[7:00] public hearing to order. >> First up this evening is the first

[7:04] public hearing. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public

[7:07] comment on the consideration of the proposed application for the community

[7:11] development block disaster grant uh recovery grant. Mr.

[7:19] Good evening, commissioners. Um, we talked about this at our last meeting

[7:23] when we uh did our public hearing for the intent to apply for funding. Again,

[7:27] this is a community development block grant disaster recovery funds uh which

[7:31] is being uh which uh is we qualify because we're one of the Helen disaster

[7:37] counties uh that been designated. Uh the reason why we're applying for these

[7:42] funds is in the first round of funding uh they have a prioritization schedule

[7:46] and parks and recreation is on that first prioritization. So it gives us an

[7:50] opportunity to uh look at uh our greenway expansion and that uh in

[7:55] conversations with the state uh that would qualify as as uh part of that that

[8:00] was damage to the existing greenway during the Helen flooding. And so this

[8:05] project would uh would qualify uh and the the uh the uh census track that the

[8:13] greenway is in also qualifies as a load moderate uh income census tract as a

[8:17] whole. So that again qualifies us for this opportunity. Uh the intent of the

[8:22] of the county staff is to ask the commissioners to approve an application

[8:25] later on to apply for $1.25 million towards the construction of that

[8:30] greenway. And um part of that is to allow the uh uh community to to comment

[8:36] on that. Uh so that's what I we have here for you tonight.

[8:42] And I believe we have a couple people signed up.

[8:50] Quick reminder to everyone this evening um especially with these while it's on

[8:55] the agenda. Um we've got a timer set up on the screen for three minutes.

[9:00] purposes for us to listen, not to answer questions. Um, we'll you'll hear a

[9:06] little beep uh at the three minute mark. And with that, I'll start off public

[9:10] comment with Leanne Young. Miss Young,

[9:22] thank you so much. I'm glad to be here. I came directly

[9:26] from the airport. I've was in Arlington. um national cemetery yesterday interring

[9:31] my mother-in-law. So I made it a priority to be here.

[9:37] Um this letter is on behalf of friends of

[9:41] the Jackson County Greenways. On behalf of the board of directors of

[9:45] friends of the Jackson County Greenways, I am pleased to express our strong

[9:49] support for Jackson County's application for community development block grant

[9:54] disaster recovery funding offered by the US Department of

[9:59] Housing and Urban Development to help western North Carolina communities

[10:03] recover and rebuild following Hurricane Helen. This funding represents an

[10:07] important opportunity to support continued investment in the Jackson

[10:11] County Greenway. As an organization dedicated to

[10:15] supporting the development, stewardship, and enjoyment of Jackson County's

[10:19] greenways, we have seen firsthand the value these spaces bring to our

[10:24] community. Greenways connect people to nature, to one another, and to the

[10:29] communities they call home. The greenway represents a shared

[10:33] investment in recreation, public health, outdoor access, tourism, and community

[10:40] development. A connected greenway system is public infrastructure that can serve

[10:45] residents and visitors while contributing to the quality of life and

[10:50] economic vitality of the communities through which they it passes.

[10:54] Investment in resilient public infrastructure is especially important

[10:58] following Hurricane Helen. Greenway corridors provide valuable flood plane

[11:03] and storm water management benefits, helping to slow and absorb storm water

[11:09] while protecting surrounding private [clears throat] and public property.

[11:13] The proposed improvements will strengthen these natural functions while

[11:17] making the greenway more durable and better prepared for future severe

[11:21] weather. Jackson County has already demonstrated

[11:25] its commitment through planning, partnerships, land acquisition,

[11:30] engineering studies, and local investment.

[11:34] CDBG DR funding provides an opportunity to build on that foundation and advances

[11:41] a regional asset designed to serve our communities well into the future.

[11:46] Friends of the Jackson County Greenways respectfully encourages the

[11:50] commissioners to support Jackson County's CDBG DR application and

[11:55] continued investment in the greenway system.

[11:58] A connected, accessible, and resilient Greenway network is an investment in the

[12:03] long-term health and quality of life of Jackson County. We are proud to work

[12:08] alongside Jackson County and our community partners to support the growth

[12:12] and strengthening of the Jackson County Greenway. Thank you for your

[12:16] consideration and for your continued investment in the future of Jackson

[12:20] County. >> Thank you.

[12:22] » Next up this evening we have Gail Woody. Miss Woody.

[12:33] » Thank you so much for this opportunity. Um I want to tell two real short

[12:37] stories. Um, first of all, um, when I was young here in Jackson County, the

[12:44] Tuckiji River was so polluted that no one fished there unless you wanted to

[12:49] just throw the old fish away. It was polluted by what was then the me

[12:54] corporation. No one swam in the river. There was very little recreation that

[12:59] took place. And now it is one of the most beautiful rivers in our region. And

[13:05] we are so thankful that you as commissioners have purchased the land

[13:10] that has allowed us to um expand that greenway. And I personally walk on there

[13:18] frequently. I take my grandchildren, my great granddaughter and I walk many

[13:22] mornings. Um it is so wonderful to see senior citizens. Some of them are

[13:28] recovering from heart surgery and walk along the greenway with their walkers

[13:33] because it's paved, because it's pretty level and it's a place where they can

[13:37] access. And if any of you drive along the Tuckiji out towards Swing County and

[13:42] all, you'll see more and more building going up right next to the river. But

[13:48] the fact that you all bought that land and are protecting that for our citizens

[13:53] to use ongoing for the rest of of our lives and on into the future for our

[14:00] children and grandchildren is a wonderful thing. So, um we hope you'll

[14:04] support um this grant application so that we can continue using the greenway.

[14:10] Thank you.

[14:13] With that, is there a [clears throat] motion to close our first public

[14:17] hearing? >> And a second.

[14:21] » All in favor? >> I.

[14:23] » None opposed. Moving on. Um, call this meeting to

[14:28] order. The purpose of this public hearing is to receive public comment on

[14:33] the consideration of the proposed community transportation program

[14:36] application. Um,

[14:40] here to speak.

[14:45] » Oh, Renee. I'm sorry, Renee.

[14:59] » Good afternoon. Um, this public hearing is u being held regarding Jackson County

[15:05] transits applications for FY28. >> Hi Renee, you scared to pull that

[15:10] microphone.

[15:13] » Okay. >> Okay. It's for FY28 community

[15:17] transportation program grant funding. As the applicant, Jackson County Transit is

[15:22] seeking permission to apply for public transportation program funding. Enter

[15:27] into agreements with the North Carolina Department of Transportation,

[15:31] provide the necessary asurances, and provide the required local match for the

[15:36] requested grant funds. The North Carolina Department of Transportation's

[15:41] Integrated Mobility Division manages applications with the FTA for mass

[15:47] transportation and community transportation programs. These programs

[15:51] allow rural communities to work directly with the state to access federal

[15:56] transportation funding. This year, oil for FY28, the

[16:01] applications will be for three grant programs. The 5311

[16:07] um administrative grant, which subsidizes the administrative cost

[16:13] associated with operating a transportation system.

[16:16] Also, eligible expenses include administrative salaries and benefits,

[16:21] office supplies, training, uniforms, and marketing.

[16:26] The second one is the 5310 operating grant program. That program supports

[16:32] operating cost associated with providing transportation

[16:36] services for elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities.

[16:42] And then there's the combined capital grant program which um helps us to

[16:47] maintain an up-to-date fleet. And then it also addresses other capital needs.

[16:52] Um for FY28, we will only be replacing one mobility transit raised roof van

[17:00] and that would include the lettering and logos for that vehicle and a propane

[17:04] conversion kit. We also uh have available two desktop computers and one

[17:09] laptop. So that's that's all we have for that year on the capital grant program.

[17:14] Um I might add that the computers are more than 5 years old. So they've

[17:19] reached the end of their useful life. And I'll [snorts] just go ahead and say

[17:23] that the total amount requested through these grant programs is $520,773

[17:31] and the local required share is $129,53.

[17:39] And it is just um this funding, it really is essential to maintaining

[17:44] reliable transportation services for the residents of Jackson County and to

[17:49] ensure that Jackson County Transit can continue providing safe, accessible, and

[17:54] dependable transportation to the individuals and communities that we

[17:59] serve. Have any questions?

[18:05] » Did anyone sign up for public comment? No.

[18:08] » Should be. Okay. >> I will.

[18:12] » Nope. >> Okay.

[18:14] » Sure didn't. [laughter] >> Thank you, Miss.

[18:17] » You're welcome. >> Is there a motion to close this public

[18:19] hearing? >> And a second. Second.

[18:23] » All in favor? >> None opposed.

[18:27] I'll call our third meeting to order. Purpose of this public hearing is to

[18:32] receive public comment on the consideration of the proposed bond uh of

[18:36] the proposed bond order authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for

[18:41] school facilities in the maximum amount of $105 million.

[18:47] Turn over to Mr. King.

[19:04] First up this evening we have Miss Gail Woody. Miss Woody,

[19:13] » um, thank you for letting me speak again. Um, [clears throat] I just have

[19:18] two short comments to make. Um, number one is as a retired teacher and um, as a

[19:25] person that went through public education myself and my children did,

[19:30] um, I am a great advocate of public education. And the second thing I want

[19:36] to say about that is that it's never going to get any cheaper. And um, I'm a

[19:42] retired person. My husband and I are retired teachers. We live on a fixed

[19:46] income, but we we know our taxes will go up some if this bond passes, but our

[19:52] children are worth it. They're the future of our community, and we need to

[19:57] support them. Thank you for considering this,

[20:00] » Miss Wood. Next up is Michelle Samuel.

[20:13] I'm gonna try to keep this three minutes, y'all.

[20:16] I'm gonna try. Okay. My name is Michelle Samuel. My

[20:21] family lives behind the middle school site. I want to be clear that I'm not

[20:27] against bettering children's education, but I believe the middle school is not

[20:32] warranted, especially with all of the schools other schools needing extensive

[20:37] repairs. As property owners, we were not given the courtesy of a middle school

[20:42] going in. I understand this is a year process, but my question is how this

[20:48] particular site was chosen. The question comes after a quote in the Smoky

[20:53] Mountain News that Alchiteex are still working on site plans for the proposed

[20:58] middle school and Jackson County Public Schools has not yet put out a request

[21:04] for proposal on this project. As of now, Miss Ays says the middle school numbers

[21:10] are a shot in the dark as there have been over 30 generations of project

[21:16] planning in an attempt to find the best possible location for the school's

[21:21] construction in logistically challenging mountainous landscape. End quote.

[21:27] Usually, you submit in writing to the board planning board and engineer

[21:32] drawings. Wildlife impact study. Was this done? Because we have deer, bear,

[21:38] turkeys, all of that in our field behind us. Conservation,

[21:43] environmental impact study like with native flowers, wet walls, that would

[21:48] have told you how many numerous springs were located there. EPA erosion, steep

[21:54] slope traffic studies, DOT entrance, which is still questionable,

[21:59] submit um specialized lighting for sports complex within the ordinances.

[22:04] core testing. There is all of the rock there. Ask me how I know because my

[22:09] house is on. Okay. We didn't want to go through the expense of d of the blasting

[22:16] because we didn't want to um hurt our neighbors property. I'm also worried

[22:23] about the changes in the direction of the water flow because of the numerous

[22:28] springs because we have an artisian well. I attended a K through8 school,

[22:33] first class at Fairville. I graduated Silvets High School in 87. I'm dating

[22:39] myself. Huge. I have a cosmetology license. I own my own salon. I have an

[22:44] online boutique. I'm a partner of a construction company. And that's all

[22:49] here in Jackson County. I am part of successful citizens that did not go to a

[22:55] standalone middle school. With all the new laws in place for grant writing, the

[23:01] language should have included pre-existing renovations and new

[23:06] construction. The proposed bond referendum is really not fair to the

[23:10] taxpayers of Jackson County to have this burden with this huge undertaking of

[23:16] debt obligation. I thought at one time, I'm not sure um

[23:21] about the sales tax on there. the tax base in question could and will probably

[23:27] increase considerably and the proposed amount needed keeps changing

[23:31] continuously. I feel that this is not a citizen quandreum. We did not create

[23:37] this. It is however a tricky situation because if the language of the bond

[23:42] referendum is not clear and precise. If passed, then a lot of Jackson County

[23:48] citizens will be voting for considerable cons continuous tax increase based on

[23:54] the assumption it is for the betterment of the children. I feel putting this

[23:58] bond referendum is going to be a burden of continuous rising taxes bases on our

[24:04] citizens without a clear feasible guaranteed fixed stable amount of debt

[24:10] to fix all of the problems. especially considering the county currently has a

[24:15] lot of existing debt obligation already. Thank you for considering voting no to

[24:21] putting this on the November ballot and I agree with Miss Jenny Lynn Hooper.

[24:25] This issue needs to have more work and time spent researching this topic. I

[24:31] feel that it is being rushed for the sake of meeting a deadline. Thank you.

[24:37] » Next up this evening we have Wes Jameson. Mr.

[24:43] » [clears throat]

[24:57] » Good afternoon. Uh, appreciate having the opportunity to come up here and

[25:00] speak. I'll be quick. Obviously, I would like for this bond referendum to move

[25:06] forward and allow the taxpaying citizens of Jackson County to vote on it in

[25:10] November. Uh, last time I checked, there's probably I think around 13,000

[25:14] registered voters in Jackson County. Maybe eight or nine thousand will vote

[25:18] in November. I doubt you've heard from that many up to this point. So, I think

[25:23] it needs to be on the ballot so folks can vote on it. Obviously, I'm in favor

[25:26] of a middle school. uh for every negative article you can produce about

[25:30] one, I can find one in favor of it, you know. Um but this referendum is about

[25:37] more than just middle school. There's many school capital improvement projects

[25:41] on here that all need to be done. Um Jackson County has one of the lowest tax

[25:47] rates in North Carolina, and all that does is put you guys in a situation

[25:51] where you're continuously having to search for money to fund uh these public

[25:56] activities that need to be done. So, um, this is a way to help move that forward

[26:01] and, uh, I am definitely in favor of it and hope to be able to see it on the

[26:05] ballot in November. Thank you, >> Mr. Jameson. Next up, [clears throat] we

[26:10] have Miranda Bryson Jameson.

[26:28] Good evening. I want to take a few minutes tonight to talk about why I

[26:31] believe Jackson County needs to give voters opportunity to decide on a school

[26:35] bond referendum this November. This is not simply about building a new

[26:40] building. It is about asking ourselves what kind of educational opportunities

[26:44] we want to provide for the children of Jackson County in 2026 and beyond.

[26:49] Jackson County currently has one of the lowest property tax rates in North

[26:52] Carolina. That doesn't mean taxes don't matter. They do. Every dollar matters

[26:57] and taxpayers deserve accountability for every dollar we spend. But we also have

[27:02] to recognize that investing in our schools is an investment in our

[27:05] community. Today, our students in grades 6 through 8 are spread across multiple

[27:09] KA campuses. And while our teachers and administrators work incredibly hard, the

[27:14] structure itself limits the opportunities we can provide.

[27:18] When you divide middle school students and teachers among among multiple

[27:22] campuses, you cannot offer the same variety of courses that you can when

[27:26] those students are brought together. Think about what our sixth, seventh, and

[27:29] eighth graders could have access to in a middle school designed specifically for

[27:33] them. Some examples are Spanish 1 and two, home economics, shop classes, FFA,

[27:40] math one, English one, environmental earth science, US history, child early

[27:45] childhood education, and so many more. These aren't just extra classes. They

[27:51] are opportunities for a child to discover something they're p they're

[27:54] passionate about, something that could influence what they they choose to

[27:57] study, what career they pursue, and what they ultimately contribute to our

[28:01] community. And this isn't about abandoning the schools we already have.

[28:06] Quite the opposite. The proposed fund includes investments in existing Jackson

[28:10] County schools and facilities as well. As a community, we do have a

[28:14] responsibility to take care of these schools we already have while also

[28:18] building for the future. K12 schools may have been the right answer for Jackson

[28:23] County in the 1950s, but it is 2026. Our children's world is different. The

[28:29] jobs are different, technology is different, education is different, and

[28:33] the opportunities available for our children should be different, too. We

[28:37] cannot be afraid to change simply because something is the way we've

[28:40] always done it. Our responsibility is to look at where Jackson County is today,

[28:45] and that's what our children need tomorrow. A bond gives the people of

[28:49] Jackson County the opportunity to make that decision. This isn't about

[28:53] buildings. It's about opportunities. It's about

[28:57] making sure a child growing up in Jackson County has access to the same

[29:01] education possibilities as a child anywhere else. And I believe our ju our

[29:07] children in Jackson County deserve nothing less.

[29:11] Jameson. Next up this evening is Steve Bush. Mr. Bush,

[29:18] [clears throat]

[29:20] Steve Bush.

[29:29] [clears throat]

[29:31] » Thank you for the opportunity, ladies and gentlemen, to talk to this board.

[29:36] Um, I probably will be the most unpopular man in the room when this is

[29:39] through, but I have a lot of hard questions.

[29:43] Where why are we missing $40 million to this and nobody can explain it? Nobody

[29:49] can explain what's going on. The tax base was already heavily heavily handed

[29:55] this past year and yet my understanding is the Jackson County Tax Department has

[30:01] already sent people out for the prospects of 2029 and they've already

[30:05] sent out letters different neighborhoods to do assessments. So that tells me

[30:10] there's something wrong in the head house. Um, I think schools are great and

[30:16] I understand that you already have $52 million uh already granted, but aren't

[30:21] grants matched money? Most of them are. You know, you put up

[30:27] so much, they put up so much, usually it's 50/50. Um,

[30:33] I just think there's a lot of unanswered questions here. And I think a lot of

[30:38] people want to know where the money is going to. And I truly think along with

[30:43] others that uh there actually needs to be a forensic accounting of the county

[30:47] before anything moves forward. And I think that's a fair assessment of

[30:52] anything. We keep getting taxed more and more. And yet we see all those projects

[30:58] going on, but we see people up Western for instance, you closed

[31:04] basically 54 businesses along 107 and the tax base went down. Who's to account

[31:10] for that? You're counting on the citizens to pick up what the tourists

[31:14] used to pick up. And that's a legitimate question. They get a 17 foot wide grass

[31:19] strip in the middle from Walmart all the way down to the middle of town. Well, to

[31:24] town and you know, u gets what two bike lanes, but how much is it disturbed in

[31:30] the county? I mean, how much has it disturbed the tax base? You got people

[31:35] that don't even want to do business here anymore because of how it's treated. So,

[31:39] I'm speak for myself and others. You know, I think a school is great, but

[31:44] here's the other thing. How many non-English-speaking students do we have

[31:49] going to these schools of illegals? And that's that's a pertinent question.

[31:54] We're supporting people that, you know, are here illegally and yet we're

[31:59] supporting them. And that's some of my hard question. The

[32:04] other one is is y'all bought a bunch of land that was up there just nothing but

[32:08] a baldf face rock. How much more do you anticipate that it costing when you get

[32:14] on rock and start finding fissures waters you know talking about acryers

[32:20] and things like that. You know this could go more a lot more just to

[32:25] circumvent those things just like we had with the pool. You know you have

[32:29] everything but then you have nothing. I thank you for your time and thank you.

[32:36] » Next up this evening we have Dean Woods. Mr. Woods.

[32:46] [clears throat]

[32:50] I want to say hello and thank you. Uh I won't take much time. I'm pretty direct.

[32:55] Um, like he just mentioned about the the loss of the money not accounted for. I

[33:02] bet I'm just betting if your power bill went up enough you'd know where the

[33:05] honey's going. So there's a reason there's got to be a reason why that

[33:09] lights going up. You should know why. And another thing is if uh blue get on

[33:15] the back burner every year there's a sign up in the in the front yard of the

[33:19] school saying construction coming. And now that has changed again. For years,

[33:24] it's been that uh for some reason Blue Rig's not getting the construction and

[33:31] the necessities that they need. They they don't they're not a handicap

[33:35] accessibility to the soccer field. Did y'all know that? Nobody want to walk

[33:42] soccer from the street. There's not a ramp going to the bleachers at the

[33:46] soccer field. That's how bad Blue Ridge gets treated. And I just want to say

[33:50] there's no way about no guess for another school when you can't even

[33:54] support the ones you got. That's all I've got to say about it. M

[33:58] » Woods. Next up is Brandon Lewis. Mr. Lewis.

[34:09] [clears throat]

[34:11] » Good evening, Board of Commissioners. The first time I ever heard the word

[34:17] referendum in my life, it was about 31 years ago by a dear friend that was a

[34:23] Gideon over in Asheville that got annexed in by the Asheville city limits

[34:27] that used to be in Buckingham County. When many people over that way said,

[34:31] "Our tax r's great here in Buckingham County. We're just the whole country

[34:34] people still." And then when the man died on his locker in the nursing home,

[34:38] they was taxed on the poor house. explains to me what a over 30 years ago

[34:43] a bond referendum was and the people that want it and they're more than good

[34:47] to find someone to come in and vote for that and um but u anyway I'm a resident

[34:55] and a homeowner in Jackson County and I'm opposed to the county funding the

[35:00] new middle school has proposed. [snorts] I believe that the site is unstable as

[35:04] per reports and software cost estimates have shown

[35:09] and it is unwise to rush into this just because a grant is available. If the

[35:15] school is really necessary then a viable alternative should be searched out. I

[35:21] further oppose the bond referendum. With all due respect, I voted for you

[35:27] board to represent me in these matters such as this to vote for decisions that

[35:32] need to be made instead of kicking it back to the public again. And uh you

[35:38] know, people don't really have time to that. And if uh why do we vote on

[35:44] anything? Why could we not just take the budget for the year and put that up to

[35:49] the people and let us all come in here and vote on the budget instead of a

[35:52] board of commissioners? that's voted in to be leaders, make decisions that are

[35:56] hard with information they see during your work sessions that you know the

[36:00] things that are going on and know decisions that need to be made. It's

[36:04] despite popular opinion, despite what someone may decide because there's

[36:09] always going to be a difference of opinion and there's going to be a lot of

[36:12] ignorance involved at the polls, people coming in, well, if I don't vote for

[36:16] this, it won't be for the kids. I'm not gonna stand here and argue and pull out

[36:20] things like been said earlier that I can argue that the middle school is not

[36:25] good. Well, my family and my kids have went to places where it is. So, I have

[36:30] direct experience with that and I say you can't prove on me that it does make

[36:34] a big difference. And as a matter of fact, they was the least popular school

[36:38] they liked and they got kind of behind and then swain from the elementary

[36:43] school until high school and they loved high school again.

