For those interested in becoming more involved in their local community, Rowan County may have the solution.

Currently, there are 36 vacancies on local advisory boards across the county. These boards advise county government and local agencies on a variety of topics.

Therein, there’s something for everyone. Schedules for local boards vary and are open to the public. To learn more about these schedules and locations, visit rowancountync.gov to contact current board members.

Current openings include:

• Adult Care Home Advisory Committee: 10 vacancies at large

Members of this committee work to advocate for the rights of citizens residing in adult care homes in Rowan County. Those appointed this committee serve initial terms of one year. Reappointments are for two or three years at the discretion of county commissioners.

• City of Salisbury Zoning – ETJ: 1 vacancy at large, 2 alternate vacancies
• Town of Spencer Planning and Zoning – ETJ: 1 alternate vacancy

An extra territorial jurisdiction is defined as an area that extends no more than one mile outside of the town limits in the town adopted planning authority. It acts as a buffer and transition between outside uses of land and those found in zoning districts within the town’s municipal limits.

Zoning boards ensure properties meet the guidelines for development and land use set by Rowan County. Board members have the authority to recommend case-by-case adjustments or variances to town or city councils.

• Historic Landmarks Commission: 3 vacancies at large

This commission works to enhance the environmental and aesthetic quality of neighborhoods and rural areas of the county. It also works to strengthen the economic base by stimulating the tourist industry, and to establish and improve property values by generating an improved appearance in older, transitional areas. Members on this commission serve three-year terms.

• Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee: 1 vacancy, to be appointed by the Region F Advisory Committee

This committee provides funding allocation recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and the Centralina Area Agency on Aging based on its understanding of current needs for services in the county. Moreover, it monitors the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery for service providers receiving this grant funding and recommends budget adjustments to the Board of Commissioners.

• Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Finance Authority: 3 vacancies at large

Members of this authority work to issue bonds for industrial projects in Rowan County. They serve six-year terms.

• Jury Commission: 1 vacancy to be appointed by the clerk of the superior court

This commission prepares an annual list of prospective jurors. Members may serve unlimited two-year terms, and the current vacancy must be appointed by the clerk of the superior court

• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council: 3 vacancies

Members of this council advise the commissioners as they development a comprehensive interagency plan to reduce juvenile delinquency and substance abuse. They coordinate efforts among state agencies providing services and supervision to juveniles who are at risk of delinquency and to juveniles who have been adjudicated of delinquent and undisciplined behavior. Members serve two-year terms, and the council is currently seeking a substance abuse professional, a member under the age of 18, and one additional member of the general public.

• Nursing Home Advisory Committee: 6 vacancies at large

This committee serves residents of long-term care facilities. It has legislative authority to monitor the resident’s bill of rights; promote community involvement in care homes; provide public education on long-term care issues; and assist residents in grievance resolution. All members serve three-year terms, and must be willing to attend training sessions. Members must also be able to effectively communicate with care home residents and facility staff.

• Region F Aging Advisory Committee: 1 vacancy at large

Members of this committee advise Area Agency on Aging Staff, Rowan County Senior Services and the Board of the Centralina Council of Governments on developing and administering the Region F Area Plan. They assess the needs of older persons and make recommendations for the allocation of resources among subcontractors in Region F. Members serve two-year terms.

• Board of Public Health: 3 vacancies at large

This board provides and encourages the provision of quality public health programs that protect and promote health; prevent and control disease; reduce and rehabilitate disability; and establish and a maintain healthful lifestyle and a safe environment. Members serve three-year terms, and the board is currently seeking a pharmacist, a veterinarian and a dentist.

• Parks and Recreation Commission: 2 vacancies at large

Members of this commission provide, maintain, operate and supervise the public parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation centers and other recreation facilities owned or controlled by Rowan County, or leased or loaned to the Rowan County Parks and Recreation Commission. They serve three-year terms.

Applications for advisory boards are located on the rowancountync.gov website. Submitted applications are considered by the Board of Commissioners during the first meeting in the month. Applications are taken by the Clerk to the Board and must be received by 5 p.m. the second Friday prior to the meeting. Contact the clerk at 704-216-8180 with any questions.