October 2026 Macon County Commissioners Meeting

Opening and Announcements
Chairman called the meeting to order. Manager noted the Town of Franklin’s resolution supporting the ¼-cent local option sales tax and suggested a special December 7 meeting for swearing-in (to avoid back-to-back meetings on the 7th and 8th). Consensus favored the idea for formal action next month. Moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Shields. No public hearings.

Public Comment

• Ann Hungerford (Ellijay Township) advocated for a countywide dark-sky ordinance (3,000 K max, 100% downward shielding), citing economic benefits of astro-tourism, proximity to PARI and Mayland Earth to Sky Park, and existing protections in Highlands and Jackson County.
• Sarah Johnson (Otto) supported the same for development projects, mentioned lightning-bug walks, and raised concerns about a planning-board vice-chair having signed an NDA on past data-center work.

Agenda Approval – Unanimous (5-0).

Reports and Presentations

• Opioid Settlement: Fund balance $2,699,697 (including $346,411 collected this year + interest). Strategic-planning committee formed; Omni Institute contracted (paid by $300,000 Dogwood Health grant). Five initial members identified (Kara Smith, Perry Welch, Marcy Holland, Devin Holland, Leslie Jones). Plan required before spending funds.
• Quarter-Cent Sales Tax Committee (Betsy Based / committee): Extensive education effort (website makingquarterpenny.com, slideshows, Facebook, community clubs, Rotary, early-voting booths). Projected $2.2–2.4 M/year; ~40% visitor-paid, 60% resident-paid. Does not apply to unprepared groceries, prescriptions, motor vehicles, utilities, manufactured homes, etc. Discussion focused on whether it effectively raises taxes on landowners versus pure property-tax alternative (~1.3 M per mil). Committee emphasized factual clarification only; not formal advocacy. Commissioners thanked the group.
• Franklin High School Project (Carol Daniel Construction / Josh Cochran, Tyler Wiley + County Manager): Time-lapse shown. Still on time and on budget for August opening. Sequencing of moves (Ag/Horticulture to Bartram/Peak campus in January, etc.), intersection redesign at Panther Drive/Porter Street, and demolition of old campus planned for next summer. School Board Chair praised the partnership.
• Carson Convenience Center: Federal cross-cutter reviews (Bald & Golden Eagle Act, NHPA, Clean Water Act, wetlands) completed. Construction ready to proceed; multi-use field option deferred to avoid archaeological delays.

Old Business / Action Items

• 2027 Schedule of Values adopted (5-0); four consecutive newspaper advertisements to follow.
• Surplus Lot 168 Watauga Vista ($1,600) final sale approved (5-0).
• Fire & Rescue contracts: 8-month notice of termination effective 6/30/2027 issued so new contracts can be negotiated (5-0).
• Operation Green Light for Veterans resolution adopted (5-0); green lighting of county facilities and encouragement of private display Nov. 4–11, 2026.
• Two additional surplus lots placed in upset-bid process (both 5-0), with buyer responsible for publication costs; Board retains right to reject final high bid.
• Macon County Schools requested $37,000 (Option 2) for East Franklin feasibility study to position for $42 M Needs-Based School Capital Fund grant. Approved from contingency (5-0). Study will help check grant requirements and potentially relieve overcrowding at multiple elementary schools.

Bartram Academy / Peak Building
School system and Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau requested lease of the soon-to-be-vacant building for free K–12 after-school and summer programs (existing county programs would be dissolved and students prioritized). Commissioner Antoine recused himself (direct financial conflict). Remaining Board voted 4-0 to declare no county need for the building. Discussion noted that exterior/interior maintenance and improvements would fall to the Club under the MOU; major capital items (roof, HVAC) remain a longer-term concern but Club expressed willingness to pursue grants/fundraising.

Consent Agenda – Approved 5-0 (includes one-year refund of illegal tax on unfinished basement).

Closed Session and Adjournment
Motion to enter closed session for acquisition/negotiations of real property and attorney-client privileged matters passed 5-0. After closed session, motion to adjourn passed 5-0.

No additional appointments were made. The meeting concluded with the Board still in a position to finalize any closed-session outcomes at a later public meeting if required.