Town of Lake Lure Departmental Reports - January 2026

The following are highlights from January 2026 from each Town Department. 

Public Services

The Public Services Department continued routine maintenance and operations throughout the month. Regular tasks included meter reading and installations, water leak repairs, utility locates, bulk trash pickup, work order responses, facility upkeep, wastewater sampling, and maintenance at the Dam, and Wastewater Treatment Plant. Additionally, staff played a vital role in supporting various storm recovery efforts.

Top Accomplishments & Project Updates:

• Water and Sewer Operations: During the reporting period, installation and expansion of the SCADA system for the Town’s water system continued. The Woody Well was repaired and returned to service, improving system reliability. A water blow-off at the end of Mark Twain Drive was replaced. Wastewater system improvements advanced with completion of the concrete pad for the new dewatering belt press and removal of the old aerator from the chemical room in preparation for belt press installation and commissioning. Smoke testing of lakeside manholes was completed to identify potential inflow and infiltration issues and protect system integrity. Installation activities also progressed on the West End Pump Station flow meter SCADA system.
• Dam: Staff continued support of the spillway gate repair project, which remains on schedule for completion. The dam penstock was inspected and closed as operationally required to support ongoing work and system safety.
• Morse Park and Lake Infrastructure: During the reporting period, staff worked with Odom Engineering to advance elevation design efforts for Morse Park. The marina fuel pump replacement project was awarded to a contractor. Design drawings were received for the boat marina stationary docks, floating docks, and boat ramps, and staff began the process of obtaining construction quotes. Demolition of the Beach Marina was completed. Progress continued on Morse Park walking path restoration. Shoreline stabilization efforts advanced into the quoting phase. Additional work progressed on Morse Park gazebo power restoration, siren restoration, and boat dock power restoration.
• Road, Drainage, and Grounds Maintenance: Public Service staff prepared for and executed snow and ice removal operations during winter storm events to maintain safe roadway conditions. Routine drainage maintenance and grounds upkeep activities continued throughout the reporting period.

Community Development Department Report

Director Mike  Williams reports that the department continues providing permitting support and guidance as residents move forward with repairs and rebuilding projects. Staff also continued assisting property owners affected by Tropical Storm Helene as they transition to privately funded cleanup and reconstruction following the conclusion of FEMA and USACE programs. The following permits were issued in January:

• 7 Zoning Permits
• 7 Lake Structure Permits
• 4 Land Disturbance Permits
• 1 Vacation Rental Operator Permit
• 12 Certificates of Completion

Top Accomplishments & Project Updates

• Zoning and Planning Board and BOA/LSAB: During the reporting period, the Zoning and Planning Board held a detailed discussion regarding a longstanding business item related to public parking lots as a primary use. The Board provided concerns and recommendations to staff for development of a revised proposal, which is expected to be reconsidered at the February meeting. The Board also discussed board terms, officer elections, and the new member appointment process with Board Liaison Doster. The Board of Adjustment and Lake Structure Appeals Board met following a two-month break and approved minutes from the November meeting. The Board also discussed board terms, officer elections, and the new member appointment process with Board Liaison DiOrio.
• Helene Recovery Assistance: Staff continued working with owners of substantially damaged lake structures that have been deemed unsafe to remain as the lake reopens. Efforts focused on coordinating demolition or bringing structures into compliance with applicable codes. From November through February 5, a total of 12 substantially damaged or condemned boathouses have been demolished and removed, two additional structures are scheduled for removal, and five more remain in active negotiations regarding removal. Staff also maintained a comprehensive list of known Tropical Storm Helene debris sites and continued communication with affected property owners regarding Town cleanup efforts. During the reporting period, staff toured debris sites with the NC SMART Program contractor to identify locations and discuss cleanup scope for a proposed debris removal project.
• Cell Tower: Staff continued coordination with Tillman Construction to advance completion of the Town’s communication tower. Delays in installation of the power meter in December postponed antenna installation; however, the current projection is mid to late February for AT&T to have antennas mounted, calibrated, and placed into service. T-Mobile is expected to mount antennas following AT&T’s completion. Verizon has not yet committed to locating on the tower. Staff continue to encourage Verizon customers to contact their carrier regarding service limitations and request participation on the Lake Lure tower.
• Floodplain and FEMA Coordination: Staff continued coordination with North Carolina Emergency Management and FEMA regarding revisions to the Town’s flood maps. Preliminary data indicates that the average base flood elevation has been reduced by nearly eight feet. Staff are working with the Rutherford County Floodplain Administrator to coordinate the FEMA-required public meeting to present the updated maps. Additionally, staff are researching whether the Town should establish a regulatory flood elevation above the revised base flood elevation to further reduce future flood risk to lower-elevation properties.

