Swain County commissioners designate official for ABC permitting, discuss sheriff vehicle budget amendment and re-scope park grant

The Swain County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 7 took several procedural steps: designating an official to complete ABC permitting paperwork, discussing budget amendment No. 3 to replace sheriff vehicles damaged in wrecks, and directing staff to pursue a grant re-scope for a parks project.

Designation for ABC permitting: County staff explained the board must name a local official to sign a "local government opinion form" required for Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) permitting in the county. Commissioners moved to designate the county manager by position (rather than by a specific name) so a named official would remain valid if personnel change. The board approved the designation by consensus during the work session; staff said the form would be submitted to the state to allow ABC permitting work to proceed.

Budget amendment No. 3 — sheriff vehicles: Commissioners discussed a proposed budget amendment to buy replacement vehicles after wrecks. Staff presented two vehicle options: a Ford Explorer at about $45,000 and a Dodge Durango at about $43,000, with equipment costs that vary depending on reused equipment. Staff said using an Explorer and reusing equipment from a totaled vehicle could save money; the Durango option would require more new equipment and greater additional cost. The board debated fleet size and on-call arrangements for officers. A motion was made during the session to pass budget amendment No. 3; commissioners called for a vote during the meeting. The motion was put forward in the work session; the transcript records the motion and subsequent vote call but does not include a roll-call tally in the work-session record.

Red Park / lazy river grant re-scope: One commissioner proposed changing the scope of a Part F (grant) park project from a lazy river to a baby pool/splash pad, arguing a shallow splash pool would better serve toddlers and be less costly and complex to operate and maintain. The board expressed general agreement and directed the staff member to consult with NC State (the grant administrator referenced) about paperwork to re-scope the grant and report back. Commissioners noted the grant's timeline and possible requirement to finish scope work before the grant cycle ends in the fall; staff said they would pursue the change and return with specifics.

What's next: Staff will submit the ABC local government opinion form under the county-manager-by-position designation, return a budget amendment with formal documentation and vote language for a future regular session if needed, and pursue the PART F grant re-scope paperwork with the state grant administrator.