Avery County commissioners approve appointments, multiple budget amendments and property transfer

The Avery County Board of Commissioners on July 7 appointed Andrea Turbotil as the county tax administrator, approved several personnel reappointments and routine land‑use items, and adopted multiple budget amendments to roll grant and capital funds into the upcoming fiscal year.

The board adopted a resolution to name Andrea Turbotil tax administrator for a four‑year term after a motion and second; the resolution was approved by voice vote. Commissioners also appointed Covey Smith to the county Planning Board and reappointed Paul Harris as the county representative to the High Country Workforce Development Board. The board designated Josh Smith as the county’s designee to call the initial organizational meeting of the Toll River Valley Regional Library board.

In land‑use business, planning staff presented Cranberry Phase 3B (lots 162–168) for final approval; the board approved the final plat by motion. The board also reviewed and approved a memorandum of understanding with the Avery County Board of Education to transfer 1.24 acres of Riverside Stone property to the county for a new EMS space, a 911 backup center and a sheriff’s satellite office; the board noted the Board of Education had already signed the deed.

Finance officer Kenny Baker presented a package of budget amendments the board approved by motion. Items included rolling leftover DARE program funds ($31,497.08) into FY25/26, moving state drug fund proceeds ($7,071.15) into the next fiscal year, carrying forward capital outlay for central dispatch tower repairs ($39,080) driven by Hurricane Helene repairs, and moving Dogwood Health Trust planning funds forward (remaining $225,985.55). The board also approved a FEMA reimbursement amendment ($375,000) and appropriations for the Avery County Schools lottery repair fund to replace a high‑school water‑heater system ($29,676.50). Other items included moving funds for a Bearcat tactical vehicle and smaller capital and grant rollforwards.

Tax administrator Turbotil presented the annual collections report, showing the 2024 total levy at $24,275,398.52 with $23,813,685.40 collected (collection rate ~98.1%). She reported the 10‑year levy total was $207,528,434.90 with $206,511,453.52 collected (collection rate ~99.51%). The board approved the monthly collections report for the period (collections $63,088.16).

The meeting packet and public updates also included community notices: the Avery Long Term Recovery Group said it will partner with the county on a memorial and local‑heroes recognition and reported a joint Red Cross grant of roughly $3,000,000 (about $1,000,000 designated to Avery County). County staff and the manager noted ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and that FEMA had assisted 2,876 families or individuals to date, totaling approximately $16,070,431 in assistance, as reported to the board.

The board approved prior meeting minutes and consent agenda items by consensus and set its next regular meeting for August 4, 2025.