November 2026 Meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners

Meeting Narrative

1. Call to Order & Welcome
Chairman Josh Young called the meeting to order, noting it was “a little bittersweet” as the final chapter of the current Board. He congratulated Commissioner-elect Kelly Burns, Commissioner-elect Dylan Castle, and re-elected Commissioner John Shearl.

2. Announcements

• Deputy Clerk Tammy Keezer reminded the Board that the December 8 regular meeting is canceled. Per N.C.G.S. 153A-26 and 153A-39, the Board must meet on Monday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. for the swearing-in of new members; that meeting will also serve as the regular December meeting.
• Commissioners offered brief liaison updates. Commissioner Shields announced the Veterans Day parade (11th hour, 11th day, 11th month) starting near Town Hall around 10:45 a.m.
• Recreation and Fire Commission updates were shared, including progress on parks, pickleball, tennis courts, and the new Fire Coordinator position filled by Dustin Pendergrass.
• Staff noted that all public Flock camera data has been posted to the Sheriff’s Office webpage due to volume of records requests.

3–4. Moment of Silence & Pledge
Commissioner Shields (a veteran) led the moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. He also noted his son had recently landed in Qatar.

5. Public Hearings — None.

6. Additions to Agenda
County Manager Warren Cabe requested addition of 11B: Southwestern Community College fiber optic line installation (burn training facility connectivity). Approved as part of the agenda motion.

7. Public Comment

• Constance Neely (Scaly Mountain) thanked all candidates, congratulated winners, thanked outgoing Commissioners Antoine and Shields, and expressed disappointment that the quarter-cent sales tax failed, urging the new Board to address the underlying needs transparently.
• Patty Trick called for a full independent investigation into the Sheriff’s Office following the Flock camera controversy and related personnel issues, stressing the need to restore public trust.
• Lisa Walker congratulated winners and non-winners, asked the new Board to prioritize transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and balanced appointments, and encouraged renewed participation in the Southwestern Commission Council of Governments. She also referenced the one-vote sales tax margin.

8. Adjustments & Approval of Agenda

• Item 9A (VAYA Health Update – Shelly Foreman) removed due to conflict.
• Consent item 12A corrected from September 8 minutes to the October 13 minutes (correct minutes were in the packet).
  Motion to approve the adjusted agenda: Breeden / Shields. Passed 5-0.

9. Reports/Presentations

• 9A VAYA Health — Removed.
• 9B Recognition of Outgoing Board Members — County Manager Cabe led the recognition of Commissioners Danny Antoine and Gary Shields. Cabe and fellow commissioners praised Antoine’s advocacy for youth and passion, and Shields’ focus on education and youth. Families were invited forward. Both commissioners received certificates of service (November 2022–November 2026). Emotional remarks were exchanged.

10. Old Business
10A. Update on Upset Bid Process for County-Owned Property (Attorney Eric Ridenour)

• Copeland Subdivision Lot 7 (PIN 6579718376): Two timely competing bids of $1,500. A higher $5,400 bid arrived postmarked timely but after the deadline. Board rejected the $1,500 bids and directed staff to restart the upset bid process with $5,400 as the new starting amount. Motion passed 5-0.
• Watauga Vista Lot 454 (~0.31 acre, assessed $2,500): Initial offer of $750; no upset bids. Board accepted the $750 bid. Motion by Shearl / Antoine. Passed 5-0.

11. New Business
11A. Friends of the Greenway (F.R.O.G.S.) Proposal to Expand the Disc Golf Course
Commissioner Shields introduced members of the Franklin Disc Golf Club (including Kyle and Roger French). The group requested use of additional Greenway property to expand the existing course from 9 to 18 holes, making it sanctionable for tournaments and fundraising. The club has operated for 10–12 years and previously partnered on temporary courses. Motion by Shields / Antoine. Passed 5-0.

11B. Southwestern Community College Fiber Optic Line (Added Item)
Curtis Dowdle presented the need for fiber connectivity to the new burn training facility (fire prop) behind the armory, enabling remote monitoring. Total cost ~$54,000; county share $40,000 via budget amendment from fund balance to capital reserve (consistent with earlier commitments). Motion by Breeden / Antoine. Passed 5-0. Additional positive updates were shared on CDL training and the forthcoming indoor firearms training facility.

12. Consent Agenda
Approved without pull-outs after the minutes date correction. Items included October 13, 2026 minutes, Budget Amendments #97-102 and 104, Airport Infrastructure Grants Capital Project Ordinance amendment, Spot Safety Project at US 64/Old Murphy Road/Patton Road, 2026 ad valorem refund (unfinished upper story), October tax releases ($252.14), and the monthly tax collection report (no action). Motion by Breeden / Antoine. Passed 5-0.

13. Appointments
13A. Macon County Airport Authority (1 seat)
Per the 1999 session law, the Authority submitted two recommended names; five total applicants were listed. First ballot produced a tie (Lathrop 2, Chastain 2, Stanton 1). Runoff between Mark Lathrop and Darren Chastain:

• Lathrop: Breeden, Antoine, Shields (3)
• Chastain: Young, Shearl (2)
  Motion to appoint Mark Lathrop by Breeden / Shields. Passed 5-0.

13B. Town of Franklin Planning Board (1 seat)
Single applicant: Travis Talent (currently on the town board but now living in the ETJ). Motion by Breeden / Antoine. Passed 5-0.

14. Closed Session
Motion by Breeden / Shearl to enter closed session under NCGS 143-318.11 (attorney-client privilege and personnel). Passed 5-0. Session was brief; no action reported upon return.

15. Recess
The Board recessed until Monday, December 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. for the mandatory organizational/swearing-in meeting.