Macon County Board of Commissioners March 2026 Meeting

Roll Call
(a list of outlets with representatives physically at the meeting. Since it is election season, a list of candidates who were also present are included, all are listed in the order in which they arrived in the boardroom)

• Macon Media (Bobby)
• The Franklin Press (Shelby)

Candidates (in order of arrival)

• Janet Greene – County Commissioner District 2

• Terry Bell – County Commissioner District 2

• John Shearl – County Commissioner District 1 (incumbent)

• Russ Lunn – County Commissioner District 1

• Kellie Burns – County Commissioner District 2

• Dylan Castle – County Commissioner District 2

Votes of the Board

All recorded votes were unanimous (5-0) unless noted:

• Approval of agenda (as amended): Passed 5-0

• Adoption of resolution declaring April 19–25, 2026 as Macon County Volunteer Week (Senior Center recognition): Passed 5-0

• Approval of three community funding pool requests (~$42,733 total, including $4,733 from fund balance): Passed 5-0

• Authorization to apply for 2026 PARTF grant (Parks & Recreation Trust Fund) with intent to match $650,000 if awarded: Passed 5-0

• Approval of amended Fontana Regional Library interlocal agreement (clarified surplus funds wording): Passed 5-0 (one commissioner voted no on an earlier related motion in prior meetings, but this passed)

• Allowance for potential relocation of Nantahala voting precinct to library (if approved by Board of Elections): Passed 5-0

• Approval of surplus service weapons for four retiring sheriff’s office personnel (Hodgins, Wishon, Phillips, Young): Passed 5-0

• Approval of updated county personnel policy manual: Passed 5-0

• Approval of interlocal agreement with Town of Highlands (dredging soil placement at transfer station): Passed 5-0

• Appointments:

  • Economic Development Commission (4 applicants approved to fill vacancies): Passed 5-0

  • Town of Franklin Planning Board (Dave Jones): Passed 5-0

  • Macon County Planning Board (David Culpepper immediate; Larry Lackey starting April): Passed 5-0

• Motion to revise structure of the Macon County Board of Commissioners. : Failed 1-4, with Commissioners Breeden, Antoine, Young, and Shields voting against.

• Closed session (personnel/legal under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) or (5)): Entered; no action taken afterward

Longer Summary of the Meeting

The meeting opened with standard formalities (call to order, announcements, moment of silence, Pledge of Allegiance). Announcements included upcoming improvements at Nantahala Rec Park (multi-use field, 30–60 days of inconvenience) and plans to present America’s 250th logo contest results in April.

Public Comment Period featured emotional testimony:

• Residents (Anita Lewis, Sandra Sager) described severe ongoing issues at a property on Ella J / 90 Team Hollow — squatters, massive trash/debris, aggressive wild dogs, chemical/burning smells, generator noise, bright floodlights, threats, livestock attacks, and pollution into local streams (Little Tennessee watershed).

• Matt Jackson described a serious alleged investment fraud scheme: a trusted local individual reportedly drained tens of millions from community members’ savings (including his life savings). He had filed police reports, contacted CFTC (already investigating), and urged FBI/IRS involvement. He asked about county/regulator coordination and suggested a local task group/liaison to support victims.

Presentations:

• Water Quality Advisory Committee (on behalf of Jason Love): Dramatic demonstration of global freshwater scarcity; highlighted high E. coli levels in local waters (multiple sites failed swimming standards 15/15 days in summer); concerns about data centers (high water use), trash in rivers; called for environmental DNA testing and better trash management.

• Senior Center (Jennifer Holger): Celebrated 135 volunteers donating 5,654 hours (~$200,000 value) in 2025; highlighted meal delivery, activities, SHIP counseling, adult day programs; requested Volunteer Week proclamation (adopted) and recognition event invite.

Old Business / Funding:

• Approved three community funding requests totaling ~$42,733 (Pregnancy Care Center dads group $6,000; horse arena lighting ~$33,130 higher-quality option; Nantahala Lake radar sign). Emphasized youth equine programs, safety (shadow-free lighting), economic benefits, and family support.

• Authorized PARTF grant application (~$500k request, $650k county match proposed) for amphitheater, covered multi-use court, tennis restroom/lockers.

• After a lengthy discussion on revising the structure of the board of commissioners, a motion to implement a change failed.

• Approved Fontana Regional Library agreement wording clarification on surplus funds reimbursement.

New Business:

• Allowed potential Nantahala precinct move to library (subject to Board of Elections).

• Approved surplus service weapons for four long-serving sheriff’s deputies (20–28 years each).

• Updated county personnel policy (post-consolidation changes; no major substantive shifts).

• Approved interlocal agreement with Town of Highlands — they will expand transfer station woody debris area using lake dredging soil (at their expense; minor temporary disruptions possible; better road/sediment basins as benefit).

• Capital priorities discussion: Commissioners outlined needs — new justice center/jail/courthouse, senior center upgrades, Rec Park acceleration, employee pay equity study (county-wide comparison), indoor gym/pool space for youth, low-cost ballfield improvements (South Macon, etc.), potential Boys & Girls Club synergies. Strong support for pursuing ¼¢ sales tax referendum (~$2.3M/year revenue) dedicated to capital/schools, with transparency on CIP plan and fund balance policy (target 25–30% unassigned).

• Appointments:

  • Economic Development Commission (4 applicants approved to fill vacancies): Passed 5-0

  • Town of Franklin Planning Board (Dave Jones): Passed 5-0

  • Macon County Planning Board (David Culpepper immediate; Larry Lackey starting April): Passed 5-0

The meeting entered a brief closed session (personnel/legal; no action), and adjourned.