[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6511572,"mediaKeyId","5322378-928266700eb3a6cfc79ff1e943315663","parentId",5322378,"title","New Avery County tax administrator reports 98.1% collection rate for 2024 and outlines collections activity","audioSeconds",155,"startMs",3331000,"endMs",3486000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322378-928266700eb3a6cfc79ff1e943315663&start=3331&end=3486","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322378-928266700eb3a6cfc79ff1e943315663/thumbnail_3331000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511572/Avery-County/North-Carolina/New-Avery-County-tax-administrator-reports-981-collection-rate-for-2024-and-outlines-collections-activity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511572-24d3a1aed50e8935c505ce800c7849be/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138506&Signature=OWUru1~SsmG6~zhefeBx7aqiES345RKLIJA~EaGh4nhE5YDpFBVELcwC4MzPC~7kFPI3wnCn658ujNa1pP6zva07tQBJFiWdqqNf6a1vMhxgxPuFrVFjUQKVW-mfm7eGAF55XEA3YSc1I-PNothYK-lbrkwcEjApRzOi1Ycxapke16ylo7BFfVBxJgQJD2H~NoZsd0o3PAUxcTrgkjuV2BDOcKWk2MoaFC8D0zy416u3Ciq1i~J5cZ-naoSXbiX3JnWPyXM8EToLkmXLGIvAtJH6LkdEOsxp~gclspq~l1IhOJFAf2bTGZV2rvrsRC2LrBNWp7THAbTYKF8s2CQo1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Avery County","date","2025-07-07T21:33:19Z","article","Andrea Turbotil, the newly appointed Avery County Tax Administrator, delivered her first official report to the Avery County Board of Commissioners at the July 7 meeting.

Turbitol (presented in the meeting as Andrea Turbotil) reported the county's original 2024 levy for county tax at $20,079,216.52 and a fire tax levy of $3,896,015.15, for a combined levy figure reported earlier in her remarks of approximately $23,975,231.67; Turbotil later summarized total levy for 2024 as $24,275,398.52 and said the county collected $23,813,685.40 for a 98.1% collection rate for 2024. She provided a 10-year levy and collection overview noting a 10-year total levy of $207,528,434.90 and total collected $206,511,453.52 (10-year collection rate 99.51%).

Turbitol explained components of releases and discoveries, citing discovery totals of $343,196.78 for the year (breakouts noted in her report) and described payment agreements and efforts to work with taxpayers. She said collections staff issued demand letters and that the office avoids aggressive levy techniques where possible, preferring payment agreements that do not immediately resort to wage garnishment. She also reported a small number of bankruptcies and accounts turned over to the county attorney for collection.

The board received the report and then moved to approve the monthly collections as presented.

Ending: The report was accepted as informational and the board voted to approve the collections report; staff were directed to continue normal collection and payment-agreement practices described in the presentation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Avery County Board of Commissioners Meeting 7/7/25","oneSentenceSummary","Andrea Turbotil, newly appointed Avery County tax administrator, presented her first report July 7, detailing the county's levy, collections, discoveries, payment agreements and delinquency handling practices.","taxTitle","Avery County, North Carolina","taxId",74616,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511577,"Long-term recovery group and county report major grants, community support and request for memorials following storm response",963,2104000,3067000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322378-928266700eb3a6cfc79ff1e943315663&start=2104&end=3067","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322378-928266700eb3a6cfc79ff1e943315663/thumbnail_2104000.jpg","/articles/6511577/Avery-County/North-Carolina/Long-term-recovery-group-and-county-report-major-grants-community-support-and-request-for-memorials-following-storm-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511577-b1fc79b871ce70ed97b6ab6be85d087d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138506&Signature=VoUc11vJpoOF9Lv-UoZHqtZzAbyUIcnrAyTJ9jDhjIPO1pciX956aPDi4BAybSJQVSeWyViSbqxBprGGTLORojLhcqX97ctxiue02ttS043FGj9V4pzuOWSk5rA0tmtctBjp~5Q0~CUrYF-OIT3cwk6B5riVzCYieDPxx3MCcRhTu0CSo4aj7Vz~HpmDCTuAJsJsnd-DcW~t5XBLyb4ljrkElRvmcEkqP66rjL3TrZDwcalGiNtfhVjGr6Tuh-VdRogVhQ59fRrHR2W9Ymb4lVA6SfjghxUvkwKbeyucqqbEAaHBMMAj0ZbH-TOhGzDeLIkrOBIGbjZDD3Ehryxl8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public comment period at the July 7 meeting, residents and representatives of the Avery Long Term Recovery Group updated the Avery County Board of Commissioners on recovery efforts from recent storms and asked the county to consider a community memorial and recognition for local volunteers and first responders.

A public commenter suggested a memorial or candlelight vigil on the courthouse square to honor victims of recent storms and to recognize local rescue efforts. The commenter said local people with heavy equipment, tractors and off-road vehicles provided much of the immediate response in the days after the disaster and asked the board to consider a public event.

