January 22, 2025

 In early 2022, Lincoln County and Catawba County determined that there were discrepancies of the location of the boundary line between the two counties. This conversation was precipitated by issues with voter locations in State and county mapping. Over time, the boundary line between Catawba and Lincoln gradually shifted, causing inconsistencies with the boundary’s actual location and issues related to the provision of services.

State law provides that if two counties are uncertain as to the location of the boundaries then they may request the services of North Carolina Geodetic Survey to determine that boundary. North Carolina Geodetic Survey (NCGS), which is part of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Management division, is the state agency responsible for identifying accurate boundary lines in accordance with state law. In June 2022, both counties requested the assistance of NCGS. 

Both counties received the official survey on February 2, 2024, and the survey provided the line from the 1842 establishment of Catawba County, when it was split from Lincoln County. Following the receipt of the survey from NCGS, the counties had one (1) year to adopt that line or law provides that it will become conclusive following that one (1) year time frame. It has always been known that the original line was a straight line that was different than the common taxing boundary recognized by both counties, and it was obvious that this would result in the shifting of properties between counties. However, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners was not prepared for the overall loss of citizens who truly desired to call Lincoln County their home, and the impact that it will have on those individuals.
 

Following a receipt of concerns from citizens who were directly impacted, both counties agreed to consider an alternative solution to try and have the least impact on its citizens by proposing local legislation through a joint resolution to essentially keep the line as it is currently established for tax purposes. Ultimately, no consensus was established resulting in both Boards of Commissioners reaching an impasse and the decision to not move forward with a joint resolution of any kind. The failure of both Boards to adopt the line determined by NCGS will result in the line becoming conclusive and final on February 2, 2025. Both counties have worked tirelessly to ensure that this will have no substantial impact on the services provided to our citizens. 

Lincoln County Chairman Jamie Lineberger stated “We fought hard and we really tried to do what we could to help our citizens. We found past legislation through the assistance of Representative Heather Rhyne that supported our overall intent, and we found a path forward to resolve this issue. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a resolution with Catawba County to move forward on that path.”