Board of Commissioners

Overview

Gaston County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners (BOC) representing six townships. Commissioners are elected on a countywide or "at-large" partisan basis to four-year staggered terms but must reside in their respective Township. The Gastonia Township is represented by two Commissioners. In December of each year, the Board elects a Chairman and Vice-Chairman to serve for the upcoming year. 

The Board is charged with providing policy direction for the administration of county government and providing for the efficient operation of government services. The Board has established its Priorities as job creation and economic development, education, healthy communities, public safety, and quality of life, and strives to incorporate these priorities as guidelines for future policy decisions. The major duties of the Board of Commissioners include assessing and assigning priorities to the needs of the County, adopting an annual balanced budget, establishing the annual property tax rate, maintaining a responsible fiscal policy, and enacting local ordinances. Commissioners are also responsible for appointing volunteers to serve on various advisory boards and commissions.

Goals & Objectives

To provide residents and others effective and efficient services:

• Develop and fund an ongoing Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and a Facilities Master Plan (FMP) to assure prompt and effective maintenance, operation, and asset management of Gaston County infrastructure. The CIP and FMP will be updated annually.
• Evaluate and secure where appropriate additional sources of revenue, including but not limited to user fees, impact fees, intergovernmental transfers, and public-private partnerships in an effort to reduce reliance on the property tax.
• Maintain a responsible fiscal policy.
• Attract and maintain the quality of personnel working for Gaston County through staff development.
• Evaluate the appropriateness and desirability of providing alternative means of services, including but not limited to "outsourcing," "insourcing," and sharing resources with other units of government and others.
• Encourage continuous, open, and positive communication among County Commissioners, County Staff, and citizens.
• Develop and implement productivity measures for services provided by Gaston County, recognizing the interrelated character of many services.
• Update the Mission, Goals, and Objectives of Gaston County bi-annually at the beginning of odd-numbered years.

To provide a safe, secure and healthy community:

• Cooperate with all municipalities in Gaston County. Enforce laws concerning land use and waste disposal. Land-use decisions should reflect the integrity of neighborhoods as desirable places to live while recognizing the need for change. Adopt a Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
• Continue to support public health, public safety, and social services.

To provide an environment for economic growth:

• Evaluate incentives for economic growth. Plan and implement the extension of water and sewer services consistent with a Comprehensive Land Use Plan that encourages growth in the desired pattern. Assist the Gaston County School Board and Gaston College to provide quality education. Maintain good communication with the State of North Carolina relative to the development of streets and roads; establish appropriate standards for streets and roads; and continue active participation in the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Rural Planning Organization (RPO). Evaluate and revise as necessary land use, environmental, and other regulations, recognizing the importance of regulatory enforcement. Promote tourism.
• Develop and implement a five-year Transportation Improvement Plan, to be updated annually.

To promote a favorable quality of life:

• Support development of cultural resources, including but not limited to museums, libraries, and historic resources. Encourage the development of a mixture of housing patterns, including affordable housing and senior citizen housing throughout Gaston County. Be responsible stewards of natural resources, including the adoption of soil erosion and sedimentation, stormwater management, and stream buffer regulations. Seek region-wide solutions to problems that are regional in character, including environmental protection and transportation. Continue to develop and encourage joint uses of assets among schools, parks, and municipal agencies within Gaston County.
• Develop and implement policies to protect open space and agricultural land use.
• Develop and implement policies to support the constructive participation of senior citizens, youth, and minorities in the life of Gaston County.

Mission

Providing excellent public service every day.

Vision

Gaston County Government will be a model of excellence in public service leadership, innovation, collaboration, and inclusion, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, preserving natural resources, and providing recreational, cultural, and economic opportunities that lead to global success and set the stage for future generations.

Core Values

Core Values represent the fundamental beliefs or guiding principles of the organization. Core Values describe what is important, and can help people make good decisions and take clear action.

We Value People

Compassion, Inclusivity, & Respect for All
We interact with every individual in a caring and respectful manner. We uphold the dignity of every person. We listen to every voice in the community and respond with empathy.

We Value County Employees

Equity, Staff Development, & Well-Being
We acknowledge the unique talents of each employee, their career goals, and the importance of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Each person's knowledge, expertise, and background experiences enhance the county's performance. We support the equitable treatment of every team member and every team.

We Value Relationships

Integrity, Transparency, & Trust

We fulfill our commitments. There is consistency between what we say and what we do. Transparency builds trust, creating opportunities for open discussion, sound decisions, meaningful outcomes, and reliable relationships. We are accountable for our words and actions.

We Value Quality & Creativity

Innovation & Continuous Improvement
We leverage insight, best practices, and technology to increase the efficiency of our operations and the quality of our services. Data and dialogue inform our decisions. We design and implement our work processes to achieve superior and transformational results. We know that good ideas can come from anywhere in the organization. We strive for progress over perfection, and whether a new idea falls short or succeeds, we move forward.

We Value Our Resources & Resiliency

Stewardship & Sustainability
We understand that long-term financial stability is vital to the county's resilience and success. Our residents and visitors rely on us to be caretakers of the county's natural, material, and financial assets. We employ effective and efficient means to produce excellent results.

Commission meetings held at the Courthouse are live-streamed and televised live on Spectrum Channel 16 and AT&T Uverse Channel 99.

Special Meetings may be called with at least 48 hours' notice prior to the meeting.

A public comment period for citizens wishing to address the Board is provided at both meetings. Citizens wishing to address the Board will sign up to speak at the meeting. Please see Rules for Public Comment.

Gaston County strives to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access its programs, services, and activities. If you will require assistance to participate in a meeting of the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, we request that you contact the Clerk to the Board at least 5 business days before the event.