[36:46] I remember over 15 years ago as my board was involved in new sports and the first

[36:52] thing I heard about a middle school was that board would stink at football here

[36:57] and if we can all get together petitioning the school board to get us a

[37:01] middle school, a centralized middle school, make sports better and we're

[37:05] going to win championships here. This was going on with many of the parents,

[37:08] many of the coaches. Well, I was leaving in that because I really like football

[37:12] then and want see my boy make a bunch of tackles telling you we can't base it

[37:16] just on those kind of things. You got to look at the hard key facts and not set

[37:20] up our people for a generation or more than one generation of a tax burden and

[37:26] being in debt. You know, when I was a child, I spoke as a child and had to

[37:30] have the latest pickup and trade in for it. And that's put me back in life

[37:34] because I was in debt for years and I'm finally at a place where I'm a little

[37:38] bit fiscally responsible. not rich, not a millionaire, but I make choices. I

[37:42] don't go to the beach when I don't have money to go to the beach. I don't borrow

[37:45] money just because I have a coupon in my hand. I'm not going to pop the balloon

[37:49] fortune warehouse and buy the new biggest gun that I also have to pitch in

[37:53] $800. Now, I don't say that's necessarily a

[37:56] bad thing, but when Swain can deal with middle school, the new middle school the

[38:01] ground's broken for the $52 million grant mode and not have to contribute

[38:05] any herself, I think there's a chance if we look into it. We might figure out

[38:09] something like that, too. That we look a little bit wise before.

[38:14] And uh but anyway, um I thank you for your audience and uh God bless Jackson

[38:19] County. >> Thank you.

[38:21] » Thank you. Next up, we have Garrett Craig. Craig.

[38:26] [clears throat]

[38:29] » Hi, my name is Garrett Craig. I'm a homeowner in Silva. I'm here this

[38:33] evening to speak in support of putting the proposed school bond referendum

[38:37] before Jackson County voters in November. I do have notes, but I want to

[38:41] call back momentarily and just say that no person is illegal, let alone a child.

[38:46] I also believe that property ownership comes with great responsibility. None of

[38:51] us owns in isolation. The value of our land depends on the roads we share, the

[38:56] emergency services we rely on, the strength of our local economy, and the

[39:00] public institutions around us. In some, it depends on the community that we

[39:05] choose to build together. And educating children well is one of the most

[39:10] important things that we can choose. accepting taxes as part of that social

[39:15] con contract and the mechanism of a bond refendum

[39:20] occasionally being necessary. Our goal should then be to use shared resources

[39:25] wisely. That is for things that make Jackson County a better place to live

[39:29] both now and in the future. And provided that specific expenditures are allocated

[39:35] smartly and transparently, it's difficult to think of many wiser ways to

[39:40] spend our tax money than on schools. Good schools, beyond their potential to

[39:45] actually increase property values, affect whether young families feel

[39:49] welcome to put down roots. They affect businesses confidence that they can find

[39:53] people to hire. And crucially, they can make a life-changing statement of hope

[39:57] in coming generations. The buildings that need our attention,

[40:01] not just the middle school, will serve this community for decades. So, we

[40:06] cannot afford to be shortsighted. Maybe this bond will cost a tax payer

[40:11] like myself an extra $150 next year. But how much more will it cost us all to

[40:17] keep postponing critical needs and handing problems down the line? We

[40:22] aren't being asked for luxuries here. We should be able to transport our kids

[40:26] safely, feed them properly, accommodate them physically, challenge them

[40:30] academically, and give their teachers and staff the tools and space to do

[40:34] their jobs. These aren't extravagant expectations for public schools. They're

[40:39] basics that a community like ours should be able to provide. In closing, I'd like

[40:44] to see Jackson County embrace the mentality that it takes a village, and I

[40:49] want to give our kids schools that they can be proud of. I believe it will be

[40:53] worth the money. Thank you, >> Mr. Craig.

[40:57] » With no one else signed up for public comment this evening on this referendum,

[41:01] is there a motion to adjourn? >> So move

[41:04] » and a second. >> Second.

[41:05] » All in favor? I. None opposed. Now call to order a regular meeting.

[41:12] Everyone will please stand up this evening for the pledge.

[41:22] I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic

[41:28] for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

[41:34] justice for all.

[41:38] » Thank you everyone. Welcome.

[41:43] First up this evening we have a couple of proclamations. Uh first one we have

[41:48] is the firefighter rescue squad and first responder week.

[41:56] Whereas firefighters, rescue squad members and first responders provide

[42:00] valuable services through their assistance to citizens of their

[42:03] communities in Jackson County during times of need and crisis. And whereas

[42:07] they respond to emergencies without hesitation when the call of duty arises

[42:12] and tirelessly give of their time and energy and humanitarian efforts, making

[42:16] themselves available every hour of the day, every day of the year. And whereas

[42:20] responders have physical strength, stamina, extensive training, courage,

[42:24] and selfless concern for the welfare of others. And whereas it is appropriate to

[42:28] recognize the duties of services uh that firefighters, rescue squad members, and

[42:34] first responders perform by observing September 6th through 12th as

[42:38] firefighter, rescue squad, and first responder week in Jackson County. Now

[42:43] therefore, Jackson County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim

[42:46] September 6th through 12th as Firefighter Rescue Squad and First

[42:49] Responder Week in Jackson County and encourages all residents to take time to

[42:54] show the volunteers how much their service is valued in the county. Is

[42:58] there a motion for approval of this proclamation?

[43:00] » So move. >> Is there a second?

[43:02] » Second. >> All those in favor?

[43:05] » None opposed. This evening we have our fire marshal, Michael Forbes, here to

[43:08] accept this uh proclamation. Mr. Forbus. also

[43:19] assistant chief green Wilson. Perfect.

[43:31] [clears throat]

[43:47] Just be like Nike and just do it. [laughter]

[43:52] » Look this way. You good job. You're doing great. [laughter]

[43:56] Good job. >> Thank you guys.

[43:58] » Appreciate it.

[44:08] All

[44:11] right, next up we have

[44:15] proclamation declaring September is Jackson County opioid awareness month.

[44:19] [clears throat] Where is the disease of substance use disorder and overdose

[44:23] death, excuse me, pose a threat to the life,

[44:27] health, and well-being of Jackson County residents and family units. And whereas

[44:31] three Jackson County residents lost their lives to fentanyl overdoses

[44:35] between January and May of 2026. And whereas Jackson County has a higher

[44:41] rate of medication and drug overdose deaths and opioid related deaths when

[44:44] compared to the state rate and three of the four surrounding counties. And

[44:49] whereas the opioid epidemic has contributed to a rise in serious and

[44:53] costly health consequences and and a significant number and rate of

[44:58] hospitalizations associated with drug withdrawal in newborns and a high number

[45:02] of children in foster care. And whereas a lack of behavioral health services,

[45:07] treatment facilities, harm reduction measures in the region leave residents

[45:12] and families without access to resources for help. And whereas substance abuse,

[45:16] substance use disorder, and overdose deaths cause pain, suffering, and loss

[45:21] to individuals and families and communities across all demographics and

[45:26] regardless of socio socioeconomic status that can never be measured. Now

[45:31] therefore, be it resolved that the board of commissioners of Jackson County that

[45:35] September is in Jackson County is open awareness month. Is there a motion to

[45:39] approve this proclamation? >> And a second.

[45:44] » All in favor? >> I. None opposed. With us this evening is

[45:48] Anna Liippard and Jody Rodall to accept this proclamation.

[46:17] We take two this way. One more.

[46:27] Look this way. I'll do it again for you. >> Thank you.

[46:51] » All right, moving on. Now, first up this evening is

[46:55] the approval of the agenda. >> [clears throat]

[46:58] » There are no needs for any amendments. I'll seek a motion for approval.

[47:03] So move >> and second.

[47:05] » All in favor? >> I opposed.

[47:08] » Moving on now to our approval of the minutes. We have special call meeting uh

[47:13] on the 10th of August, public hearing for uh the CDBG DR grant, public hearing

[47:19] for the data center moratorum and our regular meeting um from August 18th. If

[47:25] there are no needs for any amendments to those me minutes, I'll seek a motion for

[47:29] approval. >> So moved

[47:31] » and a second. >> All those in favor?

[47:35] » None opposed. Moving on now to administrative reports. Uh last Thursday

[47:40] I was able to attend the reopening of uh what is now the

[47:47] Elden Jameson uh rescue squad center up in uh Hamburg in Glimble Cashers. It was

[47:54] a great event. A lot of uh ancillary uh um help. uh the the auxiliary unit was

[48:04] there and served up a nice meal and it was great to remember J uh Elden um all

[48:09] that he did in southern Jackson County and just uh seeing his family and what

[48:13] it meant to them was well worth the renovations. It's great and um it'll be

[48:19] representation for for Elden his family for a long time. So do any other

[48:24] commissioners have anything to report this evening?

[48:28] I was able to take my son get enough time take my son down to the Koala

[48:34] Whittier Park and that looks looks real good. Looking forward to some some

[48:40] different things coming I hope. But uh it's looking good. I'm glad it's open

[48:44] and it's it's good for that community because community's been left behind for

[48:49] a long time. So appreciate what parks and red done for that. He loved it.

[48:57] » [laughter] >> That's most

[49:00] » any other reports from commissioners this evening.

[49:04] » I'll turn it over to County Manager King in his report.

[49:11] » Just got a couple things this evening. One, on the 12th of September is the

[49:16] 175th birthday of Jackson County at Whittier Heritage Ground. It'll be

[49:22] between 4 and 8:00 p.m. There are tickets on sale to ride the train

[49:26] between Dillsboro and the event center. Um, so those are on sale I think through

[49:33] Thursday of this week. >> They go from Dillsboro to

[49:37] » Oh, next week, I'm sorry. Excuse me. >> Dillsboro to

[49:40] » from Dillsboro to the Heritage. Yes. So

[49:46] uh the second thing is I was in um I want to bring you a little bit on the

[49:50] cashers water and sewer discussion. So I have um been up there a few times

[49:55] talking to different stakeholders in the community. Uh we are engaged with the

[50:00] public utility uh there and all the different partners that's kind of come

[50:04] out of the come out of the woodwork. So, we are in a really good discussions uh

[50:09] on the the 28th this month of the take up there and we're going to have some

[50:14] some more uh discussions with those folks and try to figure out a good

[50:18] method to move forward both in the water and the sewer arena for the future. So,

[50:24] just want to let you know about the y'all I've got today.

[50:31] Moving

[50:34] [clears throat]

[50:38] on to uh public comments. Quick reminder about

[50:44] our threeminut rule and we're here to listen and um not answer questions. With

[50:49] that, open [clears throat] it up with Brandon Lewis. Mr. Lewis.

[51:03] Once again, good evening, Jackson County Board of Commissioners. My name is

[51:07] Brandon Lewis. I'm a resident homeowner in the Little Savannah community of

[51:11] Jackson County. Let me pose a question. In an engine,

[51:16] what is more important? The oil the oil pump, oil filter, or the oil plug?

[51:24] If the county government goes down the slippery slope of giving payroses to

[51:28] only one department, it would create an environment of jealousy of

[51:33] discontentment that could exacerbate current hiring and workforce

[51:37] difficulties. How could you weigh the impact of such

[51:40] actions? How can the cost be measured? You could have a salary study conducted

[51:46] given an impartial report based on facts and real world figures that could guide

[51:52] your decisions and calm the human emotions of the people with transparency

[51:57] and equity. Make no mistake, just because you may have not heard from

[52:03] every department, many employees of other Jackson County departments are

[52:07] feeling the burdens of the inflationary cost of living and the draw of higher

[52:13] paying jobs. Elsewhere, as Sheriff Farmer has stated, the lower you go down

[52:19] the pay scale, the greater the hardship than employee to make a living and the

[52:24] more difficult it is to fill those positions. There are also skilled trade

[52:29] workers employed by Jackson County that were not compensated for their

[52:32] experience. They had to start at the bottom of the pay scale while stepping

[52:38] um the state of North Carolina and the private sector credits employees for

[52:42] their experience. A low starting pay with small step

[52:46] increases leads to a feeling of being no better off after years of service. These

[52:51] skilled laborers with many years of experience, expertise, education,

[52:57] certifications, and licenses have saved Jackson County taxpayers thousands of

[53:02] dollars. [clears throat]

[53:05] Um, other employers are hiring, paying higher wages with competitive benefits,

[53:12] and good health is hard to find. Uh, there are also teachers in the same

[53:16] boat. They can find positions in nearby school systems with higher pay due to

[53:21] higher state and county supplements. In my opinion, teachers are more important

[53:27] than new school buildings or ball fields. Jesus taught multitudes on a

[53:31] mountain side. Most county employees were counting on a salary study that

[53:35] would lead to increased pay to help with low starting wages and inflation and to

[53:40] give a little hope of attaining retirement a little while before death.

[53:44] There is much discouragement with many right now and a lot of job shopping is

[53:49] going on. If the county loses any of our highly qualified and experienced

[53:53] employees, it will be very difficult to replace them. Retention is key. It is

[53:59] very difficult in today's job market to get any applicants, much less highly

[54:04] qualified ones to fill positions. Without employees uh to maintain and

[54:10] care for what you have, county properties will become dilapidated. And

[54:15] how will that have the budget looking in a few years?

[54:23] This brings me back to the question that I posed. My answer is that we need them

[54:27] all. The oil, the oil pump, the oil filter, and the oil plug

[54:33] for this engine to run and to last. We need all of our productive employees to

[54:38] keep this counted going. And we need equity and fairness for all their pay.

[54:44] The Bible tells us in Daniel 2:21, "He removeth kings and setth up kings. He

[54:51] giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge unto them that knowing."

[54:56] May God give you wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. We, the people of Jackson

[55:02] County, chose you to represent us. Be wise leaders. Thank you for your

[55:08] audience. God bless Jackson County. >> Lewis. Next up this evening, we have

[55:14] Cornelia Waldram.

[55:26] Hi, good evening you guys. Um, I am

[55:32] Koya Waldron. I live in Silva up on Ridgeway right up by the library. Um and

[55:39] um you guys are dealing with a lot of weighty issues. Um

[55:45] and I'm not here to talk about any of them. Um yeah. So but I am coming

[55:53] as I always try to remind you that I come as your neighbor.

[55:58] We are each neighbors. We are all part of this community. I do want to very

[56:05] quickly, not a public comment, but speak Todd to the um how many folks I work

[56:11] with out in Woodier and on the boundary that are so excited to finally have that

[56:15] park open. So, I want to say that completely aside, but anyway, yes, as a

[56:21] neighbor, um, and as I was mentioning over the past few years,

[56:27] you guys have really been, uh, sometimes creating at least navigating whole

[56:33] series of messes that have really kind of heaped up in a big pile. Um, and as a

[56:40] somewhat sympathetic neighbor, um, I haven't [clears throat] wanted to

[56:43] continue to nag you about my own particular concern. Um, that is that is

[56:49] affecting me as your direct neighbor. Um, but maybe this would be an easy win

[56:56] and not as heavy as all this other stuff. Um,

[57:01] I would really strongly I am strongly requesting once again that you please

[57:07] address the condition of your property that sits between Kener Street and

[57:12] Ridgeway Street. It is marginally safer than it was when

[57:18] I first started bringing this situation up, but it continues to impact the

[57:24] adjoining properties. It is a mess. There is a large stand of bamboo that is

[57:32] rapidly spreading now well beyond your property line into adjoining properties

[57:39] and the bamboo and the cudoo are all over the utility lines. I have sent

[57:47] you guys pictures of this and I've not heard back from anyone, but this

[57:52] continues to be a problem and it's just getting worse every year. So, um,

[57:58] I would really like it to be addressed and may I respectfully suggest that this

[58:03] winter would be a fabulous time to do it. Once the leaves are all down, the

[58:07] kudzu's died back, everything's gone dormant, it's great time to take care of

[58:11] this problem, and I would love to see that happen. Thank you.

[58:15] » Thank you, Miss K. I'm sorry. >> All right. If no one else signed up for

[58:21] public comment, we did receive one. Uh, Miss Laura Watley, we did get your

[58:26] public comment via email. Moving on now,

[58:32] first up this evening is Miss Fox in the sheriff's office budget amendment.

[58:42] Good afternoon. I've heard several budget amendments and

[58:49] I presented you options on the salary discussions. Now I just need some

[58:55] guidance on which what you can do.

[59:02] » I I do feel like we need to table this. I

[59:06] you know no matter what the increase it's going

[59:11] to be felt negatively in other departments and I I I do feel like the

[59:18] salary study is the better option for for right now. Um just so that we're

[59:25] what should I say equitable across all departments. It it's it's not that I

[59:30] don't feel that the the sheriff's office is under crunch.

[59:35] Everybody is. Um and so with that, I I'm I'm going to I'm going to support that.

[59:43] I've heard a lot from a lot of different people and it's really not fair to give

[59:49] one, you know, to carve out one department and give them a raise and

[59:52] ignore everybody else. U they're all hurting.

[59:57] So I think I I would support a salary study and and go from there.

[1:00:03] » Reference, what does a salary study cost in time frame in which it can be?

[1:00:08] » It probably would be between 30 and $50,000

[1:00:12] » and it would take several months to >> I think that's a good investment to

[1:00:17] » Okay, so that's several more months that we're going to go without the proper

[1:00:22] police staffing. I'm for looking at it across the board. Why can't we give the

[1:00:27] police what they need to keep us safe and work our communities and our streets

[1:00:34] and then we can tighten our belt on the budget for next year. But look at the

[1:00:39] study as well and see what we're going to do about increasing and see where we

[1:00:42] can cut. >> Looked at the turnover rate. Both DSS

[1:00:45] and the health department has a higher turnover rate than the share.

[1:00:49] » But who protects the community? I know DSS does the kids. I'm not saying that.

[1:00:53] health department. Yeah. Protect the health of the community.

[1:00:56] » I deserve I agree. But I think we need to go on and give the in my opinion

[1:01:02] because who do you call first? The police. I think we need to give them

[1:01:07] what we're going to give them and then look at the study and take care of the

[1:01:11] rest of them. >> I think that you call us dispatch.

[1:01:17] Dispatch has had a higher turnover rate than all three of those departments.

[1:01:25] And I'm not saying that everyone is not deserving of this.

[1:01:30] » But you're also saying let's cut the budget next year. If we give a raise to

[1:01:35] a department, where's that money coming from?

[1:01:37] » There's plenty of ways to cut the budget. There's plenty of places in

[1:01:41] there to cut it. There's a lot of overspending.

[1:01:47] [clears throat]

[1:01:50] address that during the next budget. >> Well, yeah, if you don't wait and bring

[1:01:55] the budget in week or two before it's ready to be passed.

[1:01:59] » When do we start budget? >> We we start in January.

[1:02:04] » The actual approved budget till it's at least a month before we do it, if it's

[1:02:10] even that. >> I was at a budget meeting in February.

[1:02:14] » February is when we have >> approved budget yet. No, but we kept

[1:02:18] directives in where we're wanting to >> budget in in February. We're just then

[1:02:22] getting all the information from the different departments.

[1:02:25] » Well, and the required budget is >> we do the approved budget. You mean the

[1:02:31] recommended budget? >> Yeah. Whatever. [clears throat]

[1:02:36] » The state law requires and it's presented to the board by June 1st.

[1:02:41] » Well, it has to be voted on before July 1st. So, that's

[1:02:44] » correct. But the board sets the priorities in

[1:02:48] February at the retreat for the budget. >> And I've talked to several departments.

[1:02:54] I've talked to emergency management prior to the

[1:02:59] this year's budget. And I have to say I'm sorry to you guys, but

[1:03:04] we were trying to cut and he come to me and asked if we could, you know, get get

[1:03:09] some more money for them, but we were, you know, tight. we've trying to cut and

[1:03:15] you know all departments deserve a raise because

[1:03:21] it's it's sad what some of these folks are making

[1:03:25] but and again I agree with you sheriff's office

[1:03:30] they provide safety and everything for the community

[1:03:34] um but our other departments are just as important

[1:03:38] um as far as retaining staff >> raises has to come from somewhere

[1:03:45] and county employees are not going to be part. So taxpayers will have to be

[1:03:52] paying more for anything and they're already earned to begin

[1:03:57] with. So

[1:04:01] I'm all for everybody get as much as they can get. I mean but it's got to

[1:04:05] come from somewhere. But the most important thing in our

[1:04:09] county in my opinion is [snorts] our sheriff department because

[1:04:13] without them what chaos you have. I know everybody's important. I'm not saying

[1:04:18] that nobody's less important but I am saying

[1:04:23] uh I think there's enough money in that budget that we could give some raises. I

[1:04:29] I I think there was enough found last year that could have been taken out and

[1:04:35] spent more appropriately. I agree.

[1:04:42] » Want a table? That's fine. But my vote sheriff department if nobody else if

[1:04:47] nobody else gets my

[1:04:56] » there a motion. >> I think we need to table. Um

[1:05:02] how long does it would it take to get a study?

[1:05:05] » Months. It would take several months >> because we'd have to interview.

[1:05:10] » And what's the what's the um just so everybody knows and

[1:05:17] [clears throat] what's the increase that the sheriff's office asking for?

[1:05:21] » They ask for $10,000 per employee. >> What total? What does the total come to?

[1:05:28] » Depends on how you give it. If you put it on step one of the grade, it'd be

[1:05:31] $866,000. If you gave it to them developing a new

[1:05:36] grade table and just straight 10,000 in each step increase, it'd be $662,000.