Fire / Emergency Management Department Report

The Fire / Emergency Management Department responded to 32 fire, medical, and rescue calls in January. Firefighters completed 414 hours of training, reflecting a continued commitment to professional development, preparedness, and operational readiness.

Top Accomplishments & Project Highlights: 

• Fire and Emergency Response: During January, the Fire Department responded to a high volume and wide variety of emergency calls, including medical emergencies, motor vehicle collisions, fire alarms, public assistance calls, and storm-related incidents. Notable responses included an extended overnight woods fire response on January 1–2, a structure fire on Main Street in Chimney Rock, and multiple motor vehicle collisions on Memorial Highway and Boys Camp Road. Crews also responded to medical emergencies including a chainsaw-related injury on Memorial Highway near Tryon Bay, suspected stroke and cardiac-related calls, and multiple sick person responses. Rescue operations included assistance to park rangers at the climbing area on Boys Camp Road and coordination with County EMS for lift assists and advanced medical care. Throughout winter storm events, crews responded to downed trees, stranded motorists, blocked roadways, and other weather-related hazards to maintain public safety.
• Personnel and Training: Department personnel completed multiple training activities during the month to enhance operational readiness. Training included fire engine operations and pump training, medical training for new employees, wildland fire training at Shingle Hollow Fire Department, and county-level hazardous materials training conducted in coordination with neighboring departments. Staff also conducted storm preparation activities, including staging chains, maintaining chainsaws, and coordinating equipment use ahead of forecasted winter weather. The department held its monthly staff meeting and participated in a Fire Association meeting at Greenhill Station 2.
• Apparatus, Equipment, and Facility Maintenance: Significant apparatus and equipment maintenance was completed during the reporting period. Forestry gear used during the woods fire response was inspected and serviced. Engine 2510 was returned to service following completion of repairs. Maintenance was also performed on the department’s UTV, ladder racks, and other operational equipment. Additional improvements included installation of a patient cargo bed donated by the Broad River Volunteer Fire Department, inspection and maintenance of medical equipment, and ongoing station and grounds upkeep to ensure continued response readiness.
• Winter Storm Response and Interdepartmental Support: The Fire Department played a key role in winter storm response and recovery efforts. Crews assisted Public Works with snow and ice removal operations, including plowing, chaining Town vehicles, and clearing downed trees from roadways. The department also coordinated with Rutherford County, Union Mills Volunteer Fire Department, and other partner agencies, including loaning county-owned equipment for storm response operations. Fire personnel provided continued public assistance throughout the storm period, responding to stranded motorists, blocked roadways, and non-emergency service calls, and assisting Town departments and law enforcement as needed.

Police Department Report

During the reporting period, the Police Department experienced several key personnel and program milestones. The department experienced an increase in motor vehicle accidents. Staff continued preparations for an upcoming North Carolina State Bureau audit, which happens periodically to ensure compliance with state standards.

Top Accomplishments & Project Updates: 

• Personnel and Staffing: Sergeant Carl Umphlett retired following 13 years of dedicated service to the Town. Corporal Collins was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Reserve officers continued to assist with patrol coverage as the department works to fill vacant positions. Recruitment advertisements are currently posted on multiple online platforms.
• K9 Program: Officer Burrell is scheduled to begin training in February with the Town of Lake Lure’s new K9. The four-week training program will focus on search techniques and narcotics detection. Officer Burrell’s patrol vehicle has been retrofitted with a K9 cage. The department thanks the Town for approving the K9 program, Mr. Rocky Guarriell for funding the purchase of the K9, and Stand Tall for providing the K9 cage.
• Community Programs: The Home Watch Program continued to be widely used by homeowners and businesses while traveling. The program remains available to residents within the Town of Lake Lure and continues to support neighborhood safety.

Parks, Recreation & Lake Department Report

The Parks, Recreation, and Lake (PR&L) Department had a productive month in January, focusing on volunteer support, trail recovery, marina operations, lake maintenance, and administrative updates. Staff worked closely with contractors and community partners to address storm damage, maintain facilities, and prepare for upcoming projects. Volunteer contributions remained critical in supporting trail maintenance and water quality monitoring.

