Macon County approves detention‑officer pay bump amid staffing shortages, 4‑1 Facing four vacancies, the county board approved a pay increase for detention officers effective Feb. 23; the change is estimated to cost roughly $44,138 pro‑rated this fiscal year and about $125,000 annually when annualized. Vote passed 4‑1 amid concerns about timing and equity.

Macon County takes a bold step to tackle staffing shortages by approving a pay raise for detention officers, but not without controversy surrounding budget fairness.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WorkforceDevelopment

Commissioners clear 0.25% local sales‑tax question for ballot; committee outlines $2.3M estimate and education plan The board voted 4‑1 on Feb. 10 to adopt a resolution asking voters whether to authorize a 0.25% county sales‑tax; a county committee presented an education plan and estimated the measure could raise about $2.3 million annually if approved.

Macon County is gearing up for a pivotal vote on a proposed 0.25% sales tax that could bring in $2.3 million annually—here’s what you need to know!

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#MaconCounty #NC #LocalRevenue #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #PublicEducation

Residents urge Macon County commissioners to slow proposed redistricting; counsel outlines legal paths Dozens of residents at a Feb. 10 public hearing urged commissioners not to rush a plan to change the county’s commissioner structure to three districts plus two at‑large seats, calling for more public study or a voter referendum; county counsel said the exact 3+2 design would require a local act in the General Assembly.

Residents in Macon County are pushing back against a rushed redistricting plan that could undermine their representation—calling for transparency and more public input before any changes are made.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CivicParticipation #CitizenPortal #PublicInput

Sheriff asks to raise deputies and detention officers; board requests detailed cost estimate Sheriff Brent Holbrooks proposed advancing deputy pay grades one level, elevating detention officers to the deputy grade, and advancing civilian staff one grade; estimated half-year cost roughly $185,000 using vacancy savings, and commissioners asked staff to model options in Munis and return next month.

Sheriff Holbrooks is pushing for pay raises for deputies and detention officers to tackle recruitment challenges, but the board wants a detailed cost analysis before making any decisions.

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#MaconCounty #NC #WorkforceDevelopment #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability

Macon commissioners approve standalone Fontana regional director, set public hearing on election-system bill The board approved requiring the Fontana Regional Library director to be a standalone position and voted to reimburse unused cooperative funds proportionally; lengthy debate followed on other FRL amendments and a separate resolution to change Macon's election system, for which a public hearing was scheduled Feb. 10.

Macon County commissioners have made pivotal changes to the Fontana Regional Library's governance, ensuring the director is a standalone role and agreeing to reimburse unused funds, but heated debates linger over further amendments and a new election system.

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#MaconCounty #NC

Macon County receives clean FY25 audit; general fund up $455,000, Medicaid eligibility finding noted Martin Starnes and Associates delivered an unmodified opinion on Macon County's FY25 financial statements, reporting a $455,000 increase in the general fund balance and one Medicaid eligibility finding; commissioners discussed timing and recommended a midyear budget review.

Macon County's recent fiscal year 2025 audit reveals a clean bill of financial health with a $455,000 boost in the general fund, but a Medicaid eligibility finding raises eyebrows.

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#MaconCounty #NC #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #PublicAccountability

WNC Weekend: Where the Mountains Are Merrily Making Magic wnctimes.com/article/wnc-... #WNCWeekend #ChristmasParade #MountainHolidays #WNCChristmas #LightShows #Asheville #FranklinNC #Asheville #HighlandsNC #Hendersonville #MaconCounty
#BuncombeCounty #HaywoodCounty #WNCmountains #WNC #WNCnews

Commissioners discuss Fontana Regional Library amendment from Jackson County, express concerns about commissioner trusteeship Jackson County proposed updates to the Fontana Regional Library interlocal agreement were discussed; commissioners raised concerns about requiring a sitting commissioner to serve on the regional trustees (conflicts, travel) and asked staff to relay comments for Jackson County consideration.

Macon County commissioners are weighing proposed changes to the Fontana Regional Library agreement, but tensions rise over potential conflicts in appointing sitting members to the regional board.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #CivicParticipation #PublicLibraries

Votes at a glance: Macon County Board actions, Nov. 13, 2025 The Board of Commissioners approved the Nov. 13 agenda and multiple resolutions and appointments by unanimous 5–0 votes, including public-health consolidation, a solid‑waste LGC findings resolution, placement of a quarter‑cent sales‑tax referendum on the 2026 general‑election ballot, dangerous‑dog ordinance updates, consent agenda and several board

The Macon County Board of Commissioners made significant moves during their Nov. 13 meeting, including the consolidation of public health and animal services and a quarter-cent sales-tax referendum for the 2026 ballot.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Macon County to place quarter‑cent sales‑tax referendum on 2026 general‑election ballot, board leaves purpose unspecified The board voted 5–0 to approve placing a quarter‑cent local option sales tax on the 2026 general‑election ballot and chose not to earmark the funds at this time; staff estimated the tax could generate about $2.3 million annually based on 2024 figures.

Macon County is gearing up to vote on a proposed quarter-cent sales tax that could bring in $2.3 million annually, but the funds' future use remains a mystery.