[1:05:46] » If every other department in the county came to us and said we want the same,

[1:05:51] what would that cost us? Well, I calculated it. That's $4.5 million. We

[1:05:56] don't have that. We don't have that in the budget buried anywhere. And that's

[1:06:00] what they're going to come and ask for. I [snorts] uh Kathleen and HR send me

[1:06:05] those numbers and I put them in the spreadsheet and that's what it worked

[1:06:09] out to. So I I don't see singling out one department and saying, "Yeah, you

[1:06:15] can have 10,000 and everybody else you don't get anything until we do a salary

[1:06:20] study." If we're going to do it, then we need to do it across the board and do it

[1:06:23] the proper way. The last salary ster survey was done in 2022

[1:06:29] and it was $3 and a half billion dollars to implement

[1:06:35] » and it's it's probably going to be close to that or more

[1:06:38] » or more now. >> So, and like Michael said, that money's

[1:06:42] got to come from somewhere and we just can't pull it out of thin air. So, it'll

[1:06:45] have to be factored into the next budget cycle. So,

[1:06:56] Is there a second on tableling? I'll second.

[1:07:00] » Are there any other um motions?

[1:07:08] All those in favor of tableabling and and working towards a salary study say

[1:07:13] I. >> I. I.

[1:07:15] » No. >> All those against.

[1:07:18] » Yes or no? Whatever I just say. I I do have another budget amendment for the

[1:07:23] sheriff's office. The state of North Carolina is giving a bonus to the sworn

[1:07:28] officers, $1,750, and they're they're covering the five

[1:07:34] Medicare on that also. So that amendment is 92,30988

[1:07:42] and it would be all state funded. >> Okay. All state funded.

[1:07:46] » Yes. Is there a motion for approval of the budget amendment as presented?

[1:07:52] So move. >> All in favor? I

[1:07:55] » I. >> None opposed.

[1:07:57] » Thank you. >> Thank you.

[1:08:00] » Moving on now to uh fireworks display requests and Mr. Elders.

[1:08:11] » Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You know, I'll come before you to uh get fireworks

[1:08:15] approvals. I'd be more than happy if you set that threeminute clock if you want

[1:08:18] to. I'll be quick. Uh we have two before you. Uh the first one, Saturday,

[1:08:24] September 12th for the Jackson County anniversary celebration. It'll be down

[1:08:28] at the Elder Event Center or your Heritage Grounds. Familiar with it down

[1:08:32] there. It'll be a smaller lower caliber show down toward the treatment plant

[1:08:38] between there kind of along the river. Uh it's the same company that did the

[1:08:41] county fireworks here at 4th of July. That's September 12th. They have another

[1:08:46] one to be approve Saturday, October 3rd up at Castle Lady Hawk in Tuki. It's a

[1:08:50] private wedding. It's a pretty large show. They've had them up there before.

[1:08:55] Fortunately, that excuse me, this property has a pretty big track of land

[1:09:00] and there's not really any neighbor complaints on it. We've had those

[1:09:03] before, but for private events, if you've been up there, it's on the side

[1:09:06] of the hill before. So, those are the two. And again, it's the same company

[1:09:10] that did the counties. Uh we will be making an additional site visit to the

[1:09:14] castle lady hawk because there's a a change in where they're shooting from.

[1:09:18] But other than that, everything's ready to go for both of them.

[1:09:21] » Is there a motion to approve both fireworks?

[1:09:24] » So moved. >> Second.

[1:09:26] » All in favor? >> Thank you, Mr.

[1:09:29] » Thank you, John. >> On now to the CDBG DR grant application

[1:09:35] and Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Poston.

[1:09:47] afternoon. Um we're just here just to pres talk to

[1:09:52] you a little bit about what we are asking for within this uh with this

[1:09:56] grant process. Um it's the parks and recreation and planning staff with

[1:10:01] assistance with southwestern uh commission have prepared a grant

[1:10:05] application for the community development block grant for disaster

[1:10:08] relief funding available to local governments uh located within the

[1:10:12] hurricane hurricane HUD or state identified mid counties. Uh their grant

[1:10:17] request is for funding for the construction or the help for the

[1:10:19] construction of the 1.6 six mile expansion of the greenway as well as

[1:10:23] stabilization efforts on portions of existing greenway damaged in the

[1:10:27] flooding associated with tropical storm Helen. The new portion of the greenway

[1:10:31] will incorporate mitigation measures and a design to limit the potential for

[1:10:35] storm related damage in the future. Um Equinox Environmental has completed a

[1:10:40] preliminary cost estimate for the project at just over $2.4 million. The

[1:10:44] estimate does include the following.420,000

[1:10:47] design, engineering, hydraulic modeling, and permitting.

[1:10:51] 1,258,286

[1:10:55] in greenway construction, $375,855

[1:11:00] in construction contingency and $410,881 in conceptual design level estimating

[1:11:07] contingency. The county is requesting 1.25 25 million from the CDBGDR

[1:11:13] grant. The grant does not have a match required. In addition, the county staff

[1:11:17] has also applied for half a million dollars from the parks and recreation

[1:11:21] trust fund for the project. So, the remaining balance would be $715,286,

[1:11:28] which would come from the county's already approved greenway construction

[1:11:32] fund. So staff at the board of commissioners approve staff's request to

[1:11:36] apply for the CDBGDR grant funds and appoint the county manager to sign and

[1:11:41] execute documents on behalf of the county for the application and all other

[1:11:45] required documents if awarded the grant. Questions from the board?

[1:11:52] Not >> is there a motion move?

[1:11:54] » Second. >> All those in favor I none

[1:11:59] » oppose. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Moving on now to um

[1:12:06] 5311 5310 and operating combined capital transportation grants resolution R26-4

[1:12:15] and Miss Moore. [clears throat]

[1:12:22] » Yeah,

[1:12:26] » we're good. Any questions for the board? If not, is there a motion for these uh

[1:12:31] grants? >> And a second.

[1:12:36] » All in favor? >> None opposed. Moving on now to our

[1:12:41] wittier Heritage Grounds fee schedule and Miss Henry, economic development.

[1:12:46] » Good afternoon.

[1:12:51] So, as you all know, um the Charles Elders Event Center is now complete and

[1:12:56] we have had the opportunity to host several events in the facility already,

[1:13:01] including the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and the NRA. Um as we move

[1:13:05] forward, um those initial events and those initial uses, um it's time now to

[1:13:10] really look at making the event center available for broader collective rental.

[1:13:14] And so what we need to do is we need to set a consistent fee structure and some

[1:13:19] put some rules in place. So tonight I am going to find the mouse.

[1:13:29] Oh, I don't have them up here. Well, you have them in front of you. The fee

[1:13:32] schedule. I'm sorry. I thought they were up here. Um the fee schedule and the

[1:13:37] rules and regulations um for the Whittier Heritage Grounds. So, for the

[1:13:41] Charles, our Elders Event Center, we're proposing a regular pay rate of $1,500.

[1:13:49] And >> we don't have those in front of us.

[1:13:59] » Tada. [laughter] Here we are.

[1:14:02] » Okay. So, it's like magic show. [laughter]

[1:14:08] Um so what one of the things that we did is we looked at neighboring counties and

[1:14:14] regional um event centers that were comparable to what we have there or what

[1:14:19] we will have with the future arena. And so we used what they were doing. We

[1:14:23] talked all of them and that's kind of where these rates came from. So

[1:14:28] specifically um the Charles R. Elder Event Center.

[1:14:33] We are proposing that we set the regular daily rate at $1,500 a day and the

[1:14:37] nonprofit daily rate $1,300 and an hourly rate with a minimum of four hours

[1:14:43] at $200. Um, I think it's important to note that these include access to the

[1:14:51] county own tables and chairs with no additional charges. Um, and then we have

[1:14:57] other specific things as far as like what is

[1:15:02] expected of the people that use the facility as far as taking out their

[1:15:06] trash and cleaning up after themselves and that rules and regulations. But

[1:15:10] we've got the I went ahead and put both the Charles R. Elders event center and

[1:15:18] the arena space in here because we know that is

[1:15:23] forthcoming. And then if they wanted to rent both the whole sort of whole

[1:15:27] property, if you will, and what that rate would look like. And so the arena

[1:15:33] would be $1,000 a day, an $1,800 nonprofit rate. And if they combine the

[1:15:38] two, again, 2,300 per day or 1,900. We have

[1:15:45] specific hours, 8 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. That is what's sort of considered a

[1:15:50] rental day for an event period. that would need to include the setup,

[1:15:55] decorating, event activities, clean up and tear down. So, they'd have to do it

[1:15:59] within that time frame. Outside of that, then they would be expected to pay an

[1:16:04] hourly rate for some of setup or take down if they were beyond those hours.

[1:16:09] Um, and then of course we talk about hourly renewals. And I um can go through

[1:16:16] again. I think it's important to remind everybody this is a 24,000 square foot

[1:16:21] facility with a um current maximum occupancy of a thousand people. Um so we

[1:16:28] felt these rates were reasonable starting point and

[1:16:33] um let's see. >> I'm just curious like on the arena when

[1:16:37] if it's 4, I mean they're obviously nonprofit. Is it still going to cost

[1:16:41] that amount of money for them to have like lamb shows or cow shows or whatever

[1:16:46] they're going to have in there? >> So, obviously we've got I'm just going

[1:16:50] to kind of skim through here and get to that, but additional fees if they need

[1:16:54] additional rental time or unauthorized overtime that they use the facility.

[1:16:58] Excessive um cleaning, that's actual cost of what it would cost us to clean

[1:17:02] up after an event. Um and then the any damage actual cost, obviously loss of

[1:17:07] keys. Here's the nonprofit eligibility. Um I'm skipping down here

[1:17:12] [clears throat] because um we obviously have the availility here

[1:17:18] rental um fees may be waved event sponsored by Jackson County or partner

[1:17:23] on an event. So I would imagine specifically to your question we would

[1:17:28] be a part of that in some degree. Um we also for nonprofits for example

[1:17:35] organizations requesting um this eligibility would need to provide

[1:17:41] suffici sufficient documentation showing that they are truly taxexempt um to

[1:17:46] qualify for that rate.

[1:17:54] » So you looked at other counties and to come up with the price

[1:17:58] » I did what Haywood County's enclosing event center is smaller than

[1:18:05] ours. It's probably 15,000 or something like that, I guess.

[1:18:10] » So, they have I'm not sure.

[1:18:14] Their arena is $1,500 a day um for non-aggriculture events, thousand for

[1:18:21] nonprofit events. They have pretty complex schedule or fee schedule.

[1:18:28] They're Apple Orchard Event Center, it's $800 per day, 700 for nonprofits. the

[1:18:34] Dogwood Event Center, 700 per day, 600 for nonprofits.

[1:18:40] » But now, Haywood also has stalls. >> But I was just talking about

[1:18:45] » Yeah, but that's probably included in like the

[1:18:48] » I was just thinking about the enclosed event center.

[1:18:51] » I'm not sure [clears throat] which specific room that is. They also charge

[1:18:54] stalls um that they rent.

[1:19:00] Did you say this is the rental fee for both buildings when they get built or is

[1:19:04] this just for Charles Elders? >> There's two different breakdowns. So, if

[1:19:07] they only wanted to rent the Charles R. Elders Event Center, that would be the

[1:19:11] rate for this if they just wanted to do the arena once that's built. Or if they

[1:19:16] wanted to do both. >> Yeah,

[1:19:24] [clears throat] both. >> Not too bad for the whole thing. Yeah, I

[1:19:27] think we're pretty reasonable. >> I think it's important like we're trying

[1:19:32] to, you know, protect the facility um set clear expectations on this, keep

[1:19:37] enough flexibility um for different types of events and not really pigeon

[1:19:41] hole ourselves into that. Um I also >> who's approving events is that going

[1:19:45] through the county manager? >> Yeah.

[1:19:51] » And these are the rules and regulations that we have. And so again, we put in

[1:19:56] here the max occupancy for the event center. There's

[1:20:01] a lot of different stuff in here. Um felt like it was appropriate to put that

[1:20:05] in there. Of course, the access setup tear down so people have reasonable

[1:20:09] expectations of what is expected. the keys and facility access, what that

[1:20:14] includes, when when to return it, what happens if they lose it. Um failure to

[1:20:19] return tables and chairs once they have access to that cannot be removed from

[1:20:24] the property. Um prohibited items um obviously open flames, combustible

[1:20:31] items, smoke um and special effects. We did

[1:20:36] also address firearms and weapons, smoking and tobacco use. I just have a

[1:20:40] question on that. >> Which part?

[1:20:42] » The firearms. >> Because it says uh

[1:20:47] uh in accordance with North Carolina law, does that mean concealed carry and

[1:20:51] open carry is fine? Because that is allowed in North Carolina law as long as

[1:20:54] there's no alcohol being served. So it it's kind of open to interpretation. And

[1:21:01] then you say, you know, including law enforcement or law enforcement's allowed

[1:21:05] to is and part of event staff or whatever is allowed to. But by North

[1:21:11] Carolina law allows both open carry and concealed carry

[1:21:15] as long as you have a permit for the for the concealed carry.

[1:21:21] » Do you want me to talk about this part or you want to talk about this? Okay. So

[1:21:26] we talked about in um the open bowl indicator and sort of whether or not

[1:21:31] like these could be loaded um weapons. So firearms associated with approved

[1:21:37] events displayed handled or transferred or offered for sale must remain unloaded

[1:21:42] while on the premises. Um ammunition must be handled and stored in accordance

[1:21:47] with applicable law and any special or event specific safety requirements

[1:21:51] established by Jackson County. So, >> yeah, but that that kind of ties into

[1:21:58] the approved with an associated event. >> So, if you go back to in accordance with

[1:22:05] North Carolina law, that's different than being displayed in a, you know, as

[1:22:10] part of an event. >> So, I I just think we need to clarify

[1:22:13] that and what the >> Do we want to ask?

[1:22:16] » Do we want to ask? >> So, in all of our county billings, we do

[1:22:19] not allow conceal concealed firearms. So, and that building would be specific.

[1:22:23] When they're talking about like the the events, we're talking about the gun

[1:22:27] shows, the NRA events, things like that. Any unloaded firearm would need the OBI

[1:22:32] in it or open bolt indicator, just making sure that anything that's going

[1:22:35] in the facility is not loaded. >> Right. I'm just saying [clears throat]

[1:22:39] by North Carolina law, if there's not a that normally has people in it, allowed

[1:22:46] conceal. >> Yeah. It's going to be restricted. So,

[1:22:47] there there's going to be no concealed weapon. I just

[1:22:51] » change that language. >> We just need to change that language to

[1:22:53] call it out. >> Okay.

[1:22:55] » By North Carolina law, >> somebody with concealed carry could

[1:22:58] still walk in there with a gun without appropriate signage without it being

[1:23:03] spelled out. >> Well, if we don't pay the police, they

[1:23:05] might need to. I don't see a problem.

[1:23:10] » Well, I I don't but I don't want somebody to be caught up,

[1:23:15] you know, get their license revoked or arrested or whatever because they

[1:23:20] misinterpreted what's written in the policy.

[1:23:25] » Yeah,

[1:23:28] » thank you for that feedback. [clears throat]

[1:23:30] » I wouldn't want to get arrested if I walked in with mine. So,

[1:23:37] Um,

[1:23:41] we also have alcohol listed on here as well. If um, alcohol may not be

[1:23:45] possessed, served, sold, or consumed at Weeder Heritage Grounds without prior

[1:23:49] written approval from Jackson County. Rener is responsible for determining and

[1:23:52] complying with applicable um, North Carolina alcoholic beverage

[1:23:57] control requirements and obtaining um, any required permits. Copies of required

[1:24:01] permits must be provided to Jackson County before the event.

[1:24:06] noise hours. Again, amplified sound um reasonable levels must end by 11 p.m. or

[1:24:13] at the end of an approved rental period, whichever occurs first.

[1:24:17] Of course, we address vendors, catering and food service, and what that might

[1:24:21] look like for food trucks, other sort of cooking equipment, catering trucks, um

[1:24:25] and the like. And then, of course, decoration, tents, and temporary

[1:24:29] equipment. What is um expected of that? Of course,

[1:24:34] insurance, permitting, fire safety, um the larger tents have to be inspected um

[1:24:40] by our code enforcement. And then of course, the fire marshall also at times

[1:24:44] needs to inspect that as well. And then of course cleaning trash and and damage.

[1:24:49] Um they have to remove all of their personal property, decorations,

[1:24:52] equipment, any spills or things that they have made a mess with and need to

[1:24:58] clean that up. return the tables and chairs as directed by um facility staff

[1:25:03] and then collecting and bagging the trash and putting it in a dumpster that

[1:25:07] will is on the property. And then of course we did note on here excessive

[1:25:11] cleaning. If there requires excessive um cleaning after they have left that's

[1:25:16] beyond you know what's reasonable, they're expected to pay that excessive

[1:25:20] cleaning fee that is listed in the fee schedule. And then any other damage,

[1:25:25] same thing. If there's anything damaged or

[1:25:29] accidents, they need to report that to Jackson County staff. Liability for

[1:25:33] personal property. Jackson County is not responsible for personal property,

[1:25:37] equipment, decoration, supplies, food, rental items, or other property brought

[1:25:41] on to Whidier Heritage Grounds by the renter, guest, vendors, contractors, or

[1:25:45] other persons associated with an event. Renters are responsible for safeguarding

[1:25:50] their property and arranging for security of valuable items. items left

[1:25:54] of the facility after the rental period may be removed or disposed of in

[1:25:57] accordance with county procedures. And then we have the parking and

[1:26:00] accessibility animals

[1:26:04] um animals associated with approved um agriculture, livestock, educational or

[1:26:08] other events may be permitted in designed outdoor or arena areas with

[1:26:13] prior approval from Jackson County and subject to any applicable health,

[1:26:17] safety, sanitation, or event requirements. Of course, children must

[1:26:22] not um be left unattended. Emergency exits cannot be blocked. Of course,

[1:26:28] there's use of fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems. Security and count um

[1:26:33] county access kind of talk a little bit about what that looks like. Obviously,

[1:26:37] with our um law enforcement, fire officials, emergency personnel um would

[1:26:41] need to be able to retain the ability to access the property during events should

[1:26:46] that be necessary. And then compliance and enforcement renters responsible for

[1:26:51] compliance with these rules and regulations and the fee schedule. We

[1:26:54] also have um worked on a facility use agreement that we're going to be getting

[1:26:59] um John Cubis to bless us um after we get this information approved to make

[1:27:05] sure that it complies with all of the rules and regulations um and laws. We

[1:27:11] reserve the right to stop or terminate any activity that violates these

[1:27:14] requirements, presents any immediate safety concern um threatens county

[1:27:17] property or materially differs um from the approved um rental application.

[1:27:28] » [clears throat] >> So, what we had planned to do if you

[1:27:32] approve these two documents, we will have a landing page on our website that

[1:27:37] will include both the rental application for them to go through. they'll have

[1:27:42] access to these two documents. And then if approved or when approved for their

[1:27:46] specific event, then they will be required to provide the

[1:27:51] nonprofit status documentation or permit copies of their permit or insurance um

[1:27:56] documents that we will need um to be allowed to have the event. And then the

[1:28:01] facility use agreement will follow and all of that will land on our homepage or

[1:28:06] not on our homepage but on our website. What's going on with the other property

[1:28:11] we that we purchased to complement the fairgrounds

[1:28:19] forward

[1:28:22] initially purchased for [clears throat] my husband on the

[1:28:29] livestock side and the shooting sports on the other. shooting sports has used

[1:28:34] utilized that their side a couple times on the animal husbing

[1:28:43] that and I know I think one of your one of your thoughts was opening up public

[1:28:48] use and that that's up to y'all but I think the encamp was it was going to be

[1:28:53] for educational proponents with utilizing that space

[1:28:59] that can be dispens I think that needs to be for later

[1:29:03] discussion, but um I just had a lot of people call me and like I said, I think

[1:29:08] just curiosity and want to go down there, but anyway.

[1:29:12] » Yeah, Rob Hawk and I actually have um we had to reschedle our meeting today, but

[1:29:16] we have a meeting scheduled for Friday to kind of dig into that just a little

[1:29:19] bit. >> Oh, okay. Yeah, I'd like to I'll talk to

[1:29:22] Rob about it, too. >> Yeah, that' be great.

[1:29:26] Is there a motion to approve both documents with the amendments presented

[1:29:32] for the concealed carry firearm carry? >> Well, I don't know. I I want to say if

[1:29:40] if you got if you're having an event, horse show

[1:29:46] or something, what why do we care if concealed carry permitted people carry

[1:29:53] their guns? I mean, why should we go against what

[1:29:57] the state law because it's it's not a courthouse. It's

[1:30:03] not where there's offices and people are going to be upset center if they're not

[1:30:07] going to be out probably we shouldn't not

[1:30:10] » I I don't see a problem with it either. >> I agree.

[1:30:13] » But I'm just saying as it was written, >> right?

[1:30:16] » You could get in trouble. >> You could get in trouble.

[1:30:18] » Yeah. >> Just I mean I I have no problem with

[1:30:21] concealed being out there either. um >> need to be rewrite.

[1:30:26] » Well, we can >> Yeah, that's what we were doing about

[1:30:29] » Yeah, I'm going to make an an amendment on that will allow

[1:30:32] » you need to pass it through Cubis. But >> yeah.

[1:30:35] » Yeah. >> Make make sure that we're not violating

[1:30:38] any laws. But the way I read the statute is that as long as there's not people in

[1:30:43] an office there all the time, it's not considered a Yeah. place to conceal

[1:30:47] carry. >> John, do you want to chime in here?

[1:30:55] Um, I'm just going to add that, you know, we'll we'll look through the

[1:30:57] language. I think what's been discussed so far is probably um the appropriate

[1:31:02] way to go about it. Make sure that we're preserving applies with North Carolina

[1:31:06] law, but also uh you know, given the flexibility that we want to have

[1:31:10] available in inside of their event center.

[1:31:14] » Okay. [clears throat] You know, if suppose it

[1:31:17] doesn't violate any statute, I would prefer that if you have conceal carry,

[1:31:22] you've already done the course,

[1:31:26] you have your license and sheriff's approved, you should be able.

[1:31:40] So, how do you want them to handle that? Do they need to do we need to come back

[1:31:44] or do they need to vote it as is with that amendment?

[1:31:46] » Can we just go ahead and accept that amendment based on state law under

[1:31:50] concealed carry? >> I think let's table it till we get that

[1:31:53] garbage back. >> Let's see what we're going to do.

