Votronic representative Barbara Mosby demonstrated how to use the new IVote voting machines during a joint meeting of elected county and town officials Feb. 21. The new machines, 42 in all, will be available for use by the May primary, according to elections supervisor Lisa Lovedahl-Lehman. - Herald photo by Lisa Majors-Duff
Elected town, county and state officials, accompanied by representatives from various county organizations, meet Feb. 21 to discuss areas of mutual interest, including cable TV franchise agreements and local reimbursements being withheld by the governor to balance the state budget. N.C. Representative Phil Haire of Sylva spoke to the group about the state's projected $900 million budget shortfall, explaining Gov. Mike Easley's plans to withhold funds from several sources. As has been reported, more than $151,000 will be withheld from Jackson County, while Sylva is projecting a $66,000 loss. "(North Carolina has) budget problems, but they are not as big as other states," Haire said. "I wish I could bring better news, but that's just how it is. The next couple of years are going to be tight." In an effort to make up for some of these lost funds, Haire suggested that local elected officials consider employing a grants writer. "There's lots of grant money out there," he said, "but not many requests are coming from the west." When questioned about North Carolina's chances of instituting a lottery, Haire said he didn't think the measure had enough support in the state Legislature. "Not even to put the question on the ballot?" county commissioner Conrad Burrell asked. "No," Haire said. "I don't think the lottery has the votes to pass." Moving to more local concerns, Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver reported that John Howell, a telecommunications consultant, has offered his services to county and town boards when it comes time to renegotiate franchise contracts with Mediacom, the local cable television provider. "There are plenty of things cable companies are willing to do to stay in an area," she told the group. Reporting from Jackson County, board Chairman Jay Denton informed those present that the Economic Development Commission has completed its assessment of the potential impact a second asphalt plant could have on Jackson County and found it would be minimal. In a special meeting with commissioners Feb. 19, EDC members detailed the reasons for their recommendation - that the county adopt a polluting or high impact industry ordinance and a land use guidance plan. An ordinance, the EDC said, would establish guidelines for industry considering moving to the county, while a land use guidance plan would give neighbors a say in what locates near them. "We were looking at the single issue of asphalt plants, but guidelines would address the broader issue and would prevent a long, drawn out process each time something like this comes up," EDC member Gene Couch said Feb. 19. The county's yearlong moratorium on asphalt plant construction is set to expire in May. Denton also related that work is continuing on Smart Growth, with assistance being offered by Southwest Planning Commission in Bryson City. Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority Executive Director Jerry King reported that the agency has secured a new headquarters location as it approaches its 10-year anniversary. TWSA will relocate to the former Duke Power building by April 29, he said. Since its establishment in 1992, TWSA has completed 18 major projects and spent $9 million on infrastructure improvements, King said. Expansions at both the water treatment plant in Cullowhee and the waste water treatment plant between Dillsboro and Webster will be addressed next, he said. The next joint governmental meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at the Justice Center. |