Kevin (last name not given), speaking for the Avery Long Term Recovery Group, told commissioners the group had partnered with Mitchell and Yancey counties and, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, received an approximately $3,000,000 award (about $1,000,000 designated to each county). He said the group also had an award from NC VOAD and expected both funding streams to begin flowing to the county by August. The group asked the county to let them know if anyone intended to apply for the state private roads and bridges grant (due July 16) so they could help support applications. The group also runs a weekly unmet-needs table and announced a Back-to-School Bash scheduled for July 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the high school.

County staff provided related updates. The county manager reported that, as of June 30, FEMA and federal assistance had provided help to 2,876 families or individuals in the county, totaling $16,070,431 in assistance. The manager noted other nonprofit and foundation donors and thanked volunteer groups aiding recovery. County staff said representatives from a community development block grant program (referred to as NC Renew) would be available at the Mainland Avery campus to assist hurricane victims with eligibility and the application process.

The board received the comments and the Long Term Recovery Group offered to partner with the county on memorial planning and other recovery activities.

Ending: Commissioners accepted the updates and asked staff to continue coordinating with recovery partners; the board did not make a formal decision on a memorial but acknowledged public interest in holding an event.","Members of the Avery Long Term Recovery Group told commissioners they had secured a multi-county Red Cross grant and other funding flows, offered to partner on a community memorial for storm victims, and the county manager reported FEMA assistance and ongoing recovery supports.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511581,"COG presents county housing authority option as one tool to address Avery County housing shortfall",563,2522000,3085000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322378-928266700eb3a6cfc79ff1e943315663&start=2522&end=3085","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322378-928266700eb3a6cfc79ff1e943315663/thumbnail_2522000.jpg","/articles/6511581/Avery-County/North-Carolina/COG-presents-county-housing-authority-option-as-one-tool-to-address-Avery-County-housing-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511581-21a3b7e9c921e26aa92b690cfc1dbecd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138506&Signature=IQWfAjujIWCiwwGAAx4HGbL10Ah308Zp2eg6sn0ql1PZwgFEsubE4a~iXNrrpLqJSxr~ky7MlwIJSHwal-uWS-e5M6b1eWFverAPsDVn0VdJiKEEdQ6kcpcZQ5xXZSSVCE58MGHtsf~d2AXh7NfnR9O56pjK2EyKcd9ArMkL7Nvy8sK0DDM9B31obT9YZQ3Y0CUNGbFPv22GcMNdmBlGeI4JDZVG0rngWjTKeUAEo~HlWL3MXxTO6Bk-sxBU8ZMRMz2-uTsN0A7eSM6ZShMPrXOMdINhKoJIpTlI2~Iz7DV-PBWcLNgzl-Xc~0r2aMrzqYAZhshjc0UEjTz14kG4NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Avery County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation July 7 from Chris Grubb of the High Country Council of Governments about the possibility of forming a county housing authority to expand the county's capacity to develop housing.

Grubb told commissioners that while local governments face limits in the housing space, a county housing authority can give a county additional powers to own, hold, improve and operate housing projects, apply for certain disaster-recovery and nonprofit-targeted grants, and carry out mixed-income projects tailored to local need.

\"You can own, hold, clear and improve property, sell, exchange, lease and assign property,\" Grubb said. \"You can provide for the construction, reconstruction, improvement, alteration, repair of any housing project or part thereof.\" He added that an authority still must comply with income-targeting limits tied to area median income (AMI) and federal rules: in Avery County, Grubb cited roughly $50,400 (60% AMI) and $67,200 (80% AMI) as example thresholds discussed in planning documents.

Grubb said the council will consult the UNC School of Government for details on formation and authority powers and suggested the housing vehicle could help the county apply for grants and build the types of units identified in a recent county housing study. \"Some of the disaster-recovery grants that are out there ... could potentially be a benefit to have a county authority that you're able to apply for some of those grants,\" he said.

Commissioners noted the region has increased attention and funding opportunities following recent storms and disaster recovery work. One commissioner said the county could work with existing authorities rather than compete with them but added a local authority could allow Avery County to focus development on local needs and keep projects aligned with the types of housing the county's study identified.

The board asked the county manager to gather more information, and commissioners indicated by consensus they would like staff to analyze what formation would entail, possible structures and funding avenues and to bring recommendations back to the board (including the possibility of an early workshop). Grubb said he planned to meet with the UNC School of Government the following day to seek more detailed legal guidance.