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#MaconCounty #NC #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #VoterEducation

Macon County weighs $10.5 million financing to extend landfill life as transfer option draws higher operating costs After a detailed review of bids and hauling quotes, county staff recommended seeking Local Government Commission approval for up to $10.5 million in financing to build a larger landfill cell while pursuing a hybrid approach that could include transfer options and grant funding.

Macon County is considering a bold $10.5 million plan to extend its landfill life, weighing options that could reshape its waste management future.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalMonitoring #WasteManagement

Macon County Traveling and thinking about books and things

Busy day, but I wanted to capture the 2nd county I visited on Tuesday: Macon County.

Nature and a cool indie bookshop? Yes!

#maconcounty #franklin #nc #100counties #books #reading #bookstores #shoplocal #shopindie

notjessica58.blogspot.com/2025/11/maco...

Cat Reportedly Strangled and Set on Fire Deserves Justice - Animal Petitions A cat was strangled, swung through the air, and then set on fire, according to sickening reports. Demand justice now.

SIGN🙏
#MaconCounty #Illinois #Cats #Cat #Kitten #Kittens #Caturday #StopYulinFestival #NoToDogAndCatMeat #AnimalAbuse #AnimalCruelty #stopanimalcruelty #StopAnimalTests #AdoptDontShop #RescueDogs #RescueCats #FriendsNotFood #Vegan #BanFur #SavePigs #SaveKoreanCats
animalpetitions.org/1372342/cat-...

Macon County officials warn $1.98 million local operating gap as school capital projects proceed At a joint work session, Macon County commissioners and the school board heard school finance and construction updates and discussed a $1,980,225.68 shortfall in the local current expense budget, capital needs including Franklin High School and East Franklin, and possible county funding options.

Macon County faces a staggering $1.98 million budget shortfall for schools, even as crucial capital projects like Franklin High School progress.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #SchoolConstruction #EducationFunding

Commissioners approve $97,000 amendment for landfill design work; county will draw on solid‑waste fund balance The board approved an amendment to its contract with McGill & Associates and an appropriation of $97,000 from the solid‑waste fund balance to continue design and re‑bid work on a landfill expansion after earlier bids exceeded budget estimates.

Macon County Commissioners just approved a $97,000 contract amendment for a landfill expansion amid rising costs and urgent airspace limitations.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #LocalContracting #EnvironmentalPermitting #WasteManagement

As much as I love to travel, it’s hard to beat living somewhere so beautiful. #travel #landscape #smokymountains #northcarolina #maconcounty #franklinnc

Nantahala Community Club Proposes Expansion of Veterans Memorial at Library Commission approves plans for a larger memorial commemorating local veterans at Nantahala library.

Macon County is set to honor local veterans with a stunning new memorial that will feature a prominent stone monument and beautifully inscribed names of the fallen.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CommunityCollaboration #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicMemorials

Commissioners Propose Suspension of Boerne Town Fire Department Contract Amid Training Concerns Commissioner Sherrill motions to suspend the Boerne Town fire department contract for coverage review.

Macon County is on the verge of a fire service overhaul that could reshape emergency response and support our brave volunteer firefighters—are you ready for the changes ahead?

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport

Strong Weakening in the I-85 Corridor The storm just south of I-85 in Macon County has weakened but still has very heavy rain.

AL. Weather BlogAlabama News Beacon #I85 #MaconCounty #AlabamaWeather

Macon County leaders address health department management and communication issues Macon County officials discuss authority, communication gaps, and employee morale within health department.

Macon County commissioners are demanding more control over the health department amid rising concerns about communication gaps and employee morale.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #CommunityCommunication #PublicHealth #EmployeeMorale

Veterans Committee proposes new monument design for freedom memorial Committee unveils plans for a new veteran monument between flagpoles.

A striking new veterans' memorial is set to honor heroes in Macon County, featuring a grand monument that will serve as a heartfelt tribute to those who sacrificed for our freedom.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #CommunityHonor #MilitaryService

I love a lot of places on this planet, but the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina has felt like home since the first time I visited.

#travel #traveladdict #travelphotography #summer #nc #northcarolina #smokymountains #maconcounty #828isgreat

Macon County EDA rescues historic newspaper to preserve local voice, community momentum TUSKEGEE, Alabama — In a show of community commitment, the Macon County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) has stepped in to acquire “The Tuskegee News,” the city’s 160-year-old weekly newspaper, preventing the area from becoming another victim of America’s growing number of “news deserts.” With longtime owners Paul and Gayle Davis ready to retire after 42 years at […]

Made in Alabama:Alabama News Beacon #MaconCounty #TuskegeeNews #LocalNews

Macon County EMS proposes remount ambulance and additional staffing for service improvement Gary McCabe requests budget reallocation for an ambulance remount and new staff to enhance coverage.

Macon County's EMS is pushing for critical upgrades to meet skyrocketing demand, but can they secure the funding needed to save lives?

