Ashe County public meetings in 2022

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hold a public hearing regarding revisions to ordinances for residential subdivisions and flood damage prevention. The meeting also includes presentations on tax reports, solid waste updates, and land use agreements. Additionally, the commission will consider volunteer board updates and recreation advisory board re-appointments.

• Public hearing for Chapter 156 (Residential Subdivisions) and Chapter 151 (Flood Damage Prevention) ordinance revisions
• Presentation on the Paddy Mountain Land Usage Agreement
• Presentation regarding acceptance of donated land at 163 River Access
• Re-appointments to the Recreation Advisory Board for Martin Little and Marty Peters
• Update on Solid Waste Ordinance and trash decal/cling

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved revisions to the Residential Subdivisions and Flood Damage Prevention ordinances. The commission also approved the November 2022 tax report and several volunteer program initiatives. No action was taken on the Solid Waste Ordinance or the Paddy Mountain Land Usage Agreement.

• Approved revisions to Chapter 156: RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS ordinance (5-0)
• Approved revisions to Chapter 151: FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION Ordinance (5-0)
• Approved November 2022 Monthly Tax Report (5-0)
• Approved new Volunteer Advisory Board Application (5-0)
• Approved Dorothy Ingram and Walt Peterson to the Volunteer Advisory Board (5-0)
• Approved spring 2023 cleaning supply drive (5-0)
• Approved re-appointments of Martin Little and Marty Peters to Recreation Advisory Board (5-0)
• Approved December 5th, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

County Commission

The Commission will conduct organizational business, including the election of a Chairman and Vice Chairman. The meeting also includes presentations regarding school budget amendments and transportation plan forecasting methodology.

• Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
• Setting bonds for Sheriff, Register of Deeds, Tax Administrator, and Finance Officer
• Appointment of County Attorney and County Clerk
• Presentation on Ashe County Schools budget amendment request
• Nomination of Wes Phillips to the Airport Advisory Board

The Board conducted organizational business, electing its Chairman and Vice Chairman and appointing the County Attorney and Clerk. The Commission also approved funding for high school roof repairs and updated transportation growth rates. Several official bonds were set or renewed for county officers.

• Elected Todd McNeill as Chairman and Chuck Olive as Vice Chairman (5-0)
• Set Sheriff Phil Howell's bond at $25,000 (5-0)
• Renewed bonds for Register of Deeds, Tax Administrator, and Finance Officer at $100,000 each (5-0)
• Appointed John Kilby as County Attorney and Missy Seivers as County Clerk (5-0)
• Adopted Rules of Procedure for the Board of Commissioners (5-0)
• Approved use of Public School Building Repair & Renovation Fund for Ashe County High School roof (5-0)
• Approved Estimated 2050 Traffic Growth Rates for the Comprehensive Transportation Plan (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Wes Phillips to the Airport Advisory Board (5-0)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hear several departmental reports and presentations. The agenda includes updates on social services, tax administration, and community college programs. Discussions also include a memorandum of understanding for 163 Canoe Access.

• Memorandum of Understanding for 163 Canoe Access
• GFL Environmental Inc. franchise approval second appearance
• October 2022 Monthly Tax Report
• Adoption Month Proclamation
• AEV Short Term Lease discussion

The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding for the 163 Canoe Access project and granted a franchise to GFL Environmental Inc. Other actions included approving the October 2022 tax report and a short-term lease for AEV. The Board also approved a settlement agreement for Bobby Stanley following an executive session.

• Approved Memorandum of Understanding for 163 Canoe Access project (4-0)
• Approved franchise for GFL Environmental Inc. (4-0)
• Approved AEV Short Term Lease as amended to $1 monthly rent (4-0)
• Approved October 2022 Monthly Tax Report (4-0)
• Approved Adoption Month Proclamation (4-0)
• Approved settlement agreement for Bobby Stanley (4-0)
• Approved November 7th, 2022 Regular Session minutes (4-0)

County Commission

The Board approved several funding measures, including a $500,000 grant for parks and a $500,000 grant for a new Agricultural Center. The Commission also authorized the creation of a School Resource Officer position and approved the 2023 Schedule of Values.

