Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve $7,149 performance incentive for Project Fuego
Summary
The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a performance‑based incentive grant up to $7,149.11 for Project Fuego (CW Williams), a proposed regional service center that staff says will invest at least $550,000 and create 10 full‑time jobs.
The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a performance‑based incentive grant valued at $7,149.11 for Project Fuego, a site proposal by CW Williams that county staff says would invest at least $550,000 in property improvements and equipment and create about 10 full‑time jobs.
County Manager Jamie Loder opened a required public hearing and described staff’s recommendation, saying the company’s planned investment and job creation met the board’s incentive guidelines. "Project Fuego is a company which is contemplating investments in the county in real estate and equipment," the manager said during the hearing.
Burton Hodges, executive director of the Transylvania Economic Alliance, presented the company and said the site search is being led by CW Williams, a Rocky Mount firm that serves first‑responder markets. "Project Fuego represents a site location search by CW Williams," Hodges told the board. CW Williams’ president, Tripp Evans, described the company’s mission: "Our mission is to put first responders first."
According to staff, the proposal includes a minimum of $550,000 in real‑estate and equipment investment through 2028, and creation of 10 net new jobs at an average wage above the county average. The county recommendation sets the maximum total incentive over the full period at $7,149.11 and notes the incentives are performance‑based and contingent on the company meeting investment and job thresholds and paying property taxes.
During the hearing, commissioners and audience members asked whether the jobs would be local hires and whether the company would coordinate with Blue Ridge Community College for technical training; presenters said the jobs are expected to be net new in Transylvania County and that partnerships with local technical programs are anticipated.
The board moved and seconded the recommended motion and approved the incentive grant by voice vote. The motion directs county staff to finalize grant paperwork and to disburse incentives only if Project Fuego meets the stated investment and job‑creation conditions.
The next steps are the finalization of contract paperwork and the company meeting the performance milestones required for payment. The board did not record a roll‑call vote; minutes reflect a unanimous voice vote.
