Ashe County, North Carolina

County Commission

The County Commission will hold public hearings regarding Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds and the Ashe County Cemetery Ordinance. The body will also review budget amendments and contracts for the Riverview Community Center and a tennis court project.

• Public hearing: Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Funds
• Public hearing: Ashe County Cemetery Ordinance
• PEAK HVAC contract for Riverview Community Center
• Tennis Court Project bids and budget amendment
• Landfill Change Order #2 (Stephen Crawford)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will consider resolutions directing expenditure of opioid settlement funds for FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27. Other business includes a consent agenda with appointments, a university lease agreement, presentations on a budget amendment, Blue Ridge Parkway land dedication, a trails month proclamation, and a river access sponsorship resolution. Public comment will be heard.

• Resolution Directing Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds FY 2025-26 (RES 26-13)
• Resolution Directing Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds FY 2026-27 (RES 26-14)
• Blue Ridge Parkway Land Dedication presentation by Blue Ridge Conservancy
• Deep Ford River Access Sponsorship Resolution (RES 26-12)
• Appalachian State University Lease Agreement (MISC 26-20)

County Commission

This is a special budget session focused on the Ashe County Sheriff's Office, Corrections, and Communications. The commission will discuss and then vote on approving the FY 2026/2027 Budget Ordinance and the FY 2026/2027 Economic Development Budget Expenditures.

• Approval of the FY 2026/2027 Budget Ordinance
• Approval of the FY 2026/2027 Economic Development Budget Expenditures

The County Commission approved the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Budget Ordinance totaling $162,619,528. The board also set the ad valorem tax rate at $0.44 per $100 of assessed value and maintained existing fire district and rescue/EMS tax rates. Discussions included a special budget session regarding the Sheriff's Office, Corrections, and Communications.

• Approved FY 2026–2027 Budget Ordinance of $162,619,528 (5-0)
• Set ad valorem tax rate at $0.44 per $100 of assessed value (5-0)
• Maintained all Fire District tax rates (5-0)
• Set Rescue/EMS tax district rate at $0.024 per $100 of assessed value (5-0)
• Maintained Solid Waste Disposal Tipping Fees (5-0)
• Adopted revised fee schedules for fire, planning, and building inspections (5-0)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hold two public hearings on the proposed FY 2026/2027 budget ordinance and economic development budget expenditures, then vote on adoption. Other public hearings include a land sale. The board will also consider consent agenda items such as budget amendments, project ordinances for the agriculture center and landfill cell, and an appointment to the workforce development board.

• Public hearing and approval of FY 2026/2027 budget ordinance and economic development budget
• Public hearing on land sale (no details provided)
• Adoption of amended and final project ordinance for Agriculture Center construction
• Adoption of project ordinance for Landfill Cell Construction & Environmental Services Building
• Appointment of Tasha Roundtree to the High Country Council of Government Workforce Development Board

The Board of Commissioners postponed the vote on the $162,619,528 FY 2026/2027 budget ordinance. This delay allows for a face-to-face meeting between commissioners and the Sheriff's Office to address concerns regarding proposed public safety cuts. The session is scheduled for June 19, 2026.

• Approved Consent Agenda (4-0, one recusal)
• Adopted June 15, 2026 agenda (5-0)
• Tabled FY 2026/2027 Budget Ordinance and Economic Development expenditures for a meeting on June 19, 2026

County Commission

The Commission approved a resolution to amend the Ashe County EMS-Rescue Service District to include the towns of Jefferson and West Jefferson. Additionally, the board awarded a contract to Woodgrain for timber removal at the landfill.

• Approved resolution to include Jefferson and West Jefferson in the EMS/Rescue District (4-0)
• Awarded Landfill timber clearing work to Woodgrain contingent on proof of insurance (4-0)

County Commission

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed FY 2026-27 county budget. No other items are scheduled for discussion or decision at this meeting.

• Public hearing on the FY 2026-27 Proposed County Budget

The commission conducted a public hearing on the FY 2026‑27 proposed budget. No substantive measures were approved, denied, or tabled. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous agreement.

• Adjourned public hearing (unanimous)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will consider a consent agenda including minutes and airport board appointments. A presentation will cover a proposed change order for the middle school's site utilities and generator revisions. Announcements note public hearings on the proposed budget scheduled for June 1 and June 15. The board will also hold an executive session for legal and economic development matters.

• Consent agenda: approval of May 18 regular session minutes
• Consent agenda: appointment of Dr. Richard Hillard and Dr. Darin Hodges to the Airport Advisory Board
• Presentation on Middle School Change Order #3 for site utilities and generator revisions
• Public hearing on proposed budget announced for June 1 at 6:05 PM and June 15 at 9:05 AM
• Executive session for legal and economic development discussions

Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda and adopted the meeting agenda. They also approved a $382,937 change order for the middle school construction project, funded from existing contingencies. The board entered and later exited an executive session before adjourning the meeting.

• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved $382,937 middle school change order (5-0)
• Entered executive session (5-0)
• Returned from executive session (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

County Commission

The County Commission is meeting for a budget session to review funding for various county departments. The agenda includes a specific focus on EMS transition and budgetary planning.