Top Accomplishments & Project Updates: 

• Volunteer Support: The department utilized a total of 78 volunteer hours during the month, representing an estimated value of $2,612.22 (based on $33.49/hour). Volunteers assisted with weekly water sampling, trail inspections, and organized workdays at Buffalo Creek Park, Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails, and Weed Patch Mountain.
• Marina Operations: Marina replacement project continues to move forward. Staff coordinated weekly with the marina contractor to ensure smooth installation and address ongoing operational needs.
• Trail System Recovery and Maintenance: Trail recovery and maintenance made significant progress during the month. Major repairs at Buffalo Creek Park and Weed Patch Mountain are underway, with temporary and permanent trail signage replaced or updated across multiple trails. Staff partnered with Conserving Carolina, the Carolina Climbers Coalition, and the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition to assess storm damage, plan small-scale repairs, and reroute trails where necessary. Volunteer workdays were held to replace missing trail markers and clear downed trees, further supporting the recovery effort.
• Training, Planning, and Lake Operations: Six hours of law enforcement training were completed, and the department assisted with FEMA site inspections, police calls, citations, and court appearances. Project planning included obtaining quotes for trail repairs, developing dredging standard operating procedures, and working on the Morse Park Master Plan. Staff also conducted trail scouting, organized volunteer workdays, and oversaw daily operations, including selling boat permits, reviewing commercial model applications, processing work orders, and updating the 2026 Boater’s Guide, Boater’s License Process, and the PR&L section of the Town website.

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Finance Department Report

Overall, the Finance Department has maintained strong oversight of revenues and expenditures, completed audit preparations, and continues to actively pursue funding opportunities to support the Town’s ongoing operations and financial stability.

Top Accomplishments & Project Updates

• Financial Status: The Town’s current financial position includes an unreconciled bank balance of approximately $7,830,000 for all funds, excluding special revenue funds. The Dam Fund maintains a balance of $8,000,000. As noted in prior reports, State revenue replacement loan proceeds, FEMA reimbursements, and ARPA funds continue to significantly enhance the Town’s cash position.
• Budget and Revenue Tracking: Revenue and expenditure accounts are generally tracking with budget projections for all departments except non-governmental accounts, where insurance costs are estimated to exceed projections. Water and sewer collections are continuing to perform above budgeted levels.
• Audit: The Finance Department is concluding the final steps for the FY 2024 audit. Staff have also begun preparing for the FY 2025 audit process, initiating the first steps in the review to ensure a smooth and timely audit cycle.
• Finance Staffing: The Finance Director will remain out of the office for an extended period. During this time, Administrative and Finance staff have stepped up significantly to ensure that operations continue to run smoothly. In addition, the Town has engaged outside assistance, which has provided valuable support and helped maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of day-to-day financial and administrative functions.

Communications Department Report

Throughout January, Communications Director Laura Krejci successfully managed public engagement, social media, grant coordination, and event planning, ensuring transparency, active community involvement, and effective dissemination of critical Town information.

Top Highlights & Project Updates: 

