Todd Norman

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget proposal. Key budget discussions included maintaining the current tax rate of 56.61 cents, utilizing $817,000 of fund balance for capital projects, and noting increases in General Fund expenditures. Specific goals outlined were increased funding for education institutions, workforce focus in public safety, infrastructure upgrades, and solid waste compliance, including Francis Farm remediation. Major expenditure increases were noted for Education, Public Safety (including new detective and bailiff positions), and Debt Service. During the administrative/agency reports, the Smoky Mountain Center Fiscal Monitoring Report showed a net increase of $8,272,373 through March 31, 2016. The consent agenda approved refunds/releases, a tax collections update, and several budget amendments impacting Health & Human Services and Animal Services, along with approving an audit contract. New business included the approval of proclamations for Mason's Day and National Police Week. A significant discussion and subsequent unanimous approval occurred for an agreement with Haywood County Schools concerning funding for the Haywood Community Learning Center at $32,354.40 for 16 full-time equivalents, addressing dropout prevention efforts. The Board also unanimously approved support for the Town of Canton's Aquatic Fitness Center loan application, awarded a special inspection contract for the EMS/Emergency Management Base, and approved a $2,500 match for an Aspire Youth & Family program van. Finally, the Board approved the reappointment of Frank Powers to the Haywood Health Authority Board and the appointment of Lorinda Whaley to the Haywood County Library Board of Trustees, followed by the re-appointment of Mary Ann Enloe to the Haywood Community College Board of Trustees via a vote.

The special meeting convened to hold a public hearing regarding three proposed ordinances: the Carrying of Concealed Weapons and Displaying of Firearms Ordinance, the County Grounds Use Ordinance, and the Commercial Outdoor Sports Shooting Ranges Ordinance. The County Manager presented revisions to the Concealed Weapons Ordinance, noting that the proposed changes aim to align with state law revisions made in 2011 and 2013, which are less restrictive than the existing 1995 ordinance, particularly regarding vehicle exceptions. Public comments were gathered for all three ordinances, with significant feedback on the concealed carry rules, concerns about drones and restrictions in the Grounds Use Ordinance, and questions regarding noise and development costs for the Shooting Ranges Ordinance. The Board confirmed no votes would be taken until a later date, allowing time for further research and potential changes based on public input.

The meeting began with a call to a public hearing for the proposed Fiscal Year 2017 budget, which recommended no tax increase; the public hearing was set for May 16, 2016. An administrative report detailed the impending Medicaid reform legislation, outlining goals such as budget predictability and the transition to prepaid health plans, along with the anticipated impact on Haywood County services. The consent agenda included several budget amendments for various funds, such as increasing funds for Service Districts, allocating funds for Sheriff's Office/EOC repairs and EOC overtime, purchasing electronic medical records systems for HHSA, and funding for the HCC Public Training facility debt service. The Board also approved a Proclamation for Nurses Week, authorized the County Manager to make technical corrections to the personnel policy manual, and approved the Emergency Management Ordinance and the Reimbursement Agreements Ordinance. New business involved approving funds for a Kronos timekeeping software upgrade, increasing contract funds for the subsidized child care program, approving a budget amendment for subsidized child care, and approving the resolution for the Sale of the Historic Haywood County Hospital to Landmark Developers. Additionally, the Board approved a Transportation Maintenance Agreement for Mountain Projects, Inc. vehicle maintenance and approved a resolution opposing the Tennessee Valley Authority's plan to eliminate floating houses and non-navigable houseboats on Lake Fontana. Finally, change orders and budget amendments related to the Emergency Medical Services/Emergency Management Base construction were approved before entering a closed session.

The Haywood County Board of Commissioners meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. New county employees were introduced across different departments. The board received a report on the investment of funds from the sale of Haywood Regional Hospital, now managed by the Haywood Healthcare Foundation. The board approved an application for lottery proceeds to cover debt service for the Pisgah High School renovation. Budget amendments were approved for social services, including the Family Caregiver Support Program, and for the Extension Office's youth leadership program. The board also approved the purchase of a truck for the emergency services department and a Ford interceptor SUV for the sheriff's office, utilizing funds from the Lawrence Ross estate and unauthorized substance tax funds.

The Haywood County Board of Commissioners meeting included discussions on various topics, such as the Southwestern Commission annual report, financial reporting excellence, budget amendments, and a contract with U.S. Tire Recycling Partners for scrap tire recycling and disposal. The board also considered the purchase of a 2017 Ford Escape for the tax assessor's office.