[1:31:55] » Go ahead and approve the fee schedule so we go ahead and get that in place and

[1:31:59] then bring the

[1:32:01] » that's up to you language back on the rules the next meeting.

[1:32:07] » That's up to you guys. >> Doesn't matter to me.

[1:32:12] I mean, we are getting inquiries um all the time. They're wanting to know more

[1:32:17] about how to access it. >> Schedule approved. That's fine. And and

[1:32:20] and I mean, we're talking two weeks. >> I was going say we can put it on the

[1:32:23] agenda for next meeting. >> We're just talking about very small.

[1:32:28] » Yeah. Of the rules. >> Yeah.

[1:32:31] » And maybe by then I I'll now that I've got the fee schedule, I can do the

[1:32:35] facility use agreement as well. We'll have that.

[1:32:38] » FE schedule. and a second.

[1:32:41] » Second. >> All in favor?

[1:32:43] » I opposed. >> Thank you.

[1:32:47] » Moving on now to the bond order authorizing the issuance of 105 million

[1:32:51] general obligations for bonds. >> Could we take a quick recess? A quick

[1:32:56] quick break. >> Yeah, that's fine. Is there

[1:32:59] [clears throat] to take a quick recess? Five minutes. Second. Second. All in

[1:33:05] favor?

[1:42:00] Next up is the bond order authorizing the issuance of 105 million general

[1:42:04] obligation school bonds. Mr. >> I think we've been over this a few times

[1:42:10] in the last few meetings. Uh this is the final piece of the

[1:42:15] um the bond order. Uh the next one on the agenda is actually the resolution

[1:42:19] authorizing the the referendum to be sent to the board of um elections. So

[1:42:25] this is for um bond order authorizing the issuance of 105 million general

[1:42:30] obligation school bonds of the county of Jackson, North Carolina. Whereas the

[1:42:34] board of commissioners of the county of Jackson, North Carolina, uh has

[1:42:38] ascertained and hereby determined that it is necessary to pay for capital cost

[1:42:42] of constructing, improving, and renovating various school facilities for

[1:42:45] Jackson County Public Schools, including but not limited to Smoky Mountain Middle

[1:42:50] School, Smoky Mountain High School, Blue Ridge School, and the school bus garage.

[1:42:54] acquiring equipment and furnishings required, therefore acquiring land,

[1:42:58] routes of way and easements in land and if necessary and constructing public

[1:43:03] infrastructure improvements related thereto. And whereas an application has

[1:43:09] been filed with the secretary of the local government commission of North

[1:43:12] Carolina requesting local government commission approval of the general

[1:43:15] obligation school bonds here and after described as and required by the local

[1:43:21] government bond act and the clerk of the board of commissioners has notified the

[1:43:26] board of commissioners that the application has been accepted for

[1:43:29] submission to the local government commission. Now therefore be ordained by

[1:43:33] the board of commissioners of the county of Jackson, North Carolina as follows.

[1:43:37] Section one, in order to raise money required for the purposes described

[1:43:41] above in addition to any funds which may be made available such purpose from any

[1:43:47] other source general obligation school bonds of the county

[1:43:51] are hereby authorized and will be issued pursuant to the local government finance

[1:43:55] act of North Carolina. The maximum aggregate principal amount of such

[1:44:00] general obligation school bonds authorized by this order will be $105

[1:44:05] million. Uh section two, taxes will be levied in an amount sufficient to pay

[1:44:09] the principle and interest of the general obligation school bond. Section

[1:44:13] three, a sworn statement of the countyy's debt has been filed with clerk

[1:44:16] to the board of commissioners and is open to the public inspection. And

[1:44:19] section four, the bond order will take effect when approved by the voters of

[1:44:24] the county at the referendum scheduled for November 3rd, 2026.

[1:44:34] » Any questions by the board? >> No. Again, I have something to say. Um,

[1:44:41] it will be the taxes will be levied. the the cost on that $105 million bond or

[1:44:50] will be 57.5 million in interest alone. It will raise

[1:44:56] your taxes 5.26 on the tax rate which is $5260

[1:45:03] per 100,000. And like I said before, I think this is

[1:45:07] very rushed. I think it is not well planned through. Um, I think we need to

[1:45:13] go to value engineering when we do this again. And we don't have

[1:45:19] enough teachers, bus drivers, and custodians [clears throat]

[1:45:22] for what we got. And I think we need to maintain and fix up what we got and back

[1:45:27] up and punt and go from there. We got plenty of schools

[1:45:32] to take care of what we got. And the number of students is not growing and

[1:45:37] has not. That's my two cents.

[1:45:41] » I got a question about it, too. Uh, it's for 105 million, but nobody yet has said

[1:45:48] this middle school can be built for this amount. That's still up in the air. So

[1:45:54] without knowing that what happens if let's just suppose it gets voted on

[1:46:00] uh people vote it through uh we start to build this middle school start these

[1:46:06] other projects and all of a sudden well it's going to cost 25 million more than

[1:46:10] we thought. What happens then?

[1:46:15] Where's that money going to come from? So, you did get an initial estimate of

[1:46:19] the 108 and that was for all the school plus all of the sports complexes and

[1:46:24] everything that that y'all wanted at that joint meeting that was discussed.

[1:46:28] » We got 60 million to do all that. >> We need to clarify all that

[1:46:34] » school board wanted. >> We at the joint meeting that was what

[1:46:37] was brought out. Yes. >> We didn't bring the proposal. The school

[1:46:39] board brought the proposal to us and that's what we

[1:46:43] » discussed and talked on. >> Correct. Yes. Okay.

[1:46:46] » And so that that number is is pretty accurate. Also, the $78 million is is

[1:46:51] accurate based on the information that has been supplied from the designer to

[1:46:56] the Seymour or the construction manager at risk, which is Vanoi Construction.

[1:47:01] Between those two, those two are accurate. Um, if you don't do the sports

[1:47:06] field, it's the $78 million figure. If you do the sports fields, it's the $108

[1:47:10] million figure. The money that's allocated in this bond referendum is 48

[1:47:16] million just for the middle school. And that's part of that 108.

[1:47:21] That's how you come up with that. It's 48 plus the 60 that's already been

[1:47:25] allocated. >> That equals the 108.

[1:47:27] » And that does not include all of the fields. Correct. [clears throat] That's

[1:47:30] just >> No, that 108 does include all of the

[1:47:32] fields. So this bond referendum, the 48 million that's a part of this 105,

[1:47:38] » right, >> would do the sports fields.

[1:47:41] » And you know, I've had a while to process and went back and thought about

[1:47:49] our joint meeting and what we wanted to do is put it's all or nothing. It's all

[1:47:54] it's a consensus of both boards. >> Well, yeah. I mean, I suggested during

[1:47:58] that meeting we split it into maintenance and repairs, upgrades.

[1:48:03] » When I got to thinking, hang on now a minute, you know,

[1:48:07] » we've already allocate, we've already started Fair View. We've already

[1:48:11] allocated, I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, Darlene, 15 million for Blue

[1:48:15] Ridge. We was going to borrow that. Um, you know, the bus garage, it's was

[1:48:22] up in the air. Um the extra stuff at Smoky Mountain High School was up in the

[1:48:27] air and the consensus was to get everything done

[1:48:32] with a bond. Um they we wanted the fields at the

[1:48:37] middle school and you know the whole nine yards. But I've got you know I've

[1:48:41] got to thinking we've already spent that money at Fair

[1:48:46] View. We've already got 15 million going to Blue Ridge.

[1:48:50] So,

[1:48:53] and then we've got 60 million for a middle school. And I had county manager

[1:48:58] today call other counties um and um look at I brought up tonight

[1:49:04] actually look at uh the middle schools that are being built in other counties.

[1:49:08] And what did you come up with for Swain? >> The one at Swain is right at 100,000

[1:49:15] square feet and it's 48 million. It was designed for 650 kids.

[1:49:20] And how many students are we going to design for? 800.

[1:49:24] » Uh we're doing 800. Yes. >> And how big's the square footage?

[1:49:27] » Uh 129 129,000 square feet. >> So just to And how many times have you

[1:49:34] asked Pinnacle for a threetory? I know this board's asked Pinnacle multiple

[1:49:39] times for a threetory drawn and they've not got it and they work for Jackson

[1:49:43] County. So, I'm tonight I'm putting Pinnacle on notice to get us what we

[1:49:48] want because they work for us. We're paying we're paying them. Um, and if

[1:49:54] they can't, then I guess we need to look at others. Is COP is cope doing that and

[1:50:00] Swain? And >> um, no, LS3P is the one in Swain. Cope

[1:50:08] is over in Graham doing a elementary school.

[1:50:13] Well, how big is that school? >> Uh, that one's 108,000 square feet, 38

[1:50:19] million for that one. >> And then site prep's included in that.

[1:50:23] Correct. >> Correct.

[1:50:25] » Where was that at? >> Graham County.

[1:50:27] » And none of these none of these includes fields. And we don't

[1:50:34] those locations aren't flat either. So, >> right.

[1:50:36] » Yeah. Um,

[1:50:41] do most middle schools tend to have fields?

[1:50:45] I All I know is Jackson County. All I know is K8. So

[1:50:49] » I know we don't have enough fields in Jackson County. [snorts]

[1:50:53] » Did middle schools usually have anybody? John, did you go to middle schools?

[1:50:58] » I did. And we all all we had two different middle schools in the county I

[1:51:03] grew up in and they had >> share. Did you [clears throat] Did you

[1:51:07] share with >> No, each school had its own football

[1:51:09] field, >> everything.

[1:51:10] » Soccer wasn't a big deal there, but had their own baseball, softball, multi-use

[1:51:14] field, and tennis courts, but they all both schools,

[1:51:18] » they were geographically separate, kind of like Blue Ridge is from here. And

[1:51:22] they they had their own fields. >> Well, we, you know, we've already

[1:51:25] allocated $60 million and we're at 79

[1:51:30] million. 78 79. Is that right? Wait a minute. We've already allocated

[1:51:37] 60. >> Well, not allocated. We've allocated

[1:51:39] eight and we've got $52 million grant. Sorry. Um,

[1:51:45] so for a three-story building, you're going

[1:51:48] to take down the footprint, you're going to take down site prep.

[1:51:53] I I don't see why we don't change architects. If it's if we're getting it

[1:51:57] done in Swain County for $48 million, we'd be stupid not to change it.

[1:52:02] something needs to be done because not to me I mean all right so if if we were

[1:52:06] set on the 105 and nothing could possibly change which we all know it

[1:52:11] can't our interest on it's already grew by 22 million

[1:52:16] » from what we've started hearing that that alone's that much more money but I

[1:52:22] know good and well just because of the way thing the world is it's not it's

[1:52:26] going to cost more than what they say >> and these projects need to be you know

[1:52:30] phased instead of throwing it all in there. And that's what we should have

[1:52:34] done. We should have stepped back and done done them in a phased approach. And

[1:52:40] we're to blame for that, for agreeing to put it all together um on a on a bond

[1:52:45] referendum. But if we step back and think a minute, we've we've got Fairview

[1:52:50] started. Blue Ridge has got 15 million already,

[1:52:53] and they're nobody's going to take that away because we've already set that

[1:52:57] aside. I don't think they have to spend it on what it I don't think once it's

[1:53:02] given that it has to be spent on that. >> The bond.

[1:53:05] » You think it has to? You don't >> the bond would have to. But

[1:53:08] » you talk >> what we give them like

[1:53:10] » for Blue Ridge. Well, I think we can. It'd be us. It' be

[1:53:14] » We pay that because we do the facilities. It's not the school board.

[1:53:18] » Oh, cuz I was once you give >> allocated they can do it what they want.

[1:53:23] » Up to the county to ensure that 15 million is they're writing the checks

[1:53:26] for that. Nothing's going to the school that's going through Darlene.

[1:53:30] » Yeah. See, and I'm I see both ways. I see where you're coming from. It's going

[1:53:34] to put a burden big time on the people of this county

[1:53:38] » to especially the elderly and the living on a fixed income.

[1:53:42] » Yeah. >> But at the same time, our schools are

[1:53:47] behind and again, we've I've been thinking

[1:53:51] about it and we we've put a bunch of money towards it already.

[1:53:57] Well, and you look at all the kids that if we did the middle school, they won't

[1:54:01] be able to play ball. I mean, that cuts a lot of kids out

[1:54:05] of being on the team. >> But if we can get the middle school for

[1:54:10] 60 million that's already there by going through

[1:54:15] another architect, why not? I mean, if we're going for a

[1:54:21] three-story building and that's going to reduce the footprint,

[1:54:26] » that would be that would be great if if we had a number. This is what it's going

[1:54:30] to cost for sure. >> And we won't know the for sure number

[1:54:35] till it goes to bid. And then I've also been contacted about

[1:54:41] my representation of my district. And I've got to remember my district and

[1:54:47] that would be Smoky Mountain Elementary School.

[1:54:51] You know, they're left out of this bond as it's written.

[1:54:56] So, it's >> so is Scots Creek and Cold Valley.

[1:55:01] » That would be Jones and then be yours. Um, and you been representing your

[1:55:08] district very well for Blue Ridge, but um I just feel like There's money there

[1:55:16] to get all these projects done. >> My district's

[1:55:22] » Yeah, that's right. Yeah. Anyway, I just feel like there's money there to

[1:55:29] get all these projects done

[1:55:33] and not have to have $105 million.

[1:55:38] » I don't want to put it on the taxpayers. Either way, it's going to be put on the

[1:55:43] taxpayers. >> Well, we don't get it out thin air. It's

[1:55:45] just when and how much. >> Well, I don't want to put that big of

[1:55:49] amount on them >> because I will tell you this. I've had I

[1:55:55] support the school system. I always I've had done that my whole

[1:55:59] » term. I've done that my whole term. >> But I've had a lot of people concerned

[1:56:04] about not the fact that the schools are getting upgrades, but the fact that of

[1:56:10] what it's what they're going to have to the tax burden.

[1:56:13] » Yeah. >> And taking care of what we got. And like

[1:56:18] Michael said meetings ago, is this a need or a want?

[1:56:23] » And that brings it back to needs and wants. you know, what does Blue Ridge

[1:56:26] really need? What [clears throat] does Fairview really need?

[1:56:30] So, and the 60 million that's been there >> since two years before you guys took

[1:56:36] office. So, I mean,

[1:56:41] » I'm just the um the current cost of steel and concrete is

[1:56:50] five and a half% inflation every year. >> Yeah. And

[1:56:54] » so you're you're you're already saying if we kick it down the road and we apply

[1:57:01] for this grant as soon as we can do that is two years. So there's 11% increase in

[1:57:07] cost plus another two years to find property

[1:57:11] uh do more civil, do more engineering, architecture, there's another 11%.

[1:57:19] » We don't need to kick it down the road. I mean, I just feel like we're

[1:57:23] [clears throat] >> But again, there

[1:57:26] » again, the taxpayers just had the largest tax increase. Even if we do have

[1:57:31] a low tax rate, they're not used to that. They just had the largest tax

[1:57:36] increase on the land re-evaluation. I just don't think they need another one.

[1:57:41] Not now. >> Why? that's up for them to vote.

[1:57:44] » Well, they people will come to the polls that and they won't be informed

[1:57:49] about what they're voting for. >> We can't baby

[1:57:54] 40,000 people. >> I mean, like

[1:57:58] Mr. Lewis, he said that they elected us to make tough decisions. Amen.

[1:58:06] » So many so many people vote that are not taxpayers to but as far as property

[1:58:12] taxes. >> True.

[1:58:13] » And I you know I want to see our school system succeed. I mean I think all of us

[1:58:18] want that. >> Yeah.

[1:58:21] » But I just I'm up in the air about it. I think that

[1:58:28] we can get it done. I think first step would be get rid of Pinnacle. I'm just

[1:58:32] being straight honest. I' I've been harsh on them for several months now and

[1:58:37] it's they work for Jackson County and they need to get us what we've asked

[1:58:42] for. If they can't do it, they need to go on down the road and we can hire

[1:58:45] somebody else that can. >> I I agree. You know, I'm I'm 100% behind

[1:58:49] that. >> So, I mean, there's no reason

[1:58:53] that >> they they knew up front how much money

[1:58:56] we had. >> Exactly. They told us they could do it

[1:58:58] for that amount of money. >> So now they're throwing all these wild

[1:59:03] numbers at us and you know we either build it for what you said and I know

[1:59:08] there's some inflationary numbers that come in

[1:59:11] » the job. They wanted the job. >> Yeah. Or we'll go get somebody else.

[1:59:17] » Yeah. I mean the schools that are being built are pre-cast. Is that right? And

[1:59:22] that saves money. >> Yeah. So the design you know that has

[1:59:26] been brought before with with the numbers is not pre-cast. So that if you

[1:59:31] go pre-cast option it is cheaper to do that. Um you know Vanoi has said that

[1:59:37] that the steel is going up about 3 or 4% a month. You know it's because right now

[1:59:42] it's kind of volatile. But >> so it if it's cheaper to do the

[1:59:46] pre-cast, we've been asking them to drop the price. Why haven't they suggested

[1:59:50] that? Have they have they suggested that?

[1:59:54] There has been discussions between Vanoi. Vanoi has asked that of the

[2:00:00] designer, but they've not come back with any any mockup. The designer does stuff

[2:00:04] and they keeping we're not going to give that to you.

[2:00:07] » I got I got a question. If if the the money that they have, when was it? Was

[2:00:13] it in the spring that we had to break ground on doing something or they would

[2:00:18] lose that money? No, it's not until next.

[2:00:22] » Next September. >> Next September 27th.

[2:00:25] » Okay, then why can we not go with keeping it off the ballot this year and

[2:00:29] let's back up and punt if they can wait that long on them and hold that money

[2:00:33] and see what other options we have to go with.

[2:00:37] » Has to be in a general >> year be two year. If we don't ask this

[2:00:44] year, it'll be two years during the next regular election.

[2:00:47] » I thought you said it had to be September. That's when groundbreaking

[2:00:50] is. >> But we can only ask for a bond during a

[2:00:53] normal election cycle. >> Okay.

[2:00:55] » And you know, even if it come in at 65 million, we've been accused for months

[2:00:59] for having a general fund way more than what we need. So I mean,

[2:01:07] » what is that general fund sitting at right now?

[2:01:10] » It's about 31. >> 31. And what's the 25%

[2:01:14] that we

[2:01:18] probably. >> So, we don't have a ton of money above

[2:01:22] what >> and then is there any money in article

[2:01:26] 46 two

[2:01:29] » there is money in the sales tax reserves there?

[2:01:38] » Well, currently

[2:01:42] » keep in mind SEC is still part of that as well.

[2:01:45] » That's correct. part of that's already allocated for

[2:01:50] them. >> Yeah.

[2:01:54] » 3.6 million

[2:01:59] or 46 and then 42 and 44 combined.

[2:02:05] » Would you speak into the microphone, please?

[2:02:11] » Got $3.6 million in article 46. Some of that money will have is used to pay the

[2:02:17] debt on the SEC project and on the other articles got 5.6 million

[2:02:28] » and that has been built into the plan we originally had to fund the projects that

[2:02:34] we had talked about. >> That's pretty much already allocated

[2:02:39] that 5.6. >> Yes.

[2:02:42] » Okay.

[2:02:45] And the 15 million we're borrowing that, right?

[2:02:48] » That's correct. It could be borrowing in combination of

[2:02:53] sales tax. >> Do you know how much uh reserve the

[2:02:58] school board has in their general fund? >> I don't at this time.

[2:03:02] » Dana, I [clears throat] put you on the spot. Do you know how much that money

[2:03:06] » balance? >> Your fund balance in general.

[2:03:11] between 2.6 and 2.8 >> 2.6 and 2.8. So less than three

[2:03:20] [snorts]

[2:03:27] » there motion. I I want the projects to continue, but I think we've got adequate

[2:03:32] money to finish these projects even even if we don't do these

[2:03:37] » the current projects without adding any. >> Correct.

[2:03:40] » Even if we don't do these fields and all this other

[2:03:45] nice stuff that would have been nice, but

[2:03:51] um there's money there. There's $60

[2:03:54] million. We give them that $60 million at the very very beginning. They knew

[2:03:58] what we had. >> They said, "Oh, we can get it 40

[2:04:02] something million."

[2:04:05] » That really aggravates me to death.

[2:04:09] » Yeah, it eats at me, too. So, >> you know, I think they let us on to get

[2:04:14] the job. So, >> I do too. And it's been a it's been

[2:04:17] going on and on and on for >> over two years.

[2:04:20] » Uh two years. And the money's just been sitting there. And I think Commissioner

[2:04:26] Humper's very first times we might have had a a joint

[2:04:30] meeting, you mentioned a three-story building because of the footprint,

[2:04:33] » right? >> And they said it wasn't feasible.

[2:04:36] » Yeah. >> Well, it's way cheaper to go up than it

[2:04:39] is out. >> I mean, in this situation, it is because

[2:04:42] it's been brought up tonight and it's no secret the side is rock. Um,

[2:04:49] there's some rock there, but we're in the mountains. We spent

[2:04:54] a year plus picking that site. >> How many sites we look at?

[2:05:00] » 13. >> I thought it was 13. Somebody said 12

[2:05:03] and somebody said 18. So, I'm not sure what the real number is.

[2:05:08] » 13. >> You know, I didn't necessarily like the

[2:05:11] site because the folks in my district having to go all the way across town.

[2:05:16] Um, >> but trying to put it somewhere in the

[2:05:18] middle for Blue Ridge and then for yours too. I agree. Y'all are both way out.

[2:05:23] Still way out. So, I just feel like we can get these

[2:05:29] these things done if Pinnacle can't get us the numbers by

[2:05:33] this week that we've asked for. I know that's a short timeline, but hey,

[2:05:38] they've had two years. Yeah, they they've had a lot longer than

[2:05:42] » uh so I I just they should be able to take

[2:05:47] Swain's footprint, make it a little bit bigger, whoever that is that's doing it.

[2:05:52] And I know we probably have a little bit more sight prep.

[2:05:55] Even if you add 20 million on to that's $68 million for 20,000 more square foot

[2:06:01] and a little bit more sight prep. That's $8 million difference that

[2:06:08] surely to God this county that's got millions sitting around, we could come

[2:06:12] up with $8 million gap for that to get it done. And it probably wouldn't be

[2:06:18] this board anyway. It would be the next board. It would be the next board for

[2:06:22] any of this. So

[2:06:26] » the bond order is for a maximum amount of 105 million.

