Hey Statesville. We need to talk! We need to talk about parks … and recreation programs … and facilities … and greenways. We’re still working on a new Comprehensive Recreation and Parks Master Plan for Statesville - we call it “Route 2 Recreation” or “R2” - and it desperately needs your input. We want to get together with you … outside … wearing masks and social distancing …and tell you about this project. But mainly, we want to hear your thoughts and dreams about our Recreation and Parks Department. Keep reading to see where we will be gathering …

Statesville is not hosting its annual July Fourth Fireworks Celebration this year due to COVID-19 concerns. If you’re thinking about putting on your show, here’s what you need to know before you purchase legal fireworks from a reputable fireworks dealer: The only fireworks that are legal in North Carolina are sparklers, fountains, and novelty fireworks items that do not explode or are not intended to spin or to leave the ground and fly through the air. These include snake and glow worms, smoke devices consisting of a tube or sphere that produce white or colored smoke, trick noisemakers, including party poppers, string poppers and snappers and wire sparklers. You must be 18 to purchase fireworks in North Carolina and it is illegal for children under the age of 16 to possess fireworks. That’s why the Statesville Fire Marshall’s office stresses that fireworks should only be used under close adult supervision. Thousands of people of are injured each year due to fireworks-related incidents. If you choose to buy and use legal fireworks, follow these safety tips:

City of Statesville offices will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. There will be no garbage collection on July 3rd. The revised schedule for garbage collection is: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday routes will operate on a regular schedule. Thursday and Friday routes will be collected on Thursday. The Leisure Pool will be open July 4th with swim sessions from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 3 - 6 p.m. The Splash Pad at the Bentley Community Center will also be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Based on the guidance that we have been given by state officials, beginning at 5 p.m. on June 26, the City of Statesville is requiring that masks be worn on City property when it is not possible to maintain a six-foot distance with someone. The same guidelines and exceptions issued in Executive Order 147 apply inside all city buildings and outside on city property. Individuals conducting business inside city offices will be expected to wear a mask and one will be provided when possible. Masks are not required when in the water at the Statesville Leisure Pool or using a water feature at the Statesville Splash Pad. Otherwise, masks will be required at these facilities if social distancing cannot be maintained.

The Bloom is back! The Statesville Bloom is part of Iredell County’s public transportation system (ICATS) and runs a fixed route in Statesville, Monday through Friday. The route, along with other fixed routes, have been suspended since March 18 due to COVID-19 but will resume service effective June 22. Schedules are subject to change based on passenger demand and passengers are requested to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, including safe distancing and the use of masks.

By the end of the summer, the City of Statesville will have its first ever housing inventory completed. This record of nearly 10,000 houses will be used by the Planning Department in future decision-making and as an aid in developing priorities for housing-related issues. The inventory is being conducted by Planning Department staff with the help of Recreation and Parks staff, and involves driving by every residential structure within the city limits. The City’s IT staff developed a special software program that allows the inspectors to instantly record the condition of each house, noting whether it is in compliance with the City’s minimum housing code or whether it appears to need repairs or may be abandoned. The report will also list the owner of the property, any reported liens or back taxes, and background on prior maintenance issues.

Statesville City Manager Ron Smith has announced that Deputy Fire Chief Andy Weatherman has been named the new Fire Chief of the Statesville Fire Department. Weatherman, 52, has been with the department for 26 years, rising from firefighter to chief. He has served as interim Chief for the past six months following the resignation of Chief Spencer Lee in December.

The Statesville Regional Airport will hold a public meeting on June 18 - both virtually and in person - to allow the public to ask questions and provide comments on the environmental impacts of the runway improvement project. For more information on this project and the public meetings, please continue reading.

N.C. Governor Cooper has extended the moratorium on utility shutoffs until July 31, 2020. Executive Order 142 was issued over the weekend and is effective immediately. It prohibits utility disconnections for all residential customers and the billing or collection of late fees, penalties and other charges for failure to pay. Also, once the executive order ends, utilities must give customers the chance to set up a repayment plan for charges that became due during the effective period of the order, and sets the default term to six months for cases when the utility and customer cannot agree on the terms of a repayment plan. it explicitly states that customers are ultimately responsible for the cost of the utilities that they use.

The Statesville Leisure Pool will open Friday, June 5th. It’s going to be different in order to follow the COVID-19 guidelines – so please read the following to prepare for your fun time of splashing at the pool! Admission will be $5 for each swimming session. You will receive a wristband to wear during your swim session. You are encouraged to purchase the wristbands ahead of time. The Splash Pad at Bentley Community Center will also open on June 5th with limited hours and occupancy. Please click on Read Article for more information.

Statesville has announced its reopening plan that correlates with Phase 2 of Governor Cooper’s modification of the state’s Stay At Home order. Major changes include the re-opening of City Hall to the public, the planned opening of the Statesville Leisure Pool and Splash Pad on June 5, 2020 and the operation of a day camp by the Recreation & Parks Department. More information on the pool and splash pad openings and summer camp schedule will be released before June 5. The customer services offices will remain closed. Utility payments will continue to be taken at the drive thru lanes at 301 S. Center St. Playground equipment will remain closed, but groups up to 25 may reserve outdoor shelters in the City parks. Phase 2 will commence on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

The City of Statesville has released its 2019 Water Quality Report and results show the City's drinking water meets or exceeds every health standard developed by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Statesville’s Water Quality Report is prepared by the City's Water Resources Department to meet the EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR). It details drinking water sources, the testing methodology, the substances detected in the water and the levels of those substances.

