Montreat Minute – Nov. 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

Audit Approved and Sent to State

The Town’s 2023-2024 Audit was approved yesterday by the Audit Committee and immediately followed by the Town Council. It was then sent to the State in advance of the original deadline set by them. But due to the hurricane, the State Treasurer gave Western NC communities a liberal extension. Thanks to extraordinarily hard work by Town staff and our auditors, the extension was not needed.

The audit, AKA Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, indicated excellent growth and financial stability for the Town. Financial highlights include:

  • Net Position (Assets – Liabilities) increased by $424,942 (+5%) to $9,112,270
  • Total debt decreased $230,871, a decrease of 13%
  • The total Fund Balance (our savings account) increased by $280,806 to $2,214,104

For a copy of the Audit, CLICK HERE.

The Town Council is extremely grateful to Montreat’s Financial Officer, Rachel Eddings, and our Auditing Firm, Carter P.C., for their perseverance and commitment to meet the original state deadline.

 

Zoning Guidance Post Storm

Montreat Zoning Administrator, Kayla DiCristina, has prepared a short document to aid residents in understanding what zoning regulations are in place in regard to repairs and improvements as a result of Hurricane Helene. If you have repairs or rebuilding from the storm, you are urged to read the document and contact Kayla. For a copy of the document, CLICK HERE. Kayla can be reached at 828/669-8002 x 3.

 

Voting Location Changes

The voting location for Montreat precinct 36.1 has been changed for the general election next Tuesday, November 5th. Residents WILL NOT vote at First Baptist Church in Black Mountain. Instead, the new voting location is Ridgecrest Conference Center, 1 Ridgecrest Drive, Black Mountain. Voting hours are from 6:30am to 7:30pm. Early voting continues at the Black Mountain Library through tomorrow, Saturday, November 2nd until 3:00pm. Details about voting at Ridgecrest are:

    • Approach the security gate and let guard know you are there to vote

    • You will be directed to the first parking lot on the right

    • Signs will direct you to the voting location and poll greeters will direct you to the voting area, which is a three minute walk from the parking lot

    • The walk is on a pathway with a slight incline

    • Curbside voting will be available

 

Donations Still Being Accepted

We are very fortunate to have received more than $148,000 in donations for staff and restoration expenses. Donations are still being accepted to defray the cost of repairing the damage. FEMA typically does not approve all the projects we submit for reimbursement and, historically, the Town has been reimbursed only about 75% of the total cost of the approved projects. We are still awaiting FEMA payment from damage done in the 2018 Hurricane Alberto storm!

Thus, donations will help us stay strong financially. CLICK HERE for instructions regarding how to make online donations and gifts by check. Pass the link on to friends who love Montreat and want to see it rebuilt.

 

Did You Know?

Hotel workers and guests negotiating across Flat Creek after the 1916 flood

Flat Creek, running through the heart of Montreat, became a raging river during both the July 1916 and the September 2024 floods. “Will the dam hold?” was a question in the minds of many both times. In 1916 the earthen portion of the dam gave way early on Sunday morning, creating what Robert McClure described as a “raging current” between Calvin Auditorium (situated on what is now Moore Field) and the bookstore, just at the foot of the dam. Near Lookout Road it created a whirlpool before continuing on, damaging bridges so that they either disappeared or became impassable.

The Woman’s Conference was scheduled to begin that day, and some conferees had arrived the night before. As it so happened, all of the hotel cooks lived on the east side of Flat Creek and the dishwashers lived on the west side. Thus the guests in Hotel Montreat (located on the west side of the creek) ate improvised meals while those in the Alba Hotel (on the east side) washed their own dishes so they could dine. A log was soon felled across the creek, enabling employees to report for work. Shortly after, a sturdier foot bridge appeared.  In less than a week most utilities had been restored and the conference season continued.

In 2024, the entire dam held and operated exactly as it was designed to. But the raging creek so seriously overflowed its banks that asphalt roads and bridges were swept away. Well-pumping equipment and broken water lines were knocked out of service and the high winds brought down trees on power lines. More than one lineman remarked that they had never seen such a tangled mess. While this disaster occurred after the end of the conference season, Montreat had many more permanent residents and a more complex infrastructure than in 1916; recovery will take much longer.

A common thread was the sense of community and cooperation that permeated Montreat both times. People immediately donated funds to help with the cost of recovery. Residents in 1916 crafted ways to span the creek; in 2024 they grabbed their chain saws and opened up roads. Dr. Robert Anderson’s words to the 1916 General Assembly could also describe Montreat in 2024: “…the adverse conditions seemed to bring all closer together and added greatly to the spiritual power” that permeates this place.

Thanks to the Presbyterian Heritage Center, especially Nancy Midgette, for this glimpse from the past, and in this case, present. Stop by the PHC for additional Montreat history and so much more. Have an idea for a future “Did You Know?”? Let Nancy know at [email protected].

 

Updates and Other Reminders

    • If you have Hurricane Helene debris, please place it at the edge of your property. Please do not block the roadway!

    • Bulk Pickup, originally scheduled for October 29th, has been postponed until early December, date to be announced. At that time, we will pick up items ruined in the hurricane as well as usual bulk pickup items.

    • Due to hurricane damage, MRA has closed all trails and recreational facilities for the time being.

    • MRA has cancelled all groups and activities at the conference center through the end of the year. However, the annual College Conference will be held as planned. For more about MRA and hurricane related information, visit their website by CLICKING HERE.

    • Like other retail establishments, our Post Office took a hit being closed after the storm. You can help them get back on their feet by buying stamps. Jordan and Nova have a variety of stamps, including multiple choices of Christmas and holiday stamps. Support our Montreat Post Office—buy your stamps there.

    • Do you receive your own copy of the Montreat Minute or know someone who doesn’t? Sign up for the Sunshine List to receive the Montreat Minute and stay “in the know” about the Town’s happenings. CLICK HERE to sign up for the list!

    • Do you receive Montreat Code Red alerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane? If not and you would like to be added to the list, email [email protected] and provide your name and phone number to be called in the event of an emergency.

Questions or Comments?

Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angela Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great weekend and take time to enjoy the fall colors!