Ending: The presentation was informational and produced direction to staff rather than a decision: commissioners asked the manager to research formation steps and funding options and return with a report and potential workshop date.","Chris Grubb of the High Country Council of Governments briefed commissioners on possibilities and limits of creating a county housing authority to pursue housing development, grant eligibility and mixed-income projects; board asked staff to explore options and return with recommendations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511585,"Avery County commissioners approve rollovers, grants, appointments and property transfer",190,4765000,4955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322378-928266700eb3a6cfc79ff1e943315663&start=4765&end=4955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322378-928266700eb3a6cfc79ff1e943315663/thumbnail_4765000.jpg","/articles/6511585/Avery-County/North-Carolina/Avery-County-commissioners-approve-rollovers-grants-appointments-and-property-transfer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511585-13aaf291692665808952b0be3244a182/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138506&Signature=XWI5R92QkzeYHiLP9eE7BA3ve48movUIJs3QG5ae0zNiC4Ov6nEKM~pXHjFiaQ3Cdc9hPDtmRrGCNED2xxqH1JxM-JwDQtJ67y8DHdA0wNbfn~1CicS7~P~0IfixxhoEY~W8B-6M7599UIQPjWRL06sZEaBaJ0HKNFeFuPlojcv5G5umB3qiS2ApBTxq-eqf1fa8TuxjHnGodhwpYueDlexaKXdP3lqI2fMAl64sghSgpBI5Shy5GOmJa8Drd9kVPkzdWc8y6yc5ThzqjMCXqkHJjn7JHktsLPCh1yD5Xj6kfOBeT0eq6jjTxxL-hnsh8ZKLtEdNfdyuOPAkrTKx2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Avery County Board of Commissioners on July 7 approved a series of budget amendments and grants, reappointed and named several county representatives, accepted a school property transfer for emergency services use and approved subdivision final plat and routine monthly collections.

The board approved budget rollovers and new grant appropriations to move funds into the 2025–26 fiscal year for recovery and capital projects, including: $375,000 for hurricane-recovery tracking (FEMA-related), a $395,196 rollover for a Sheriff's Bearcat tactical vehicle, $225,985.55 carried forward from a Dogwood Health Trust grant for opioid-related planning, $39,080 for tower repair capital outlay, $31,497.08 for Dare program funds, $29,676.50 from lottery proceeds for Avery County High School repairs, $85,368.38 for EMS building improvements at Green Valley, $24,000 from an NCDEQ recycling compactor grant (with a $6,000 county match), $17,336.36 from a Dogwood Health Trust digital opportunities grant, and $18,288.97 for veterans services equipment and marketing. Budget action requests were presented by the finance officer and adopted by motion.

The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Avery County Board of Education to transfer 1.24 acres of the former Riverside School property to the county for a proposed Riverside EMS space, 911 backup center and a sheriff's satellite office. The Board of Education had signed the deed prior to commissioners' action.

On personnel and appointments, the board adopted a resolution appointing Andrea Turbotil as Avery County Tax Administrator. The board voted to reappoint Paul Harris as the county representative to the High Country Workforce Development Board and to appoint Covey Smith to the Avery County Planning Board (reappointment/applicant review steps were noted in the packet). The board designated Josh Smith to call and advertise the initial organizational meeting of the new Toe River Valley Regional Library board per the regional library contract. The board approved the final plat for 1911 Cranberry Phase 3B, Lots 162 through 168 and approved the monthly collections report as presented.

Most votes were taken by voice with motions and seconds recorded in the meeting minutes; specific roll-call tallies with member-by-member votes were not included in the public transcript.

The consent portion of the agenda, including contract items with Avery Transportation and several minutes approvals, was approved by consensus. The board set its next regular meeting for August 4, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Votes at a glance (motions as recorded in meeting):
- Appoint Andrea Turbotil as tax administrator — motion to approve resolution; outcome: approved.
- Appoint Covey Smith to Avery County Planning Board — motion and second; outcome: approved.
- Reappoint Paul Harris to High Country Workforce Development Board — motion and second; outcome: approved.
- Final approval: 1911 Cranberry Phase 3B, Lots 162–168 — motion and second; outcome: approved.
- Accept MOU / transfer of 1.24 acres from Board of Education for EMS/911/sheriff space — motion approved.
- Designate Josh Smith to call/advertise initial organizational meeting for Toe River Valley Regional Library — motion approved.
- Approve monthly collections report ($63,088.16 reported collections for the period presented) — motion approved.
- Budget amendments/grant rollovers (selected items) — motions approved (see body for list of major appropriations/rollovers).

The meeting record shows the board acted by motion and voice vote on the listed items; where individual roll-call votes were not included in the transcript, the minutes record ‘‘all in favor, aye’’ or similar voice votes.

Ending: The board concluded with informational items and reminders about local recovery resources and upcoming community events; the next regular meeting was set for Aug. 4, 2025 at 6 p.m.","At its July 7, 2025 meeting the Avery County Board of Commissioners approved a package of budget rollovers and grants, made several appointments, approved a property transfer from the Board of Education, and signed off on subdivision final approval and monthly collections.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

New Avery County tax administrator reports 98.1% collection rate for 2024 and outlines collections activity

Long-term recovery group and county report major grants, community support and request for memorials following storm response

COG presents county housing authority option as one tool to address Avery County housing shortfall

Avery County commissioners approve rollovers, grants, appointments and property transfer