[2:06:31] » You don't have to borrow. That's way too much money.

[2:06:34] » That's outrageous. Um, >> and it's includes those projects, but

[2:06:39] it's not limited to those projects. So, you could do something at another school

[2:06:45] if needed. >> Our schools are very outdated, but we

[2:06:50] need to have we need to develop just like parks and recck does. We have

[2:06:54] master plan and you're you just go through the plan and doing this doing

[2:06:59] that doing this doing that instead of trying to

[2:07:04] trying to do it and the reason we done it there again it falls back to pinnacle

[2:07:08] we tried to do all this because Pinnacle was promising us the moon and then

[2:07:13] where's it at I'm just I'm real aggravated with them

[2:07:21] they can smile they can talk Good talk. But if they can't give us the numbers we

[2:07:26] need, they need to go on down the road.

[2:07:33] » Motion motion you want. Whatever motion y'all

[2:07:38] want. [snorts]

[2:07:47] And

[2:07:51] I think we could keep trucking on the projects that we've got and

[2:07:58] continue on with the middle school as planned. And if they can't get us what

[2:08:04] we need, we'll go somewhere else and find it because there's no reason why we

[2:08:09] can't if Swain County can build one for 48 million, there's no reason we can't

[2:08:13] build one for $12 million more. When did Swain start the process?

[2:08:22] » I I don't know the date. I know that the bids have gone out. They've got do have

[2:08:25] a GMP at the 48. Did verify that today. >> Then they get the they got a grant for

[2:08:30] theirs as well. Yeah. >> And it was right around the same time.

[2:08:33] » This the same amount. Yeah. >> Yeah. I think it's the same time, same

[2:08:36] amount. They may have got theirs a few months.

[2:08:40] » It was announced that they got theirs a few months before ours. But

[2:08:43] » I don't want to lose this grant. I mean, I don't either. I mean that that puts us

[2:08:46] way behind. >> I want to be very clear on that. I I

[2:08:48] want to go ahead with the the middle school, but I think looking at other

[2:08:52] projects and saying, well, 48 million and we're just for the school, we're at

[2:08:59] 79 million, something ain't adding up here.

[2:09:03] Something's wrong with these numbers. Um, so that's just where I stand. I I

[2:09:10] support the school system. I support our middle school. um going forward with

[2:09:16] that. But I at this point I've I just I just don't think that the tax

[2:09:24] burden on the people's the right thing to do.

[2:09:28] » Amen. >> I agree.

[2:09:31] » Totally agree. >> I'm sure I'll get backlash over with

[2:09:36] that. We've we've spent a lot of money, a lot

[2:09:39] of time, a lot of money on getting these schools.

[2:09:43] » Matter which way it goes, we're all going to get backlash one way or the

[2:09:46] other. >> Um, we've spent eight on middle school.

[2:09:50] I It's allocated, so might as well just say spend.

[2:09:53] » We going to spend 15 million in Blue Ridge. We spent seven How much Fairview?

[2:10:03] » Seven. Seven and a half. >> Seven and a half at Fairview.

[2:10:07] And we spent how much on the track? >> Two and a half.

[2:10:11] » So what does that add up to? Anybody got a good number?

[2:10:15] » I mean that's >> What' you say again?

[2:10:18] » I just want I just want >> No, I know. What was the

[2:10:21] » 33? Mike Mike's good. You said 33. >> 3 Yeah. 15 plus. Yeah. So that's

[2:10:30] $33 million that we've spent schools. I think that's pretty darn good for

[2:10:37] » um for our county. I'm proud of it. >> Yeah.

[2:10:42] » But >> it's real good.

[2:10:44] » I just uh I feel like the next board, you guys

[2:10:50] can take this at a phased approach. I think you guys want to see all this

[2:10:54] stuff done and do this at a phased approach. The bus garage, the Smoky

[2:11:00] Mountain stuff is needed. It's a need.

[2:11:07] And even if you want to do fields at at the at the uh middle school, that's that

[2:11:14] can be done in phases. It don't have to be done overnight.

[2:11:22] There a motion.

[2:11:30] I make a motion that we approve the $105 million general obligation school bonds

[2:11:34] because I don't feel like we're ever going to have this

[2:11:40] opportunity again where we can set our

[2:11:47] schools in a better place moving forward.

[2:11:51] » I make a motion that we deny it. Uh, real quick, Darlene, how much are we

[2:11:57] generating in article 46 and all those other ones each year?

[2:12:04] » I can get you those numbers. >> Just to estimate. I ain't going [snorts]

[2:12:08] to hold you to it.

[2:12:12] » It's about seven to 10 million. Depends on the year.

[2:12:17] » Per year. >> Yeah.

[2:12:19] » There you have it. I mean, we got >> some of it's committed already, too.

[2:12:24] » Yeah, but there's still money there to do each phase. Um, build the bus garage,

[2:12:32] build the uh Smoky Mountain High School ADA stuff.

[2:12:39] Um,

[2:12:43] just we need to we need to take a step back

[2:12:48] and focus on And I ain't saying stop the middle

[2:12:52] school. Just focus on what we're doing and go forward.

[2:12:57] Because how long is this going to take? How long is project going to take? We

[2:13:01] got 60 now. How long is it going to take?

[2:13:05] » You mean when it started? >> Yeah.

[2:13:07] » It'll be, you know, it's a two-year project, but that's only after it bids.

[2:13:12] So over time we're going to gain some of this article 46 and others

[2:13:18] and that well when it goes out to GMP

[2:13:24] from that point if we're annualizing $7.5 million a year in both articles

[2:13:30] let's say5 million because we know something's going to go to SEC

[2:13:35] that's $10 million is what we're going to get. So by the time projects complete

[2:13:40] then we would make up that six that $8 million that we're

[2:13:44] » I'm just throwing out an estimate of $68 million.

[2:13:47] » Yeah know but >> well we would be close to the 19 million

[2:13:52] that >> that was one year is that what what you

[2:13:54] said one year about $5 million. >> Yeah. So

[2:13:59] if it was 75 then three years recoup that

[2:14:03] » by that time the general fund will be build up. Darlene be happy as can be.

[2:14:11] » There's a second for either motion. Keep giving her a headache. She's like

[2:14:15] we retired. [laughter]

[2:14:19] I make a motion that we continue on the projects that we've set to do

[2:14:24] and plan to do and put Pinnacle on notice. They can't

[2:14:30] get us what we need. Find somebody else. Three motions.

[2:14:38] So there's a motion to proceed with the $105 million bond.

[2:14:42] What was your motion again, Miss Super? >> To deny the request.

[2:14:47] » Okay. So no [clears throat] bond. >> It's okay. [laughter]

[2:14:53] » I Okay,

[2:14:58] with no other motions, [sighs and gasps] all those in favor of Miss Hoopers say

[2:15:04] I. I >> I

[2:15:07] » I >> opposed. I

[2:15:11] motion does not or motion carries. Uh with no need for legislation.

[2:15:19] Is there a motion to adjurnn our regular meeting?

[2:15:25] » We are. [laughter]

[2:15:28] » All right. Oh, we got another meeting. >> We got a whole another meeting. Now

[2:15:32] we're >> got a work session.

[2:15:36] » That's what all these people's here for.

[2:15:44] » Thank you board. >> Thank you.

[2:15:53] » Okay.

[2:15:56] Go ahead and call our work session to order.

[2:15:59] First up this evening, we have uh Jody Rowald

[2:16:03] from rec recovery housing support and uh here for recovery housing support and

[2:16:09] substance use prevention coordinator for our health department.

[2:16:19] » Okay. >> Good evening. Thank y'all for having us.

[2:16:24] We're um excited to be here tonight to share some updates on how the opioid

[2:16:29] settlement funds have been spent over the last year and also to ask for some

[2:16:35] um additional funding to be released. So since thank you since July of 2025

[2:16:45] the county funded um three different priorities. So we funded recovery

[2:16:50] support services, early intervention and prevention and also nlloxxone

[2:16:56] distribution throughout last year. So from July 2025 through June 30th of

[2:17:02] 2026, 75 individuals with opioid use disorder

[2:17:07] connected to services. 32 students received substance use prevention and

[2:17:12] intervention services and over 1,400 nlloxxone distrib kits were distri dist

[2:17:17] distributed within the county. I do want to give a thank you to Jod the

[2:17:23] opioid settlement council um and the organizations that provided these

[2:17:28] resources to our community for all their hard work and dedication.

[2:17:33] And now Jod is gonna share about our new proposal we have.

[2:17:42] » Hello. Um so we are looking at a new strategy. So this is under the opioid

[2:17:48] settlement memorandum of agreement. So it's recovery housing support. Um so

[2:17:53] this is funding um programs offering recovery housing support to people in

[2:17:57] treatment or recovery or people who use drugs such as assistance with rent move

[2:18:02] in deposits or utilities or to fund um recovery housing programs to provide

[2:18:08] housing to individuals receiving medication assisted treatment for opioid

[2:18:12] use disorder. Um so um we as a county have been facing ongoing opioid and

[2:18:18] substance use challenges. We have housing instability. um we have limited

[2:18:23] long-term recovery support. So, one of the gaps continue to see is what happens

[2:18:27] when someone is trying to get stable, right, trying to receive treatment um

[2:18:34] but doesn't have a safe or structured place to live. Um, so if they leave

[2:18:38] treatment or they leave direct jail or prison or crisis care, they go right

[2:18:44] back into the same environment. Then, um, it's really hard for them to find

[2:18:50] work, to get a driver's license, um, to find safe and stable housing, to access

[2:18:55] medical care, um, and benefits, um, and as well as other needed resources. Um,

[2:19:03] so we're seeing about 69 residents um, returning from prison every year. Um,

[2:19:10] 33% of those claim to have um, graduated high school. We're seeing about half of

[2:19:16] those folks are coming back in the county and they're unhoused. They don't

[2:19:20] have anywhere to go. Um, and we also are continuing to see um, opioid overdoses

[2:19:27] as well. Um, so we have strong potential here to

[2:19:31] support multiple houses, but intentional outreach and dedicated local development

[2:19:36] capacity are needed.

[2:19:40] So, so we've got a one pager on the um the

[2:19:46] program that we're kind of looking at.

[2:19:50] Um, so we're looking at recovery housing. So the the need is not just

[2:19:55] housing because we know that there is a great need for housing in our county,

[2:19:59] but the need is for safe structured place for people who are trying to

[2:20:04] stabilize in recovery. Without that, people can leave treatment, they can

[2:20:09] leave jail or prison, they go right back um into the same environment. Um and so

[2:20:15] it makes long-term recovery much harder and it can lead to that cycle just

[2:20:19] continuing. The recetivism rate is really high. Um, those released from

[2:20:23] detox to jail or prison are 40 to 129 times more likely to die of an overdose

[2:20:30] within the first 14 days of their release, but that doesn't really

[2:20:34] diminish over time either. Um, and that's due to lowered tolerance and then

[2:20:39] that lack of continuity of care. [snorts] So, recovery housing is

[2:20:44] recognized by SAMA as best practice. And this model is actually codified in

[2:20:48] federal law as part of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.

[2:20:54] So we're looking um to partner with Oxford House.

[2:20:59] So um these are houses that have been around since um the program has been

[2:21:04] around since 1975. They've got houses all over the country. They have more

[2:21:09] than 300 houses here in North Carolina. They don't have any in western North

[2:21:14] Carolina. The closest um office house is in Asheville.

[2:21:19] Um these houses operate democratically electing house officers who serve

[2:21:24] six-month terms. So these houses are financially self-supporting. So members

[2:21:29] of the house split the expenses which average $110 to $160 per person per

[2:21:35] week. Residents must either have secure employment or they must receive

[2:21:41] retirement or disability payments. any resident who has a reoccurrence of

[2:21:46] substance use will immediately be expelled. So there's no substance use

[2:21:51] allowed at the houses. Um the eligibility to be a member one of these

[2:21:55] houses um in Jackson County, we would prioritize Jackson County residents that

[2:22:01] are motivated to pursue recovery but they lack that financial stability or

[2:22:06] stable support system. Um it is that individuals complete a treatment program

[2:22:12] prior to entering an office house and they must be substancefree for 13 or

[2:22:17] more dates. Um applicants have to go for an

[2:22:21] interview with >> test while they're in there.

[2:22:25] » They I don't know the answer to that but I know that there's a zero tolerance

[2:22:30] policy. So I don't know about that but I know that there's a zero tolerance

[2:22:34] policy for for use. um they have to go through an interview process with other

[2:22:38] house members and the house members there's like an 80% of house members

[2:22:43] must accept this person as a roommate.

[2:22:51] Um so um you can see in your handout um the breakdown of their budget and how

[2:22:56] the office has plans for sustainability. So they are asking 165,000 for a year.

[2:23:04] So this is special revenue funds that are set aside for opioid settlement. So

[2:23:11] these are funds that has started coming into our county in 2022. They'll

[2:23:15] continue to come into the county 2038 and beyond because of all of the

[2:23:19] different newer settlements that are happening. So this money is set aside

[2:23:23] just for this purpose. So this is one of the strategies that's in the MOA. The

[2:23:28] money can't be spent on anything other than these strategies. And so this is

[2:23:32] one of the strategies. Um so they're uh so this cost includes $12,000 in

[2:23:38] one-time startup funds for two houses. So they're looking to set up two Oxford

[2:23:43] houses. So one male, one female. Um so that would be six to 16 recovery beds.

[2:23:50] Um, and the primary cost driver for this startup is personnel because they would

[2:23:54] need to send um, employees into the county to secure the housing um, and to

[2:24:01] to get everything started up. Um, equal expense shared assistance is also part

[2:24:07] of those upfront costs because the folks that are coming into these houses, they

[2:24:11] don't have employment yet. So there's a period of time where they those expenses

[2:24:17] are paid for them and then they have a period of time where they need to look

[2:24:20] for work or have secure disability payments or retirement.

[2:24:25] So these houses are designed to be self- sustained. So once we have given you

[2:24:30] know 165,000 for that one year there's no more money that needs to come out of

[2:24:36] the settlement funds for them because their house will be sustained. Um, so

[2:24:40] the goals of this project are to expand recovering housing um, capacity in

[2:24:46] Jackson County and to strengthen recovery support and housing stability.

[2:24:49] Um, and their timeline is once it gets approved, it takes them between 90 and

[2:24:55] 120 days to hire staff and establish a house.

[2:25:00] So this evening, we're just here to ask you to approve the release of the

[2:25:04] $165,000 from the opioid settlement special

[2:25:08] revenue fund over the next 12 months to help meet an unmet need of supportive

[2:25:14] recovery housing for Jackson County residents.

[2:25:16] » I I have a question. Um I think y'all spoke about you had over a

[2:25:22] million dollars to spend back of this. Yeah, there's there's a lot of money

[2:25:28] that's still there. So, we have >> like what have you done with that

[2:25:32] » with the money so far? So, um at the beginning um so Megan went over what we

[2:25:37] had um spent so far at the beginning. So, last year you all moved um to

[2:25:43] support uh Sunrise Community Recovery and Wellness and so they have moved into

[2:25:47] the county. They have a peer support center. Um, and then Life Challenge of

[2:25:52] Western North Carolina has continued to be sustained. So, they have been able to

[2:25:57] help 75 folks over this year. >> 75. Okay.

[2:26:00] » Yeah. Just this first year. Um, >> I wondered if that's what that part of

[2:26:04] the money was for. I wasn't sure. So, I'm sorry you're having to repeat

[2:26:07] yourself. >> No, no, no. That's okay. Yeah. So, so

[2:26:09] yeah. So, we've helped um 75 folks with opioid use disorder, 32 students, and

[2:26:14] we've distributed over 1,400 in the lockdown. So obviously,

[2:26:18] » and these are Jackson County residents. >> These are Jackson County residents. Yes.

[2:26:22] Yeah. So, and we don't know how many lives have been saved in the lives.

[2:26:26] » You know, um because we've only had three overdoses reported, but that

[2:26:30] doesn't mean there have been other ones unreported, right?

[2:26:33] » Because the majority of, you know, of responses are citizens that are

[2:26:37] responding, and so we don't always know, but at least we know that that this is

[2:26:42] working.

[2:26:46] I think it's a great great asset. >> Where's the houses come from? You said

[2:26:51] they set up a >> So they right they come into the

[2:26:55] community and they talk with landlords um and they look to you know also to you

[2:27:01] know they there's a possibility of purchasing homes. So

[2:27:07] » here's there's a lot you know backand support.

[2:27:11] I I know but I'm that's what I wondered if there support two houses where where

[2:27:16] the houses come from >> right

[2:27:20] » what ideas you guys have about problem you got

[2:27:25] » we actually talk about that they're going to look at I'll let you talk

[2:27:31] » Sure um so you know there are a couple of areas um that have been noted as some

[2:27:37] problem areas we're going to go visit those areas and kind figure out, you

[2:27:41] know, how we can help. Um, we don't have needle exchange at, uh, the health

[2:27:46] department. The only, um, entity that comes into the county to do that is

[2:27:51] WindCap, and they only come in Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 4, and they are

[2:27:55] parked at Blue Ridge. Um, and so we, you know, I could reach out to them, talk to

[2:28:00] them, and see if there's a different location that maybe they could go to,

[2:28:04] um, that we're seeing more of an issue. Um, we have talked to folks about um,

[2:28:09] placing needle receptacles. The only problem with that is statistics. So, who

[2:28:13] goes to those places? >> That kind of people that use drugs and

[2:28:17] do needles, they're not going to be responsible enough to go put it in a

[2:28:21] proper receptacle. They're going to throw it down wherever they're at

[2:28:24] » or share it or whatever. >> Think about who wants that in front of

[2:28:28] their business or >> Yeah. things like

[2:28:30] » they're not going to go drop it off. I think there are some options just in

[2:28:34] terms [clears throat] of options where we put some of these things.

[2:28:37] » Some of these options some of these buildings need to be demolished where

[2:28:41] they're staying and throwing stuff out. >> That's the option.

[2:28:45] » Yeah, that's true. You use some of this money and purchase some of those

[2:28:48] locations and tear [snorts] them down. >> But yeah, there's a lot of these places

[2:28:54] where people are squatting and they need help.

[2:28:59] Don't get me wrong. They need this help. But I don't I agree with you. [snorts] I

[2:29:04] mean, when they're in that shape, they're not going to take them either.

[2:29:08] » I'm just thinking about the next high. >> Yeah.

[2:29:11] And we needed to try to help with the root of it instead

[2:29:19] of giving them a place to get rid of their needles,

[2:29:25] get them off of it. >> Right. And that's what Sunrise and Life

[2:29:30] Challenge are working towards, helping folks with that. And then these recovery

[2:29:35] houses will be that step down. So if they go, for example, they go to Life

[2:29:39] Challenge and they get treatment there, then there's a step down. If if these

[2:29:44] Oxford houses are allowed to be here, then there's a there's a place for them

[2:29:47] to step down to. >> Yeah. Good. They're good homes. And

[2:29:50] there's um

[2:29:53] place over in Tennessee. It's Christian base, I think. I can't believe remember

[2:29:58] what it's called, but um they're really good, too, as far as bringing in homes

[2:30:04] and stuff like that for and it's like a two-year program, I want to say, for

[2:30:10] that. I don't know how long. >> There's a place like that down in

[2:30:12] Franklin, but they only accept men. >> Yeah, there's Yeah.

[2:30:15] » Yeah. Men's Yeah. Men's Challenge of the Smokies.

[2:30:18] » This one's six to 12 months, >> correct? in this facility and then it

[2:30:22] would be to the next location or hopefully

[2:30:26] they're on their feet a little bit. >> Right. The goal is to get them

[2:30:29] independent >> into what?

[2:30:32] » To get them independent. >> Oh, independent. Okay. How long did you

[2:30:34] say it was? How long? >> Um, it's just kind of depends on the

[2:30:38] situation on on how where someone's at, but it's about six to 12 months or so.

[2:30:43] And then, you know, hopefully they're independent. moving along and then

[2:30:46] they're >> work with the sheriff's office and

[2:30:48] places like that for people that's looking for help.

[2:30:53] » Oh, sure. Yeah. >> They need a good relationship there. But

[2:30:57] that's that's where it starts. Mhm. >> There's some people that, and I I know

[2:31:03] this cuz I've got family and >> a close family that's that's battled

[2:31:07] with it for years and

[2:31:12] » they're, you know, they're not just going to go out here and walk out and

[2:31:16] say, "I'm going to go get help. Got to have a

[2:31:20] fire." >> Exactly.

[2:31:22] » I had a half brother that lost his battle with it years ago.

[2:31:27] my my brother-in-law, he's uh well, I'm not going to get into that, but it's um

[2:31:34] » these people need help big time. >> And they're good people,

[2:31:39] » but they also have to be willing to want to help theirel

[2:31:44] work period. It don't matter what you do.

[2:31:47] » Underneath they're good people. And if we have a good system set up for the

[2:31:52] sheriff's office, offer them a future, >> that's what we want,

[2:31:56] » right? >> We don't want to say, "Hey, let's just

[2:31:59] let them out and roll down the road, you know."

[2:32:03] » Exactly. Yeah. And working with community supervision as well. That's

[2:32:06] really important because they're the ones receiving these folks coming back

[2:32:10] from from prison and they don't there's nowhere for them to go. But so many of

[2:32:15] them, they'll go and get help and then they fall right back in the same rut

[2:32:18] with the same friends, the same town, the ones they're familiar with. And

[2:32:23] » you know, nobody wants to see anybody else do any better than them. So they

[2:32:27] try to antagonize them and drag them back down, you know, and it's it's

[2:32:31] terrible, but it's a vicious cycle. >> It is. Yeah.

[2:32:34] » Something long term, something follow them along to keep them on the right

[2:32:37] track. But this is a good great start. I mean I mean what y'all are doing is

[2:32:41] great all the way around. So >> thank you. Any anything helps that for

[2:32:45] sure. And the sheriff's done the uh

[2:32:51] » Vivitrol program. Are you guys overlapping with that or?

