Rowan Review - September 2026

The autumn leaves are beginning to turn, and the sun is setting earlier on in the day. This is one of the most beautiful seasons in Rowan County. We look forward to leisurely drives down by Cave Run, campfires, festivals with friends and family, and enjoying nature’s abundant beauty.

BUSY AS BEES

Fall is also one of the absolute busiest times for the county. Today, we’re a quarter of the way through our budget year. That first quarter of the year is typically spent getting plans set into motion on the initiatives that have been provided for in the July 1 budget. By this time of year, construction and road resurfacing funds from various state allocations and funding requests have become available, and it becomes a race to complete as much work as possible before cold weather arrives and the asphalt plants close for the season. It’s a long way to go and a short time to get there, to be sure.

In a county of 25,000 citizens, a very small number of people are tasked every day to make a very large impact. Just 17 employees work across 286 square miles, more than 700 named roads, and approximately 350 miles of county-maintained roadway.

Resources and manpower are limited, but the needs don’t seem to be. Nevertheless, this group comes out and performs for us year after year to improve these roads as best we can with the money that we have available. Let’s all give them a big thank you, because this work doesn’t get done without them.

We are currently approaching the halfway point in this year’s resurfacing work. Delays are always possible, particularly this time of year, but so far the weather has generally been on our side.

Elsewhere, the construction of the bridge on Rock Fork is well underway with both of the abutments poured and backfilled. We expect to see that project completed in the next 30 days.

Last but not least, our Facilities Department has begun construction on the North Pavilion at the Harry T. Clark Community Park. This will be located directly between the new basketball courts and playground and is designed to provide shade and shelter for parents and families utilizing the sports complex.

We’re also going to finish up two additional pickleball courts to complete that complex and install another set of concrete cornhole boards near the dog park.

Come springtime, we will have completed all of those improvements and will then transition into amphitheater construction. There are many exciting developments across Rowan County, and it surely bodes well for a wonderful 2027.

We would also like to remind you that Rowan County’s Free Disposal Day at the landfill is this Saturday from 8:00 AM until noon.

RECOVERY MONTH

At the beginning of the month, we gathered together in the Fiscal Court room to proclaim September as Recovery Month in Rowan County.

It was an opportunity not only to recognize those who have worked hard to overcome addiction, but also to recognize their families, friends, counselors, treatment providers, recovery organizations, and countless others who have stood beside them along the way.

Recovery is not something that happens in isolation. It takes courage from the individual, but it also takes a community willing to provide support, opportunity, accountability, and hope.

We celebrate the victories of the men and women who are living in recovery today, and we renew our commitment to those who are still fighting their way toward it. Every success represents a life changed, a family strengthened, and another reason to believe that recovery is possible.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Tomorrow, we will join representatives of DOVES of Gateway in signing a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Rowan County.

Domestic violence affects families and communities in ways that are not always visible from the outside. This proclamation gives us an opportunity to recognize survivors, remember those whose lives have been lost in our community, and thank the advocates and organizations that provide assistance to individuals and families experiencing abuse.

During October, we encourage everyone to learn more about the warning signs of domestic violence, the resources available to victims, and the ways each of us can help create a safer and more supportive community. Follow DOVES of Gateway to learn about opportunities to get involved this month.

 TAX RATES SET

Tax rates for the coming year have now been considered by Rowan County’s local taxing districts.

One important thing to remember is that these rates are not all established by the Rowan County Fiscal Court. The Fiscal Court sets the county government’s tax rates, while the Rowan County Public Library, Rowan County Health Department, and Rowan County Board of Education each have their own governing boards responsible for setting the rates for their respective districts.

For the rates that have been adopted, there were no increases over last year. The Fiscal Court’s real property tax rate actually decreased by one-tenth of one cent, from 6.5 cents to 6.4 cents per $100 of assessed value.

They are as follows:

FISCAL COURT

Rowan County Fiscal Court 2027 Motor Vehicle and Watercraft Tax Rates:

Motor Vehicle: 8.0 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Watercraft: 8:0 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Rowan County Fiscal Court 2026 Real and Personal Property Tax Rates:

Real Property: 6.4 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (.1 Cent Decrease)

Personal Property: 7.1 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

 PUBLIC LIBRARY

Rowan County Public Library 2026 Real and Personal Property Tax Rates:

Real Property: 8.9 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Personal Property: 11.11 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Rowan County Public Library 2027 Motor Vehicle and Watercraft Tax Rates:

Motor Vehicle: 3.5 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Watercraft: 3.5 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

 HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Rowan County Health Dept. 2026 Real Property & Personal Property Tax Rates:

Real Property: 4.5 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Personal Property: 4.5 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Rowan County Health Dept. 2027 Motor Vehicle & Watercraft Tax Rates:

Motor Vehicle: 3.5 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Watercraft: 3.5 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Rowan County Board of Education. 2026 & 2027 Tax Rates:

Real Property: 53.2 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Personal Property: 53.8 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Motor Vehicle: 49.0 Cents per $100 of Assessed Value (No Change)

Utility: 3% (No Change)

The coming months will bring plenty more work, but also plenty to look forward to. In the meantime, enjoy the cooler weather, take in the changing leaves, support a local event or business, and take a little time to appreciate just how special this place is.

As always, thank you for reading, and thank you for being a part of Rowan County.