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Commissioners discuss budget; Burrell takes oath
By Derek Hodges
Jackson County’s commissioners Monday (April 4) welcomed back a former member, learned about budget needs and heard from members of the Jackson County Library Board.
New Commissioner Conrad Burrell was sworn in to fill the seat Commissioners’ Chairman Brian McMahan vacated when he became chairman after former Chairman Stacy Buchanan resigned last month.
Commissioner Conrad Burrell, left, is sworn in by Jackson County Clerk of Court Ann Melton, right, during Monday night’s commissioners’ meeting as new Commissioners’ Chairman Brian McMahan looks on. Juanita Burrell held the Bible while her husband again pledged to uphold the laws of the county. Conrad Burrell previously served as a commissioner from 1998-2002 and was Register of Deeds for 24 years before winning that office. – Herald photo by Derek Hodges
“I’m looking forward to working with each of these commissioners and the people of Jackson County,” said Burrell, who previously served as a commissioner from 1998 until 2002. He did not seek a second term. “I’m here to work with the people of Jackson County,” he said.
With Burrell seated and McMahan ready to preside, commissioners began planning next year’s budget.
Sheriff Jimmy Ashe presented the Sheriff’s Office’s draft budget. Among Ashe’s requests were one for the phasing in of four new officers, beginning next year. The extra officers are necessary, because his deputies are making great strides in dealing with domestic violence, drug violations and other crimes, he said.
“Jackson County has a drug problem, but the folks in our office are working valiantly to control that and all the other crimes that go on,” Ashe said. “We have got to win the war against drugs in this county.”
Ashe’s other requests include more than $2.6 million for his department and nearly $990,000 for jail operations and maintenance.
“We believe it is imperative that the board join us in making a statement to this community that the provision of law enforcement services remain at the forefront of our local priorities,” Ashe said.
In addition to the sheriff’s request, commissioners received proposed budgets for all county operations for the next fiscal year.
County Manager Ken Westmoreland told commissioners that they will have several meetings and opportunities for public comment on the draft budget, beginning with a session at 6:10 p.m. Monday, April 18, in the commissioners’ board room.
Proposed expenditures total more than $55 million, a number Westmoreland called “ambitious, progressive and responsible.”
“It is progressive because of so many initiatives to improve the quality of life for Jackson County citizens. It is responsible because the budget is balanced with primary consideration for the county’s current and future financial status. Finally, it is presented to you without requiring any millage or fee adjustments,” Westmoreland said.
Commissioners and county finance officer Darlene Fox previously decided not to increase the current property tax rate of 36 cents per $100 valuation. They based that decision on expected increased revenue from new construction.
Commissioners also heard from Howard Allman, chairman of the of the county’s Library Board.
Allman encouraged county officials to proceed with construction of a proposed new $6 million library building. That price includes about $60 per square foot for furniture, fixtures and enhancements, he said.
Raising the entire amount entirely on private donations isn’t feasible, Allman said.
“If every man, woman and child in Jackson County gave $100, we would barely be halfway to covering the price of this project,” he said.
While private funds and grants will be needed, Allman urged commissioners to plan to play their financial part in the construction.
In other business April 4:
Block grants – Program coordinator Joan Stillwell reported on the progress of the scattered site housing program, funded by federal Community Development Block Grants.
Work is going well and several members of the state’s grant administration staff planned to attend the open house at one of the improved homes on Tuesday.
Public housing – John Ashe, director of the county’s Public Housing Agency, told commisioners the department would be making changes in the way it administers its programs as a result of cuts in funding from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
While no one will have their assistance completely removed, some of those currently helped will see a reduction in their support.
WCU faculty and staff – Commissioners adopted a proclamation making April 19 a day to honor the work and achievements of the faculty and staff of Western Carolina University.
Road closure – Commissioners agreed to hold a hearing Monday, May 2, to decide whether to abandon a proposed road that would run behind Sonic Drive-In and Andy Shaw Ford in Lovesfield. The road is shown on orignal plats but has not been constructed.
Transportation board appointment– Commissioners named former Dillsboro Mayor Wade Wilson as a possible appointee to the county’s transportation board. Wilson’s nomination is scheduled for action during the commissioner’s Monday, April 18 meeting.
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