Tilly, MGT, and S. Renee Narloch & Associates. On Aug. 8, County Manager Dena R. Diorio announced her retirement effective July 1, 2025. Shortly afterward, the County put out a call for executive search firms. Fourteen firms responded and the County’s Procurement division determined that six met the minimum requirements. Commissioners provided feedback on the six proposals, which led to three firms being invited to interview with the Board. The Board will make its official selection of a search firm at its next regular meeting on Nov. 6, with the goal of hiring a new County Manager by spring of 2025.
3. Good Health on the Go: Public Health has unveiled a new service—medical vending machines. The help-yourself kiosks hold Narcan, COVID-19 tests, and sexual health kits. All items are free to residents, who register for the medications on their phones for verification. Mecklenburg County’s first kiosk is located inside the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center at 430 Stitt Road in Charlotte. The kiosks allow Public Health to reach more residents with tools they need.
4. Mobi Award: Park and Recreation has been presented with a N.C. Department of Transportation Mobi Award for a new section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The section stretches from I-485, connecting the Cross Charlotte Trail to the President James K. Polk State Historic Site in Pineville. The 1.8-mile section of trail strengthens the connection between visitors, local wetlands, and wildlife, while highlighting the community's engagement with John Grade's public artwork, "STEM." Learn more about the NCDOT Mobi Awards.
5. Fall Back, Check Your Alarms: Residents get an extra hour to sleep this weekend. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. this Sunday, Nov. 3. That means families will “fall back,” with clocks turning back one hour. The Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that it’s a good time to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries if necessary. During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm, plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly, can save lives.
6. Have a Spooktacular Halloween: Halloween is upon us and it’s the perfect time to embrace the spooky spirit while also prioritizing our health and well-being. Mecklenburg County Public Health offers five tips to keep in mind during the festive season: tricks and healthy treats, water is the witches brew, scary but safe walking, do the monster mash, and no smoke and mirrors.