[2:32:58] » No, but there would be, you know, if folks were involved in that program at

[2:33:02] the jail and they were being released and they were going to continue that

[2:33:05] program or go another route, I mean, obviously this would be a great

[2:33:09] placement for them. So if they're continuing on this pivot trial, they can

[2:33:14] y >> continue and

[2:33:15] » yeah, >> this program will help them.

[2:33:17] » Exactly. Yeah. Exactly. So there's no they're not prohibited um if they're

[2:33:23] receiving treatment, they're receiving maintenance like Vivitrol or something

[2:33:27] like that, they're not prohibited from living at the house. They're they're

[2:33:31] supported. So they'll make sure that they get Yeah. They'll make sure that

[2:33:34] they get their treatment. >> Yeah. Regulation assisted therapies

[2:33:38] probably [clears throat] crucial to getting them clean. So

[2:33:41] » yes,

[2:33:46] » is there consensus or do we need to take a vote?

[2:33:49] » Agreed. >> I'll need to present a budget amendment.

[2:33:53] » Perfect. >> That's what I was thinking.

[2:33:56] » I think there is consensus to put this on the next agenda.

[2:33:59] » Okay. >> Thank you ladies.

[2:34:02] » Thank you. >> Have a good night.

[2:34:03] » Yeah. Appreciate what y'all are doing. Next up, we have Miss Ash, our tax

[2:34:08] administrator, talking [snorts] about resolution in support of Senate Bill

[2:34:12] 349. >> Good afternoon.

[2:34:17] I hate that one gentleman left. I was going to mention what we were doing for

[2:34:20] the 2029 reappraisal, but he left before I could get a chance to. Um, just for

[2:34:25] information purposes, we're just out there collecting data and ensuring our

[2:34:28] data is correct for the 2029 reappraisal. We are not revaluing

[2:34:32] properties until 2029. Just to be clear on that. Of course, if you added a new

[2:34:36] home or renovated or something, that could be a little different,

[2:34:39] » but we're not out there actually reappraising. So,

[2:34:41] » yes, you have I think probably at least three of you.

[2:34:45] » You skip my properties, please. >> I think we already did yours.

[2:34:48] » You can skip it, [laughter] I believe. >> Yeah. Do it again. I'll do it again. Uh

[2:34:52] I know >> they're gonna add the Wii Park into

[2:34:56] yours. >> She knows mine's hard.

[2:34:59] » We're gonna come for you. Good. I know what what a lot of the issue is and

[2:35:02] people don't realize is we do all of our reappraisal in office now. It's all in

[2:35:06] staff. There's 40,000 parcels in our county takes what two hours to get from

[2:35:12] one end to the other. And we have one reappraisal filing. So if we didn't

[2:35:16] start right after the one's done, we are not getting a port the county visited.

[2:35:21] » I think it's good to start three months before. Well, we get about

[2:35:27] » a quarter of one township maybe done. Um, but either way, I just wanted to

[2:35:31] mention that uh that we're not really revaging. We're just making sure our

[2:35:34] data is correct. A lot of these properties we have not been to in

[2:35:37] probably 10 plus years, >> and we need to make sure the data is

[2:35:40] correct. We had mentioned that um I know you you two weren't part of a lot of our

[2:35:44] previous reappraisal conversations, but that was one of the things that got

[2:35:47] brought up is how long has it even been, you know, and we're like, we had even

[2:35:51] really been to a lot of these properties in a decade. So, um, it's it's much

[2:35:55] needed. It's just a slow processing. We do have one team.

[2:35:59] » Your business yet? >> You're It's in the town.

[2:36:03] » It's in the town, right? >> Yeah.

[2:36:04] » We We haven't done the town just yet because we did do the all the

[2:36:07] municipalities last time before. So, we're going to finish those off.

[2:36:12] » I doubt we will get up to um Mr. Jennings and um properties for this. We

[2:36:19] will be for the next round. So, >> I think it showed up last time.

[2:36:22] » Yeah. Well, we showed up to yours individually just because we checked all

[2:36:26] of the commissioners to make sure because we will get called out on that

[2:36:29] for sure. >> I I think I was I think number one.

[2:36:33] » Oh, >> yay.

[2:36:34] » Oh, good. Well, you can't be

[2:36:39] » when you go number eight.

[2:36:42] » No, we check everybody. We check Darlings and Kevin and everybody else.

[2:36:47] So, anyway, um got sidetracked there. Uh so um I got a little something wrote

[2:36:53] down here to go through because I got a few points I want to mention. Um so uh

[2:36:59] the main reason I'm here tonight is to um see if this board is interested in

[2:37:03] submitting a resolution in support of a Senate bill that some positive

[2:37:08] modifications to our property tax. Other county boards are submitting a

[2:37:13] similar resolution um to the general assembly in hopes that we can get this

[2:37:17] bill to get some movement behind it. Um, before I discuss that, I'd like to give

[2:37:21] just a little and then talk about an upcoming

[2:37:26] referendum that is completely separate from that school bond referendum we just

[2:37:29] talked about. And um those anymore I'm trying to brief past it, but it is a

[2:37:35] word on here. So separate referendum and I give a little bit detail on that bill

[2:37:39] that we're referring to like this to Anna or anything Ferguson

[2:37:46] » um >> in the Senate.

[2:37:49] or the house. Sorry. >> Um, if you can get me a copy of this,

[2:37:54] I'll send it to her. >> The bill.

[2:37:56] » Yeah. Yeah, for sure. >> Yeah, I hope so. Um, so

[2:38:03] » well, I'm let me go through my little spiel here. So, currently the state

[2:38:08] offers three homestead exclusions, elderly and disabled, disabled veteran,

[2:38:11] and the circuit breaker. The exclusions are limited to both age and income of

[2:38:16] course except for disabled veterans. So every year there's around 10 bills to

[2:38:21] have the general general assembly to expand homestead exclusions. None of

[2:38:25] them ever passed. Based on statute history, the homestead exclusions have

[2:38:29] not changed at all since 2009. Um I also want to point out because I

[2:38:35] get this a lot in my office. I don't know if you do as well, but this board

[2:38:39] has no control over the homestead exclusions. Uh you can't modify them.

[2:38:42] you can't change how they're set up. You can do nothing about those besides hope

[2:38:46] that the general assembly will make some configurations to move that. Um, so we

[2:38:51] do get that a lot with, you know, this board didn't do homestead exclusions or

[2:38:56] something like that. Um, so I am also on a legislative committee

[2:39:00] with several other assessors and we have attempted to get real fast to expand

[2:39:04] this exclusion program with zero success as well. One of the options was to use

[2:39:09] the HUD area medium median income. Uh that was deemed unconstitutional because

[2:39:15] of the uniformity clause because they basically said it's got to be the same

[2:39:18] statewide no matter what. Um to me that is ignoring the fact that the incomes

[2:39:23] and the property values can vary drastically throughout the state. Um the

[2:39:27] median household income in North Carolina ranges from about 42,000 to

[2:39:32] almost 100,000. Um, so they're lumping all of those people in under the same

[2:39:37] standard. Uh, there was also a bill filed to add language to allow for them

[2:39:43] use of the AMI and that also has not moved at all. Um, I know this board also

[2:39:49] submitted a resolution in February of 25 in the hopes of expanding that and I

[2:39:53] don't think you heard anything back from that either. Um, currently Jackson

[2:39:58] County has 541 or 1.32% of our parcels receiving the exclusion.

[2:40:05] Uh, my office does not have any aid or income information to know if there's

[2:40:10] individuals currently in the county who qualify and are not aware of the

[2:40:13] exclusion. Uh, we took the information out. Um, but most of the time that

[2:40:17] people come in, they say either they heard it from a neighbor or a friend or

[2:40:21] someone else more than reading our tax bill or going online or uh seeing the ad

[2:40:26] in the paper. Uh, so we like to spread the word as much as we can. So I like to

[2:40:31] bring it up every time I can just to make sure that if people do qualify for

[2:40:34] the limited portion that we have available that they are getting that

[2:40:39] benefit. Uh, one of the major limitations is

[2:40:43] although the income limit increases annually, the increase coincides with

[2:40:47] the same increase individual see and their social security payments. So,

[2:40:51] they're required to increase it at the same amount of those payments. So, if an

[2:40:55] individual sole source of income is social security and they're just over

[2:41:00] that limit, they will likely never qualify because their social security

[2:41:05] payments are going up at the same amount every single time. So, they're always

[2:41:10] that window. Well, so usually new individuals who qualify are just those

[2:41:15] who are now new to meeting the age or disability requirement, a spouse passes

[2:41:19] away or they had supplementary income coming in from

[2:41:24] some job or source that they no longer have.

[2:41:28] So on the legislative side, uh the House did um do a select committee on property

[2:41:34] tax form that was created last year. The committee's purpose was to that provide

[2:41:41] property tax relief to taxpayers while balancing potential impacts on local

[2:41:45] government revenues. So after they went through and listened to all things local

[2:41:52] government uh they came up with two propos what did you say?

[2:41:58] Oh sorry uh they came up with two uh proposals. One was an act to amend the

[2:42:04] constitution to require to enact a property tax levy limit. That is what

[2:42:09] I'm going to talk about as a referendum. And then an act to update and modify the

[2:42:14] low-income housing exemption. So there will be a referendum on the ballot in

[2:42:19] November. The referendum will state the general assembly shall enact general

[2:42:23] laws limiting the amount by which the levy of taxes on property may increase,

[2:42:29] which may include exceptions. Um I assume that referendum will likely pass

[2:42:35] um because it states the result will be to limit properties tax increases of

[2:42:39] course. Um however there really is no actual plan on how they plan to achieve

[2:42:43] that limitation. discuss um the uh something that NCACC

[2:42:49] had trying to and you guys talked about how they were kind of I don't know how

[2:42:54] they plan to limit that but um so there's really no plan there uh for how

[2:42:59] they plan to achieve that. Um history says they might not achieve anything

[2:43:04] because that's just how normal things go.

[2:43:07] Based on the committee comments, the referendum came about because

[2:43:10] substantial increases in the tax base were not always met with similar

[2:43:14] decreases in the tax rate, especially in municipalities. Uh we saw that a lot in

[2:43:19] Wake County. Um so my concern, like I just mentioned, is that nothing comes

[2:43:25] from that. And my office and this board takes the blame for a referendum that

[2:43:30] passed that promised property tax levy limits that never came to fruition. Um,

[2:43:36] the modification to the lowinccome exemption is is definitely needed

[2:43:39] because law currently allow forprofit owners to give a minimal percentage

[2:43:45] ownership and I'm talking about 01% ownership to a nonprofit and receive a

[2:43:50] full tax exemption even though the complex only has a limited number of

[2:43:54] low-inccome units. Yes. So, on to this bill. I'm hoping to get

[2:44:00] this board support in creating a resolution for Senate Bill 349, which

[2:44:04] I'm hoping we can get some movement on because it's a it's a good bill. Um,

[2:44:09] this is separate from the referendum and is specific to the homestead exclusion.

[2:44:14] This bill really doesn't expand it like I would like to, but it does address a

[2:44:18] couple limitations. The main one that will benefit our citizens expand is

[2:44:23] expanding the income to help with what we call the marriage penalty. So

[2:44:27] currently the income requirement is the same for individuals and spouses. So if

[2:44:32] this were to pass um and you can see right here it would increase the income

[2:44:39] eligibility limit for a married couple to 115% of the income limit. Um so that

[2:44:45] would hopefully allow more married couples to qualify. Um and based on the

[2:44:50] applications that we had for married couples, a lot of those that we did have

[2:44:52] to deny because they were over have the potential of being approved in that

[2:44:56] scenario. So I think that that portion would definitely benefit our citizens

[2:45:00] and you know and take away that kind of penalty. Um you know you can be married

[2:45:05] and get you get less benefit. So um then one of the other items in the bill we

[2:45:11] don't really have anyone utilizing but I think we could potentially in the future

[2:45:15] um of the deferred taxes that people owe back are owed back after the circuit

[2:45:20] breaker with the circuit breaker program. And so that program limits um

[2:45:25] your tax bill percentage of your income. So most people that qualify for the

[2:45:30] normal are going to get the elderly exemption just because it's probably a

[2:45:34] better benefit. And then if you're over that income up to a certain amount, you

[2:45:38] can get it based on 5% of your income. So basically that law is saying you

[2:45:41] should be able to afford 5% of your gross income in a tax bill. Anything

[2:45:45] over that could be deferred. But because our tax rate is so low for

[2:45:51] the most part outside of maybe people that are in municipalities, we don't

[2:45:54] really have anybody that qualifies. And then a lot of people are also not

[2:45:58] interested when they realize that they'd be leaving their children with a

[2:46:01] deferred tax bill that they would have to then pay back.

[2:46:03] » No, that's what I was wondering. So a deferred means when you sell it or when

[2:46:07] you pass or >> it's very similar to our present use

[2:46:10] value program where if you know changes in ownership or use then you could be

[2:46:14] removing that program and then you owe those previous amounts that you saved on

[2:46:19] the tax bill. Now you won't be paying back all of those years but you would be

[2:46:22] paying a portion of those those years which could definitely be a death to

[2:46:27] especially a kid trying to come in with resources

[2:46:30] » taken people like the state and the government. They probably be with

[2:46:34] interest and penalty. >> It will be.

[2:46:36] » Oh, that's nice. >> It absolutely will be.

[2:46:39] » Your taxes, you're going to have to pay a penalty.

[2:46:42] » Yeah. Yeah, it absolutely will be. So, um

[2:46:47] so and hopefully we could get some more interest in this program as well if that

[2:46:50] portion would be um removed. Um, so I know I threw a lot at you, but that

[2:46:57] is really what I'm hoping that we can um, and I've already sent up a similar

[2:47:02] resolution to um, Kevin and Angie of what it's just a simple resolution just

[2:47:06] saying that the board would support this. I mean, we can expand it to say

[2:47:11] support other avenues or something like that. But this one is actually a pretty

[2:47:17] good bill and it's already out there and I think it's something that would at

[2:47:21] least cover a couple of the main issues that we have with our current exclusion

[2:47:25] which is helping a little bit with the marriage penalty and then removing that

[2:47:29] deferred tax penalty. I'll call for those that qualify. I think us all that

[2:47:35] are primary residents ought to be some type homestead exemption and then the

[2:47:40] folks up the mountain that are not primary residents should have to pay

[2:47:45] significantly more because they're the ones that's driving our property values

[2:47:50] out the roof. Nothing against the locals up there at all. It's the ones that are

[2:47:54] moving in. >> Well, they're definitely trying to drive

[2:47:56] drive them out. But um >> billion dollar homes.

[2:48:00] » Yeah. Yeah. I think we had $11 million home sale not long ago. Um

[2:48:07] yeah, I mean and they did discuss a lot of different avenues in that committee.

[2:48:11] Um so we'll see what they come up with at you know at the end.

[2:48:15] » They'll leave it up to the county. >> We should be able to do

[2:48:20] » well they'll have to get rid of that uniformity

[2:48:22] and that's really where it comes down to. They want to make sure that all

[2:48:25] counties are doing things they want to do. This probably won't even pass.

[2:48:31] I hope it does. >> I I I believe that the referendum will

[2:48:35] absolutely pass just because >> Well, I mean, do you think it won't if

[2:48:41] they say that the you know, they're going to enact laws limiting the amount

[2:48:45] by which the levy of taxes on property may increase?

[2:48:48] » I hope it does. >> Yeah. I I mean, I would say that it

[2:48:50] will. I don't know how they plan to achieve that, but I mean, that's

[2:48:54] » even Do they have >> That's a referendum.

[2:48:57] » It's a referendum. It will be on the ballot.

[2:48:58] » Yeah. >> Yeah. even if the referendum passes.

[2:49:02] » Basically, the referendum was saying, "Yeah, we we support you doing that, but

[2:49:06] we don't know what that means, how long it may take, if it ever actually does

[2:49:09] anything." >> That's what I'm saying. [laughter]

[2:49:11] » But because of that, you know, with anything that they say is going to pass.

[2:49:16] » Yeah. I believe the referendum will pass.

[2:49:18] » Yeah. It's going to come back from the people who are the faces of those local

[2:49:22] governments that are going to get the complaints as to why why did I vote for

[2:49:27] this and then enough to happen? and that'll be this this board in my office.

[2:49:31] I mean, you don't you you won't have to deal with that. You know, they can I can

[2:49:34] send them out to the your place of business to complain to if you want.

[2:49:38] » I think when you look at it, too, they'll talk about the So, I think it's

[2:49:42] going to happen pretty fast. If the if the voters voted in November, the

[2:49:46] general assembly is going to jump right on it because they've already put a

[2:49:48] moratorum against all everybody doing a reevaluation in 27, right?

[2:49:52] » Not everybody. >> We had two exclus.

[2:49:57] So >> talk about uniformity,

[2:50:00] » right? >> There was several counties that were not

[2:50:02] included in that and then I think ultimately unfortunately that ended up

[2:50:06] we haven't got all the data back but being more of a detriment because most

[2:50:09] of those counties ended up having to increase their tax rate anyway. And so

[2:50:12] it's really not sure if the between changing the rates based on the new

[2:50:16] values and increasing the rate and the current value was a better

[2:50:22] payoff or not. Um yeah, they did they did put that into effect. I mean, it is

[2:50:27] very possible they could move something along. We don't know what that's going

[2:50:29] to be and we're trying to, you know, I can make some suggestions, but you know,

[2:50:35] nobody cares about that opinion. >> Nobody cares about us either. So,

[2:50:40] » I see the sponsors and the co-sponsors. Is our representative not co-sponsoring

[2:50:46] that Kevin Corbin? Um, I don't believe so on this one,

[2:50:54] but we can definitely pass it along along to

[2:50:57] » it doesn't mean he won't add on. This was in March 202.

[2:51:01] » Yeah, it's an older one, but it's still in an active session.

[2:51:04] » It could have been added as a co-sponsor.

[2:51:06] » I hope so. >> Yeah. [snorts]

[2:51:11] So there's I mean there's been a lot come through, but this one is one I

[2:51:15] think could possibly maybe

[2:51:20] » Yeah. Yeah. And it's it's not it's very much fair and consistent for all. It's

[2:51:25] not saying, you know, that we're going to do some one way and do some another

[2:51:29] way. And I think that you can look at the numbers and usually see that we do

[2:51:34] not have hardly anybody doing the circuit breaker. Um, most of them I

[2:51:38] think are in Wake County and there's still not that many. I mean, we don't

[2:51:41] have any. I don't think there's hardly any in any surrounding counties. I would

[2:51:44] say probably 80% of the counties, if not more, don't even have an individual

[2:51:48] doing it. Um, so it's really not a successful program. I mean, the thought

[2:51:53] is great that you have, you know, this option to limit an amount and then defer

[2:51:57] it over, but you know, even if you qualified, the thought of having to pay

[2:52:02] back those old taxes and especially passing it on to your children, which is

[2:52:07] more likely what people are going to do. I mean, if they sold it, they probably

[2:52:10] could care less. You know, if the new owner had to pay for it, but you're

[2:52:13] going to pass it on to your children, which probably the case, then

[2:52:18] it would be limiting. So, >> but that's that's my spiel for this

[2:52:24] afternoon. So, is there any interest in us doing that? Okay, perfect.

[2:52:29] » Absolutely. >> All right. Oh, we'll be back.

[2:52:34] » You want to add any modifications to it? I mean, supporting this bill, but also

[2:52:38] adding in the traditional homestead, what y'all would consider?

[2:52:41] » Yeah, we can add in whatever >> primary primary resident.

[2:52:44] » Absolutely. >> Yeah, we could take a lot. we can mirror

[2:52:46] a lot off of the original one that was submitted and then add in um you know

[2:52:51] that there's a current bill or I think if we have I think the one that you sent

[2:52:57] before was more just kind of generic you know generic right is that right

[2:53:03] » more just we would like to see so I think if we um build on that and then we

[2:53:08] have a specific at least bill to help with the current tax exclusion that's in

[2:53:13] place >> [snorts]

[2:53:14] » um but they they definitely did mention about in that committee about offering

[2:53:18] up some things for everyone that was in one of the sessions. Did you hear that

[2:53:21] one? So, it was considered what happened of it. I don't know. So, um

[2:53:27] » other states are already doing it. We're basically the only one in the country

[2:53:31] that doesn't. >> Yeah.

[2:53:33] » Yeah. >> Yeah. A lot of counties do or a lot of

[2:53:37] states do a lot of varying things, but most of them do offer some kind of

[2:53:41] better homestead exusion than we offer. For sure. have a bunch of rental

[2:53:44] properties. Those are not considered, >> right?

[2:53:47] » Residences, >> right? Yeah. I think I I ran a numbers

[2:53:51] just out of curiosity and I think there's around 8,000

[2:53:55] parcels probably if we look at people with local addresses and take out the

[2:53:59] multiple, you know, own properties um that could potentially qualify for

[2:54:04] something if more was offered. Um so, but I don't know where that would

[2:54:11] end. I mean, that would be great, but right now, I'm just hoping that they'll

[2:54:15] expand at least what we've got to offer for now and then see what that committee

[2:54:19] comes up with. That committee is still going to continue to meet. Um, and I

[2:54:23] know the NCAACCC is going to make recommendations. Um, because I get

[2:54:28] involved in a lot of that and and uh so I think it says a lot when the to me

[2:54:35] when the tax assessors are like, can we do something a little bit more?

[2:54:39] [laughter] I mean, you know, they're not the people that you usually think are

[2:54:42] the ones out here trying to fight for them to expand a, you know, a benefit to

[2:54:46] people, but um that's absolutely what we've been doing. And I think they

[2:54:50] started off a lot that committee did talking about how can we keep people in

[2:54:53] their homes and and then it just kind of shifted away and I kind of want them to

[2:54:59] pull it back back this way. But, uh, we'll see where it, like Kevin said,

[2:55:04] maybe they might they might have something done in six months and we'll

[2:55:08] have some kind of policy and as long as it hopefully doesn't be to the detriment

[2:55:12] of local governments and then we have no you're so handicapped that you can't you

[2:55:16] know hand you can't do anything then that you know because they could come in

[2:55:21] and say you know you have to adopt a specific rate and if you don't adopt a

[2:55:24] specific rate then you know you're going to have a problem and that's one of the

[2:55:27] things that we've talked about too. So, um, but we'll just roll with that as we

[2:55:33] as we get it. [laughter] That's a conversation for a different

[2:55:37] day. So, okay, good deal. I appreciate you and we I will be back then in a

[2:55:42] couple weeks with Angie's work on her record.

