Frequently Asked Questions

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Food and accessories for a small dog or cat average $150 per year; for a medium dog $300; for a large dog $450. Veterinary care fees range from $100 to $300 per year for the first 5 years for cats and dogs and can increase substantially in the later years of life. Grooming and boarding fees are an additional $125 to $200 per year.

Pets need love and attention. Dogs require far more time and effort than cats. Cats are wonderful for people who like companionship but don't have time to walk a dog every day or let it out to do its "business". Puppies need additional time devoted to shaping their behavior and training. Dogs need adequate room to play and exercise and should be walked often. It is strongly encouraged to enroll your adopted animal in an obedience class. These classes help by teaching the adopter how to train their new pet so they can avoid many of the behavior problems that may develop without training.

If you rent or live in restricted neighborhoods keep in mind that there are places that do not allow pets at all, while others allow only small dogs or cats. There may also be restrictions on the number of pets you may have. If you rent, Caldwell County Animal Control requires a letter from your landlord at the time of adoption specifying that the animal you are wishing to adopt is allowed at your residence.

They are $75.

The application should contain the following information and forms:

• College transcript or certificate from an EMT-Basic or Paramedic program
• Certification and / or Registry number(s) and expiration date(s)
• Ancillary documents supporting information provided on the application, i.e. specialty certifications, advanced education documents, etc.

All the information provided by you is officially verified. This verification includes, but is not limited to, confirming your prior work and education history, reviewing your driving history, and conducting a complete criminal background check. Applications remain active for a term of one year (365 Days).

Business Casual is appropriate for the interview and patient care scenario.

The Chief of the department or designee will make you a job offer and inform you of your starting salary. This will be contingent upon your prior education and work history.

The Chief does have some latitude on the starting salary.

At this time, Caldwell County does not provide monetary relocation assistance. The department and its staff will be more than happy to provide you with information relating to the County and surrounding area in an attempt to make the transition to employment with Caldwell County a seamless one.

To reduce the tax cost of emergency medical services (EMS) for county residents; without ambulance fees, the cost of providing emergency medical care would fall completely on the residents of Caldwell County. Caldwell County EMS Division has charged ambulance fees for more than thirty-five years. The Caldwell County Commissioners authorized such fees to offset the tax cost of providing EMS to residents and visitors. While taxes provide the majority of operational funding, ambulance fees collected from EMS Billing, assist Caldwell County in providing the highest level of care to the citizens and visitors of our County.

No. The Caldwell County EMS Billing only charges fees for treatment and/or ambulance transport. Fire trucks can respond to 911 calls faster than ambulances, meaning emergency personnel get to you quicker. No fees are charged for this service by our agency.

To verify your identity and prevent fraud. Because the Department charges fees for service, ambulance crews are instructed to verify patient identity including name, social security number, birth date, home address and telephone number. They also may ask for health insurance, automobile insurance or employment information, depending on the situation. Our Department requires identity verification to protect patients from fraud and to assure, if possible, you are covered by healthcare or other insurance.

In most cases, if the incident is classified as an emergency situation, yes. Patients who are covered by Medicaid or Medicare programs generally will have no out-of-pocket expenses related to ambulance bills. Patients who are covered by private healthcare insurance may be required to pay a co-pay or deductible expense, and/or the difference in coverage. This is entirely dependent on your insurance coverage and agency.

• More information relating to Medicare
• More information relating to Medicaid

For all questions related to ambulance billing including insurance, payment and hardship assistance, please call 828-757-1279 Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm EST.

Please mail all correspondence concerning ambulance billing, including payments, forms, letters and other correspondence to:

Caldwell County Ambulance
P.O. Box 2200
Lenoir, NC 28645

Make checks payable to Caldwell County Ambulance

Main Phone: 1-877-200-9364
Medical Records Information: 828-757-1279
HIPAA Information: 828-757-1279

Caldwell County EMS and Caldwell County EMS Billing may use your protected health information (PHI) for purposes of securing payment of ambulance charges. This may include submitting insurance claims, submitting claims to other third parties identified as responsible for payment of charges, or mailing you an invoice requesting payment. Claims for payment of charges may be submitted directly or through the use of a third-party billing company and/or clearing house. Follow-up use of PHI for payment purposes may include management of billed claims for services rendered, medical necessity determinations and reviews, insurance company appeals, utilization review, and collection of outstanding accounts. Designated agency personnel, including contractual personnel, may review and use PHI to verify your eligibility for certain services including eligibility for "hardship" classification, medical assistance programs, or other special designations.

