Drexel Aldermen appoint new board member, recognize Allen Reed

Surrounded by family and community members, new board member Victoria Taylor took her oath of office in the newly renovated Cranford Banquet Room.

Taylor, who was the runner-up in the November 2025 municipal election, was the only person to apply for the role that was vacated in early December. Former Alderman Allen Reed resigned, leaving the spot open for someone to serve out the rest of the term until 2027.

In instances where there are resignations, the Drexel Board of Aldermen appoints members of a committee to carry out the interview process. On the committee were community members Bill Poteat and Beth King, accompanied by board members Jennifer Yount and David Harmon.

Mayor Dennis Anthony said he received some negative feedback on social media regarding the process, with some community members asking that the selection process be changed so the runner-up in an election is chosen by default.

Anthony said that method caused conflict on the board in the past, so former Mayor Danny Ritchie created the committee process.

“That’s why we do that guys, because it’s a process we have, and we want to honor that process,” Anthony said. “Because, as long as I’m here, we’re not going to have any conflict. I’m not going to allow unnecessary conflict on the board.”

Poteat spoke on behalf of the committee, sharing insight into the interview with Taylor.

“We found the candidate who did put herself forward — Victoria Taylor — to be young, energetic, intelligent, and articulate. In short, everything we could ask for in a new member of our board of aldermen,” Poteat said.

Taylor was sworn in by Town Clerk Kristen Powell and was accompanied by her grandfather Ray Workman.

The board also passed a resolution recognizing former Alderman Allen Reed for his service to the town. Reed resigned in early December, citing ongoing health issues, but his wife Lori Reed and daughter Allison Reed were there to accept the recognition, read by Anthony.

“During his tenure, Alderman Reed demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, civic responsibility, and the welfare of the community,” Anthony said. “Alderman Reed contributed valuable leadership, thoughtful decision making, and respectful collaboration in addressing matters affecting the safety and quality of life in the Town of Drexel.”

Reed was elected in 2023 for his latest term but also served on the board once before with Mayor Ritchie, who stepped down after the passing of his wife.

The agenda was loaded with a variety of other topics, including the possibility of speed bumps on Westwood Drive, the industrial site, R.O. Huffman signage, and economic development.

WESTWOOD DRIVE SPEED BUMPS

After multiple complaints about speeding from one resident on Westwood Drive, Town Manager Bill Carroll brought a speed bump policy discussion to the board in early September. That prompted a resident survey to gauge support for the addition of speed bumps.

However, the town is still missing responses from 15 homeowners along Westwood Drive. Of those that responded, 33% were against speed bumps and 67% were in favor. However, based on guidance from the City of Belmont’s speed bump policy, presented by Carroll, the responses in support of the speed bumps didn’t meet the 75% threshold.

The board directed Carroll to have the police department visit the remaining 15 houses to gather their input before making any decisions.

INDUSTRIAL SITE

Over at the Drexel industrial site, contractors are close to completing grading, and the fencing around the property has been removed to allow potential clients to view the property. According to Carroll, the completion of the work is running slightly behind because Duke Energy still has to remove utility poles from an easement across the property.

An emergency access ramp has been established on the back side of the property off Butler Hill Road, which can be used if needed, Carroll said. He added that contractors Clary Hood have been prompt in responses to questions, and they have been working diligently.

COMMUNITY CENTER SIGNAGE

Now that the R.O. Huffman Center has been revamped, with a fresh banquet hall and new bathrooms, the board has been discussing new signage for the front of the building to attract more people.

Originally, board member David Harmon, who is an architect, designed a sign for the community center before he was elected. The board decided that the design was more complex than what they felt the town needed, so Harmon offered to go back to the drawing board and reduce the size of the signage for free for the town.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Leaders from VEDIC, which stands for Valdese Economic Development Investment Corporation, gave an in-depth presentation to the board of aldermen, explaining the ways the organization supports small businesses in Burke County and beyond.

Executive Director Kerri Poteat explained the program in a simple fashion.

“We help when banks won’t with small business needs, primarily funding of loans,” she said, adding that many times those funds go toward startup costs, working capital, equipment purchases, real estate, and debt refinancing.

The organization worked serving Valdese for many years, but has since expanded, helping small businesses get on their feet in several surrounding counties as well. Since its creation, VEDIC has provided more than $10 million in loans to small businesses and helped create more than 1,135 jobs, with over 800 of those jobs being in Burke County.

BUDGET UPDATE

Carroll provided a mid-financial year budget snapshot for the board of aldermen, as well as community members in attendance. In the General Fund, the town’s revenue is $1.2 million. Expenses are $1.1 million, which is about $114,000 over budget due to upfront costs for insurance and work at the community center.

In the Electric Fund, revenue is at $1.1 million and expenses are at $1.1 million. In the Water and Sewer Fund, total revenue is at $447,000 and expenses are at $346,000. Carroll said that some of the capital budget has not been spent yet for water line replacements, adding that the town has been setting aside money for future projects to aid aging infrastructure.

Overall, Carroll said the budget is stable with slight positive variances in most areas.