Susan S. Phillips

The council authorized the purchase of a skid steer loader and excavator and approved associated budget amendments. A future budget meeting was scheduled, and additional budget amendments were adopted to allocate funds to the tennis and golf maintenance departments. Furthermore, the council approved re-appointments to the Planning and Zoning Board and consented to the advertisement of real property tax liens. The meeting also included departmental reports covering golf course operations, police department activities, public works initiatives, and various permit and tax collection logs, concluding with public comments and council member remarks.

The council approved the addition of a new police officer position. Departmental reports were provided, including updates on road completion, FEMA project expenditures, advertising approvals, and parkway project closures. The Police Chief reported on staffing, training, and patrol activity. The Public Works Director discussed upcoming maintenance, including road gravel removal, culvert replacement, and golf course opening preparations. Additionally, the meeting included reviews of permit logs, tax collection rates, and financial reports.

The council reviewed the audited financial statement for the 2024-25 fiscal year and approved the audit contract for the upcoming fiscal year. Additional actions included extending a contract for disaster recovery consulting services and re-appointing members to the Tourism Development Authority Board. The meeting also featured comprehensive departmental reports covering road infrastructure repairs, emergency storm response and clean-up efforts, FEMA reimbursement status, police traffic operations, and recent permit and tax collection activities.

The key discussions and actions of the meeting included the adoption of the agenda with an amendment to include the Banner Elk Fire Chief. New business items addressed the acceptance of the lowest bid for Timber Ridge Road repairs due to Hurricane Helene damages, the adoption of a budget amendment to appropriate funds for ongoing disaster recovery services (offset by FEMA), and the adoption of the updated Toe River Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The council also approved the refund of 2025 tax bill overpayments. The Banner Elk Vol. Fire Department Board President presented information regarding their stipend program. Departmental reports covered paving progress, police activity, occupancy tax collection, and financial reports. During a closed session for personnel matters, the Council approved an $8,000 bonus and a 3% salary increase for the Village Manager following her annual review.

The meeting began with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Council Members David Ammann and Scott Brown, followed by the unanimous appointment of Scott Brown as Mayor Pro Tem. Key discussions included the unanimous adoption of the agenda. Under New Business, the Council approved a contract amendment for the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit. Departmental reports covered ongoing road repairs by Tri-County Paving, the advertising of bids for Hurricane Helen repairs, an increase in occupancy tax collections, and a required single audit due to FY 2024-25 expenditures from Hurricane Helene. The Police Chief reported on operational metrics including patrol miles and citations, and noted an upcoming compliance audit. The Public Works Director confirmed the installation of new guardrails and anticipation of beginning Timber Ridge Rd. repairs in January, as well as completing sod installation on the golf course. The Tax Collection Rate for Tax Year 2025 was reported as 64.85% as of December 11, 2025. Public comments expressed gratitude for road clearing efforts and police presence.