No, we see only children from birth until age 19 with Medicaid or North Carolina Health Choice coverage in our Dental Clinic.

Yes, beginning September 1st, 2015 Caldwell County Health Department will require all clients presenting for service to provide proof of income. Income will be assessed annually unless there is a change in financial status. Clients will be asked at each visit if there has been a change in financial status/number in the household.

Clients who have met the income criteria for the following programs (i.e., Medicaid, WIC, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Program (Food Stamps), and / or the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program) will only be required to show documentation of current eligibility and no additional income screening will be necessary.

No client will be refused services when presenting for care based on lack of documentation, however, each client will be billed at 100% until proof of income and family size is provided to the agency.

We do see individuals with no Medicaid or insurance. Those individuals are placed on a sliding fee scale based on our fees. Those fees can be found on our Administration Page. The sliding fee scale means that, based on the person's income and family size, they may be responsible for anywhere between 100% to 0% of their bill. We would recommend those with no insurance or Medicaid to also look into the free clinic, Helping Hands. Depending on your healthcare needs, they may be a better option.

Pregnancy tests are offered every day of the week by appointment only. Call 828-426-8400 to schedule an appointment.

Yes, you will be placed on a sliding fee scale if the test comes back negative. If you have a positive pregnancy test, a pregnancy care manager can assist you with a temporary Medicaid and help you apply for Medicaid.

There are limited same-day appointments available. Please call 828-426-8400 for details.

Please call our Immunization Coordinator for more information at 828-426-8486 or visit our Immunizations Page.

A child can be seen without a legal guardian present if a written letter with specifics (who is bringing the child in, for what, and how they are associated with the child) included is signed and dated by a legal guardian is presented at the time of visit. Some teen services are excluded from this requirement.

The Dental Clinic has its own policy regarding who can bring children for appointments. Please contact the Dental Clinic for more information.

• Condoms are provided at no charge and may be obtained in our clinic. A short visit with a nurse is required before obtaining the condoms.
• Birth control pills are provided in conjunction with a Family Planning clinical visit. If you have insurance, your insurance will be billed for the visit and a prescription for BC pills will be sent to a local pharmacy. Those without insurance, the birth control pills will be provided for free through our 340B program and the visit will be charged to the patient on a sliding fee scale.
• Other birth control methods (depo), are provided in conjunction with a Family Planning clinical visit. Insurance will be billed for the visit and the BC method. If no insurance is available, service will be placed on a sliding fee scale.

Yes, our maternal health clinic provides childbirth classes quarterly. Please check the Women's Health Page for more information or call our women's health clinic at 828-426-8488. It is ideal to complete classes around 26 weeks gestation.

Yes, CCHD provides primary care. We accept most health insurances including Medicare and Medicaid. If you do not have health insurance, there may be a charge for your service.

We only see children over the age of 18 months old in our clinic. There are other child health services we offer that include those under 18 months old. Find out more information on our Child Health Page.

We have no idea

In order to acquire such a permit, an individual must apply to the Sheriff's Office in the county in which he resides. As a part of the application, the person must submit several items. They must complete an application, under oath, on a form provided by the Sheriff's Office. They must pay a non-refundable fee of $90.

New Concealed Carry Applicants may apply Tuesday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm by coming by the Sheriff's Office. Renewal Applicants may apply Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm by coming by the Sheriff's Office.

The applicant must provide an original certificate of completion of an approved handgun safety course. The applicant must also provide a release that authorizes and requires disclosure to the Sheriff of any records concerning the mental health or capacity of the applicant.

You can also apply online.

