Swain commissioners approve $115,000 from Article 46 for school capital items, 4-1

The Swain County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve $115,000 from Article 46 to address school system capital needs, including vehicle repairs, athletic equipment and an initial phase of an auditorium lighting upgrade.

A school representative outlined specific requests: $23,055.71 to replace the diesel motor in a flatbed truck, about $25,000 for materials to build a second batting cage, roughly $15,000 to replace several garage door motors, and $50,000 for the first phase of a lighting system replacement at the performing arts center. The presenter said Article 46 (half-cent sales tax) has a fund balance of more than $700,000 and continues to generate about $50,000 a month.

Following discussion and questions about bids and vendor checks, a motion to approve the Article 46 requests was made, seconded and carried by a show of hands with a recorded tally of 4 in favor and 1 opposed. The board asked staff to continue reviewing vendor options for the engine replacement to ensure fiscal responsibility.