[2:55:48] » Thank you so much. >> Thank you.

[2:55:50] » Next up this evening, we have Miss Moore again from the transit department.

[2:55:55] » Is this a different night or is this the same knot?

[2:55:58] I'm I feel like I'm having deja >> vu. [laughter]

[2:56:06] Sleep [snorts] good. >> We love you, Rene. We're just kidding.

[2:56:12] » Logan, this is transit, not part.

[2:56:16] » Yeah, I'm not part. >> Come on. He's He's sleeping back.

[2:56:22] » He's ready to go home. >> There we go. Stay until the end.

[2:56:28] How are your ball fields, Miss Ray? >> What?

[2:56:31] » How are your ball fields? >> What do you mean? My ball feels for park

[2:56:34] recreation. I thought that was an absurd question. [laughter]

[2:56:39] » I was going to say I had a good lines to start with. I'm changing gears here. I'm

[2:56:43] talking about transit. Um anyway, I'm not going to say a lot. Um as you can

[2:56:50] see, there's a picture of of see if I can get this word. Um I have to

[2:56:57] Okay. Um, there's our group, our lovely group, and we do have a full staff right

[2:57:03] now, and that's a big deal. Um, because it's been without that for a while. Um,

[2:57:09] our, um, mission statement is to provide dependable, regular, affordable

[2:57:15] transportation for persons in Jackson County by coordinating resources and

[2:57:19] expertise within the local and state governments, consumer agencies, and the

[2:57:24] community. And I do like the vision statement which is to be recognized as

[2:57:29] the leading innovative resource in rural mountainous transportation.

[2:57:35] I'm not going to talk a lot lot about the funding sources because we already

[2:57:38] talked some about those earlier. The 5311 the 5310.

[2:57:43] Um we do have this uh rope funding that we get which provides transportation and

[2:57:50] they'll break it down just a little bit more here in in a minute. and and we

[2:57:54] also get some help from block grant services. We have contracts with DSS and

[2:57:59] Medicaid um for Medicaid trips, both rehab mountain projects, which we don't

[2:58:05] do a lot with them at this time, and local nursing homes that we provide

[2:58:10] transportation for those as well. And we get some funding of course because we

[2:58:15] charge fairs and occasionally get donations.

[2:58:19] Um there again is the U community transportation program the 5311 that I

[2:58:25] talked about earlier and what that helps us with. Um the rope program helps us

[2:58:32] with just general public transportation u somewhat with the elderly and disabled

[2:58:38] transportation program employment um somewhat supplements operating cost.

[2:58:44] Um, we do use ETP as a match fund for that 5310 grant that um, I talked about

[2:58:51] applying for. The 5310 grant is a 50/50 grant. That's uh, 50% from federal and

[2:59:00] 50% from local. Um, and it really does help a lot with with we put a lot of

[2:59:05] people on that program that are over 65 or if they have disabilities and it

[2:59:13] really it really does help them to get the transportation that they need. The

[2:59:19] block grant, we do get a little over $20,000 a year for that on that uh

[2:59:24] particular one. And we do a lot of um a lot of the adult care trips. Um, we

[2:59:31] have a whole group that goes every day. We take them to and take them back home.

[2:59:36] So, we use that a lot for that. This is just a little breakdown of the staff. We

[2:59:41] don't have big staff. We have, of course, the director, the assistant

[2:59:44] director. We have a dispatcher and an operations manager. And of course, under

[2:59:49] that is the drivers who are equally as important.

[2:59:54] Um, the tab board. Right now, we have

[2:59:58] currently we have 11 members. We have room for more than that. We meet every

[3:00:03] quarter, uh, four times a year. Um,

[3:00:10] right now we have five full-time drivers and six part-time drivers.

[3:00:15] We have four full-time drivers with a CDL with a passenger endorsement. We

[3:00:21] only have two vehicles that require that. Um, all the drivers, full-time and

[3:00:27] part-time, have to go through a drug and alcohol

[3:00:31] testing. It is a pre-employment random. We've never had to do a reasonable

[3:00:37] suspicion thus far, thankfully. Um, or a post accident, but everybody's in the in

[3:00:43] the group for a random pool. And those are not pulled by us. We send them

[3:00:50] to a different facility. They they pull the the people that have to be um tested

[3:00:58] for that uh quarter and we take care of sending

[3:01:03] them and all that. We have a very close you know the the trainer is very good

[3:01:09] with the wheelchair and the passenger assistance program when he does

[3:01:13] training. Um, we also they go every year they go

[3:01:18] through defensive driving training which it's a computer training program but

[3:01:24] it's it lasts about three hours. It takes them about three hours to get

[3:01:27] through it and everybody no one wants you to do it but they do it every year.

[3:01:32] Um, it's really not that bad. It just takes time. The other training

[3:01:36] bloodborne pathogens and first aid. Um, right now in our vehicle fleet, we've

[3:01:43] got two seven passenger. We never put seven

[3:01:47] passengers in there. It's too too crowded. But, um, they are 4x4 crossover

[3:01:53] vehicles. Um, Nissan Pathfinders. We've got one ADA minivan. We've got seven

[3:02:00] nine passenger vans that are lift equipped that we um, we call them a high

[3:02:06] top mobility van. We've got a um the two LTV eight passenger vans are what we use

[3:02:16] for the trolleys that loop around town. And then we have a 15 passenger and a 24

[3:02:22] passenger van, which are the bigger ones that we use going on trips and and

[3:02:26] things mostly. And there's just a picture some of the of the fleet that I

[3:02:32] put in there and a picture of one of the drivers. um

[3:02:38] helping a lady get shows the lift that we use for people that are in

[3:02:42] wheelchairs or if they just can't manage the steps, we use that as well. Um

[3:02:49] we do have charter service regulations. There are exclusions with that and we do

[3:02:56] get um we do get some requests for um for that service but there's some things

[3:03:04] that you can't do with it but the exemptions down here as you can read are

[3:03:10] transportation of employee contractors and government officials and then you

[3:03:15] know we can do anything with the um human service organizations like the

[3:03:19] senior centers we do quite a bit of trips with and and especially the

[3:03:23] cashier senior center right now. They take a trip um typically about once a

[3:03:29] month and we almost always provide that service for them and also if if needed

[3:03:36] of emergency response and or emergency preparedness planning and operation.

[3:03:43] Some of the routes that we have uh for medical routes, we do trips to dialysis.

[3:03:48] Um we have the Medicaid the people that qualify for that 5310 program. Of

[3:03:55] course, we have just the general public and we do go out of county Monday,

[3:04:01] Wednesdays and Fridays. We go to the Asheville area, Bunkham County,

[3:04:05] Henderson County primarily for for medicals. Um,

[3:04:12] we do quite a bit of employment trips right now. Um, some trips to Western and

[3:04:18] SEC, but not a lot. Um, and there again, the adult daycare and the trips with the

[3:04:24] senior citizens. And the trolley, I don't know if

[3:04:28] everybody's knows anything about the trolley, but it loops around town. It

[3:04:34] starts at 7 in the morning in Dillsboro and it loops around out to SEC and it

[3:04:39] turns and it's back at Dillsboro at the top of the hour again. So, u for a

[3:04:44] dollar you can ride the trolley um all day long and you don't have to schedule

[3:04:50] for it. You can just get on and off there. You don't have to schedule for

[3:04:54] that. >> But if you're in a county employee, you

[3:04:55] can't ride any of these. >> H

[3:04:57] » you can't ride any of these. If you're a county employee, that's what it Oh, it

[3:05:01] said earlier government or county.

[3:05:04] » That's to do with that charter service. >> Okay.

[3:05:07] » You just have to be careful. Like we can't do

[3:05:10] » we can't pick up kids and take them to school.

[3:05:13] » I got you. >> Because there's already a service for

[3:05:15] that. A bus. I mean it's there's some exemptions. That was one of the

[3:05:20] exemptions that was on that. I know I'm going through here fast. I'm sorry.

[3:05:24] » Okay. I just was curious. >> No, anyone can write it. Um we just have

[3:05:29] to be careful about the charter service because there's some things we can't do

[3:05:32] with that. The um we still do Medicaid trips. We don't do as many as we used to

[3:05:39] because things there have have changed and um but we still do do trips for them

[3:05:45] and those trips are build on a per mile rate of right now it's 288 a mile. Um,

[3:05:53] of course that eligibility has to come through DSS and they will um email us

[3:06:02] people that need rides and where they need to go and the dates and all that.

[3:06:07] We do some employment. Like I was saying earlier, we do quite a bit of employment

[3:06:11] right now. Um, and that just shows some of the places that that we go. West

[3:06:18] Bridge, we do a few there. um quite a few to Western that we take up there to

[3:06:22] work. Um some of the agency sponsored is uh Voke Rehab um upward mound and

[3:06:31] occasionally the UP program at Western there. Again, we don't do a lot of trips

[3:06:38] right now there. It it fluctuates. It changes all the time. Um

[3:06:45] and we do the trips again. It's this is just repeating itself for the seniors

[3:06:49] and the adult daycare. And then the cashers um senior center up there that

[3:06:55] we have a a person that stays up there and that one operates also five days a

[3:07:00] week. Um she works four hours a day. Um typically

[3:07:07] » do they pick people up at their home and take them to let's say or where?

[3:07:12] » Yep. All they have to do is call and schedule. We do some of that right now.

[3:07:17] We have, you know, maybe a half dozen that uses that.

[3:07:20] » I know a couple that that have they haven't used it just because I

[3:07:26] mean, >> well, some people don't realize they can

[3:07:29] use it, >> right? They don't

[3:07:30] » that it's available. >> All they have to do is call and and just

[3:07:35] simple information. >> A lot that don't realize they can use

[3:07:37] it. >> It is a good service, but yeah, up there

[3:07:41] we could use a few more. Um, initially it was to go to the senior center and it

[3:07:47] well you know everything changes the need dropped and we don't have as many

[3:07:51] now but yeah that driver takes people to Engles or to some to get a haircut or

[3:07:57] anything like that but if you know of someone they just need to call and I

[3:08:02] think once they used it would help and then they would probably probably use it

[3:08:08] more after that. Right now with this 5310 grant program,

[3:08:15] um people that qualify for that can ride in Jackson County for a dollar each way.

[3:08:22] Um for those medical trips out of county, the cost for that for Haywood

[3:08:28] Mon and Swain is $30 round trip. For Bunkam and Henderson, it's $50 a round

[3:08:34] trip. uh for those people that qualify. Um the good thing about those trips, and

[3:08:40] I don't know if you are aware of that, if they have if it's a medical trip out

[3:08:46] of the county, the driver waits for them because it's just not feasible to drive

[3:08:50] back to Jackson County and then go back. That helps people to know that the

[3:08:55] driver is still there waiting for them. Um,

[3:09:00] a little bit about I just pulled up the the numbers for fiscal year 25. We had

[3:09:07] 15,670. That's service hours with 205,546

[3:09:14] service miles. Our total trips was 24,298

[3:09:19] for that year. And I kind of broke it down into the the general public 10,227.

[3:09:27] The contracts like I talked about before there was 1,812

[3:09:32] employment 3,961

[3:09:36] and then on that 53 310 grant um but it's not all together that some of it's

[3:09:43] the um the block grant too 8,298 trips for that. So that to me shows that

[3:09:51] um the grants that I asked for are important because these people are using

[3:09:57] the service. Those numbers show that there's a picture of some of the adult

[3:10:03] care ladies. Um and that just talks a little bit about

[3:10:09] some of the trips that we have done for um in the past. So, we don't do co

[3:10:16] changed everything and we haven't really got back to doing as many of those trips

[3:10:20] as before, but we recently did one for the um casher seniors going to Pigeon

[3:10:26] Forge. Um I don't think they went to Dollywood, but they went to Pigeon

[3:10:30] Forge. Um but that's just an example of some of the things that we do and and

[3:10:35] the services are available to everyone in Jackson County. That being said, that

[3:10:40] is if we can fit them in there and get them in the schedule. It's it's the

[3:10:45] other part of it. The two types of services, the

[3:10:50] doortodoor service where we will come to your house and take you to your

[3:10:54] destination. Um your front door to the front door

[3:10:58] where where your destination is. We do not go inside anyone's house to uh to

[3:11:03] help them or anything. and we we will go to the front door, but we don't go

[3:11:07] inside the trolley. Again, I already uh talked

[3:11:11] a little bit about that. It completes 10 runs per day, and actually our that

[3:11:17] service has increased in the last while. Um we're doing pretty good with that.

[3:11:22] Also being said, we've reinstated the Saturday trolley beginning June 1st, and

[3:11:26] it's it's been doing pretty well. Um it had not operated, we hadn't operated on

[3:11:31] Saturday in a little while. there. Again, it's $1 per boarding or

[3:11:37] you can pay for a monthly pass and ride as many times as you want to for that

[3:11:43] month or you and we also do tickets that you

[3:11:47] get 15 um or 20 20 tickets for $15.

[3:11:55] [laughter] >> Take you to work.

[3:11:58] » Not on the trolley. >> 20 bucks. Hey.

[3:12:01] » Yeah. That's not imagine. Come get me, take me to lunch.

[3:12:04] » Yeah. Yeah, we could do that. Come get you and take you to lunch.

[3:12:07] » Cheapest show forever. [laughter]

[3:12:11] » You have to um on the trolley if there's there's stops along the route, but we

[3:12:18] can go up deviate up to a quarter mile off of that regular route. But the

[3:12:23] passenger has to call and and um request that. Actually, I can tell the driver

[3:12:28] that when they get on, but if you're not at a regular stop, you have to call and

[3:12:33] and tell us where you're going to be. And there's our a lovely bunch

[3:12:38] [laughter] um of people. But that is really quick.

[3:12:43] Something we do at transit. I if you have any questions, I try to answer

[3:12:48] them. But I can't come to Wither and get you on the trolley.

[3:12:53] I can take but I can take you >> I can take you to lunch from work

[3:12:58] » anyway. Anybody have anything >> any questions?

[3:13:02] » No. >> Okay.

[3:13:03] » Todd just wants to be able to sleep on the way to work.

[3:13:06] » You can do that now. Just got to get you a Tesla. Let it drive [laughter] you to

[3:13:11] work. Next up this evening we have uh

[3:13:17] emergency management director uh Zapa. [clears throat]

[3:13:22] Good evening. Good afternoon. Thank y'all for having us. Uh I want to start

[3:13:27] off by thanking you for all the support uh from me and from emergency services

[3:13:33] in Jackson County. It really really means a lot. And uh

[3:13:39] first slide here. I hate we couldn't get that funding for your dispatch, but

[3:13:45] maybe these guys will do that this next budget cycle. I won't be here for that.

[3:13:49] That's right. >> That'd be great.

[3:13:54] » Currently, our our staffing, we have one one intern from Western Carolina

[3:13:59] University, eight part-time staff, 12 full-time telecommunicators, and four

[3:14:05] people on our command staff for a total of 25 employees.

[3:14:10] Our primary responsibilities in emergency management uh planning,

[3:14:16] response, recovery and education.

[3:14:25] So in our planning section uh this year we have reviewed uh revised updated many

[3:14:33] different plans. I just wanted to give you a few here as examples. Uh not only

[3:14:38] do we keep track of the county's emergency operation plan, but we partner

[3:14:42] with uh our community lifelines. So a big one, Duke Energy, uh we have a big

[3:14:48] meeting with them every year updating the hydroelectric hydroelect electric

[3:14:52] dam plan. Uh we also worked with uh health department DSS on our county

[3:15:00] emergency shelter plan. Jackson County Tourism Development Authority crisis

[3:15:06] communication plan. We also worked a good while with Great

[3:15:10] Smoky Mountain Railroad on a new confined space rescue plan.

[3:15:15] Great, excuse me, Silva Valley Health and Rehab

[3:15:19] for their emergency action plan. Uh, and that's something that we do annually

[3:15:24] with a lot of the senior centers assisted living facilities is kind of

[3:15:28] help them with their emergency action plan. uh we don't necessarily approve

[3:15:32] them. We just give them recommendations and go through and and help them with

[3:15:36] that.

[3:15:39] On our response side, of course, we respond respond countywide, whether it

[3:15:45] be a disaster planned event, uh emergency,

[3:15:49] uh and we collaborate with all of the agencies in Jackson County. Our

[3:15:54] emergency management staff respond to hazardous material incidents,

[3:15:57] landslides, vehicle accidents, law enforcement, search and rescues, water

[3:16:02] rescues, and more. Uh the pictures here, uh the bottom left was a a boat rescue

[3:16:09] call on that was actually on Lake Shou. assisted them with a drowning. Uh the

[3:16:18] top one there, tractor trailer roll over, a hazmat there on the bottom, and

[3:16:23] another hazmat call. That was a a tractor trailer, propane tractor trailer

[3:16:28] that rolled over and cashers, we assisted with it.

[3:16:36] our recovery section. Uh we estimated this past year we spent about 480 hours

[3:16:43] in our recovery section. Uh so those pictures there uh some of that was a

[3:16:48] debris cleanup that we did uh for Helen recovery. That second picture, it really

[3:16:54] talks a lot in itself. Uh just a quick glance there, I see a 30,000 out there

[3:16:59] at the top. It's kind of hard to see there, but those were all points in the

[3:17:04] county that we visited uh with our staff along with the debris tech, a company

[3:17:08] that assisted >> with monitoring of uh disaster debris.

[3:17:14] So, we were very busy with recovery.

[3:17:21] Something I'm passionate about along with the rest of our staff is education,

[3:17:26] our public outreach. Not only are we talking about disaster preparedness, uh,

[3:17:31] but we're assisting with things like car seat safety, uh, hot car displays, motor

[3:17:37] safety, water safety events. Uh, we visit the schools each year and, uh, we

[3:17:43] also are going to the senior center for events. And, uh, anywhere that anywhere

[3:17:49] that wants it, we'll be happy to go and and tailor a presentation to whatever

[3:17:53] the audience is.

[3:18:00] So, our training this year, um, we have increased it tremendously, uh, compared

[3:18:06] to years past. That first picture there was a countywide training that we did,

[3:18:12] um, on a commercial building. Uh, we simulated an explosion uh, with people

[3:18:19] trapped inside of a building. Uh we had three of those countywide trains this

[3:18:24] past year and and we're trying to plan some more uh in the in the future. Um

[3:18:28] those are all emergency response agencies in Jackson County were invited

[3:18:32] to those. So uh police department, sheriff's office, all seven fire

[3:18:37] departments, two rescue squads, and both EMS agencies. So those are a big deal

[3:18:41] and have become very beneficial for us. uh not only does it test our

[3:18:46] capabilities uh but it builds those relationships amongst our agencies. So

[3:18:51] uh every time we see each other, it's not on a bad day, it's a good day. Uh

[3:18:56] our 911 center alone, our telecommunicators had 720 training hours

[3:19:01] this past year. Um I'll talk a little bit more about 911 here in just a

[3:19:05] minute. Uh our emergency management staff, those are the ones responding out

[3:19:09] in the field, uh had 860 training hours this past year and we participated in

[3:19:17] nine exercises. So uh some of the exercises we done, the state does a

[3:19:22] hurricane exercise every year, a cyber security exercise, things along those

[3:19:27] lines. Um the picture there in the trailer, the bottom left picture is a uh

[3:19:34] sonar training we did that's uh has all has to do with um water rescues. Uh the

[3:19:41] top one there on the right side was one that Glenda, our 911 director, went to

[3:19:47] down on the coast. Um that training simulated a complete communications

[3:19:51] failure with uh public safety communications. Um, so they actually had

[3:19:56] to go to an island and set up public safety communications to talk back to

[3:20:00] land. Um, so we were actually the farthest traveled for that. So we're

[3:20:05] we're excited. And then the bottom right hand corner was a emergency emergency

[3:20:11] mercy vehicle trailer driving course that all of our staff did.

[3:20:17] Just some other things we do outside of our daily work. Um, all of our staff,

[3:20:23] uh, mainly our command staff are on boards and committees. Uh, some of those

[3:20:28] are the Jackson County School Safety Task Force, the sheriff's office and

[3:20:33] school system, a local emergency planning committee, safe, the Jackson

[3:20:38] County Emergency Services Planning Committee, the road naming and

[3:20:42] addressing board, and domestic preparedness region 9.

[3:20:50] So, of course, um the county we're responsible for, uh having a PAP, public

[3:20:55] safety answering point. So, our PAP uh actually covers all

[3:21:03] Jackson County first responders. Uh different counties dispatch to different

[3:21:08] agencies, but here in Jackson, we dispatch for law, fire, rescue, and EMS

[3:21:13] all out of one center. All all of our dispatchers are cross-trained uh to

[3:21:19] dispatch for fire, law, EMS, and rescue. So, just some data for you. July 25 to

[3:21:27] July 26, our call center, 911 center had 50,5

[3:21:32] calls for service reported. Uh that number, what I like to explain to people

[3:21:38] is that's not how many calls we took in our center. um that calls that we took

[3:21:43] required a second action that we did a report for basically. Um so that that

[3:21:49] number doesn't represent what they're actually doing. That's uh but I broke it

[3:21:54] down by by fire district here. Um it's just a accurate representation of how

[3:22:00] it's spread out. Um >> when you receive those calls, is that

[3:22:06] non-emergency and everything? >> That's correct. Yep. So that 50,000 like

[3:22:11] I said that's basically something that required a second action out of out of

[3:22:15] the dispatcher. >> We call for an escort. That's

[3:22:18] » that's right. They would they would make a a call for service. A CFS is what we

[3:22:22] call it. >> A lot.

[3:22:26] » It is and only getting busier. Our upgrades in our 911 center. Super

[3:22:33] excited about all these. Um, some of these are technologies that we've needed

[3:22:37] for a long time and and thankfully with the help of the state and you all we've

[3:22:41] been able to make some of these projects happen. Um we are now a Viper phone

[3:22:48] county and what that means is um any any 911 center in the state um within a

[3:22:56] click of a button we can transfer our 911 calls. Um and then we have uhus with

[3:23:02] other counties to also accept their calls. So for example in during Helen

[3:23:08] all of the Jackson County's 91 calls were transferred to Enslo County. Uh and

[3:23:12] then just the other day, Enso County had a technology issue and we were taking

[3:23:16] Enslo County's 911 calls from our center here in Silva.

