Gates County Government

06/02/2026

📢Meeting Recap | Gates County Board of Commissioners

June 1, 2026, the Board of Education presented its revised 2026–27 budget request to the Board of Commissioners, reducing to $2.988 million after significant review and cuts. Board members discussed capital needs, staffing reductions, and next steps as they continue working through difficult budget decisions.
A large portion of public comment focused on the future of Buckland Elementary, with several speakers urging leaders to reconsider the plan to repurpose/close the school and to fully explore all alternatives before moving forward.
Commissioners also started discussion on the proposed county budget. Several voiced concerns about a possible tax increase, saying they want to continue reviewing the numbers, staffing requests, and potential cuts before making final decisions.
Other updates included:
-Information shared about available housing repair assistance funds that residents may be able to access (see from last night).
-Announcement of a transition in county legal counsel, with Thomas Wood set to serve as acting county attorney beginning July 1, 2026.
-County and school board members will travel together to County Advocacy Days in Raleigh to present Gates County’s needs and priorities.

The meeting was recessed until Wednesday (June 3rd) at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Gates County Cooperative Extension Service building for continued budget discussions.

06/01/2026

PLEASE SHARE!

The Albemarle Commission is now accepting applications for the 2027 Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation (ESFR) Program in Gates County.

This program helps eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners with needed home repairs that address health, safety, and structural concerns, making it possible to stay safely in their homes.

Learn more about the ESFR Program and how to apply here: https://albemarlecommission.org/community-development/

06/01/2026

The Clerk’s Office has received a couple of great questions today about public comments at meetings - and we just have to say…we LOVE getting questions like these! 😊
If you’ve ever wondered how public comments work, when you can speak, or what to expect, you are definitely not alone. There can be a lot of information floating around, and sometimes it’s easy to go off what you’ve heard; but nothing beats going straight to the source!
We thought this was the perfect opportunity to share a quick refresher. Included in this post is a snapshot from the Gates County Board of Commissioners Rules of Procedure that covers public comments so everyone can see exactly what’s written. Consider it your “quick peek” guide! 👀
Fun fact: Public comment periods are one of the most direct ways residents can speak to their local governing board - your voice becomes part of the official record of the meeting! 📝
The Clerk’s Office is always happy to help make the process clear, simple, and approachable. Everyone should feel comfortable knowing how to participate and be heard and questions like these truly make our day 😊
Transparency + good information = a win for everyone.

(Also - if you'd like this emailed to you - just say the word!)

06/01/2026

Reminder for the month of JUNE.....

The Gates County Board of Commissioners will hold two regular scheduled meetings in June.

📅 June 1st will include a special presentation from the Board of Education as they present their final budget for FY26–27.
📅 June 17th will include a Public Hearing, providing citizens the opportunity to share comments on the proposed budget for FY26–27 that was submitted to the Board of Commissioners on May 20th.

With two meetings this month, there will be multiple opportunities to stay informed on important county discussions and decisions.

Be sure to check the graphic below for full meeting details, including times and the location. 📝

05/29/2026

"Three simple rules in life:
1. If you don't go after what you want, you will never have it.
2. If you don't ask, the answer is always no.
3. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place. "

Wherever you go, whatever you do, be great.
Best of luck to the class of 2026 in your future endeavors!

05/29/2026

🌟 Gates County Board of Adjustment — What is it and why does it matter? 🌟
You may have heard of the Board of Adjustment…but what do they actually do? Here’s a simple breakdown 👇

📌 What is the Board of Adjustment?
The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board (meaning it operates a bit like a court) appointed by the Gates County Board of Commissioners.
Their job is to make fair decisions when it comes to zoning rules and land use issues.

⚖️ What kinds of things do they handle?
The Board hears cases like:
• Appeals of zoning decisions made by the Enforcement Officer
• Requests for variances (when someone needs a small exception to zoning rules)
• Applications for Special Use Permits
• Flood zone appeals
In short: they help make sure zoning rules are applied fairly, consistently, and reasonably.