• Website & Digital Communications: Website activity continued to increase in January 2026, with the Town’s website recording 17,000 users, up from 14,000 in December 2025. Town News posts were regularly published, with 102 items released during the month. On January 1, 2026, a summary of these posts was emailed to 3,059 subscribers, an increase of 122 from the previous month, along with a link to the Town Calendar of Events. Topics included extreme cold warnings, lake refilling updates, winter weather pet safety, comprehensive planning public input sessions, Town Council meeting summaries, lake use regulations, boat permit information, employment opportunities, and community programs. These updates ensured the public remained informed about critical Town activities and safety advisories.
• Social Media Growth and Management: The Town of Lake Lure’s social media presence continued its upward trajectory in January 2026. The Town now has over 40,603 followers, reflecting an increase of 305 from the previous month and a 14 percent increase over January 2025. A total of 85 posts were shared during the month, with some updates reaching more than 300,000 people. Social media engagement, including comments and feedback, has increased substantially, requiring careful monitoring and follow-up to maintain positive public interaction and timely responses to inquiries.
• Events and Community Engagement: The Department coordinated multiple events and meetings during January 2026. The Carolina Climbers Coalition’s Rumble 2026 event was confirmed for March 7–8 in the Green Space. Past month meetings included Parks and Recreation on January 8, Town Council on January 13, Comprehensive Planning Round Table sessions, Events Team meeting on January 16, Workforce Housing meeting on January 16, and Rutherford County TDA meeting on January 22. Planning is ongoing for upcoming events, including collegiate rowing team activities, the 2026 Rumble, Arbor Day, Parrotheads & Pirates Music Festival, Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival, Memorial Day Program, Flag Day ceremonies, 250th Anniversary fireworks, Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad events, the 100th Anniversary of Lake Lure Dam completion, Veterans Day Program, and Lighting Up Lake Lure in December.
• Media and Public Information: The Department also worked closely with local and regional media to promote upcoming events, community programs, and the lake reopening campaign. Coordination included interviews with the Mayor and key Town staff to ensure consistent messaging. Public engagement remained high, reflecting community interest and trust in Town communications. The Everbridge notification system currently has 1,816 registrants, and one winter weather/ice storm notification was issued in January. The Mountain Breeze article featuring the Mayor’s December/January message, “Restoration, Renewal, and the Road Ahead,” was published, with the Spring issue article due February 10, 2026. Marketing and media coordination included interviews with the Mayor for WNC Magazine and The Hendersonville Times, as well as design and placement of banners promoting the lake refilling campaign with the theme “Together We Rise.” A total of 33 online inquiries were received and responded to within 24–48 hours, and no online facility reservations were requested in January.
• Grants and Project Coordination: 
  • FY22 30% Design Grant – Lake Lure Replacement Dam: The 30 percent design phase for the replacement dam began in January 2026. The total cost of this project is $745,341, with grant funding of $484,471 covering 65 percent of the cost and the remainder funded from the Town’s dam reserve. Work Order #10 with Schnabel Engineering was executed for $910,900. The project is expected to take 6–8 months and includes coordination with the NC Dam Safety Office to ensure compliance with all regulations and reporting requirements.
  • FY24 Detailed Design Grant: The detailed design phase of the replacement dam (FY24) has a total project cost of $3,500,000. The Town’s 35 percent match totals $1,225,000, and FEMA grant funding of $2,275,000 has been approved. The FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam Grant process requires the Town to pay project costs upfront and submit invoices for reimbursement through the NC Dam Safety Office. Reimbursement will be distributed over three years: $2,050,000 in Year 1, $1,050,000 in Year 2, and $400,000 in Year 3.
  • Dogwood Trust Collaboration & Innovation Grant The Department continued coordination for the Collaboration & Innovation Grant to support potential workforce housing initiatives. Meetings were held with Dogwood representatives, Gateway Wellness Foundation, the Town Manager, and the Mayor to review potential sites and plans. Town guidelines for the use of Town property were confirmed with legal counsel prior to further planning. The next grant cycle will open from April 20 to May 18, 2026, with potential funding ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 over 12–24 months to support collaborative community initiatives.

Manager / Administration Department Report

January was a dynamic and productive month, marked by a high volume of staff, council, and board meetings, as well as ongoing efforts to navigate the evolving landscape of post-storm recovery and day-to-day operations.

Top Highlights & Project Updates: 

• FEMA Coordination and Recovery Funding: Town staff continued weekly meetings with FEMA leadership to advance ongoing storm recovery projects and advocate for Lake Lure’s funding needs, with a focus on accelerating support for key infrastructure projects and ensuring timely reimbursement. Staff also worked closely with ICF to advance funding through FEMA Public Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Applications for HMGP have been submitted, while the Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) cycle has not yet opened. The Town has successfully secured NCDEQ Division of Water Infrastructure (SA-HMW) funding for several major Hurricane Helene-related projects, including the Wastewater Treatment Plant replacement, a water line extension to Yacht Island, and the construction of bulk chemical storage facilities at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. In addition, the Town received $562,500 in funding through the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to support the sewer replacement project. The Town is nearing completion of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for the sewer replacement project. Additionally, the Town has received confirmation of selection for Additional Assistance to support EDA Return on Investment (ROI) and Impact Analyses. This assistance is being provided through the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) in partnership with NC Growth, and will help ensure comprehensive evaluation of project outcomes and economic impact. Staff continue to actively monitor and pursue emerging funding opportunities through the American Flood Coalition, including a submitted application for a dam failure impact study, and other state and federal programs to maximize recovery resources for the Town.

