The steady loss of workers who keep Waynesville’s water running and streets clean has town leaders on edge. 

At the Oct. 28 meeting, council heard grim numbers and took action, voting to fund a pay study meant to stop an exodus that’s led to tremendous turnover and left nine out of about 80 positions vacant. 

Waynesville took another step toward stabilizing its downtown program on Oct. 28, approving incorporation papers for a new nonprofit that will let the town’s Downtown Waynesville Commission accept tax-deductible donations and compete for grants. 

Two Haywood County water systems will benefit from a combined $15 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects as part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program for disaster-affected states. North Carolina is the first state impacted by Helene to award grants from this program. 

To the Editor:

On May 22, the House of Representatives voted to pass a budget bill (The One Big Beautiful Bill) that drastically cuts America’s clean energy tax credits. Make no mistake: these cuts will hurt North Carolina and the Town of Waynesville if they become law.

Two members of Waynesville’s Town Council, Chuck Dickson and Jon Feichter, have come forward with a bold proposal that could save the town thousands of dollars over decades if they can find a way to pay for it. 

The Town of Waynesville has released its proposed list of street paving work for 2025, including 41 locations and nearly 5.5 miles of asphalt at a cost of nearly $400,000.

Seasonal billing surprises can leave utility customers sweating summer spikes or shivering in anticipation of winter surges, but a budget billing program being considered by the Town of Waynesville would help keep those bills steady as a spring breeze. 

The Town of Waynesville has named Assistant Fire Chief Chris Mehaffey as the town’s interim chief.

“Assistant Chief Mehaffey has demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism throughout his tenure, making him a natural choice for this important role,” said Town Manager Rob Hites in a press release.

Waynesville’s town government has kept taxes as low as possible for as long as possible, but is quickly finding truth in the adage, “It’s easier to keep up than to catch up” — over the years, capital spending hasn’t kept up with the town’s needs, and now taxpayers may be looking at a costly game of catch-up. 

For some time now, Waynesville’s East Street has been a bit of a goldilocks problem for the town — too fast, too slow or just right?