After closed-session economic development briefing, Cherokee County backs Project Zeus with One NC Fund match

After meeting in closed session to discuss a prospective company proposing a new Peachtree facility, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners returned to open session Nov. 17 and unanimously voted to support a One NC Fund grant application for ‘Project Zeus’ and to approve a $7,500 county match to be paid over five years.

In closed session the board met with Paul Worley (recorded in the minutes) about a company expected to create 30 new jobs over five years with an annual salary figure cited at $90,000. The closed session was held under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.11(3) and (4) for attorney consultation and to discuss location/expansion of industry; the board also consulted with Attorney Sean Perrin, and the attorney consultation was recorded as privileged.

After returning to open session, Commissioner Ben Adams moved (second: Dr. Dan Eichenbaum) for the county to support the One NC Fund application and to provide the $7,500 match; the motion passed unanimously. The minutes do not record the prospective company’s name or other proprietary details discussed in closed session. The board’s action authorizes staff to proceed with the grant support and the match commitment as recorded in the minutes.