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Avery County approves a package of budget amendments, a second cash-flow loan and a $33 million debris-project adjustment
Summary
Commissioners approved multiple budget amendments tied to Hurricane Helene recovery (including a $33,000,000 debris-project amendment), adopted targeted amendments for fire, EMS, solid waste and animal services, approved a $1,301,913.69 cash-flow loan and approved FEMA-tracking authority.
At a June 30 special meeting the Avery County Board of Commissioners adopted a series of budget amendments and a second-round cash-flow loan intended to cover immediate operating and disaster-related expenses.
Commissioners approved an initial $155,000 amendment to pass through unbudgeted fire-tax collections (debit Fire Commission 206600.4012; credit Tax Collections-Fire 203100.0000). The board also adopted a $455,000 amendment using Fire Commission fund balance for radio installations, a fire truck purchase and equipment upgrades and a $95,000 amendment to increase the Register of Deeds’ excise-stamp revenue line.
Several amendments were tied to Hurricane Helene recovery: a $100,000 increase for solid-waste disposal costs, a $170,150 amendment for EMS personnel overtime and related personnel costs, and a $200,000 amendment to track recovery expenses for possible FEMA reimbursement. Commissioners also approved a $110,000 capital purchase for a generator for Emergency Management and a $10,000 amendment for increased animal-services costs related to ongoing investigations.
The board noted a conflict and agreed that Commissioner Junior Benfield would recuse himself from the vote on the Avery County Debris Project Ordinance. To match updated debris-removal estimates the county adopted a $33,000,000 amendment (debits: $10,000,000 ROW Debris Removal; $23,000,000 Waterway Debris Removal; credit Revenue 363100.0000). The motion carried with the participating commissioners (recorded as 3-0) and Benfield recused from the vote.
Separately, the board approved an amendment to the initial Cash Flow Loan Agreement and authorized a second-round cash-flow loan in the amount of $1,301,913.69. Votes on the cash-flow items were recorded as unanimous with four commissioners present.
All budget amendments were moved and seconded as recorded in the minutes; motions were recorded as adopted with the listed debits and credits. The minutes note that Hurricane Helene drove several of the emergency-related requests and that the county will use fund balance temporarily pending possible FEMA reimbursement.
