Michele Wood

The board held budget work sessions to review and discuss drafts for the upcoming fiscal year, including expenses and revenues for various departments. Budget amendments were approved for the prior fiscal year. Additionally, the board considered a request for an extra position in the Tax Office and formally approved a financial audit contract for the next fiscal year. A five-year plan for the public library was also presented.

The Board of Commissioners discussed and approved several capital project ordinances regarding water, wastewater, and radio tower infrastructure. They addressed tax refund requests and late applications for property tax exemptions. Additionally, the Board received updates from the Yancey County Senior Center and Reconciliation House, reviewed the County Manager's report concerning FEMA hazard mitigation and campground reconstruction, and approved a resolution regarding the conveyance of the Parkway Playhouse. The meeting also included a closed session and the review of monthly tax collection and release reports.

The board discussed departmental updates from Social Services and recovery efforts by the US Forest Service regarding Helene. Key actions included the reappointment of a member to the High Country Workforce Development Board and the approval of the County's application for CDBG-DR funding, which involved a public hearing. The board also passed a resolution for the Celo Commons Project, approved tax-related requests, and adopted a Fair Housing Month resolution. Additionally, the meeting addressed inmate medical services policies and a revised capital project ordinance for the CDBG-Neighborhood Revitalization Project.

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.