• Adopted 2023 Schedule of Values (5-0)
• Approved $500,000 N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant (5-0)
• Approved Emergency Operations Plan (5-0)
• Approved budget amendment to increase Emergency Management Budget to $459,002 (5-0)
• Approved 2023 Ashe Bash for May 6, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved Northern Peaks Trail Resolution of Support (5-0)
• Approved creation of School Resource Officer position (5-0)
• Approved $100 fee for lost trash decals (5-0)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the 2023 Schedule of Values. The agenda includes presentations on animal control ordinances, airport hangar leases, and sanitation franchise meetings. The board will also consider appointments to several local committees.

• Public hearing for the 2023 Schedule of Values
• Animal Control Ordinance (Chapter 90) presentation
• Second meeting for PEAK Sanitation franchise
• Review of airport hangar leases
• Acceptance of airport waterline extension bid results

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved a $226,750.28 NC 911 Board Grant for a radio workstation upgrade, accepted a bid for an airport water line project, and approved a new animal control ordinance effective January 1, 2023. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved $226,750.28 NC 911 Board Grant for radio workstation upgrade (5-0)
• Accepted Iron Mountain Construction bid for airport water line project (5-0)
• Approved updated Animal Control Ordinance (Chapter 90) effective Jan 1, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved franchise for PEAK Sanitation (5-0)
• Approved reformatted hangar land lease for airport (5-0)
• Adopted 2022 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation (5-0)
• Approved letter to Town of Jefferson on agricultural facility partnership (5-0)
• Approved $30,000/year for 3 years Vital Strategies Grant for opioid crisis (5-0)

County Commission

The commission will review the 2023 Schedule of Values for property taxes and discuss a rewrite of the Animal Control Ordinance. The agenda also includes discussions on landfill timber sales, equipment quotes, and a franchise application from PEAK Sanitation.

• Presentation of the 2023 Schedule of Values
• Rewrite of the Animal Control Ordinance (Chapter 90)
• Request for proposals regarding a landfill timber sale
• Franchise application and contract draft from PEAK Sanitation
• Amendment to Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee bylaws regarding virtual meetings

The Ashe County Commission approved several operational items including seeking bids for a timber sale at the landfill, purchasing a new Caterpillar 420 backhoe with extended warranty, reclassifying a landfill position to Equipment Operator 2, and reinstating sick leave for a rehired employee. The board also received a presentation on the 2023 Schedule of Values but took no action, and rescheduled presentations from PEAK Sanitation and the Veterans Service Officer. Appointments to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee and Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees were approved.

• Approved seeking bids for timber clearing on ~5 acres at the landfill (4-0)
• Approved purchase of Caterpillar 420 backhoe for landfill (4-0)
• Approved $1,525 extended warranty for backhoe (4-0)
• Approved reclassification of landfill position from Equipment Operator 1 to 2 (4-0)
• Approved reinstatement of 259.06 hours sick leave for rehired employee Michael P. Miller (4-0)
• Approved appointment of James D. Belk to JCPC board (4-0)
• Approved JCPC board member swap: Lee Bricker to Alleghany, Matthew Levchuck to Ashe (4-0)
• Approved reappointment of Josh Roten to WCC Board of Trustees for 4-year term (4-0)

County Commission

The County Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the purchase of middle school property. The board will also consider authorizing the purchase of Woodie & Church properties for the middle school. Other items include discussions on stormwater grants and an opioid settlement grant ordinance.

• Public hearing for Middle School property purchase
• Authorization to purchase Woodie & Church properties for Middle School
• NC Opioid Settlement Grant Project Ordinance
• Stormwater Grant resolution for courthouse improvements
• Blue Ridge Heating & Air, LLC quote for Animal Control heat and air

The commission unanimously moved the authorization to purchase properties for a new middle school to executive session due to wording errors in the contracts that listed the Board of Education as the buyer instead of the county. A public hearing on the purchase was closed without action. The board also approved a reimbursement resolution for the school project, a stormwater grant application, an opioid settlement budget ordinance, and other routine items.