🧑‍⚖️ How does it work?
• Members are appointed for 3-year terms
• The board includes 5 regular members and 2 alternates
• They meet once a month (usually the 3rd Tuesday at 1:00 PM)
During a meeting:
✔️ Cases are heard in order
✔️ Everyone who speaks is sworn in
✔️ The applicant presents their case
✔️ Neighbors and others can speak for or against
✔️ The Board reviews the facts and makes a decision

📄 What’s a variance, in plain terms?
A variance is a request to bend the rules just a little, but only when:
• Following the rule would create an unnecessary hardship
• The issue is specific to that property
• The situation wasn’t caused by the owner
• The change still fits the spirit of the ordinance and keeps the public safe

🎉 Now… here’s your chance to get involved! 🎉
Gates County currently has TWO OPENINGS on the Board of Adjustment(alternates), and we’re looking for residents who want to make a difference!
👀 Who should apply?
• Anyone who cares about fairness and their community
• People interested in how our county grows
• Problem-solvers and thoughtful decision-makers
💬 You don’t need to be an expert; just willing to listen, learn, and serve.

💙 Why join?
• Be part of important local decisions
• Help ensure fairness for your neighbors
• Learn how local government works
• Make a direct impact right here in Gates County

✨ If you’ve ever wanted to step up and serve your community in a meaningful way…this is the time.

Let’s build a stronger Gates County, together 💙

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4ixJHGQ

05/28/2026

📌 Note from the Tax Department
We are aware of a recent article circulating on Facebook (by a news media source) regarding the 2025 delinquent property tax list, and we understand that it has caused some concern.
To clarify, the list is not a current, real-time reflection of account status. It is the same list that was officially published in the Gates County Index on April 9th, and it specifically reflects real property accounts that were unpaid as of March 31, 2026.
We completely understand why this may be upsetting; especially for those who have since made payments after March 31st. If you have paid your taxes after that date, but want to verify your account status, we’re here to help so please feel free to give us a call 252.357.1360.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through calls and questions. Our goal is always to keep information accurate and transparent while also recognizing that timing of publications can sometimes cause confusion.
Thank you for taking a moment to read the details carefully and for your continued cooperation.

05/28/2026

Summer Hoopla is here!! 🌞
Make sure you are following the Gates County Community Center & Recreation page for all the happenings at "The Center"

05/28/2026

📣 What’s a Strategic Plan… and why should you care, Gates County?
Several people have reached out asking, “What in the world is a Strategic Plan?” and I am so glad you asked because that’s a great question!
The easiest way to think about it is this:
A strategic plan is a roadmap for our county that helps answer three big questions:
👉 Where are we now?
👉 Where do we want to go?
👉 And how do we get there together?
At the local government level, it’s not just paperwork sitting on a shelf; it’s a guide that helps shape decisions about roads, public safety, parks, economic development, and the overall quality of life right here in Gates County.

In simple terms:
A strategic plan = a game plan for the future ✅
And here’s something you may not know…
When county leaders advocate for funding and support, legislators often ask:
👉 “Do you have a strategic plan?”
That’s because having a clear plan shows where we’re headed, what we need, and how we’re preparing for the future. It strengthens Gates County’s voice when it matters most and that’s where the Gates County Strategic Planning Team comes in 💼 💪

Just as important — this is a living document 📌
It’s designed to grow and change over time as our community evolves, priorities shift, and new opportunities arise. It’s not set in stone.

The best game plans include input from the whole team… and that means YOU 🙌

Right now, the team is working hard to develop a draft to present to the Board of Commissioners 🏛️ and your feedback is a key part of making sure it truly represents our community 💬
📝 The latest community survey is now available, and it’s your chance to share your ideas, concerns, and hopes for the future of Gates County.
👉 Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/4dkl0h3

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just recently put down roots, your voice matters 💙 Together, we can help shape a plan that keeps Gates County moving forward with purpose and direction.

05/27/2026

Big things are ahead!
We’re working on Strategic Planning for our community - but we can’t do it without your input! 💡
Your feedback helps shape the future, so take a few minutes to share your thoughts.
📝 Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/4dkl0h3
A few quick notes:
• We’re asking for one survey per resident
• Deadline to participate: June 15th ⏰
• Prefer paper? Hard copies are available at any county office (with easy instructions!)

Every voice matters, and yours is a big part of what makes this community great ❤️
Thanks for taking the time to help us plan for the future!