• EMS Transition and Budgetary Planning (PRES 26-101)
• Budget reviews for Finance, Tax Administration, and Legal
• Budget reviews for Information Technology Services and Public Buildings
• Budget reviews for Fire, Inspections, and Medical Examiner
• Budget reviews for Ambulance & Rescue and Animal Control

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hear presentations including the FY 2026-2027 budget, a landfill change order, DSS statistics, a budget amendment for Riverview Community Center using insurance proceeds, and a request from Todd Island Park. The board will also consider consent agenda items such as meeting minutes and the monthly tax report.

• Adam Stumb presents FY 2026-2027 budget
• Change order for Baker's Construction Services at landfill
• Budget Amendment #3 for Riverview Community Center (insurance proceeds)
• Todd Community Preservation Organization requests funds for Todd Island Park
• Patricia Calloway requests fourth installment of approved contingency funds for Generations Ashe

The Ashe County Commission unanimously approved a change order for the county landfill after subgrade failure was discovered. The board also approved a $95,095 budget amendment for the Riverview Community Center, the Subsidized Child Care Assistance policy, and an updated emergency‑shelters agreement with the school system. In addition, the Juvenile Crimes Prevention Council annual plan and a fourth $60,000 contingency draw were approved.

• Approved landfill change order (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved Riverview Community Center budget amendment $95,095 (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved Subsidized Child Care Assistance policy (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved emergency shelters agreement with the Board of Education (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved JCPC FY 2026‑2027 annual plan (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved fourth $60,000 contingency installment (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous 5‑0)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will consider multiple items including a resolution to narrow NC 221 Business from four lanes to three, a contract for the Helene Recovery Fund project at a park, and budget requests from AppHealthCare and for the Riverview Community Center. The board will also act on a salary reinstatement for a law enforcement officer, a routine resolution appointing a plat review officer, and other operational matters.

• Resolution supporting right-sizing NC 221 Business from four lanes to three lanes
• NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Helene Recovery Fund project agreement for a splash pad, Smartplay Centre, and shelter
• AppHealthCare needs and budget request
• Riverview Community Center electrical system installation contract and budget amendment
• Reinstatement of salary and longevity for law enforcement officer David Gambill

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will consider a resolution authorizing participation in the Remnant Defendant Opioid Settlement Agreement and receive information on new national opioid settlements. Presentations are scheduled on fire department recognition, DSS statistics, the EMS study, Ashe Bash, and Ashe Harvest Ministries. The commission will also discuss a landfill timber sale RFP and a DEQ grant for environmental services.

• Resolution authorizing participation in Remnant Defendant Opioid Settlement Agreement (RES 26-4)
• Landfill Timber Sale RFP invitation (PRES 26-60)
• Environmental Services DEQ Grant (PRES 26-61)
• DSS Statistics for February 2026 and Path NC Update
• Reappointment of Josh Roten to WCC Board of Trustees

The commission voted unanimously to approve the remaining items on the consent agenda. A time‑sensitive request from the Town of West Jefferson for a water easement was added to the agenda and also approved unanimously. No other actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved remaining consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Added water‑easement request to agenda (unanimous approval)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hear an updated incentive agreement with GE Aerospace (Project Pandora), a prefinal agreement for the EMS base, and a resolution from Down Home NC on federal and state budget impacts. The consent agenda includes letters of support for potential land acquisitions on the Blue Ridge Parkway. An executive session is scheduled for economic development.

• Updated GE Aerospace incentive agreement (Project Pandora)
• Prefinal agreement for engineering services for Ashe County EMS base
• Resolution from Down Home NC on federal and state budget impacts
• Letter of support for potential land acquisitions on Blue Ridge Parkway
• Encroachment agreement for Town of Jefferson streetscape improvements

The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda. The agenda was adopted with an amendment to discuss the Capital Improvement Project Plan for EMS delivery, also unanimously. Commissioners Greene and Eldreth moved and seconded approval of the revised GE Aerospace Incentive Agreement, and the board voted in favor, adopting the updated contract.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda with EMS discussion amendment (unanimous)
• Approved updated GE Aerospace Incentive Agreement (vote in favor)

County Commission

The County Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on an installment financing contract for a Landfill and Environmental Services building. The board will also review bids for airport fencing, obstruction removal, and school facility repairs.

• Public hearing and resolution for Landfill and Environmental Services Building financing
• Acceptance of Landfill bid from Baker Construction and GMP for Environmental Service Building from Vannoy Construction
• Order to advertise 2025 delinquent real property taxes in the Ashe Post & Times
• Approval of design services for airport perimeter fencing and obstruction removal projects
• Review of bids for Middle School roof and Ashe County High School parking lot repairs

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved the consent agenda and adopted the meeting agenda unanimously. They then approved an installment financing contract for the Landfill and Environmental Services building, accepted the landfill construction bid, and approved the final GMP for the Environmental Services building, all by unanimous vote. The board also approved advertising delinquent tax liens, a one‑day amendment to the audit contract, and accepted the FY 2024‑2025 audit, each with unanimous approval. Finally, the commissioners approved the airport perimeter‑fencing and tree‑removal design proposals by a majority vote.

• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted March 16 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved installment financing contract for Landfill and Environmental Services building (unanimous)
• Accepted landfill bid from Baker Construction (unanimous)
• Approved final GMP for Environmental Services building from Vannoy Construction (unanimous)
• Approved advertising of delinquent tax liens ($1 per name) (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day amendment to audit contract (unanimous)
• Approved airport perimeter‑fencing and tree‑removal design proposals (majority vote)

County Commission

The commission will receive a proposal recommendation for an EMS base site selection, discuss a cemetery ordinance, and consider a budget amendment from Emergency Management. They will also approve minutes and hear a proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month. A mid-year budget review and executive session on property and legal matters are scheduled.

• Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month presented by Lori Hensley
• EMS Base Site Selection Team Proposal Recommendation presented by County Manager Adam Stumb
• Cemetery Ordinance Discussion presented by County Manager Adam Stumb
• Request for Budget Amendment from Emergency Management Director Patty Gambill
• Mid-Year Budget Review and Executive Session on property and legal matters

The commission unanimously approved the selection of McGill & Associates to evaluate two potential EMS base sites in Jefferson. They also adopted a Child Abuse Awareness Month proclamation, approved a $31,909.03 budget amendment for a FEMA‑approved debris‑removal project, and entered and exited executive session. All actions were passed with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved selection of McGill & Associates for EMS base site evaluation (4‑0)
• Adopted Child Abuse Awareness Month proclamation (4‑0)
• Approved $31,909.03 budget amendment for FEMA debris‑removal project (4‑0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (4‑0)
• Adopted amended meeting agenda (4‑0)
• Entered Executive Session at 10:45 am (4‑0)
• Exited Executive Session at 11:21 am (4‑0)
• Adjourned regular session at 11:21 am (4‑0)

County Commission

The County Commission will consider authorizing installment financing for landfill operations and an ordinance amendment for the Industrial Park Phase 3 project. The meeting also includes updates on the Middle School, EMS, and ambulance purchases.

• Resolution authorizing negotiation of installment financing for the landfill
• Shell Building Project Ordinance Amendment for Industrial Park Phase 3
• Middle School Change Order #2
• Ambulance purchase quote from Northwest Emergency Vehicles
• Audio Visual Board Room Scope of Work

The County Commission approved the consent agenda and adopted the meeting agenda, both with unanimous votes. Commissioners then approved a $59,320 credit change order for the middle school project, also unanimously. All other presentations were informational and did not result in votes.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved $59,320 middle school change order (unanimous)

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission meeting scheduled for February 2, 2026, was canceled due to a winter storm. The agenda included items such as the approval of the 2026 Ashe Bash facility grounds use and a presentation on a middle school change order.

• Meeting canceled due to winter storm
• Approval of 2026 Ashe Bash facility grounds use
• Middle School Change Order #2 presentation
• Audio Visual Board Room Scope of Work presentation
• Request for Contingency Support from Generations Ashe

The February 2, 2026 Ashe County Commission meeting was canceled because of a winter storm. No agenda items were considered, and no votes were taken. The notice included standard procedural information and contact details for accessibility requests.

County Commission

The County Commission will review the adoption of the Capital Improvement Plan and an engineering contract for a proposed animal shelter site. The meeting includes updates on the 2027 countywide revaluation and Riverview repairs.

• Adoption of the Ashe County Capital Improvement Plan
• Proposed Animal Shelter Site Development Engineering Contract with WithersRavenel
• 2027 Countywide Revaluation Update
• Riverview Repairs Budget Amendments
• Airport Planning & Engineering Statement of Qualifications

The commission unanimously approved the WithersRavenel engineering contract for the animal shelter and a related $73,200 budget amendment. It also unanimously approved four budget amendments totaling about $517,000 to fund Riverview Community Center flood repairs. The agenda and consent agenda were adopted without opposition, and no actions were taken on the tax revaluation update or DSS statistics presentations.

• Approved WithersRavenel engineering contract for animal shelter ($119,700) (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment increasing Dept. of Public Buildings appropriation by $73,200 (unanimous)
• Approved four budget amendments for Riverview Community Center repairs ($108,817.94 FEMA, $106,317.94 state grant, $104,910.40 insurance, $197,910 FEMA) (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• No action taken on 2027 countywide revaluation update
• No action taken on DSS November 2025 statistics
• Public comment heard; no decision made

County Commission

The Ashe County Commission will hold a public hearing on the Shell Building Project Ordinance and Community Development Block Grant funds. The body will also consider a budget amendment for Sheriff's training materials and approve the 2026 Volunteer Awards Program.

• Public Hearing: Shell Building Project Ordinance
• Public Hearing: Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Relief Funds
• Sheriff's Office: Purchase of L.E.A.D. Training Material (Quotes)
• Approval: 2026 Volunteer Awards Program & Governor's Award Luncheon
• Consideration: Ambulance Base Request for Qualifications