• Moved middle school property purchase authorization to executive session (5-0)
• Approved reimbursement resolution for school project capital expenditures (5-0)
• Approved July & August 2022 monthly tax reports (5-0)
• Approved 2023 ROAP transit operating assistance application (5-0)
• Approved $2,666,308 Appalachian Regional Library annual report (no action needed)
• Approved new HVAC system for Animal Control (5-0)
• Approved stormwater grant application for courthouse improvements (5-0)
• Adopted opioid project budget ordinance for settlement funds (5-0)

County Commission

The Commission will consider a resolution to establish an EMS/Rescue Service District and review findings on the proposal. The agenda also includes tax settlements, a request to write off 2012 delinquent tax bills, and authorization for a park expansion property purchase.

• Resolution establishing the Ashe County EMS/Rescue Service District
• FY 2021/2022 tax settlement and FY 2022/2023 tax charge
• Request to write off 2012 delinquent tax bills for insolvents
• Authorization to purchase the Neal Property for park expansion
• Franchise approval meeting for PEAK Sanitation, LLC

The commission unanimously adopted a resolution establishing the Ashe County EMS/Rescue Service District, following a public hearing and findings report. The district will provide emergency medical and rescue services in areas outside the three municipalities, where county-wide service is not authorized. The board also approved the FY 2021-2022 tax collector settlement, the FY 2022-2023 tax collector charge, and a write-off of 2012 delinquent tax bills deemed uncollectible.

• Adopted resolution creating the Ashe County EMS/Rescue Service District (unanimous).
• Approved FY 2021-2022 Tax Collector Settlement (unanimous).
• Approved FY 2022-2023 Tax Collector Charge (unanimous).
• Authorized write-off of 2012 delinquent tax bills (insolvents) per NCGS 105-373(g) and 105-378(a) (unanimous).
• Approved NC Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement 2022 Revision (unanimous).
• Approved $17,226 Memorandum of Agreement for courtroom cabling for remote proceedings (unanimous).
• Approved one-year lease renewal with Southmountain Children and Family Services for property at 2276 N.C. Hwy. 163 (unanimous).
• Approved first meeting of PEAK Sanitation, LLC seeking franchise approval (unanimous).

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hear presentations on several county matters. These include a flood ordinance update, an industrial park update, and a property request from the Warrensville VFRD. The agenda also includes updates regarding trash stickers and agricultural center progress.

• Warrensville VFRD Request for Property at Middle School
• Flood Ordinance Update
• Industrial Park Update
• Covid-19 Mitigation Grant Funding update
• Trash Sticker Update

The board unanimously approved giving up its right of refusal on 10.6 acres at the middle school for a new Warrensville VFD fire station, along with easements for a water point and rear access. They also approved reappointments to the Library Advisory Board, a budget amendment for a COVID-19 mitigation grant for the Sheriff's Office, and minutes from prior meetings. No action was taken on several presentations, including a request for a veterinarian and updates on the industrial park, agricultural center, and trash stickers.

• Approved right-of-refusal and easements for Warrensville VFD fire station at middle school (5-0)
• Approved reappointment of Kyle Hall, Karen Moll, Jan Noffsinger to Library Advisory Board (5-0)
• Approved Karen Moll to fill vacant seat on Appalachian Regional Library Governing Board (5-0)
• Approved budget amendment for Sheriff's Office COVID-19 mitigation grant, increasing Corrections budget by $49,548.81 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from July 18, July 25, and August 1, 2022 meetings (5-0 each)
• Adopted agenda with addition of executive session (5-0)
• Entered executive session for legal review of confidential records; no action taken

County Commission

The commission will hear presentations on several local matters, including DSS budget amendments and the Dogget Road Convenience Center lease. Discussions also include roof repairs for Riverview Community Center and a revised American Recovery Plan (ARP) Grant Project Ordinance.

