Haywood County approves property conveyance for affordable housing, fire-department financing and a regional appointment

The Haywood County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 2 to approve several routine but consequential items as part of its regular agenda.

Property conveyance: The board approved a resolution to convey a single-family home at 392 Robinwood Drive in Waynesville to the Southwestern Commission, which will administer a HOME-program rehabilitation project in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. County staff said the transfer will allow the consortium to count the property’s appraised value as part of the HOME 25% matching requirement and will result in deed restrictions to preserve affordability.

Fire-station financing: The board approved an installment financing agreement, not to exceed $300,000 over 10 years, for the Center Pigeon Fire Department to repair and upgrade its station (roof and gutter replacement, raising the front of the building 4 feet, replacing five garage doors with 12-foot doors, and exterior brickwork). The department said it solicited multiple proposals and recommended a 4.9% fixed-rate 10-year term; the board voted to authorize the financing.

Regional appointment: Commissioners reappointed Ira Dove, the county’s Health and Human Services director, to the Region 1 VIA regional board.

All business on the consent and regular agendas passed on voice votes and roll calls recorded during the meeting; several commissioners also used the time to thank volunteers, first responders and FEMA personnel for recovery work.