The Sheriff has 90 days from the time all of the application materials are received to either issue or deny a permit. In order for the applicant to be approved, they must:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Have been a resident of the state for no less than 30 days immediately preceding the filing of the application
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Not suffer from any physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun
• Have successfully completed an approved firearms training course
• Provide a copy of a valid North Carolina Issued Identification or North Carolina Driver's License

Payments are accepted in form of cash, check, Visa or Mastercard.

• Civil Fee $30 per person served
• Gun Permit $5 per permit applied for
• Concealed Carry Permit $90 (Tuesday through Thursday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Concealed Carry Renewal $75 (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Concealed Carry Duplicate $15 (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Arrest Report Copies $4 per copy
• Incident Report Copies $4 per copy
• Attorney Check Fees $4
• Calls For Service/CAD Report $4 per copy
• DVO Storage Fee $1 per day per gun up to 4, then $.65 per day per gun thereafter
• In County Fingerprints $7 (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Out of County Fingerprints $15 (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Notary Service Fee $5
• Audio Recording Fee $10
• Trespass Signs $2 per sign
• Return Check Fee $35 per check

Yes, The Sheriff's Office is always open for you to come in and speak with him.

Because of his commitment to Caldwell County, he may not always be in the office so it is best to call for an appointment. If you call by phone and he is not in the office, you can leave your telephone number, and he will return your call.

The telephone number for Sheriff's office is 828-754-1518.

You are encouraged to come by the Sheriff's Office at any time to look at your Sheriff's Office and Detention Center. We will be happy to take you through the building and answer any questions you may have. (Covid Restrictions may apply)

There is someone available 24 hours per day at the Sheriffs office; however, specific divisions have their own hours.

Administration: Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm 
Phone 828-754-1518

Civil Division: Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm 
Phone 828-754-0576

Detective Division: Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm
 Phone 828-759-1554

Detention Center: 24 hours a day. 
Phone 828-759-1510

Communications: 24 hours a day. 
Phone 828-758-2324 or 911 for emergencies.

Domestic Violence is defined as a pattern of physical, sexual, or emotionally abusive behaviors used by one individual to assert power or maintain control over another individual in the context of an intimate or family relationship.

Four Forms of Family Violence

• Physical Battering
• Sexual Battering
• Psychological Battering
• Destruction of Property or Pets

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, make someone aware of it. Get help by any means. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911. Someone will come to your home as quickly and safely as possible to assist you in getting out. If you can leave, then do so. Get to a neighbor's home, or somewhere safe, inside your car, in another room, etc. Take your phone with you. It may be your only means of summoning help.

Once you are out, steps can be taken to get you to a safe place including a shelter or a friend's or relative's home. We want to help you help yourself. It is our goal to put an end to your abusive relationship.

Yes, the Caldwell County Department of Social Services, Family Resource Center, Shelter Home of Caldwell County, and others have resources to assist victims of domestic violence in getting out and getting over.

To obtain a protective order, a person goes to the Clerk of Court's Office in the Courthouse, and sees a civil clerk. Tell the clerk you are there to obtain a Protective Order, properly called a Domestic Violence Ex-Parte Order. Once you have that paperwork, fill out the forms in their entirety. Put as much information on them as possible. Be very specific about any acts and the dates that they occurred. Be sure to put any assaults that may have happened, and why you are in fear of the person on whom you are getting the order. Once you have done this, take the paperwork back to the Clerk's Office and the Clerk will have you swear or affirm to the information you are giving. Then they will send you to the courtroom, or by some other means, get you in front of a judge. You will testify to a Judge, sometimes in front of others in open court, why you are in fear or what the abuser has done to hurt you or make you scared. Once the judge gives his ruling, they will send you back to the Clerk's Office to complete the paperwork. When the paperwork is completed, you will bring the copies to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office for service of the person.

As of October 1, 2002, there is no charge for a Protective Order.  There are also no fees associated with the service of the order.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Apart from that, there are several steps in handling a violation. If an officer responds to you and finds that probable cause exists, he can arrest the suspect for the violation without a warrant. The officer can also leave the scene and attempt to locate the suspect and place him under arrest. The officer can also obtain a warrant for the suspect and arrest him later. The victim can also go get a warrant for the violation, or the victim can obtain a show cause for the violation from the clerk's office.

