Junior Benfield

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the appointment of Cindy Turfield as Interim County Manager and Kayla Hogram as Interim Assistant County Manager, along with the appointment of Don Carper as Interim Clerk to the Board. The board approved a late entry application for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program related to property acquisition, elevation, or plan stabilization projects, with a projected total cost of $1,144,937.50. Tax administration matters involved approving January collections of $3,354,454.00 and reviewing the January 31st tax collection rate of 92.98%. Additionally, the board approved a tax refund request of $27.20 concerning shared property taxes and approved a tax refund ($664.73) and release ($117.92) related to a parcel where the recorded deed could not be located since 2010. Several budget amendments were approved, including an $8,300 insurance reimbursement for a damaged gate, the acceptance of a $10,500 Dogwood Health Trust Grant for ambulance equipment, and an $81,314.70 insurance reimbursement for damaged radio tower equipment. The Department of Social Services received approval for an additional $3,000 for foster care supplements to cover after-hours care expenses. Finally, funding of $2,300 was approved for fire inspection software for the Fire Marshall's office. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a resolution establishing the special board of equalization and review for 2026.

The meeting included an amendment to the agenda to allow for the signing of a contract with the High Country Council of Government regarding technical assistance for opioid settlement funds. Discussions covered public comments, including concerns from a resident about property damage and riverbed alteration following hurricane cleanup efforts by SDR. Board appointments were addressed, including approving the waiver of policy for a candidate for the Avery County Tourism and Development Authority and appointing an ETJ representative to the Banner Board of Adjustment. The board also reviewed an application for the Avery County Parks and Recreation Committee, noting a potential residency qualification issue. Key agenda items involved approving architectural services for the Avery County Domestic Violence Home, contingent upon County Attorney approval, and passing the second vote on an ordinance regulating deadly weapons on certain county property. The Tax Administrator reported on December collections and releases. The County Manager provided updates on grant awards, announcing $5 million received for the new senior center from the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant, and other successful grants for various county projects. The Finance Officer requested budget amendments to allocate insurance reimbursement funds for a stolen drone replacement and for a computer/printer replacement.

The Special Meeting included several key agenda items. Public comments primarily focused on concerns regarding the proposed AMY Regional Library contract structure. The Board proceeded with appointments, appointing Cathy Ayers to the WAMY Committee and Cody Hoilman to the Avery County Planning Board. A Public Hearing was held regarding the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget, which detailed proposed appropriations, revenue estimates, and confirmed maintaining the current ad valorem tax rate despite increased expenses stemming from Tropical Storm Helene recovery. The Board approved an increase to the Not to Exceed amount for Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR) funding related to debris removal, and granted an extension of services for DebrisTech. Other actions included approving the purchase of property on Wes Brewer Road for future county facilities, adopting a resolution to lease county-owned campers to Volunteer Avery County & Community Services, Inc. for Hurricane Helene relief housing, and delaying the real property reappraisal date to January 1, 2027. Budget amendments were adopted to fund the Wes Brewer Road property purchase and provide funding to the Avery County Board of Education for summer expenses.

The meeting commenced with an organizational segment, including nominations and appointments for the positions of Chair and Vice Chairman of the Board. Subsequent actions included the appointment of several county officers: County Manager, County Attorney, Finance Officer, and Clerk and Assistant County Manager. The Board adopted resolutions to recognize the Avery County High School Women's Golf Team for winning the 2526 state championship and the Avery County High School Turf Grass Science Team for winning the national invitational. Discussions also covered subdivision approvals for additional lots in The Reserve at 1911 and The Sanctuary PUD, and a commission appointment for the county fire commission. Furthermore, the Tax Administrator presented collections for November and requested approval for a release of tax for a camper destroyed in a storm, alongside a report on sales ratio statistics.

The Avery County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting jointly with the Avery County Board of Education. The primary purpose of the joint meeting was to tour school facilities across the county, including Avery County High School, Avery County Middle School, Newland Elementary School, Banner Elk Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School, Cranberry Middle/Freedom Trail Elementary School, and Crossnore Elementary School, to review maintenance concerns and other building issues.