Darlene R Asher

The meeting was a special joint session between the County Commissioners and the Board of Health. Announcements included recognizing Transit employees for placing fourth in the state vehicle rodeo and introducing a new online employment application process. Public comments addressed several topics, including a proposal from the community of Nothail to install a larger monument for veterans, estimated to cost around $7,100 installed, and discussions regarding the economic impact of dry county laws, specifically concerning the ability for local businesses like resorts and restaurants to sell alcohol. Concerns were also raised by a representative regarding the potential boundary change between fire departments (Burning Town Iola vs. Kawi) and the subsequent impact on property insurance reductions for residents. During the joint session, the Board of Health Chair introduced its members and their professional specialties to the Commissioners. The Board of Health leadership then indicated they were addressing feedback and complaints received from the general public regarding system flaws and sought input from the Commissioners.

The session began with acknowledgments and a request for prayers for Mr. Shields, who lost a brother. The primary focus of the meeting was a presentation from Macon County Schools regarding their financial needs for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, broken down into 'Maintain,' 'Top Priorities,' and 'Expansion' budgets. The presentation detailed funding sources, noting that public education is not fully funded by the state, requiring reliance on local and federal funds. Key discussion points included projected costs for salary increases (state-mandated raises), benefit increases, and utility estimates. The 'Top Priorities' included requests for instructional coaches, additional full-time art and music teachers, Make and Pulse internships, an instructional technology facilitator, school nutrition funding for specific schools, football expenses related to field construction/usage at Western Carolina University, and additional classified salaries. The presentation also addressed capital outlay requests from school principals, noting a significant request for a new school in East Franklin and extensive discussion regarding the Highlands School soccer field conversion, where concerns about drainage and open-ended costs were raised. A disclaimer noted the potential impact of a state bill proposing a teacher salary increase.

This Housing Needs Assessment for Macon County, North Carolina, evaluates current housing market conditions, demographic and economic characteristics, and housing supply. It synthesizes findings from analyses of population, households, employment, and community input to identify housing needs across various affordability levels and tenures. The report outlines a roadmap of recommended strategies to address these identified housing issues and guide future residential development planning for the period spanning 2023 to 2028.

The special meeting was called to discuss alternatives to the previously approved $10 million renovation of Macon Middle School (MMS). A commissioner expressed significant reservations about proceeding, questioning if the renovation was merely a temporary fix and noting that the total investment, including future needs like an outdoor changing facility, approached $13 million for a building from 1974. The discussion centered on a new proposal suggesting a complete replacement of MMS on a newly identified 14-acre parcel adjacent to the school, which could lead to a larger, vertically built facility and avoid immediate displacement of students. The commissioner also raised concerns regarding the poor condition and safety of existing athletic facilities, specifically the high school and middle school tracks, noting the athletic success achieved despite the liabilities. Financial aspects were introduced, mentioning a fund balance of approximately $30 million and the possibility of using a combination of bonds, loans, and fund balance to fund a new middle school (estimated at $30 million) and a potential new high school (estimated at $55.8 million) without needing to discuss taxes until 2026. The discussion concluded by emphasizing the need to be proactive rather than reactive regarding facilities planning and to explore all avenues before committing funds to the MMS renovation.

The meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners was called to order. Due to exceeding the fire limit capacity in the meeting room, all attendees, including the Commissioners, were advised to move their belongings and reconvene in Courtroom A on the fourth floor to conduct business.