Town of Mills River News: Accelerating into August 2024

Mills River -- August 1, 2024: Accelerating into August 2024  Latest NewsTown of Mills River Property Tax Notices

for 2024 will go in the mail late in August.  

The Town taxes personal and real property separately from Henderson County, so look for two tax notices. If your taxes are escrowed by your mortgage company, you'll still receive a notice. Mortgage companies receive an electronic copy of our entire tax file and pick out the accounts they wish to pay.

If you have any questions about whether your mortgage company pays your taxes, please call them- the Town has no way of knowing if a mortgage company will pay the tax.As in the past, a "budget voucher" sheet will be included with the notice for property owners who wish to spread their payments over 4 months and still have their taxes paid before the delinquent date (January 7, 2025). If you anticipate issues paying your tax on time, please contact me by phone at 828-890-2901 or email at aurelie.taylor@millsriver.org and we can work on a payment plan.

Some property owners pay a portion of their tax monthly year-round to make it easier. Reach out if that's something you're interested in doing.

Town Manager Matthew McKirahan began his service with Mills River on Monday, July 29, and comes to us with extensive experience in local government. Town Council and Staff are excited for him to join our team, and invite you to attend the Thursday, August 8, Town Council meeting to meet him.  A reception in his honor will be held in the near future. Details to be announced.
Pisgah National Forest Restoration Project is open for Public Comment for 30 days beginning July 12. Read about the proposed changes and give your input on how the Pisgah National Forest plans to handle community safety and forest restoration.

Landowners in Henderson County with an abandoned manufactured home on their property can apply for a grant to have it removed. The grant will pay half the cost of demolition; though if an applicant has an individual annual income of less than $40,000 Henderson County will pay the entire cost. Individuals may apply by obtaining a form online or getting an application at 100 N. King St. To apply, contact Toby Linville at 828.694.6627 or tlinville@hendersoncountync.org. The grant deadline is June 30, 2025.

The Town of Mills River is planning to rezone a large portion of the south and west parts of Town, but we need to hear from you before we move forward! The main goal from the Town's Making Mills River 2040 Comprehensive Plan is to protect and enhance the rural and small-town character of Mills River. In order to accomplish this, the Town is planning to rezone these areas to a Rural Residential zoning district, a designation recently passed by Town Council, that would decrease residential density and limit the number of allowed land uses. More information can be found on our website, including a recording of the July Public Input Session plus documents and resources.

The Town of Mills River is using YouTube to stream live meetings and archive past meetings. Subscribe to our channel today!
The YMCA Mobile Market will be held at the Willow Oak picnic shelter in Mills River Park on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Pick up your free produce on August 6 & 20 from 2-3pm.
Parks & RecreationThe free Movie in the Park series returns this summer! Movies begin at dusk.Aquaman & the Lost Kingdom (PG13) - August 10, with KoleKole Ice food truck
Wonka (PG) - September 28, with Baablas Ice Cream food truck, followed by Family Campout night. (Registration and fee are only for Family Campout night.)

Mills River Parks & Recreation will be handing out free bicycle helmets at their booth at Party in the Park on Sunday, August 4 from 3-5pm. Party in the Park is an event sponsored by the Mills River Methodist Church, taking place at Mills River Park, giving out free school supplies. There will be food, music, inflatables, games, local community organizations, and more! 
Join Mills River Parks & Recreation for our first Splash Bash on Friday, August 9 from 11am-4pm. Wear your swimsuits, bring your beach towels and don’t forget the sunscreen because it’s about to be an end of summer bash at the park! FREE EVENT!! Inflatable water slides, water balloons, sprinklers, water guns and games. FREE Snow cones to the first 100 kids!! KoleKole Ice Food Truck will be there selling snow cones, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and drinks.
Tennis & Pickleball Lessons - Fall 2024 Sept-Nov: Register for Group Lessons here and register for Private & Semi-Private Lessons by emailing recreation@millsriver.org

Join us Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9am for REFIT, a group fitness experience that rocks your heart, body, and soul with powerful moves and positive music, to inspire you from the inside out. REFIT classes propel students to their best selves through dance, toning, balance, and flexibility. Great for both beginners and fitness enthusiasts. Cost: $5 per class for residents, $6 for non-residents. Participants can sign up for one, a few, or all sessions. Register on our CivicRec Registration page. Drop-ins are welcome if class space is available.

The Tackle Loaner Program with NC Wildlife Commission has come to Mills River! The program allows you to borrow tackle, such as fishing poles and artificial bait, for use up to one week. You may take the borrowed tackle to use at another location, not just here at Mills River. Adaptive fishing gear for wheelchairs is available and Mills River Park has a handicap-accessible fishing pier. Tackle may be checked out and returned to Town Hall office (124 Town Center Drive) during office hours Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.

Our website now allows online registration of our park's picnic shelters, athletic fields, and for our programs. To create an account, check availability, and reserve a shelter for your next event, visit the CivicRec Registration page and choose Facility Rentals.
Plan for future Mills River Park activities visit the Recreation Programs page at millsriver.org.
We are currently seeking independent contract instructors for recreation programs. If you have a special skill or certification to teach a class, reach out to the Parks and Recreation Department at recreation@millsriver.org
Friendly Reminders Please remember when conditions are wet, do not bring your pet to the dog park.

The 2024-25 Budget was passed by Town Council on June 13, 2024 following a Public Hearing.
Wonder what is happening in the Town in-between each newsletter? Stay up-to-date by following the Town of Mills River and Mills River Parks and Recreation on Facebook. The latest news and updates will be posted through-out the month.

The Town recently launched an online portal where residents can anonymously submit complaints for properties in Town. Once a complaint is submitted, staff will investigate to determine if additional action is needed. 

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced a delay in the Highway 191 widening project by one year. Residents will soon begin seeing trees removed and utility work in preparation for the project.

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