Justin Setser

The board reviewed financial reports through March 2026. Funding was approved for the Taste of Scotland Celtic Festival and the Mountain Roots Blue Grass Festival. The meeting included presentations on marketing activities, social media performance, and sweepstakes winners. Additionally, the board discussed subcommittee recommendations regarding the vision for local infrastructure and events, reviewed upcoming membership term expirations, and held a discussion regarding a proposed River Stewardship Charter.

The Council meeting included several staff introductions and recognitions for municipal departments. Discussions and actions included calling for public hearings on a development agreement with Duke Energy and a rezoning request, the appointment and reappointment of members to the Planning Board, and the deferral of a tap fee refund request. The Council awarded a bid for the Cartoogechaye Creek Boardwalk Project and approved various street closure requests for local events. Additionally, the Council approved a resolution to participate in the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool and received the proposed fiscal year budget. Departmental updates provided information on capital infrastructure projects, water and wastewater operations, and park and street improvements.

The council discussed a proposed state-level property tax constitutional amendment, expressing concerns regarding its impact on funding for essential municipal services. Approval was granted for Change Order #1 for the Fire Attack Apparatus Tanker. The meeting included an extensive budget work session covering capital projects such as street paving and infrastructure improvements, as well as a proposal to replace existing holiday décor with new LED lighting units. Additionally, the council discussed the potential establishment of a revolving loan fund for economic development and the potential impact of state-level ABC store privatization. The meeting concluded with a discussion on improving public communication regarding local infrastructure projects through signage.

The council meeting addressed several operational and developmental projects, including approving change orders and budget amendments for the Clearwell and High Service Pump Station, the Sunnyside Inclusive Play Area, and Davis-Bacon compliance requirements for grant funding. Key discussions included rebranding and naming designations for downtown areas, the creation of a litter cleanup task force, the appointment of council members to regional and beautification committees, and the renewal of software contracts. Additionally, departmental updates were provided regarding the construction of new apartments, IT system upgrades, police traffic enforcement statistics, and the upcoming launch of a new ADA-compliant municipal website.

The town council held a budget work session to discuss the proposed FY 2026/2027 budget, which maintains current tax rates but includes a utility rate increase to address infrastructure costs. Topics included departmental staffing changes, a proposed fleet management program, unification of public safety pay scales, cybersecurity enhancements, and strategic investments in Main Street and tourism development. The council also reviewed capital project needs, including park improvements and paving, and addressed budget pressures from rising insurance and retirement contribution costs. Additionally, the council approved a resolution advocating for the restoration of voting representation for towns on the Macon County Planning Board and held a closed session to discuss property acquisition.