If your spouse, partner, child, boyfriend, girlfriend has pushed, hit, slapped, held you down, pinched, kicked, or choked you, then an assault has occurred under the law.  That person should not be allowed to get away with that kind of destructive behavior.  If you choose, go to the Magistrate’s Office, swear to a warrant for that person’s arrest, and if the Magistrate finds probable cause exists and issues a warrant, the defendant / suspect will be arrested.  You will then have a court date to appear and tell exactly what happened.

You can contact the Caldwell Detention Facility at 828-759-1510 and advise the supervisor on duty that you want to be notified of a defendant's release to prevent the likelihood of further acts of violence. A more failsafe means of notification is SA.V.A.N., or the Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification program. A person can register to be notified by computer if their abuser is released from custody anywhere in North Carolina by calling 877-627-2826. Prompts will guide you on how to register. This system is updated every 15 minutes and it is free of charge.

There is a great deal of misconceptions concerning this portion of the Domestic Violence Laws.  NC General Statutes state that the only person who can set a bond in a domestic violence case is a judge.  It also says that if a judge is available, then a bond must be set.  If a judge is not available, then the defendant will be held for 48 hours following arrest.  Once that time expires, the Magistrate is authorized by law to set bond.  In Caldwell County, there is usually some form of court going on every day, Monday through Friday.  In that case, if a person is arrested while court is going on, the defendant will be taken before a judge for the purpose of a bond hearing.  If a judge is not available and the defendant cannot contact one, then he/she will be held until the next time a judge is available which is usually the next morning or until the 48-hour period expires, whichever comes first.

Eligible landowners may include homeowners, businesses, schools, parks and publicly owned lands.

How rapid urbanization affects water quality becomes important as North Carolina's land use continues to change. CCAP can help educate landowners on water quality, stormwater management and retrofit practices to treat stormwater runoff.

Interested landowners may apply to their local soil and water conservation district for financial and technical assistance for the installation of BMPs to protect water quality. Applications are ranked based on local water quality priorities and, if eligible, a conservation plan is prepared. Landowners may receive financial assistance of up to 75% of the pre-established average cost of the BMP.

Applications for the NC Community Conservation Assistance Program are accepted year-round. Applications are ranked twice a year based on natural resource concerns. To apply for assistance please fill out the application (PDF) and return it in person or by mail to:

Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District Office
120 Hospital Avenue Suite 2
Lenoir, NC 28645

Phone: 828-758-1111

Cost Share Programs - CCAP

If you are a landowner or renter of an existing agricultural operation that has been operating for more than three years, you are eligible to participate in the North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program.

The North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program is successful because of the grassroots efforts of your local soil and water conservation district. Your district works with agricultural landowners and renters to:

• Develop and approve individual conservation plans
• Identify the best management practices (BMPs) best suited for your particular operation
• Design BMPs and help ensure their longevity
• Acquire preliminary approval of a Cost Share contract

The division provides administrative and technical assistance to districts. The division gives final approval to cost share contracts and processes requests for payments to farmers participating in the program.

Submit an application to your local soil and water conservation district. The applications are ranked based on resource concerns identified in the county. Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75% of a predetermined average cost for each BMP installed. The applicant is responsible for 25% of the costs. This may include the use of existing material and labor.

There are some cost share and acreage restrictions depending on the BMPs used, the type of operation involved, or policy set by the local soil and water conservation district or the NC. Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Cost share incentive payments are also available to encourage the use of certain agronomic management practices.

Applications for the NC Community Conservation Assistance Program are accepted year-round. Applications are ranked twice a year based on natural resource concerns. To apply for assistance please fill out the application (PDF) and return it in person or by mail to:

Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District Office
120 Hospital Avenue Suite 2
Lenoir, NC 28645

Phone: 828-758-1111

Cost Share Programs - CCAP

Soil test boxes are available at the Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District, at the NC Cooperative Extension Service office and at many farm supply stores in Caldwell County.

A soil test report gives you precise nutrient requirements for the soil type and plant type in your situation. Think of the money you'll save by only adding the fertilizer you really need!