Statesville has announced its reopening plan that correlates with Phase 1 of Governor Cooper’s modification of the state’s Stay At Home order. Limited public access to city facilities will be allowed by appointment. Utility collection will continue to be taken by drive thru lanes. Bathrooms in the parks will be open, but playgrounds will remain closed. Public meetings will continue to limit public admittance. More information on Phase 1 can be viewed by clicking on Read Article. Phase 1 plans will commence on Monday, May 11.

The 128-year old City Hall building is getting a May makeover that includes cleaning the exterior surfaces, painting and caulking the windows, and painting other areas on the outside of the building. Custom Coatings of Hickory is performing the work at a cost of $17,600. Much care is being used in cleaning the building’s exterior because of its age. Also, the building and the cleaning solutions being used are environmentally friendly. Pedestrians are advised to use caution when walking in the area around City Hall, 227 S. Center St.

Congratulations to the Statesville Electric Utilities Department for earning a top national award for operational excellence. The Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) Award is given by the American Public Power Association to recognize reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement. Not only did Statesville receive this honor - they earned the top tier designation – diamond.

Statesville City Manager presented his proposed budget Monday night. It keeps the tax rate the same at $0.5478. Although there has been growth in the City’s property valuation, the impact of COVID-19 is taking its toll on the numbers. There is no electric rate and there is a 3% increase in water rates and 3.5% increase in sewer rates. Click on Read Article below to read the entire budget and review the proposed budget document.

It's business as usual in the Sanitation Division. Due to the increased amount of spring yard work coupled with all the debris left from recent storms, yard waste crews have more work than usual. Crews are working hard to catch up; hopefully we'll be back on schedule after next week. Here's a complete update on Sanitation services.

Don't forget to complete your census form. Health Clinics. Schools. Fire Departments. Streets and Highways. The census results help determine what services and programs are needed in Statesville. Complete the form now - continue reading and click on the link to complete the form.

To help ensure residents can stay in their homes and slow the spread of the coronavirus, Statesville has made some changes to its residential utilities payment policy. Here is a summary of the modifications for Residential Utilities Customers in effect for the next 60 days: (1) The $2.75 convenience fee charged by credit card companies is being credited back to the customer’s account. (2) The City will not disconnect a customer’s water, sewer or electric service for nonpayment. (3) Late fees and interest for nonpayments are being waived.

Please stay at home and pay your utility bill online or by phone. The City will credit the $2.75 convenience fee (charged by the credit card company) back to your account. You can pay online at utilities.statesvillenc.net or call 704-878-3564 and follow the instructions. Be sure to have your account number with you. Please continue reading.

The Stay-At-Home Order is in effect statewide. You should only be out if you are traveling to and from work, picking up essential food and medical supplies/assistance. Practice social distancing at all times, keeping a minimum of six feet away from others. Getting out and exercising is encouraged, but you should keep six feet away from others. Violating the stay-at-home order is a class two misdemeanor, which means a maximum of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Please read the complete order so you will know how it impacts you.

Monday brought news from the Governor that K-12 public schools will be closed through May 15 statewide. There are currently 8 presumptive positive cases in Iredell County. Check here for information!

Please help us stop the spread of COVD-19 and COVD-19 rumors! The City is following the directives issued by the N.C. Governor. We ask that you do too! If you have concerns or questions about closings or safety, please email info@statesvillenc.net or call 704-878-3586. (The video about the City closing grocery stores and gas stations is false.)

Statesville has declared a State of Emergency for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Effective immediately, the City of Statesville will not disconnect any customer’s service for non-payment, in order to give customers experiencing financial hardship extra time to make payments. The City will continue to read meters and send bills. We encourage customers to pay what they can to avoid building up a large balance that will be harder to pay off later. Also, effective immediately, the City is limiting walk-in access to the City Office Building, including the Customer Services area. (Collections Office) Customers who have traditionally paid in person should use other options for their own safety and convenience. Continue reading for additional information

Census 2020 information is coming to your house soon! Please take time to complete the Census Form. You can fill it out online, by phone or mail. But please fill it out! The census will determine funding for housing programs, schools, hospitals, economic development and much more in our community.

The Statesville Recreation and Parks Department is on the route to big things! And we're off to a great start! We're developing a comprehensive plan for the future of our parks, facilities and programs and we need your help. The next community conversation on Tuesday, March 24 at the Bentley Community Center - has been postponed. Click below to learn more!

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

As of January 2020, Statesville residents and other Benfield Sanitation Services customers (including Mooresville and Troutman) have been instructed to no longer put glass in their recycling bins. Also, Benfield has begun charging municipalities $20 per ton of recycling, whether or not there is glass in the materials. This will cost Statesville $12,000-$13,000 per year. Removing glass from the recycling materials should lower the weight and lower costs. Continue reading for more information on how to recycle right!

Statesville considers itself a dog-friendly community and asks pet owners to help it keep that reputation by obeying the City's leash laws in city parks and greenways

Statesville Electric Utilities has a great rebate program for residential customers who purchase new heat pump systems and/or electric water heaters. The Baileys recently took advantage of the program and got a $400 rebate from the City after installing a new heating and air conditioning unit.