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Board approves Yancey County withdrawal from AMY library system and Toe River Valley contract in 3–1 vote
Summary
Avery County commissioners voted 3–1 to approve the agreement governing Yancey County’s withdrawal from the AMY Regional Library system (effective June 30, 2025) and to approve a contract for the Toe River Valley Regional Library after discussion about assets and office location.
The Avery County Board of Commissioners on May 5 approved an agreement acknowledging Yancey County’s decision to withdraw from the AMY Regional Library system effective June 30, 2025, and approved a contract establishing the Toe River Valley Regional Library. The motion passed 3–1, with Commissioner Wood Hall Young, Jr. opposed.
Commissioner Young said he believed the withdrawal process should mirror the earlier Toe River Health District separation, expressing concern that when Yancey County pulled out previously it "took all their assets and their employees," and saying he did not think Yancey County employees should retain offices in Yancey County while services continued to be provided. County Attorney Michaelle Poore clarified the immediate transition concern involved the bookmobile employee and related logistics. Commissioner Phillip Barrier, Jr. said the office could be moved to Spruce Pine when office space becomes available.
Commissioner Dennis Aldridge noted the withdrawal was initiated by Yancey County and not by Avery County and emphasized respect for Yancey County’s right to withdraw under the tri-county agreement.
The board’s vote was recorded as For — Tim Phillips, Dennis Aldridge, Robert Burleson; Against — Wood Hall Young, Jr. No abstentions were recorded. The agreement will govern asset and staffing transitions and set the terms for regional library services after June 30.
What happens next: the contract and transition arrangements will be implemented under the terms approved by the board; staff will handle office-location logistics and any personnel transfer questions that arise during the transition period.
