Board divided over request for additional DSS staffers

By Lisa Majors-Duff

Barring any additional bad weather, the Smart Growth session has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday). Bryson City paving contractor Mark Fortner, who last week requested a special meeting with the board to discuss his plans to build an asphalt plant in Jackson County, heard Tuesday that until Smart Growth is addressed, the board would continue to delay a decision on his request.

Action was taken with regard to a request from Department of Social Services Director Bob Cochran, who last week pleaded his case for two additional staff members. The employees - a social worker and an income maintenance caseworker - were needed, Cochran said, due to his department's requirement to meet the increasing demands of the county's most needy population.

While Commissioners Roberta Crawford and Brian McMahan voiced concern about meeting Cochran's request at this time, Commissioner Joe Cowan said, "it is imperative that we act on this request now." Many who are in need of services cannot wait and "may be in danger," he said.

Commission Chairman Stacy Buchanan and board member Eddie Madden also supported Cochran's request, pointing out the department head's attempts to get through the current budget year without the added expense extra employees would incur.

"I know Mr. Cochran needs these people, but I'd feel more comfortable waiting until the next budget year," Crawford said.

McMahan said his concerns centered around problems facing DSS with regard to space and safety issues at the department's current facility. The board is addressing these problems by moving toward a new DSS facility, most likely to be located adjacent Smoky Mountain Center in Webster.

When the votes were tallied, Cochran's request was approved 3-2, with Crawford and McMahan voting "no."

In other action Tuesday, board members approved the architect's floor plan for additional office space above the new jail. Grant Tharpe of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon presented the plan, which calls for an expansion of county offices, including planning, finance, housing and veterans' services, and reported a cost estimate could be ready for review in about a month.

While commissioners approved a $10 TTA tax penalty waiver for Chalet Inn owner George Ware, Chairman Buchanan relayed a message from absent county attorney Paul Holt, who indicated the county could not adapt its procedure for requiring accommodation taxes to be postmarked by the 15th of each month to avoid a penalty. Appearing before the board last week, Ware explained that while he mailed a recent tax bill from Sylva on the 15th, it was not postmarked until the 16th after being rerouted by the Postal Service to Charlotte.

In addition to approving budget amendments for the health department, the board agreed to reappoint DSS Director Cochran to the Region A Advisory Council.

Commissioners also agreed to allow recreation department director Jeff Carpenter to pursue a state grant, which would be used to develop a center at the old Canada School.

The next regular session of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Justice Center.

Back to Archive: 01/23/03.