Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Haywood County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues
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.
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.
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.
Clyde Armory emergency shelter and EMS expansion
The county was asked to spend about $1.36 million on emergency medical transport — three new ambulances and a remount — to keep its EMS fleet reliable.
Schools Debt Service Fund Amendments
Two budget amendments move about $2 million of fund balance into the schools' debt service fund — $900,000 for Innovative Middle School renovations and $1.176 million for 13 acres on Hospital Drive in Canton.
Town Manager Appointment
Waynesville just picked a new town manager, and the upside is that they already know the area. That matters because this person runs daily town operations and helps set the tone for budgets, development, and services—so the hire can affect how the town works day to day.