BY STACIE LETT CAIN
The Mooresville Town Board of Commissioners opened Monday’s meeting remembering K9 Kato, who passed away from complications of cancer on Friday, May 30, just three days before his retirement celebration.
Commissioners watched a a brief video presentation showcasing Kato and recent retiree K9 Ramon and their handlers, Cpl. James Ramey and Sgt. John Sage.
“Kato, he’s my partner. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions,” Ramey said in the video presentation.
Kato’s handler since 2020, Ramey shared special memories of a beach vacation and time they spent together before he passed.
K9 Ramon, who was previously assigned to Officer Jordan Sheldon, was credited with catching a lot of bad guys and getting drugs off the street, according to Sage.
Commissioner Will Avens described Ramon as a “spicy” but a wonderful dog.
“I truly hope he lives out the best years possible with Sgt. Sage and his family,” Avens said.
Sage was recently promoted and is no longer a canine handler.
Budget Approved
Commissioners also passed the 2025-2026 Town Budget, which includes funding for 24 more full-time positions, including positions in the police and fire departments. The budget also includes merit increases, employer paid short-term and long-term disability, improved vacation accruals and lower cost health care options.
Rezoning Approved
The board also passed a request for rezoning for a .75-acre site located at 2918 Charlotte Highway from a conditional zoning district to a condition community commercial area to allow a hair salon and studio. Owner, Garrett Enterprises LLC, with applicant Savanah Edwards provided a snapshot of what the future studio will be and board members approved the rezoning unanimously.
Sewer Ordinance Update
The board also adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 24 of the Town’s Sewer Ordinance, one not updated since 1975.
“We are seeing legal making updates and incorporating ordinances into the Code of Ordinances, and now it’s our turn,” said Public Utilities Director Allison Kraft.
The updated ordinance passed unanimously.