Conover Conover posts joint statement on Microsoft data centers, taxes, and waterBy Catawba First NewsJune 23, 2026 Dated June 23, the joint release from county and municipal partners says four phased centers were announced in 2022 and that Hickory water use is projected at about 1 percent of daily production once sites are fully operating.
Hickory Hickory manager proposes $162,760,671 FY 2026-27 budget, tax rate held at 46 centsBy Catawba First NewsMay 20, 2026 Warren Wood’s May 19 plan adds $1 million for street resurfacing, $3 on the average water-and-sewer bill, and $1 to push the sanitation fee to $30.
Newton Newton asks water customers to begin voluntary reductions May 4By Catawba First NewsMay 1, 2026 Mayor Jerry T. Hodge cites expanding extreme drought and the Jacob Fork River supply as the city issues a voluntary advisory, not a mandate.
