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Residents press commissioners on Nantahala Public Library access, Fontana contract and Highlands Pre‑K needs
Summary
Multiple residents urged Macon County commissioners to address library access and content, and urged funding for a Highlands Pre‑K program; speakers reported capacity shortfalls and called for the board to revisit priorities.
Dozens of residents spoke during the public comment period at the March 14 Macon County commissioners meeting, pressing the board on library access and early‑childhood education funding.
Susan Carter said the proposed layout for the new Nantahala Public Library would limit the community club’s use of the community room. “The community club will only have access to half of the room in the new location which is not large enough for their needs,” Carter said, and asked the board to intervene to restore full access so the group may continue craft classes, potlucks and educational activities.
Several speakers raised broader concerns about the county’s relationship with the Fontana Regional Library system. Jim Gaston urged the board to consider ending the partnership with the Fontana Regional Library system and recommended that, if the county assumed operations, the county consider better salaries for library employees. Claudia Aguilar said she had requested the board’s Code of Ethics and was pleased to see the item on the agenda.
Library process and content also drew comments. Deni Shephard submitted written remarks previously presented to the Macon County Library Board and criticized LGBTQ materials available in the library; Wendy McGaha said she believed some attendees were not allowed to speak at a recent library board meeting and criticized a book she described as explicit for the teen section.
Advocates for early‑childhood services repeatedly asked the board to support a Highlands Pre‑K program. Freda Bennett said there are “currently only 900 Pre‑K slots in Macon County for approximately 1,800 children under the age of five,” and others — including Jerry Moore and Jeff Weller — urged the board to restore funding; Moore noted that private citizens raised $35,000 for a feasibility study. Commissioner Shearl voiced his support for the Pre‑K program; Commissioner Young said the school liaison committee’s prioritized list did not place the project in the top five.
Tax‑assessment procedures were also raised. Gary Abrignani and Robert Bull asked about property appraisals; Tax Administrator Abby Braswell explained applicable procedural laws, the Schedule of Values, and invited residents to meet with staff to discuss individual assessments.
None of the public requests at the March 14 meeting produced immediate board action to change library governance or to fund the Highlands Pre‑K project; commissioners acknowledged the concerns and said they will consider the issues in future priority‑setting and budgeting work.