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityResources

The image is a black and white photograph featuring two young children sitting on wooden planks, possibly part of a porch or deck. The child in the foreground appears to be a girl with short hair wearing a light-colored sleeveless dress over another garment with sleeves rolled up at the elbows. She has her hands clasped together near her chest, eyes directed towards something outside the frame, and displays an expression that could suggest contemplation or concern. The second child is partially visible on the left side of the photograph; only their head and shoulders are shown as they sit facing away from the camera, looking in a direction opposite to where we're seeing them. The background consists of wooden planks with horizontal lines suggesting planks used for flooring or walling purposes behind the children. The image has handwritten text at the top left corner that seems like foreign characters followed by what appears to be "AGI" within quotation marks, and additional numbers which may refer to a sequence or batch identification. In addition, there is printed text in English on the right side near the bottom of the photo providing context about this photograph: it states “Sharecropper's child whose father receives five dollars a month 'furnish' from the landowners. Macon County, Georgia,” indicating that this image may be part of Dorothea Lange’s work documenting conditions for sharecroppers during her photograp [...]

Sharecropper's child whose father receives five dollars a month "furnish" from the landowners. Macon County, Georgia

#MaconCounty #Georgia #second #English #Sharecropper #DorotheaLange’s #America #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017770439/

This black and white photograph depicts a young man with disheveled hair standing against an overcast sky. He appears to be wearing a sleeveless undershirt underneath a loosely fastened denim shirt, which is unbuttoned at the collar. His expression is serious as he looks directly into the camera lens. The image has some text on it: "DEJPSI" in reverse written across the top and bottom edges of the photograph, suggesting that this may be a photo from an archive or collection with reversed orientation. In addition to the main subject, there are no other significant background elements visible; however, faint outlines indicate what could possibly resemble distant trees or structures against the sky. This image is associated with Dorothea Lange's work on sharecroppers in Macon County, Georgia during a time when individuals received $5 per month from landowners. The specific photo number provided as context for this particular photograph (6495b785ba25398d90c4ea6e.jpg) could be used to find more information about the original source or background story of this image in a database like Sharecropper, which likely contains historical records on sharecroppers and their living conditions.

Sharecropper. Receives five dollars a month "furnish" from the landowner. Macon County, Georgia

#MaconCounty #Georgia #DEJPSI #DorotheaLanges #Sharecropper #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017770437/

The image is a black and white photograph of an older man who appears to be outdoors. He wears a flat cap, known as a newsboy hat or homburg style hat, with visible texture suggesting it's made from tweed fabric. The man has prominent cheekbones, deep-set eyes, and pronounced lines on his face that convey wisdom or experience. He is dressed in overalls which are fastened by large buttons at the shoulders; these appear to be denim. Over the overalls he wears a light-colored shirt with its collar visible above the neckline of the garment. The overall's straps have adjustable buckles, and one strap appears loose around his shoulder. The background behind him is nondescript but seems open-air as it could potentially be sky or clouds due to lack of shadows on his face suggesting an overcast day or diffused lighting conditions. There are no discernible features that indicate a specific location; however, the attire suggests he may have been engaged in manual labor. There's also some text at the top right corner which appears to be cataloging information with handwriting indicating "JASPER ASH." However, this does not provide context for his identity or story.

Father of landless sharecropper family. Macon County, Georgia

#MaconCounty #Georgia #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017770436/

Macon County Board approves contract for new County Manager Warren Caves Board of Commissioners unanimously approves Warren Caves as new County Manager

Macon County is poised for a brighter future as the board unanimously approves Warren Caves as the new county manager, promising stability and strong leadership in challenging times.

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#MaconCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityStability #PublicService

This black and white photograph depicts a rural family scene in which five individuals are present. A woman stands on the porch of a wooden house, holding an infant with her left arm while cradling another baby with her right hand. She is dressed modestly in a knee-length dress suitable for hard labor. To her immediate right sits a young girl in a chair, and behind them to the far right, two more children sit on separate stools; one of whom appears absorbed by something out of frame. The porch where they all gather seems utilitarian with its simple construction, showcasing the modest living conditions of rural life during that period. The presence of dried plants at the lower left corner suggests a farm-like environment and possibly an agricultural lifestyle for this family.

Cotton sharecropper family. Macon County, Georgia

#MaconCounty #Georgia #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017770440/

The image is a black and white photograph depicting an individual standing in what appears to be a cotton field. The person, who seems to be working as a farmer or laborer, is wearing a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, which casts a shadow on their face obscuring facial features such as eyes, nose, mouth, and forehead. They are also dressed in casual clothing typical of rural workwear from an earlier era. The individual is holding what seems to be boll weevils (a pest that infests cotton crops), suggesting they have been harvesting or examining the plants for this purpose. Additionally, there's a sack hanging around their waist which bears text indicating it contains "hog feed" and references to Georgia soil as well as an agricultural company. In the background, electrical poles line one side of the field under a cloudy sky. The setting is open and flat with no other people or objects in immediate proximity, focusing attention on the solitary figure and their task at hand. The photograph carries historical significance, highlighting rural labor issues during what appears to be early 20th-century America, particularly concerning cotton farming and pest management.

Farm boy with sack full of boll weevils which he has picked off of cotton plants. Macon County, Georgia

#MaconCounty #Georgia #America #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017770425/