Fire department funding debate heats up in Jackson
Jackson County commissioners may be looking to change how fire departments are funded.
Macon commissioner duo wants to spend down savings to bring on tax cuts
Two tight-pocketed Macon County commissioners, who have voted consistently against all sorts of new government spending, have decided to go on the offensive and push for a tax decrease.
HCC makes pitch for continued building plan
Haywood Community College has asked for more than $1.4 million from the county for building and renovations projects on campus in the coming fiscal year.
Price tag inches up on Cherokee jail and justice center
Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Tribal Council took issue with a construction budget increase for the tribe’s justice center and jail during their meeting last week, a sign of overall displeasure with past and current projects demanding more funds.
Lots of winners in festival grants
The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority will hand out a bevy of grants for festivals and niche tourism projects throughout the county this year — most of them old standards but a few new events.
Folkmoot back in the tourism grant fold
The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority will restore annual grant funding for Folkmoot USA, reversing a move last year to cut off the highly popular international folk dance festival.
Horse trading comes full circle in Jackson school budget
Jackson County Schools brokered a sweet deal with county commissioners last year, or so it seemed at the time.
School leaders wanted to build a new gym and auditorium at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, but the $11.4 million price tag was more than county commissioners wanted to pay.
From the jail to the library, Haywood commissioners field wish lists for extra employees
A parade of Haywood County department leaders went before county commissioners during a budget work session Monday, each pleading their case for why their department needs an additional employee or two next fiscal year.
Time to fish or cut bait in Canton swimming pool dilemma
The decrepit state of Canton’s aging outdoor swimming pool has left town leaders with two options — bulldoze it and build a new one or simply close it.
Swain fund balance once again teetering on the brink
Swain County might have to raise taxes or make budget cuts to keep its cash reserves from falling into unhealthy territory.
Swain County’s cash reserves are hovering around $1.6 million, barely above the state-recommended minimum. Independent auditor Eric Bowman recently warned the county that one capital project or one hiccup could quickly drop Swain County’s fund balance too low.
