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Despite impassioned pleas from several members including Carole Howell, president of the group, the Lincoln County Historical Association did not get the $41,000 for which they had asked.  

Apparently, the request that was submitted as one of several from local non-profits seeking County funding in the fiscal 2025 year, initially contained incorrect information about the assets of the organization.  An amended version didn't change an informal decision by County Commissioners denying the LCHA request.

A dozen or more citizens showed up at Monday night's Public Hearing on the County Budget proposal, hoping to persuade Commissioners to change their minds.

Commission chair Cathy Davis, who also didn't participate in the discussion of the LCHA request at a budget planning meeting, handed the gavel over to vice-chair Bud Cesena, saying that since she serves as director of another non-profit, the Lincoln Cultural Center, she felt it inappropriate for her to weigh in on the LCHA request.  

Cesena gave those who wanted to speak during the public hearing their opportunity to express the request; then called for a vote and Commissioners approved the budget as presented--without funding for the LCHA--by a 3-1 vote,  

Commissioner Carrol Mitchem offered an amendment to the resolution: allocating $20,000 instead of the requested $41000, but his motion failed.  

 

For anyone not familiar, the LCHA operates the Lincoln County History Museum, located on the first floor of the Cultural Center at 403 E. Main Street in Lincolnton.  The one room entity has been open to the public only part of the day three days each week and by appointment, but a part-time operator has recently been hired and they are hoping to increase those hours.  

The LCHA acquired (by donation) a  historic home at the intersection of West Main & North Government streets in Lincolnton and is in the process of developing that facility.  

Among the events sponsored by the LCHA is the Battle of Ramsour's Mill observance--scheduled this year for the weekend of June 22nd & 23rd.  

If you are interested in Lincoln County history, membership in the LCHA is available for as little as $20 for an individual, $35 for a family membership.  For more information, visit their Facebook page or find them online at lincolntountyhistory.com.

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