Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Haywood County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues with high priority
County library services and National Library Week
Library Director Kathy Vossler asked the Board to approve closing the Fines Creek branch of the county library system. For residents of that rural community, it means a longer trip to reach library services.
2027 Property Revaluation and Schedule of Values
The countywide property reappraisal takes effect January 1, 2027, and the Schedule of Values sets how every parcel gets valued — which directly shapes your property tax bill. A public hearing was held October 19 before the Board's action item.
Regional healthcare pressure on Mission Health/HCA
Vaya Health briefed commissioners on its merger with Partners Health Management, which manages Medicaid behavioral health locally. State lawmakers have ordered a study that could eliminate LME/MCOs entirely — a threat Vaya says it wants to survive by getting bigger.
Affordable housing and the revolving loan fund
The loan fund committee recommends $597,000 to Haywood Habitat for Humanity for two affordable homes and to the Waynesville Housing Authority for repairing water-damaged tower units.