Indoor pool question likely to appear on Jackson ballot

from Smoky Mountain News | June 10, 2020

Demonstrations come to small-town Western North Carolina

Jackson County commissioners will be discussing a potential ballot measure during a July 7

meeting that would allow the county to fund and construct an indoor public pool. File photo

BY HOLLY KAYS S TAFF WRITER A proposal to include a referendum question on the November ballot asking voters to approve funding for an indoor pool in Jackson County will be the topic of a public hearing slated for 5:55 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the Jackson County Justice Center.

The referendum question would ask voters to approve a $20 million bond to build an aquatics facility at the Cullowhee Recreation Center, which would include an indoor competition pool as well as an indoor leisure pool.

According to a report from Asheville-based architecture firm Clark Nexsen, construction and closing costs will total nearly $20 million, with a projected annual operating cost of $612,000. Paying down debt on a $20 million bond would require an additional 2.2 cents per $100 of property value on Jackson County’s existing 38-cent tax rate, and operational costs would require an additional 0.4 cents. Voting yes on the referendum would mean endorsing both the $20 million bond and a tax increase of 2.26 cents per $100, bringing Jackson’s total tax rate to 40.26 cents per $100.

Jackson County residents have long clamored for an indoor swimming pool, with 86.4 percent of 638 survey respondents in a 2013 recreation master plan update saying that a centrally located indoor swimming pool is “important” or “very important.” A follow-up survey in 2019 saw 93.7 percent of 1,709 people say they would support an indoor pool, with 68 percent saying they’d support such a project even if it meant raising taxes.

A referendum would allow voters to speak on the issue during the Nov. 3 General Election. If they vote yes, then commissioners will be able to adopt a resolution to formally approve the election results and get to work on the necessary processes to issue debt. It’s expected that any associated tax increase would go into effect for the following fiscal year beginning July 2021.

During their May 12 work session, commissioners discussed whether economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus might warrant delaying the referendum. However, they concluded that since most of the money associated with getting the question on the ballot has already been spent, it makes sense to go ahead with the vote and evaluate after the election whether conditions still warrant moving forward. While commissioners will not be able to take out the bond if voters say no, a yes vote will only give them the option of moving forward — it will not obligate them to do so. A referendum is required to authorize the issuance of bonds that will be collateralized using property tax, but in the case of a yes vote commissioners would then have to go through a separate process to issue debt, which would also require a public hearing.

“We’ve expended the greatest number of the cost to get where we’re going,” said Chairman Brian McMahan during the May 12 work session. “It’s almost like, why not let the people go ahead and vote on it. If they vote it down, it’s a dead issue. If they vote yes, we’ll re-evaluate where we’re at financially.”

To date, the county has spent $48,000 preparing for the referendum. That amount includes $40,500 in architecture and geotechnical studies as well as $7,500 in bond attorney fees. The only expense left is marketing materials to educate voters leading up to Election Day, estimated to $5,000 to $10,000.

Macon employees test positive for COVID-19

Macon County has identified two employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week.

The first employee reported works in the maintenance department and is now isolated at home. Close contacts of the employee have been notified, tested, and are quarantined until they receive their results. The county maintenance department has performed the necessary steps to disinfect the affected area.

The second employee, which was reported Monday, works at the Macon County Health Department and is now isolated at home. Close contacts of the employee have been notified, tested, and are quarantined until they receive their results. This individual has not had contact with the public as a part of their duties during the COVID-19 response. Since March, Macon County has implemented strong infection control standards in all county facilities.

As of June 8, Macon County had 155 confirmed cases, 137 of which are still active.

Seven new COVID cases in Haywood

Haywood County Public Health received notice over the weekend and Monday that seven residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

This brings the number of cases recorded in Haywood County as of noon June 8, to 65. The individuals are in isolation at home. Four were exposed due to a social gathering; one was exposed while working out of the county and two were exposed at work within the county. Based on the information provided by the individuals in close contact, county health officials will assess risks of exposure, determine which if any additional measures are needed such as temperature and symptom checks, quarantine, and/or testing.

Forty-five cases of COVID-19 in Haywood County are categorized as recovered. The other 20 remain in isolation.

Cove Creek Road to Cataloochee reopens

A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation has opened Cove Creek Road in Haywood County to traffic after completing major phases of a project to stabilize a hillside.

A flagging operation will remain in place until the project is complete on the main access road to the Cataloochee area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Crews from S.W. Ledford from Hayesville restored the original width of the road about five miles from Jonathan Creek Road. At a cost of $1 million, crews built a new retaining wall on the slope above the road that will help prevent future slides and unexpected closures.

Sports and Activities Camp

CAMP 1: JUNE 22 - 26 CAMP 2: JULY 27 - 31 AGES 6 - 13

A Place to Live, Love & Play

Experience a camp that is fun & educational! Campers learn golf and tennis tips from our Pros and much more. Swimming, games and hands-on adventures with Bricks4Kidz and the WNC Nature Center are also included. Lunch is provided each day.