• Resolution for limitations of tax rates in the EMS/Rescue Service District
• DSS budget amendments
• Revised American Recovery Plan (ARP) Grant Project Ordinance
• Dogget Road Convenience Center lease
• Appointment of Missy Seivers as Clerk to the Board

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution limiting the EMS/Rescue service district tax rate to 0.05 cents per $100 valuation, with the actual tax vote scheduled for 2023. The board also approved several budget amendments, a lease renewal, roof repairs, and an ARP ordinance revision. No action was taken on several other items, including the Warrensville VFRD property request and trash sticker concerns.

• Approved resolution limiting EMS/Rescue service district tax rate to 0.05 cents per $100 valuation (4-0)
• Approved DSS budget amendments increasing appropriation by $48,299 total (4-0)
• Approved Dogget Road Convenience Center lease renewal (4-0)
• Approved $185,000 from ARP funds for Riverview Community Center gym roof repairs (4-0)
• Approved amended ARP Grant Project Ordinance (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Missy Seivers as Clerk to the Board (4-0)
• Approved minutes from June 6, 7, 8, and 20 meetings (4-0 each)
• Adopted agenda with two additions (4-0)

County Commission

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners held a special joint meeting with the Board of Education to discuss the new middle school project. The estimated cost rose from $63 million to about $95 million due to supply chain issues, COVID, and unsuitable land. The boards agreed to work toward lowering the cost to $90 million, and the commissioners voted 4-0 (with one excused) to commit up to $50 million for planning purposes.

• Approved motion to commit up to $50 million for planning purposes (4-0, Vice Chairman Sands excused)
• Agreed to further plan on square footage to lower project cost to $90 million

County Commission

The commission will review monthly tax reports and DSS departmental updates. Agenda items include approving the DSS energy plan and adoption program budget amendment. The board will also discuss the Ashe Industrial Park marketing strategy.

• Approval of DSS Energy Plan
• Adoption Program Funds Budget Amendment approval
• Ashe Industrial Park Marketing Strategy discussion
• Home & Community Care Block Grant budget revisions
• Camper Service discussion

The Ashe County Commission approved several routine items, including a tax refund, the DSS Energy Plan, a DSS budget amendment increasing appropriations by $57,159, and two Generations Ashe budgets. They also selected Chairman McNeill as voting delegate for two NCACC conferences. No action was taken on the monthly DSS report, the industrial park marketing strategy, or the camper service discussion.

• Approved June 2022 monthly tax report (5-0)
• Approved tax refund for mistakenly charged structure removal (5-0)
• Approved DSS Energy Plan (5-0)
• Approved DSS Adoption Program Funds budget amendment increasing appropriation from $9,571,478 to $9,628,637 (5-0)
• Approved Home & Community Care Block Grant Budget Revision FY 2021-22 (5-0)
• Approved Home & Community Care Block Grant Budget FY 2022-23 (5-0)
• Selected Chairman McNeill as voting delegate for NCACC Annual Conference (5-0)
• Selected Chairman McNeill as voting delegate for NCACC Legislative Goals Conference (5-0)

County Commission

The Commission will hold public hearings regarding the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 County Budget and Economic Development Budget. The agenda also includes hearings for flood damage prevention ordinance amendments and comprehensive plan updates.

• Public hearing for FY 2022-2023 County Budget adoption
• Public hearing for FY 2022-2023 Economic Development Budget adoption
• Public hearing for Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance amendments
• Public hearing for Comprehensive Plan Amendments
• Warrensville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department property release survey

The commission unanimously approved the FY2022-23 budget ordinance of $83,621,004, keeping the ad valorem tax rate at 51 cents per $100 and all fire tax rates unchanged. It also approved the economic development budget, several budget amendments, the comprehensive plan amendments, a DSS memorandum of understanding, and other routine items. The flood damage prevention ordinance was discussed but no action was taken, and the Warrensville fire department property item was tabled.