• Project Obligations and Reimbursements: FEMA reimbursement amounts are as follows:
  • $862,186.69 – Category A (Debris Removal): Vegetative, C&D, and White Goods debris from Lake Lure and waterways
  • $754,185.81 – Category B (Emergency Protective Measures): Town-wide
  • $65,390.00 – Category A (Debris Removal): Vegetative debris from ROW and public property
  • $503,580.00 – Category C (Roads and Bridges): Design of permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge
  • $118,323.67 – Category B: Temporary hydroelectric plant emergency repairs
  • $8,250.00 – Category B: Temporary Town Hall Facility
  • $13,255.75 – Category A: Dumpster rentals
  • $28,531.78 – Category B: Temporary Relocation Costs – Town Hall Facility
  • $9,681.02 – Category F: Municipal Water Supply Damage – 100% Complete Work
  • $745,485.13 – Category B: Emergency Access Restoration at Dam
  • $8,913.73 – Category F: Municipal Water Supply System Damage – Boys Camp Road Bridge Waterline
  • $977,417 – Category F: WWTP A&E
• The following items are obligated, but pending reimbursement:
  • $118,943 – Temporary Emergency Wastewater Treatment Plant Repair
  • $5,250 – Lakeshore River Sand Washout
  • $101,487.47 – Sediment Pond Culvert
  • $72,852.05 – Temporary Municipal Water Supply Project.
  • $300,000 – A&E – Hydroelectric Generating Plant Damages
  • $1,996,515.95 – Marina Docks Damages (Marina Replacement Project)
  • Proctor Road and the Flowering Bridge. Final amounts pending agreed upon fixed cost offer.
• Tainter Gate Repairs: Repairs to the Tainter Gate were slightly delayed due to the need for additional welding. Despite this minor setback, the project remains on track for completion during the first week of February. This schedule will allow the Town to proceed with plans to begin raising Lake Lure as planned, keeping the overall lake restoration timeline on target.
• Fuel Pump, LLT Docks and Morse Park Stormwater Plan: Odom Engineering finalized the design for the Lake Lure Tours fuel pump and docks, as well as the Morse Park stormwater plan. Work on the tour docks and fueling pump is planned with the goal of completing the fueling pump first, followed by the docks, with full completion anticipated by May 2026. With the stormwater plan for Morse Park now received, grading efforts and related site work will begin to support the approved stormwater improvements, advancing the Town’s broader infrastructure and recreational enhancements.
• Dredging: Dredging operations are currently underway with Stott Construction. A small area in the river channel has been cleared of sediment, and upcoming work will focus on sloping the bench of sediment left by the USACE, which is intended to improve long-term sediment control. The Town is actively working with LaBella Associates to obtain an Individual Dredging Permit from the USACE, which will allow for dredging of larger portions of the lake. Under the existing state permit, dredging is currently limited, and the new permit will enable more comprehensive sediment management.
• Lake Debris Cleanup: The State SMART program has selected contractors to address the remaining debris in Lake Lure. The requested scope of work is currently under review by the State. Once approved, a notice to proceed will be issued, and work can begin. Contractors have been instructed to prioritize removal of shoreline debris closest to the waterline to prevent it from becoming floating debris. Additional details and timelines will be shared once the scope of work has been approved.
• Replacement Dam: As Schnabel Engineering continues work on the 30% design for the replacement dam, they have recommended an adjustment to the alignment of the structure. Specifically, the north (left) abutment is proposed to be shifted downstream, while the south (right) abutment remains in its conceptual location. This adjustment is expected to reduce construction risks, potentially lower excavation and roller-compacted concrete (RCC) quantities, and improve hydraulic efficiency. Additional considerations include property impacts, site access, and minor subsurface uncertainties. Guidance on maximum water surface elevation upstream will continue to inform the final dam and spillway design. In addition, the Town has been officially notified that it was awarded the FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) grant for the detailed design of the replacement dam.
• Welcome Center Demolition: The Welcome Center is scheduled for demolition beginning on February 6^th.
• Boys Camp Bridge Replacement: Bidding documents for the Boys Camp Bridge replacement are expected to be advertised in early February. Following the bid process, the contract will be awarded and construction will begin, with anticipated completion in spring 2026.