[3:23:21] Uh part of the redundancy plan that kind of goes along with that Viper phone

[3:23:25] system is a pushto talk device in all the call centers. We have two of those

[3:23:29] here in Jackson. And uh that's that's basically like an old school

[3:23:32] walkie-talkie, but it's a high-tech version of it. Uh and that's so we can

[3:23:36] talk directly to each 911 center in the state. So, uh, if internet goes down,

[3:23:41] those kinds of things, we can still get on that push to talk and we can talk to

[3:23:44] Haywood, we can talk to Swain, whoever we might need to reach out to. Uh, this

[3:23:49] year we also added the capability of video call to 911. Um, so everybody has

[3:23:56] this different situations, but what that is is basically a FaceTime or video call

[3:24:01] that you can do on your phone. You can actually FaceTime 911 basically. Uh we

[3:24:07] added status indicator lights to all of our consoles. Uh that's so each of the

[3:24:11] dispatchers uh can tell what the other person's doing. So depending on what

[3:24:16] fail your light is, you're either available for a call, you're on a 911

[3:24:20] call, uh you need help, we have a flashing red light. So if uh your

[3:24:25] partner makes a 911 call and they're given CPR instructions, they can turn

[3:24:28] that emergency light on and their partner can dispatch out the call and

[3:24:31] never stop with the CPR instructions. So, uh, those have been a big help to

[3:24:36] us. Everybody likes those. Uh, we added a situational awareness board in the 911

[3:24:40] center that just keeps up with some of our statistics, our call numbers, things

[3:24:44] like that. And then, uh, automatic text translations. So, uh, previously um, we

[3:24:51] had added, uh, text to 911 and this year uh, we've added the automatic text

[3:24:58] translation. So if somebody's the Spanish text message, it comes to us in

[3:25:03] English. Uh we don't have to do any translating. It's just automatic.

[3:25:08] So that's been a big help.

[3:25:12] This year, um we're in the process and have accepted some of this, but uh with

[3:25:18] grant funding so far, um $440,000 uh completed projects with those funds.

[3:25:26] the child passenger safety seat course. Uh that course we were able to get

[3:25:31] someone from every fire department in Jackson County to be a part of that. So

[3:25:36] that was a partnership with Safe Kids. So each fire department in Jackson

[3:25:39] County has car seat technicians and can install car seats. Uh we got a special

[3:25:45] event camera trailer and also roadside electronic message boards.

[3:25:51] An upcoming project we have which is a lump sum of this this money here is a

[3:25:56] next generation warning system. And so what that is, most people call it a

[3:26:01] tornado siren, but it's really an allhazard siren. It's whatever we deem

[3:26:05] appropriate to set it off for. Um so for us, this is a project that we're just

[3:26:10] now getting started on, but we have secured the funding for. Um we are

[3:26:15] prioritizing communities within a flood zone that have no cell service. Um, so

[3:26:20] our first phase of that is going to be the Tuscidi area. Um, it's important to

[3:26:25] us because it's downstream from the dams, both the east fork and the west

[3:26:29] fork. Um, and there is pretty much no cell service whatsoever. So, our primary

[3:26:34] means of communicating out to the citizens is our code red system. You all

[3:26:39] know about that. Um, but of course that's phone service. And so a lot of

[3:26:44] times the ones that need it are those people in Taci right below the dams and

[3:26:49] uh and they they're not getting those phone calls. So we're hoping that that

[3:26:53] first phase will really help out with that. Um

[3:26:57] we're experiencing some difficulties compared to how the traditional system

[3:27:01] works because again the cell service and us being in a rural community. Um, so

[3:27:06] all the sirens that we're looking at are capable of using radio frequency uh

[3:27:11] technology to to alert. Um, we're in the process of doing coverage assessments

[3:27:19] just to determine what locations exactly we need to put those. Um, and we are

[3:27:24] coordinating with Duke's hydroelect electric team. Uh so the plan is

[3:27:28] hopefully uh we can also tie into the sirens that are on the dam like at

[3:27:32] Glenville Wolf Lake and and stuff like that and uh be able to help each other

[3:27:37] out.

[3:27:40] » That's awesome. And that's a that's a quick highlight of

[3:27:45] what we've been doing in emergency services. Uh if you guys have any

[3:27:49] questions, I'd be glad to answer them. >> Questions from the board.

[3:27:55] Thank you for all you do. >> Thank you.

[3:28:01] » Moving on now, we've got Mr. Hopkins from Parks and Wreck.

[3:28:10] » We thought you'd keep posting here just for

[3:28:12] » I I tried. I tried. He said he didn't want to take this call. That's what he

[3:28:15] told me. So, >> you you you'll wish that I was here

[3:28:20] instead of posting to talk tonight. So, >> yeah. [laughter]

[3:28:23] » Well, uh good evening. Thanks for having me to come just share a little bit about

[3:28:27] uh the parks and recreation department tonight. Um I don't have a lot of the

[3:28:31] pretty pictures that other folks have had and I know you've seen enough

[3:28:34] numbers and money stuff to to drive you crazy, but I'm going to throw a few more

[3:28:38] numbers at you. So I'm sorry. Um I want to highlight not only what we've

[3:28:43] accomplished, but the people we serve, staff who make these services uh

[3:28:47] possible and the investments we're making for the future. So over the past

[3:28:50] year, the department has continued to operate and improve the recreation

[3:28:53] center, parks, campgrounds, greenway, aquatic programs, fitness programs,

[3:28:58] youth sports, and community events. And um this also highlight our staff capital

[3:29:02] investments, grant opportunities, and some of the priorities we're we're

[3:29:06] carrying into the next year. Um,

[3:29:10] so this is just the well keeping the doors

[3:29:14] open. But before we get to that, I want to just share some participation stuff

[3:29:18] at a snapshot. Uh, we currently have over 4,000 active memberships and have

[3:29:24] had over 102,51 facility check-ins in the current 2026 year. That's just

[3:29:30] January through uh July. So, uh, we've also had fitness programming generate

[3:29:36] over 17,000 participants across over 2,000 classes. So, this these numbers to

[3:29:41] show that our recreation centers a heavily used community assets. Um, Colt

[3:29:46] will account for 2,399 active memberships and more than 65,000

[3:29:51] check-ins, while the Castle Center has over 1,700 active memberships and more

[3:29:56] than 37,000 check-ins um, up to date. So, it's important to remember that

[3:30:00] these numbers represent only one part of what the parks and recreation provides.

[3:30:04] Our parks, campground, gameways, aquatic programs, youth support, special events,

[3:30:08] and outdoor recreation opportunities add significantly to our overall um

[3:30:13] community impact. Uh so,

[3:30:17] what is my thing done here? So, here you can just see the some of the staffing

[3:30:21] that we that we have across the department. So, be behind every

[3:30:24] facility, program, park, and event staff member making it happen. Um, captured in

[3:30:29] the recreation center, we've got six full-time staff, 14 part-time staff, 21

[3:30:34] fitness instructors, four personal trainers. Color rec center, we've got 10

[3:30:38] full-time staff, one permanent part-time employee, 12 part-time staff, 17

[3:30:43] instructors, four personal trainers. On the quad side of things, we've got eight

[3:30:48] full-time positions, including five full-time lifeguard positions. Uh, of

[3:30:52] those five full-time lifeguard positions, they are all currently

[3:30:55] vacant. Um, and that's been over the since since the period of of opening.

[3:31:00] Um, at any time we've only had two full-time lifeguards hired. So, uh, just

[3:31:05] being able to recruit those is is is hard. Um, and we currently also have 28

[3:31:09] part-time lifeguards. Uh, at our Ralph Andrews Park campground, we've got two

[3:31:14] full-time folks and three part-time employees that keep that open 24 hours a

[3:31:19] day from spring to fall. Uh, and then five folks that keep all of our parks

[3:31:24] getting planned for us. We've got four full-time park attendants, one part-time

[3:31:27] employee. So, this represents a substantial workforce required to keep

[3:31:31] all our facilities operating, programs running, and our parks maintained. Uh, I

[3:31:35] also want to emphasize the importance of our aquatic staffing. The the vacant

[3:31:38] full-time guarding positions continue to be an area where recruitment retention

[3:31:42] are especially important uh just for long-term operational stability.

[3:31:49] So, keeping the doors open at our facility. Uh, our recreation centers are

[3:31:53] open 355 days out of the year. Um, there's not many county departments that

[3:31:57] are open as as much as we are. Not saying that they're not as important,

[3:32:00] but that takes a lot of uh require access, requires significant staffing

[3:32:06] commitments and daily operational efforts. So, Kley Recreation Center is

[3:32:10] open approximately 4,378 hours a year. Casters Recreation Center is open

[3:32:16] approximately 3,978 hours a year. So together that's almost 8,500 hours of

[3:32:21] recreation center operating time. So when we talk about participation and

[3:32:25] check-ins and it's important to remember the infrastructure and the staffing

[3:32:29] behind those numbers. Uh the department is providing thousands of hours of

[3:32:33] access for fitness, recreation programs, community use, and other activities

[3:32:36] throughout the year. And this is a significant service commitment to the

[3:32:40] citizens of Jackson County and I'm very grateful for for all the

[3:32:45] ones that we do have. So, um, looking at some parks and recreation by the numbers

[3:32:52] here. So, membership growth is another strong indicator of demand. Active

[3:32:56] memberships increased from 3,535 in the 2025 facility snapshot to 45123

[3:33:04] in the 2026 update. So it's a net increase of 588 active memberships or

[3:33:10] approximately a 16.6% in growth. Um color will increase by 5.9% while Cers

[3:33:17] will increase by 35.9%. Um so the growth of both facilities and

[3:33:21] especially Casters Glimble area demonstrates residents continuously

[3:33:25] value in the services provided through parks and recreation

[3:33:31] membership activity. So, uh, you want that's just some more active membership

[3:33:36] stuff versus this year versus last year. And you can see the percent change

[3:33:39] there. Uh, some membership activity. Looking specifically at membership

[3:33:43] activity in 2026 through August, uh, the 25th, we reported 3,127

[3:33:50] all new memberships and 672 renewals. uh the monthly actual membership count

[3:33:55] peaked at 4,78 in July and it's stood at 4568 members uh as of August 25th. So

[3:34:03] that just the numbers show that membership activity is dynamic

[3:34:06] throughout the year and uh the important point for for us is that residents

[3:34:10] continue to choose our facilities and programs as part of their recreational

[3:34:14] and fitness routines. fits programming remains consistent uh

[3:34:20] very high volume seems to be one of our most consistent sources of participation

[3:34:25] uh so just from January through July 2026 we recorded over 17,000 fitness

[3:34:30] participants uh across over 2,000 classes uh over 9,000 participants in

[3:34:35] color over almost 8,000 in cash uh June was our highest combined month with over

[3:34:41] 3,000 participants so these numbers reflect the work of our fitness

[3:34:45] instructors and personal trainers as well is just the demand for accessible

[3:34:49] fitness opportunities throughout the county.

[3:34:54] So, strong recreation core. So, looking at these numbers is uh this slide

[3:34:59] provides just some historical context, but I want to be careful about how we

[3:35:02] interpret these numbers. Uh the 2025 facility report represents a full year

[3:35:07] total uh with 158,352 combined facility check-ins and 27,540

[3:35:15] fitness participants across 3,170 classes. So to date in 2026, uh over

[3:35:23] 102,000 check-ins with over 17,000 fitness participants during the

[3:35:27] reporting period shown. Um and that just you know they demonstrate a continued

[3:35:32] scale of use and participation occurring in a recreation system. And if these

[3:35:36] follow suit then these numbers will beat the 2025 year

[3:35:43] programs, events, uh community connections. So we're uh we're much more

[3:35:48] than just facility access. Our youth sports programs include baseball,

[3:35:51] softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, archery, and a

[3:35:55] variety of clinics and camps. quality programming includes swim lessons, aqua

[3:36:00] fitness, swim team, lifeguard training, scuba diving, swim meets, dive team,

[3:36:05] birthday parties, and most recently we have taken on pretty much all uh aquatic

[3:36:11] related activities for Western Carolina University because they've had some

[3:36:14] structural damage at at Reed Pool. So, we currently have their club swim team

[3:36:17] and uh trying to help out with fraternities and sororities for some of

[3:36:21] their aquatic programming. So, um it's it's been a big help for them. Um we

[3:36:28] also provide some community events, partnerships such as concerts on the

[3:36:31] creek. Uh USA Today ranked that the number four outdoor concert venue in the

[3:36:36] United States. It just continues to grow. Um Special Olympics, senior games.

[3:36:41] We've done member appreciation days, summer day camps, adventure camps, back

[3:36:46] to school bash with the school system, and just, you know, many other community

[3:36:50] activities. Um outdoor recreation opportunities include the greenway,

[3:36:54] trails, parks, playgrounds, pavilions, river access, hiking, paddling, and

[3:36:58] biking. And uh just key message from this parkation serves people in many

[3:37:03] different ways and facility membership numbers only just tell part of that

[3:37:07] story. So some current uh capital investment a

[3:37:12] good one to use an example is the Paul Woodier Park represents a significant

[3:37:18] investment in recreation opportunities in northern part of Jackson County. Uh

[3:37:22] the county contributed over uh $1.4 million to that project. Uh there was an

[3:37:28] additional 500,000 that was a part of grant that went into that project as

[3:37:32] well. And uh the completed project included site grading preparation,

[3:37:36] paving and circulation, natural surface trails, playground with play surfacing,

[3:37:41] pavilion, restroom facilities, utilities, storm water and drainage

[3:37:45] improvements, landscaping and amenities such as benches, swing slides, and

[3:37:48] picnic table. And that park is now open and serving the community. So, this is a

[3:37:53] good example of how county investment can be converted into a tangible public

[3:37:57] asset that provides opportunities for active recreation, play, gathering

[3:38:01] space, and just outdoor access in in general.

[3:38:05] Um, here's a pretty surprising number for greenway usage. Um, we keep trailers

[3:38:12] on the greenway. We we keep a strong count on those very regularly. Uh the

[3:38:18] greenway continues to stream to just demonstrate strong community demand. In

[3:38:22] 2025, the greenway tracker recorded over 131,000 uses. Uh just from January

[3:38:28] through July of this year, we're over 135,000. Um so that means the first

[3:38:32] seven months of 2026 already exceeded 20 the entirety of 2025 by over 3,000 uses

[3:38:39] and that's approximately 3.2% increase. Um so this is important indicator of

[3:38:45] demand for continued greenway connectivity and investment and it also

[3:38:49] enforc reinforces the importance of maintaining existing greenway while

[3:38:53] preparing for future expansion. Uh next slide is related to some

[3:38:58] hurricane Ken uh affected portions of not only Pel east port but also the

[3:39:06] greenway. um lowlying areas near the kids bike trail, the outdoor classroom

[3:39:11] and outdoor exercise areas were impacted by this. We were able to clean up a lot

[3:39:15] of that stuff in house with the help of our public works department or

[3:39:18] recreation staff. Um we're very fortunate to have a good good willing

[3:39:22] staff to help out with that um across departments. And then there were, you

[3:39:26] know, some ser several curved portions of the river bank that took some

[3:39:29] significant water flow um that resulted in some erosion um and also some silt

[3:39:34] tree and debris clean up along those areas. Um with that said, the the

[3:39:39] proposed approximate 1.6 mile greenway addition is being designed with storm

[3:39:43] water practices and mitigation in mind. So drainage, slope stabilization are

[3:39:48] part of the long form approaches including approximately 290 linear feet

[3:39:52] of retaining wall needs. Um the goal is not simply to recover from the previous

[3:39:56] storm. The goal is to build a more resilient system that can better

[3:39:59] withstand and recover from future storm events.

[3:40:04] So leveraging county investment through outside funding. Um one of our

[3:40:09] priorities is to leverage county resources by pursuing outside funding

[3:40:12] whenever possible. The Jackson County TDA uh committed $755,000

[3:40:17] towards the purchase of some Greenway properties. Um we're pursuing half a

[3:40:22] million dollars part of grant right now for the greenway. The CDBGDR request is

[3:40:27] approximately $1.2 million. So um we've had some preliminary engineering

[3:40:32] estimates come in for roughly around $2 million for that greenway expansion. So

[3:40:37] CDBG DR request is structured as no match opportunity and Southwest

[3:40:43] Commission is assisting with that grant writing with us. Um, but the larger

[3:40:46] point is that we are actively looking for ways to stretch local dollars and

[3:40:50] bring outside resources into Jackson County to support that uh recreation

[3:40:54] infrastructure without coming and asking you guys all the time for more and more

[3:40:58] money. Um, some other facility and park improvements that have been done over

[3:41:03] the last year. Uh, not every uh important project is a major capital

[3:41:08] project, but throughout the year staff continue making improvements across

[3:41:12] facilities and parks. uh Casters Community Park received an irrigation

[3:41:16] system. Uh Tiff Bermuda on the larger the field and then we just continued to

[3:41:21] move through the development phase of looking at expansion at the Casters Rick

[3:41:25] Center along with the pool. Um as well as the development of that park that

[3:41:30] we've been trying to do for a few years and that's currently back out in the the

[3:41:33] bid phase again to to do that Casters Community Park. Um Boston Community

[3:41:39] Center. Uh we have um well getting ready to do some tar top coating and new lines

[3:41:46] for basketball and hookball courts up there. Those are heavily used by the the

[3:41:50] Boston community. Uh we continue to improve existing

[3:41:54] parks, courts, fields, recreation facilities. Um

[3:41:59] we also will continue expanding aquatics, fitness, youth sports,

[3:42:04] community program where demand supports it. So, um, you can obviously see we've

[3:42:09] done a few other things, more Watson Park, Fair View, and the wreck park in

[3:42:12] Powy. We've upgraded LED lighting in all those. Um, we hit on the quality park

[3:42:18] earlier about uh how big of a of a

[3:42:24] need that was needed for the northern part of Jackson County to have a park

[3:42:26] and provide those services for that end. Um,

[3:42:31] here you can see some of our our campground information. So Ralph J

[3:42:36] Andrews Park Campground provides another important outdoor recreation

[3:42:39] opportunity. Uh the campground's got 36 total sites with uh there's over 6,000

[3:42:46] rental openings uh available during the year. So uh there were 2,300 campsite

[3:42:51] rentals last year. Um primitive sites accounted for 620 rentals. Lake sites

[3:42:57] 561 rentals. Water and electric hookup sites 483.

[3:43:02] RV full hookup sites 607. uh we keep some available on a first

[3:43:06] come first serve uh basis. We had 89 of those rentals during the 2025 year and

[3:43:12] then we have the picnic center up there as well and we rented that out 43 times.

[3:43:15] So um campground provides additional way for residents and visitors to experience

[3:43:19] Jackson County's outdoor resources and just adds another measure of recreation

[3:43:23] demand beyond just the just the centers. >> Has anything been done about the

[3:43:27] internet up there? >> There has. there's additional star link

[3:43:30] added for the staff um which has provided constant use for them to be

[3:43:36] able to do their billing and uh telephone and all that. So thank you for

[3:43:39] that. Um so just looking ahead

[3:43:44] uh as we look ahead our focus is on building from the foundation we've

[3:43:47] already established the proposed greenway expansion remains an important

[3:43:50] priority particularly in improving connectivity and resilience. Um we'll

[3:43:54] continue improving existing parks, quartz fields.

[3:43:57] Um, we'll use our 10-year parks and recreation master plan to help guide

[3:44:01] future investment, prioritize projects, and then finally, we continue pursuing

[3:44:05] grants and partnerships that allow us to stretch county dollars and bring

[3:44:08] additional resources into the community. So, bottom line, parkration is a quality

[3:44:14] of life investment. Currently have more than 4,100 active memberships, uh, more

[3:44:19] than 102,000 facility check-ins, fitness programs generating more than 17,000

[3:44:24] participant visits. Our recreation centers are open 355 days a year,

[3:44:29] providing more than 8,400 uh combined operating hours. Our staff operate and

[3:44:34] maintain these facilities, programs, parks, and outdoor assets every day. Uh

[3:44:38] the numbers represent people, not just transactions, and they represent

[3:44:43] children learning to swim, families using our parks, seniors participating

[3:44:47] in fitness programs, athletes playing sports, residents walking the Greenway,

[3:44:51] and just visitors enjoying Jackson County's resources. So, uh, just

[3:44:55] remember every dollar invested in parks and recreation helps create

[3:44:57] opportunities, strengthens the communities, and, uh, improves the

[3:45:01] quality of life for the people who serve. So,

[3:45:04] » thank you. Any questions? >> Hey, did you did y'all just have

[3:45:08] increases at the um, somebody asked me about it and I was like, I don't know.

[3:45:12] » We did. It was approved to start July one. Um, we had some meat recreation

[3:45:16] software that went into effect. Um, so we delayed rolling those out until

[3:45:21] September one. >> Yeah. Um, but that was something that

[3:45:24] was approved in this. >> How much of an increase was it?

[3:45:26] » It wasn't much of an increase. It actually equaled itself out. We we

[3:45:30] lowered some rates while we raised some other rates. Um, so it actually ended up

[3:45:33] balancing itself out pretty much. Um, we've also had added the ability to do

[3:45:38] monthly payments now, installments on like six month membership or a year

[3:45:42] membership. So now you're not hit with that.

[3:45:44] » I gota fee big fee all. So now you can just pay monthly like $50 a month.

[3:45:49] That'll really help.

[3:45:54] So, thank thank you guys for your support. I appreciate it. I know

[3:45:57] » you tell you tell Poston that tonight his eyes just happen to be heavier than

[3:46:01] his lips. >> I don't mind to give him a hard time.

[3:46:05] [laughter]

[3:46:08] » Thank you guys. It's bedtime, is it? >> Yeah.

[3:46:11] Supper time with Yeah. No further business. Is there a motion to adjourn?

[3:46:16] Absolutely. I'm saying that in a hurry.

9/1/2026 - Regular Meeting and Work Session

Transcript