![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alexandercountync.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Josh-Mitchell-scaled-e1761079322670.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/a>Public Works & Facilities Director Josh Mitchell is pictured at the construction site of the new Bethlehem water tank.Public Works Administration: Leading the charge
At the helm is Director Josh Mitchell, Assistant Director Michael Bare, and Administrative Assistant Cheryl Ziegler. Together, they manage all four divisions and ensure the department works hand-in-hand with other departments. Mitchell also serves as the county liaison with the City of Hickory and the Town of Taylorsville, which provide water and sewer service in Alexander County.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re only as good as the people you work with,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cWithout our dedicated staff, we could never function this well. We\u2019re like family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ziegler keeps the department running smoothly, handling everything from billing and utility tracking to purchasing office supplies for county employees. Bare\u2019s role focuses on the garage and solid waste facility.<\/p>\n
Mitchell also coordinates major county projects, which currently include the EMS Station #1 addition, ARPA water line project, Bowman Court sewer project, Bethlehem water tank, Three Forks Church Road water project, Bethlehem booster station, and upcoming renovations for EMS Station #2 in Bethlehem.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited about these projects because they\u2019re concrete examples of how our county continues to move forward,\u201d Chairman Pennell added. \u201cWe appreciate the hard work of Josh and his excellent team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buildings, Grounds, & Maintenance: Pride in every property<\/p>\n
The seven full-time employees of Buildings, Grounds, & Maintenance handle everything from minor repairs to major renovations, keeping more than 25 county facilities in top shape \u2014 including parks, libraries, EMS bases, Social Services, Health Department, Senior Center, Board of Elections, Courthouse, CVCC Alexander Complex, Animal Shelter, Emergency Services, Law Enforcement Center, and more.<\/p>\n The crews complete around 150 work orders each month and mow 100 acres weekly, with a dedication to quality work while serving the community.<\/p>\n \u201cThese employees are hard workers, most times working behind the scenes,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cThey have a good attitude and work ethic. I\u2019m so grateful for our team.\u201d<\/p>\n Chairman Pennell agrees. \u201cI\u2019ve seen these crews go above and beyond countless times. From parks to libraries to EMS bases, their work touches everyone in our county.\u201d<\/p>\n Garage: Keeping the fleet rolling \u201cOur garage team is the reason so many of our departments can respond quickly and efficiently,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cWe have made great strides in fleet maintenance over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re literally keeping our community moving,\u201d Pennell added. \u201cEvery emergency vehicle, every truck, every lawnmower\u2026 it all depends on their expertise.\u201d<\/p>\n Solid Waste: Serving the community daily<\/a>Frank Stafford making a repair at the Alexander County Detention Center.<\/p>\n<\/a>Jack Bumgarner, Frankie Hass, and Jeremy Hefner pose for a photo on their mowers at the CVCC Alexander Complex.<\/p>\n
The Garage staff, which includes two full-time mechanics along with Michael Bare, maintain a fleet of 150+ vehicles, including ambulances, sheriff\u2019s vehicles, Taylorsville Police cars, tractors, lawnmowers, generators, and more. They handle everything from oil changes to full engine swaps, as the county now performs nearly all mechanic work in-house, saving time and taxpayer dollars.<\/p>\n<\/a>Ryan Hudler is pictured working on an Alexander County EMS ambulance.<\/p>\n
The Solid Waste division manages the main facility and six convenience sites, where residents can dispose of trash and recyclables. Approximately 2,700 residents visit these sites each month, totaling 147,000 visits for the 2024\u20132025 fiscal year. There are 16 part-time employees at the convenience sites.<\/p>\n