• Approved FY2022-23 budget ordinance of $83,621,004 (5-0)
• Set ad valorem tax rate at .51 cents per $100 of assessed value (5-0)
• Approved FY2022-23 Economic Development Budget (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments including $55,000 transfer from Corrections to Law Enforcement (5-0)
• Approved Ashe County Comprehensive Plan Amendments for G.S. 160D compliance (5-0)
• Approved DSS Memorandum of Understanding for FY2022-23 and FY2023-24 (5-0)
• Approved construction of new owner-occupied hangar at KGEV airport (5-0)
• Tabled Warrensville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department survey and release of property

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission held a budget work session and made several adjustments to the proposed FY2021/22 budget. They agreed to fund $850,000 toward the Ashe County Schools request to get all employees on the same pay scale, plus $200,000 in Capital Outlay, with the expectation that Schools commit $400,000 of their Capital Fund balance. Other changes included adding $50,000 for Law Enforcement fuel, including a body scanner for Corrections, and increasing ARP Reimbursement Funds for Communications console replacement.

• Approved $850,000 for school pay scale funding (unanimous)
• Approved $200,000 Capital Outlay for schools, expecting $400,000 from school capital fund
• Added $50,000 for Law Enforcement fuel due to gas prices
• Included body scanner in Corrections Capital Outlay Equipment
• Increased ARP Reimbursement Funds to $526,568.94 for Communications console
• Increased Aviation Supplies/Fuels line item to $170,000
• Removed body cameras request from Animal Control Equipment Expense
• No change to county manager salary beyond standard employee increase

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission held a budget work session for FY2022-23, reviewing departmental requests. No final votes were taken; the board agreed to several adjustments, including updating fire service contracts, removing body cameras from animal control equipment, and replacing 911 consoles at a county cost of $156,568.94. The meeting was recessed and will resume on June 9, 2022.

• Agreed to update fire service contracts (no vote recorded)
• Agreed to replace 911 consoles with county portion at $156,568.94 (no vote recorded)
• Agreed to remove body cameras under Equipment Expense for Animal Control (no vote recorded)
• No changes made to most departmental budgets, including Emergency Management, Building Inspections, Medical Examiner, Ambulance & Rescue, E911 Coordinator, Airport, Planning, Economic Development, Cooperative Extension, Soil Conservation, Human Services, Veterans, Library, Cultural Arts, Parks & Recreation, Debt Service, Fund Transfers, Environmental Services, and E911 Revenue Fund

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission held a budget work session on June 6, 2022, to review the FY2022-23 budget. No formal votes or final decisions were made during the session. The board heard requests from Ashe County Schools, GE Aviation, the tax administration, communications, and law enforcement, and will revisit the education funding request after further research.

• No formal votes taken during budget work session
• Board to revisit Generations Ashe volunteer coordinator appropriation request
• Board to revisit education budget request after further research
• GE Aviation refund request discussed; eligible by statute, no action taken
• Tax appraiser certification pay system proposed; two employees raised to Grade 66
• Dispatch equipment replacement discussed; ARP funds available, no action taken
• Sheriff's office requests presented; night shift differential and clerical reclassification not granted

County Commission

The Commission will hold a public hearing regarding proposed 5% matching funds for the Building Reuse Program. The agenda also includes presentations on budget amendments and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council plan.

• Public hearing for Project Dolphin's proposed 5% matching funds
• Designation of County Manager as representative for Industrial Park contract administration
• Monthly tax report and occupancy tax refund request from Patrick Considine
• Presentation of budget amendments
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council County Plan for FY2022-23

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved a $7,000 matching contribution for a $140,000 Building Reuse Grant from the NC Department of Commerce for Project Dolphin, which is expected to create 25 jobs. The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Jordan opposed. The board also approved several budget amendments, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council plan, and other routine items, while tabling an occupancy tax refund request.

