Morganton honors retiring employees and K9 Jairus, introduces new water director; city announces temporary business office closure

The Morganton City Council on March 2 adopted several retirement resolutions and made multiple community announcements.

The council read and adopted a resolution honoring K9 Jairus for service with the Morganton Department of Public Safety. The police chief praised handler PSO Stacy Huffman and Jairus's record of searches, seizures and community demonstrations; Stacy Huffman told the council Jairus had a slipped disc and that the dog will retire to live with her. "Because of your support, officers like me have the tools we need to protect the community, and partners like Jairus have the opportunity to serve at the highest level," Stacy Huffman said, adding that Jairus will live with her family in retirement. The retirement resolution for Jairus was moved, seconded and approved by the council.

The council also read and adopted retirement resolutions honoring Brooks Kirby for 20 years in electric services and Brad Borris (director of water resources), who was not present. Brooks Kirby briefly addressed the council to thank departmental personnel and colleagues for their support during his career.

The council introduced Randy Smith as the city's new director of water resources; Randy Smith said he is from the area and looks forward to serving the community. Separately, staff announced the city business office will be temporarily closed March 16'0 to migrate utility billing to a new software platform; staff said no customer cut-offs will occur that week and that customers will receive new account numbers and guidance on the new customer portal.

Other recognitions included a presentation of an American Public Power Association RP3 platinum designation to Electric Services and a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Burke Impact Group Challenge Month to expand volunteer community improvement activities.

What's next: retirement resolutions were symbolic recognitions; staff will implement the billing software migration and provide account information to customers after the closure week.