Avery County commissioners approve recovery contracts, budget amendments and back Senate Bill 248

The Avery County Board of Commissioners on April 7 approved several recovery- and administration-focused actions, including a FEMA-required archaeological monitoring contract, initiation of private property debris removal, two budget amendments and a resolution supporting North Carolina Senate Bill 248.

The board voted unanimously to adopt a proclamation designating April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It also unanimously appointed Jeffrey Smith to the Avery County Agriculture Advisory Board and approved Blackburn, Childers & Steagall to audit county finances for the year ending June 30, 2025, at a cost not to exceed $41,500, the board heard.

Archaeological monitoring for FEMA work: The board approved a contract with SDR for archaeological monitoring at EHP-identified waterways sites with a not-to-exceed amount of $19,000. Sonny Sims of SDR told the board that the monitor rate is $3,000 per day and that several sites will be monitored; Junior Benfield recused himself from the discussion and vote. The motion passed 3-0 with Benfield recused.

Private property debris removal: County officials said FEMA has approved private property debris removal (PPDR) and that residents may sign up in person or online. Angelia Cruthirds of Debristech described the sign-up process; Junior Benfield recused himself from discussion. The board reached consensus to begin PPDR in Avery County.

Budget amendments and finance items: Finance Officer Caleb Hogan reported the Avery County Department of Parks & Recreation received $25,000 from the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation for Schultz Circle Park; the board adopted a budget amendment to record that funding. The board also approved a $6,616 amendment to create a temporary full-time Register of Deeds training position ahead of a retirement; both amendments passed unanimously.

Resolution on birth records: The board adopted a resolution supporting North Carolina Senate Bill 248, which would permit county Registers of Deeds offices to issue birth records for adopted individuals locally rather than requiring a request to the state office in Raleigh.

Other motions: The board approved the March 3, 2025 regular-session minutes, accepted the Tax Administrator’s March collections report ($881,734.13), approved releases and sales reports, and voted to adjourn at 7:05 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Adopt proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month: motion by Dennis Aldridge, second Wood Hall Young, Jr.; passed 4-0. - Appoint Jeffrey Smith to Agriculture Advisory Board: motion by Wood Hall Young, Jr., second Junior Benfield; passed 4-0. - Approve archaeological monitoring contract (NTE $19,000): motion by Dennis Aldridge, second Wood Hall Young, Jr.; passed 3-0 (Junior Benfield recused). - Begin Private Property Debris Removal (consensus): consensus to begin; no formal roll-call vote recorded. - Adopt budget amendment — Schultz Circle Park $25,000: motion by Junior Benfield, second Dennis Aldridge; passed 4-0. - Adopt budget amendment — Register of Deeds temp position $6,616: motion by Junior Benfield, second Wood Hall Young, Jr.; passed 4-0. - Approve Blackburn, Childers & Steagall as auditors (NTE $41,500): motion by Dennis Aldridge, second Junior Benfield; passed 4-0. - Adopt resolution supporting NC Senate Bill 248: motion by Wood Hall Young, Jr., second Junior Benfield; passed 4-0.

The board also reviewed applicants for two advisory boards and agreed to consider additional appointments at the next meeting. The manager was authorized by consensus to pursue property purchase options for a Senior Center facility as staff and counsel continue to evaluate sites.