• Approved $7,000 match for $140,000 Building Reuse Grant for Project Dolphin (4-1)
• Approved May 16, 2022 regular and executive session minutes (5-0)
• Adopted agenda with added Warrensville Fire Department update (5-0)
• Approved county manager as representative for Industrial Park contract administration (5-0)
• Approved April 2022 monthly tax report (5-0)
• Tabled occupancy tax refund request for Patrick Considine
• Approved budget amendments for Airport, Economic Development, Cultural Arts, Parks and Recreation, and Environmental Services (5-0)
• Approved Juvenile Crime Prevention Council County Plan FY2022-23 (5-0)

County Commission

The commission will review the FY2022-23 budget presentation from the County Manager. The agenda also includes DSS reports, an audit contract approval, and ambulance service contract updates.

• FY2022-23 budget presentation
• DSS budget amendment for LIEAP funds
• Audit contract approval with Priscilla Norris, CPA
• Ambulance Service Contract 2024-2030 approval
• Ambulance Service Contract Amendment #2

The Ashe County Commission unanimously approved the FY2022-23 budget presentation, a $49,000 audit contract, amendments to the ambulance service contract (adding a fourth ambulance and a new 2024-2030 contract), a $314,659 DSS budget amendment for LIEAP funds, and a $27,500 payment to the Woodie family for due-diligence fees toward property purchase. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved FY2022-23 budget presentation (5-0)
• Approved $49,000 FY2022-23 audit contract (5-0)
• Approved ambulance contract amendment adding fourth ambulance (5-0)
• Approved 2024-2030 ambulance service contract (5-0)
• Approved $314,659 DSS budget amendment for LIEAP funds (5-0)
• Approved $27,500 payment to Woodie family for property due-diligence fees (5-0)
• Approved May 2, 2022 regular and executive session minutes (5-0)
• Adopted agenda with executive session for property acquisition (5-0)

County Commission

The commission will hear a request to establish a Rescue Service District Tax and review farmland preservation ordinance amendments. Other agenda items include presentations on broadband grants, hazard mitigation planning, and lease renewals.

• Request to establish a Rescue Service District Tax
• Farmland Preservation Ordinance Amendments
• NC Broadband Grant presentation
• Adoption of High Country Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Approval of Family Central and Daymark leases

The Ashe County Commission unanimously approved amendments to the Farmland Preservation Ordinance, adopted the High Country Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and approved several routine items including leases, a vehicle policy, and board appointments. The Board agreed to add $150,000 to the FY2022-23 budget for the Ashe County Rescue Squad, but took no action on a proposed broadband grant with Lumen/Brightspeed, instead choosing to work with local provider Skyline/Skybest.

• Approved Farmland Preservation Ordinance amendments (5-0)
• Adopted High Country Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (5-0)
• Approved $150,000 budget addition for Rescue Squad (5-0)
• Approved lease renewals for NC Works, Mt. Jefferson Child Development Center, Vaya Health, Jodi Province, Daymark (5-0)
• Approved drive home vehicle policy for Animal Control (5-0)
• Reappointed Jeff Dreyer to High Country Workforce Development Board (5-0)
• Approved Generations Ashe as lead agency for Home & Community Care Block Grant (5-0)
• Adopted Older Americans Month proclamation (5-0)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hear several presentations, including a DSS monthly update and budget amendment. The agenda also includes discussions regarding broadband grants, civic center roof repairs, and various funding requests.

• DSS monthly update and budget amendment
• Resolution appointing a Plat Review Officer
• Funding request from Ashe County Hometown Heroes Inc.
• Keep Ashe Beautiful budget request
• Presentation on Civic Center roof repairs

The Ashe County Commission approved a $19,000 ARP-funded Civic Center roof repair, a $5,753 DSS budget amendment, and several appointments to the Agriculture Center Development Committee. They also approved routine minutes, the agenda, and tax report. Several funding requests were deferred to June budget sessions, and a broadband grant request was continued to the May 2 meeting.

