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Residents urge caution as board reviews Pathways center funding and operations
Summary
Two public commenters urged the Haywood County commissioners not to use taxpayer funds for the Pathways center, citing neighborhood impacts and asserting it deviated from its original sober, faith-based model; the board asked Pathways leadership to give a formal report and denied an $80,000/month funding rumor.
During the public-comment period, Eric Overholtz criticized the Pathways Center and urged the board not to fund it with county taxpayer dollars, saying the Hemlock Street location had "attracted people to the area who are unable to pass or unwilling to comply with the drug screening and sobriety requirements at the center," and asserting increased EMS responses.
"I will always base my votes on my Christian beliefs and values," Overholtz told the commissioners, criticizing what he called dismissive responses from officials.
Sherry Morgan, another public commenter, said Pathways had been intended as a sober, faith-based facility and objected to reported county funding levels. "I vote no to giving $85,000 a month of taxpayer money to fund Pathways," Morgan said, and urged commissioners not to increase taxes on residents already under financial strain.
Board members responded by asking Pathways to present a formal report at a future meeting and by disputing funding rumors. The chair said the board had not agreed to pay "$85,000 a month" and indicated staff would invite Pathways leader Mandy to explain the organization's programs and finances. Commissioners who spoke described Pathways as providing short-term housing, meals and services that helped reduce recidivism and save the county money in other areas.
No formal funding motion or vote occurred during the meeting; commissioners instructed staff to follow up and to schedule a Pathways presentation so the board and the public could evaluate services and any budget requests.
