Heather M. Cox

The board received updates from the Board of Elections and Register of Deeds, and welcomed the new President of Mayland Community College. Key business included the approval of a resolution for the NC DEQ Helene Recycling Infrastructure Grant, the adoption of 2026 EMS rate adjustments, and the approval of a resolution supporting Blue Ridge Rising and the preservation of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Additionally, the board appointed a new Tax Administrator and expressed support for an EDA grant application by the Long-Term Recovery Group.

The board conducted a joint meeting with the Yancey County Board of Education to review the local school district's budget request for the upcoming year. The presentation covered system accomplishments, current school projects, and a four-year plan involving budget projections for salary studies, facility grants, and infrastructure expansions. Additionally, future plans regarding facility renovations, storm damage repairs, and the potential development of a new county office and technology building were discussed.

The board addressed various items, including a request for a road naming application, the denial of a tax refund request, and Cooperative Extension updates involving appointments to the Agricultural Board and information on a drone seeding program. The County Manager provided project updates, including the un-sealing of closed session minutes, a status report on FEMA projects, and a presentation of the budget calendar for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the board approved a resolution for surplus property and a resolution honoring a deceased community member. Numerous tax refund requests from local property owners and a corporation, primarily due to storm damage from Helene or clerical errors, were also processed.

The board discussed several items including the approval of a loan amendment, participation in the Beaver Management Assistance Program, tax refund and release requests, and road naming requests for Cozy Creek Way and Legacy Heights Road. Health department updates regarding disease control and community health assessments were presented, along with the 2025-2026 financial audit. Additionally, the board considered the Toe River Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, received an update on opioid litigation settlement funding, and heard public comments regarding local development projects.

The board discussed and passed a resolution to appoint a Special Board of Equalization and Review. The session included the appointment of five alternate members and the nomination of a chairman for the newly established Special Board to oversee property valuations and appeals within the county.