• Approved $19,000 ARP funds for Civic Center roof repairs (5-0)
• Approved $5,753 DSS budget amendment for APS wards (5-0)
• Approved March 2022 tax report (5-0)
• Appointed Matthew Levi as Plat Review Officer (5-0)
• Appointed Judy Bare, Vickie Young, Andy Calhoun, Kitty Honeycutt, Steven Leath, Dr. Calhoun, Amy Walker to Agriculture Center Development Committee (5-0 each)
• Approved April 4, 2022 regular and executive session minutes (5-0)
• Adopted agenda with PRES 22-61 moved to last (5-0)

County Commission

The Commission will hear several presentations regarding aircraft hangar construction and parachute operations. The agenda also includes a budget amendment request from the Sheriff's Office and an American Rescue Plan request from Partnership of Ashe.

• Sheriff's Office budget amendment request
• Partnership of Ashe American Rescue Plan (ARP) request
• Ashe County Hometown Heroes funding request
• Aircraft hangar construction presentation
• Library Board appointment

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will review a housing needs assessment for the High Country Region and the mid-year budget. The agenda includes updates on DSS reports, tax revaluation, and the creation of an Agriculture Center Committee. The commission will also consider approving a lease for ADAP Family Central.

• High Country Region Housing Needs Assessment presentation
• Sheriff's Office Records Retention Schedule approval
• ADAP Family Central Lease approval
• Creation of an Agriculture Center Committee
• Mid-Year Budget Review

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved a $400,000 offer to purchase 15 acres from Ralph Phillips for an agriculture center, contingent on a right of first refusal for adjacent property. They also approved several routine items, including the DSS subsidized child care policy, the Sheriff's Office records retention schedule, the February tax report, a lease renewal with Ashe Opportunities, Inc., and the creation of an Agriculture Center Advisory Committee. The board received informational presentations on housing needs and the mid-year budget but took no action on those items.

• Approved $400,000 offer for 15 acres from Ralph Phillips for agriculture center (5-0)
• Approved DSS Subsidized Child Care Assistance Policy (5-0)
• Approved Sheriff's Office Records Retention Schedule (5-0)
• Approved February 2022 Monthly Tax Report (5-0)
• Approved 15-month lease renewal with Ashe Opportunities, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved Agriculture Center Advisory Committee creation with Cattleman's Association nominees (5-0)
• Approved minutes from March 7, 2022 regular, executive, and special sessions (5-0)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission held a special session with officials from Jefferson, Lansing, and West Jefferson. The agenda includes updates on recent activities and an open discussion led by Phil Trew of HCCOG regarding current areas of county and town cooperation.

• Discussion on current areas of County/Town cooperation
• Updates on recent activities

The Ashe County Commission held a special session with municipal officials for a roundtable discussion on county-town cooperation. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting consisted of updates on projects such as the new Industrial Park, Middle School construction, and the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, plus discussion of possible uses for the current Middle School. The only action was a unanimous motion to adjourn.

• Adjourned the special session unanimously (5-0)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will review presentations regarding budget amendments, the American Rescue Plan budget, and the FY2021 audit contract. The agenda also includes updates on landfill equipment and a request for qualifications for an on-call engineer.

• FY2021 Audit Presentation & Contract Amendment Approval
• Budget Amendments presentation
• American Rescue Plan (ARP) Budget discussion
• Request for Qualification (RFQ) for an On Call Engineer
• Agricultural Center Property Budget Amendment

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved funding 25% of a $750,000 fiber-optic connectivity request from Skyline/Skybest, committing $187,500 in the next budget cycle. They also approved multiple budget amendments, including increases to the Register of Deeds, Capital Projects, and Environmental Services funds, and approved an additional $12,517 for landfill equipment. The board appointed David McMillan and Kelly Diamond to the Planning Board and Ann J. Clark as Interim Clerk. In executive session, they approved granting the DSS Director discretion to offer a starting salary up to Grade 80 Step 5 for the attorney position (3-2).