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is a state agency that tests soils free or at a minimal cost depending on the time of year. From April to November there is no cost; from December to March the cost is $4 per soil sample. 

• More information about the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomy Services
• Access Soil Testing Reports
  

Cardboard sampling boxes are available at Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District office. You fill the box ¾ full with soil and send it to the testing facility in Raleigh. Sample three to four months before fertilizer applications to ensure there is enough time to get the report back.

There are also soil test kits for sale at local garden centers. These range from $3 to $7.

Equipment Needed

• Bucket
• Small Garden Trowel

Be sure that all equipment is clean of dirt and fertilizer or any other debris. Equipment should be made of stainless steel or plastic. That way you avoid contaminating your sample with trace metals.

Procedure

At approximately 5 to 10 locations within your property, take soil samples to a depth of 4 inches (lawn) or 8 inches (garden). Samples only need to be a spoonful or less. Each of the samples should come from the same soil type. Any soil that is very different in color or texture, should be tested separately. So avoid small areas where conditions are very different. Examples include wet spots, natural areas, landscaped areas, etc. Mix all of the samples together thoroughly in the bucket. This will give you a composite sample to test.

Testing gives you precise information regarding the condition of your soil. With that information, you are able to:

• Save money by purchasing only the fertilizer you need
• Ensure that you are giving your lawn enough fertilizer to thrive
• Protect nearby ponds and creeks from excess nutrients

Request a soil test kit by emailing Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District or call 828-758-1111, or come by the Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District and pick one up!

The first thing you do is contact the Register of Deeds in the county that you lived in when you were discharged from the service. They may have a copy on file there. You can also order a copy online.

Each case is a little different when applying for healthcare. A 10-10EZ form must be filled out with a copy of the DD-214. Income questions are asked on this form and if your income is over the VA threshold you may not be eligible. 

If you have a service-connected disability, purple heart recipient, POW, in-country Vietnam Veteran, or if you can meet other certain special criteria you would be eligible to enroll.

Healthcare claims are usually processed within 30 to 60 days. Any disability claims, including pension and compensation, can take approximately 8 to 10 months.

VA Compensation Benefits may be paid to an eligible veteran who has a disabling physical or mental condition that was incurred or aggravated during military service. The degrees of disability is determined by the VA and represent, as far as can practicably be determined, the average loss in wages resulting from such diseases and injuries and their complications in civil occupations. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses. You should contact your County Veterans Services Office.

Bring your discharge papers (DD Form 214) to your County Veterans Service Office. They will complete a form and send it to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) office to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. You will present the Certificate of Eligibility to your lender when applying for a home loan. It is important to compare rates, fees, and programs offered by your lender. 

It is preferred that you schedule an appointment if possible due to the high volume of veteran client contacts and the time allowed for each person served. Please call 828-757-1345 or 828-757-8694.

There are public comment sign-up sheets available at each meeting. Complete the form and submit it to the Clerk prior to the beginning of the meeting. 

Each of the commissioners has an email link listed under their photo on the Board of Commissioners page. Additionally, you can call 828-757-1301 to speak with the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. 

All regular meetings begin at 6:00 PM. Special called meetings may begin at an alternate time. 

A new customer form will need to be completed and a non-refundable transfer fee of $50 will need to be paid before the bill can be transferred into your name. If you are renting the home, an additional $100 renter deposit will also need to be paid. This money remains on file until you move out of the home and is refundable.

If the fees are paid before 3:00 that day, we will attempt to get the water turned on the same day.

Our staff will attempt to assist any customer that cannot pay their full by the due date. Please contact our office at 828-757-5757 to make pay arrangements.

Your bill is due 25 days from the billing date. Please check your bill for the exact day or contact our office. If unpaid by due date a late charge of $10.00 will be added to your bill. Any unpaid balance of 45 days will result in removal of meter.

The total balance must be paid in order for service to continue and an additional reconnection fee of $50 will be added to your bill.

The County currently has two approved waterline extension programs, a petitioner's and a developer’s plan. Please contact our office for assistance to see if you may qualify for one of these programs.