Councilman Harvey will not run for reelection or mayor

Cinco de Mayo, Valdese.

The May 5 Valdese Town Council Meeting begins a council month leading to the June 2 budget adoption for the new fiscal year starting July 1. For the second year in a row, Valdese property tax bills will be the same 20% cut from the 2023 tax rate that was the highest of any Burke County municipality, including Morganton’s.

On May 5, Valdese residents will meet their new Town Manager, Todd Herms, the most qualified from among nearly 150 applications. Mr. Herms, along with Bo Weichel who, after eight months of a “trial by fire,” has proven himself as a competent Assistant Town Manager and Chief Financial Officer, results in an unparalleled management team.

A further cause for celebration is that the fiscal year closing on June 30 will give Valdese its largest General Fund reserves if the promised $500k grant and a capital fund drive come through to support a return of year-round swimming. The town’s annually updated, engineering and financially based, 10-year utilities plan ensures the continuous improvement and viability of our water and wastewater operations. A new capital planning capability will provide the best possible long-range planning for future major funding needs.

In short, the Valdese that residents proudly proclaim as the “best small town in North Carolina” may also be one of the most financially stable and prepared for future challenges. Most citizens will know that this was achieved through the din of public outcry by a tiny but vocal number of “wants-driven” residents and nonresidents. Further, what other town of comparable size provides an athletic facility for local high school swim teams and shares town-funded services with residents from across three counties? Valdese’s 3,000-acre regional park is an economic benefit to our town and our nearest neighboring town, as is Valdese’s tax-free and public safety support of a hospital and assisted-living facility within that town.

It is now up to all Valdese citizens to sustain and build on this base. Who can forget that just two years ago, Valdese taxpayers were facing a crushing $7.3 million new long-term debt for a facility whose estimated cost had ballooned to $9.2 million, with no end in sight, on top of 2023’s 67% average tax hike?

Can you commit four years to file for election for one of the four council seats on the November ballot? Few people can. This octogenarian’s name will not be on the November 2025 ballot. Who will be? Suggestion — look for their names in the town council minutes since 2023. Did they vote or advocate for higher taxes? Did their comments indicate a sound understanding of finances and the value of hard-earned tax dollars; were they “wants” driven or needs-driven?

Valdese’s future rides on the outcome of the November 2025 election. Please remember that the universal obligation of all citizens is not only to vote, but also to be an informed voter.

GLENN HARVEY

Town of Valdese

Ward 1 Councilman