Commissioners discuss trash, tethering, taxes
Jun. 27—The Haywood County Board of Commissioners met this week to approve a library strategic plan, consider ordinance amendments, increase payments for solid waste management and more.
Here's a recap of what happened.
Ordinance upgrade
Haywood County is in the process of upgrading its ordinances to eliminate those outdated by state statute changes, never used or that need to be changed to fit current county needs. County Attorney Frank Queen provided an update on the ordinances tackled so far. Most were stylistic changes or ones to conform to state law that had changed.
The animal services ordinance included a change updating the standards for tethering, also to conform to state law. The commissioners will review ordinances as changes are proposed, likely through the remainder of the year.
Tax collections
Haywood County Tax Collector Greg West reported that the collection rate, as of the end of May, was 97.99%, the highest on record for that point in time.
Property tax bills totaling $45.6 million were sent out last fall and were due by early January, after which time the department works with taxpayers on getting the bill settled. West said there is $936,500 remaining collected from the original amount.
The commissioners praised West for his diligence and ability to work with people effectively.
"When we don't hear things, that's definitely a good thing," said Commissioner Jennifer Best. "You've got a tough job collecting taxes, and I appreciate what you do."
Commissioner Brandon Rogers said he heard from a couple of taxpayers who were bragging on how good West was to work with, and Board Chairman Kevin Ensley chimed in.
"I appreciate the work you've done," he said. "I can't say that for the prior one."
Junaluska fire district
Vicky Rogers, the former treasurer of the Junaluska fire district, said the recent annual meeting of the district was a "barnstormer" and warned the commissioners they have problems because there are those in the district who don't want change.
"I've been amazed at how these independent fire departments operate," she said, noting that once three board members were removed, she no longer felt comfortable serving as treasurer, so she resigned.
"I've got to say I'm not feeling real safe talking to you today," she said.
Commissioner Kirk Kirkpatrick said Rogers' comments were disturbing.
"We don't have that much power, but I would like to know more," he said.
Fire districts are considered independent organizations where the county levies and collects taxes for the district and then contracts with the entity to provide services.
Dredging Lake Junaluska
A $1.5 million state funding allotment to make necessary repairs on the Lake Junaluska dam and perform additional updates is being funneled through Haywood County. Bryant Morehead, county manager, said the money will be provided to the lake on a reimbursement basis after the work is completed.
Solid waste increase
Morgan Alexander with Consolidated Waste Services, asked the commissioners for a 7.9% price increase to address employee retention, along with increased equipment and fuel costs. CWS staffs the 10 convenience centers in Haywood County, manages the county's materials recovery facility in Clyde and is in charge of recycling in the county.
The contract with the county has an automatic 3% Consumer Price Index increase, so the requested adjustment needed commissioner approval.
Alexander said CWS employs 48 full-time employees and 13 part-time employees, providing health insurance and a 401k contribution. Commissioners agreed inflationary pressures are unprecedented and agreed to the higher CPI request.
The added 4.9% hike above the standard contract amounts to $87,867, which will come out of the separate solid waste fund supported by an annual $159 annual household fee along with volume-based commercial fees.
Side arm and badge
Dep. Carlus Russell Bryson, who spent 17 years in law enforcement, has retired from the Haywood County Sheriff's Office. Chief Deputy Jeff Haynes read a resolution paying tribute to his service and allowing the transfer of his badge and sidearm, a Glock 9mm, Model 45, for which he would pay $113.90 after securing the necessary permit.
