Funding request for Macon County Library salaries stalled

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Gay Pride display became an issue during June 7 meeting

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  • The display pictured above is in the main section of the library and there is a similar one in the teen section.
    The display pictured above is in the main section of the library and there is a similar one in the teen section.
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A Gay Pride display at the Macon County Public Library became an issue during a discussion about extra funding for library staff salaries at the Board of County Commissioners budget session on June 7.

The proposed county budget for 2022-23 includes an increase of $52,470 for library operations, and Commissioner Ronnie Beale asked for an additional $20,000 for salaries, to account for the 7% inflation rate.

“Even though they are not county employees, and they are Fontana employees, those people that work in the library still serve the citizens of Macon County and that money stays in Macon County,” Beale said.

Beale pointed out the county’s libraries did not get COVID recovery funds but continued to provide services during the pandemic.

“We’d like to try to help those folks if we possibly could,” he said. “We want to keep our staff, We have good staff. That staff is what keeps it going.”

Commissioner Paul Higdon objected, citing last year’s Gay Pride display and the one this year. “If you want to celebrate divisive things like Gay Pride Week or whatever, do it, but do it on private property. I know if it’s a spiritual or religious function, we could not post that in a publicly funded building. I have a hard time allocating an increase to a publicly funded institution that supports a display that’s so divisive in our community.”

Beale countered by saying “It is a display, and it is educational” adding that you could argue a lot of displays are divisive. He said the proposed increase was to take care of the employees, and he wouldn’t let a display stand in the way of something that benefits the employees.

“The library features a variety of materials in its displays for children, teens, and adults. Part of our mission is to provide convenient access to materials, so our displays help to make people aware that these materials are available,” said Library Director Karen Wallace. “Our displays are often timed to coincide with national observances because we know that people are likely to be interested in those topics: Pride Month in June, Mental Health Month in May, Black History Month in February, Women’s History Month in March. We understand that not everyone will be interested in the materials on display and we’re happy to help them locate other things that they want to read, listen to, or view.”

The increase was not approved.

 

Cowee School

maintenance

Commissioner Josh Young questioned the county’s responsibility for maintaining the old Cowee School and how long they would continue to do that. “Right now, we’re budgeting approximately $70,000 a year and those numbers aren’t going to go down anytime soon.” He asked if it might be in the county’s best interest to have a private entity or a nonprofit to take on maintenance of the school.

Beale said the idea behind the school was to turn it into a community center for the whole county. “It’s not just an old school. It’s a heritage center that has been very successful and that does a lot of good things.”

 

Pickleball courts

County Manager Derek Roland said the recreation commission made the request for the pickleball courts. The proposed budget included $150,000 to build the courts. Roland said the county received $250,000 in state funds for recreational improvements, freeing up county funds for the pickleball courts. There is a group of pickleball players raising money privately that will help offset the costs of the court. Roland said they are considering county-owned property for the courts and looking at locations that will not be too invasive (and costly) to grade.

Chair Jim Tate said pickleball is a fast-growing sport and it is amazing how busy the courts in Highlands stay.

 

COLA

The proposed budget includes a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and step increase, with the two together totaling about a 4.5 percent increase for each employee.

“Yes, they do a tremendous job, but we’re in, I think, tough economic times,” Higdon said, pointing out that in more “normal times” the COLA was about 2 percent. “I think a three percent COLA plus a step increase is a little bit hefty.”

Roland said the expenditures in the budget are based on very conservative revenue projections and that the county could cover those expenses even if economic growth stopped. He pointed out the average COLA is 4.7% statewide and 6% in Western North Carolina counties.

“If we’re going to continue to be competitive and continue to provide high-quality public service, we have to take all the steps necessary to recruit and retain high-quality employees.”

 

Fire department millage tax requests

Four fire departments presented requests for millage rate increases at the May 26 meeting and returned for the June 7 meeting to answer questions. Three departments made it through the second budget session and will be presented as part of the county budget for approval.

Higdon said the fire departments need to adjust just as families and small businesses are doing – that it is time to “buckle down” and learn to make do with what you’ve got.

“Tough economic conditions make good managers,” he said.

Prior to the votes on the requests, Higdon said he has a hard time asking citizens to pay more. “I can’t support any kind of tax increase for anything.

Burningtown Fire and Rescue had originally requested an increase from .1056 to .1596, but the commissioners would not come to a consensus on the increase. Instead, they agreed to a 1-cent increase to .1156, which will generate about $22,150 additional revenue for the department. The increase passed 3-2 with Young and Higdon opposing.

Cullasaja Fire & Rescue’s request for a .0163 increase was approved 3-2 with Tate and Higdon opposing. The millage rate will increase from .0557 to .0720, generating $75,785 in revenue for the department.

With a .0155 increase, Franklin Fire and Rescue plans to add more paid positions and buy fire apparatus. The millage rate will increase from .0545 to .07, with an additional $252,694 in revenue. The increase was approved 4-1; Higdon opposed

The commissioners denied Otto Fire & Rescue’s request for an increase to support construction of a new fire hall. The department had requested an increase from .1 to .1192. The commissioners thought the increase was too much. Beale suggested the department re-evaluate its construction plans and look at a building that would cost less to build. The estimated cost of the building is $4.8 million-$5 million. Beale proposed a penny increase rather than full amount. The request failed 2-3 with Tate, Young and Higdon opposing.

The increases will not be final until the Board of County Commissioners approve the county budget. A public hearing on the budget was scheduled for June 14.

- By Mia Overton/The Franklin Press