County, Bryson City consider interlocal agreement to let county fire marshal inspect county buildings inside town limits

County staff presented a draft interlocal agreement with the Town of Bryson City that would allow the Swain County fire marshal to inspect and conduct fire-prevention work on county-owned buildings located inside the town limits. County staff said Bryson City recently adopted a downtown-focused fire-prevention ordinance and is appointing its own fire marshal (likely the town fire chief) for municipal enforcement; the draft interlocal agreement would permit the county marshal to continue inspecting county properties inside the town while Bryson City retains enforcement authority for other city properties within its jurisdiction. "This fourth whereas, the county has requested it be authorized to conduct its own building code and fire prevention inspections on county properties and facilities located within the town limits of Bryson City, and the town has no objection to an arrangement," a staff presenter said. Commissioners asked how the arrangement would work in practice, including whether city firefighters would retain access for emergency response and whether any cited deficiencies would be enforced by the town. County staff said the plan is collaborative: the county marshal would inspect county properties; the town marshal/fire chief would continue to handle municipal enforcement and have access to buildings for firefighter operations. Commissioners were told the draft will be returned for consideration during a regular session if the board wishes to act.