• Approved 25% funding ($187,500) of $750,000 fiber project with Skyline/Skybest (5-0)
• Approved FY2021 audit contract amendment (5-0)
• Approved two sets of budget amendments including ARP fund transfers (5-0)
• Approved additional $12,517 for landfill pan equipment (5-0)
• Appointed David McMillan and Kelly Diamond to Planning Board (5-0)
• Appointed Ann J. Clark as Interim Clerk to the Board (5-0)
• Approved DSS attorney salary discretion up to Grade 80 Step 5 (3-2)
• Approved minutes from Feb 21 regular, work, and executive sessions (5-0)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission held a work session to discuss plans for a new agriculture center, with grant funds potentially totaling nearly $4 million. No formal decisions were made, but the group reached consensus on a board of directors composition and discussed a due diligence period for a 12-acre property, including $10,000 earnest money. The board planned to consider appropriating funds for the site analysis at the March 7, 2022 regular session.

• Consensus reached on board of directors composition: two livestock producers, one Christmas tree grower, one Chamber of Commerce member, one youth advocate, one Farm Bureau member, and one allied business representative.
• Discussed using grant or state budget funds for site analysis on a 12-acre property during a due diligence period.
• Chairman McNeill recommended the County Attorney prepare a contract for due diligence with $10,000 earnest money.
• Finance Officer Sandra Long offered to research transaction requirements.
• No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a work session.

County Commission

The commission will consider several presentations, including a hospice funding request and updates to the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Agenda items also include approving a fleet management contract and reviewing American Rescue Plan Act budget amendments. Additionally, the board will address land use plan updates and tax advertisement orders.

• Enterprise Fleet Management contract approval
• Generations Ashe supplemental nutrition funding budget approval
• AMOREM hospice funding request
• American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act budget amendments
• Land Use Plan Updates Memorandum of Understanding and Resolution

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the updated Parks & Recreation Master Plan, enabling the department to apply for grant funding. The board also approved a fleet management contract for the Sheriff's Office, a COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave policy, and several other administrative items. A $250,000 funding request for a hospice facility was discussed but not formally approved, with the board agreeing to consider it in the 2022-2023 budget.

• Approved updated Parks & Recreation Master Plan (5-0)
• Approved Enterprise Fleet Management contract for Sheriff's Office (5-0)
• Approved COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave policy (5-0)
• Approved Supplemental Nutrition Additional Funding Budget (5-0)
• Approved Land Use Plan updates MOU and resolution (5-0)
• Approved reinstatement of 1,436.01 hours sick leave (5-0)
• Approved landfill pan repair with extended warranty up to $10,000 (5-0)
• Approved First National Bank financing for dump truck (5-0)

County Commission

This special meeting addresses topics from the January 18 session that was canceled due to weather. The Commission will hear presentations regarding school building grants, DSS budget amendments, and American Rescue Plan budget amendments.

• Middle School Building Capital Grant update
• DSS budget amendments and monthly updates
• Airport property line discrepancy report
• Animal Control vehicle repair request and budget amendment
• American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act budget amendments

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners unanimously endorsed the Ashe County Schools' application for a Needs-Based Public School Building Capital Grant, which could provide up to $25 million for the new middle school project. The board also approved several budget amendments, including funds for water and energy assistance programs and animal control vehicle repairs, and adopted a resolution supporting the High Country Workforce Development Board.

• Endorsed Ashe County Schools' application for Needs-Based Public School Building Capital Grant (5-0)
• Approved DSS budget amendments totaling $234,240 for LIHWAP and LIEAP funds (5-0)
• Approved monthly tax report for December 2021 (5-0)
• Approved Volunteer Awards Ceremony as drive-through event on April 21, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved up to $400 for Volunteer Initiative logo development (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Olive to Comprehensive Transportation Plan Stakeholders Committee (5-0)
• Approved $7,600 budget amendment for Animal Control vehicle repairs (5-0)
• Adopted resolution in support of High Country Workforce Development Board (5-0)