Macon County Board of Commissioners November 2026 Agenda Packet and Livestream

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting on Tuesday, November 10th at 6pm in the county courthouse.


Livestream | Macon Media

VIDEO PLAYER WILL BE ADDED LATER

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Public Agenda
November 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM

1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Young

2. Announcements
a. The December 8, 2026, meeting will be cancelled due to the mandatory meeting required by N.C.G.S. 153A-26 and 153A-39 on Monday December 7, 2026. That meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Board Room.

3. Moment of Silence

4. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Public Hearing(s) - None

6. Additions to agenda

7. Public Comment Period

8. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

9. Reports/Presentations
a. VAYA Health Update - Community Relations Regional Director Shelly Foreman
b. Recognition of Outgoing Board Members - County Manager Warren Cabe and Chairman Josh Young

10. Old Business
a. Update on Upset Bid Process for County-Owned Property - Attorney Eric Ridenour

11. New Business
a. Friends of the Greenway (F.R.O.G.S.) Proposal to Expand the Disc Golf Course - Commissioner Gary Shields and Members of the Franklin Disc Golf Club

12. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes of the September 8, 2026, Regular Meeting
b. Budget Amendments #97-102 and 104
c. Capital Project Ordinance Airport Infrastructure Grants Amendment
d. Macon County Spot Safety Project at US 64, Old Murphy Road, and Patton Road
e. 2026 Refund of Ad Valorem - Refund of taxes - No finished upper story
f. Tax Releases for the Month of October 2026 in the Amount of $252.14
g. Monthly ad valorem tax collection report - no action necessary

13. Appointments
a. Macon County Airport Authority - 1 Seat
b. Town of Franklin Planning Board - 1 Seat

14. Closed Session as allowed under NCGS 143-318.11

15. Recess until December 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m

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Agenda Packet

(Download 96 Page PDF) 

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Published at 5.15pm on Thursday, November 05, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

Liveblog: Election Results for the 2026 Midterms

Election results will be shared here in reverse chronological order. Release of results will be delayed to 8.15pm per the State Board of Elections. A copy of their notice is posted below:

"After meeting in an emergency session, the NCSBE board voted to grant a 45-minute voting extension at the Tabor City Courthouse in Columbus County, and shorter extensions in Lenoir, Wilson, and Hertford counties. Due to the extended voting times at these locations, website posting of statewide results will be delayed by 45 minutes.

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EARLY VOTING and ABSENTEE BY MAIL

TIME: 8.21pm
RESULTS:

US Senate Early: Whatley 5,637 (53.3%), Cooper 4,689 (44.4%), Bray 152 (1.4%), Dublin 92 (0.9%) Mail: Whatley 149 (34.3%), Cooper 276 (63.6%), Bray 6 (1.4%), Dublin 3 (0.7%) Cumulative: Whatley 5,786 (52.6%), Cooper 4,965 (45.1%), Bray 158 (1.4%), Dublin 95 (0.9%). Total 11,004

US House NC-11 Early: Balkcom 5,667 (53.7%), Ager 4,737 (44.9%), Groo 144 (1.4%) Mail: Balkcom 158 (36.5%), Ager 272 (62.8%), Groo 3 (0.7%) Cumulative: Balkcom 5,825 (53.0%), Ager 5,009 (45.6%), Groo 147 (1.3%). Total 10,981

NC Senate 50 Early: Corbin 6,539 (62.0%), Downing 4,012 (38.0%) Mail: Corbin 182 (42.2%), Downing 249 (57.8%) Cumulative: Corbin 6,721 (61.2%), Downing 4,261 (38.8%). Total 10,982

NC House 120 Early: Gillespie 6,093 (57.9%), Brown 4,433 (42.1%) Mail: Gillespie 173 (40.0%), Brown 260 (60.0%) Cumulative: Gillespie 6,266 (57.2%), Brown 4,693 (42.8%). Total 10,959

County Commissioner D1 Early: Shearl 5,320 (51.4%), Lunn 5,027 (48.6%) Mail: Shearl 164 (38.5%), Lunn 262 (61.5%) Cumulative: Shearl 5,484 (50.9%), Lunn 5,289 (49.1%). Total 10,773

County Commissioner D2 (vote for 2) Early: Burns 5,161 (27.5%), Castle 5,096 (27.1%), Bell 4,496 (23.9%), Greene 4,036 (21.5%) Mail: Burns 157 (20.3%), Castle 146 (18.9%), Bell 234 (30.2%), Greene 237 (30.6%) Cumulative: Burns 5,318 (27.2%), Castle 5,242 (26.8%), Bell 4,730 (24.2%), Greene 4,273 (21.8%). Total 19,563

Education D02 Early: Shields 4,166 (44.7%), Laseter 2,602 (27.9%), Messer 2,545 (27.3%) Mail: Shields 174 (50.0%), Laseter 126 (36.2%), Messer 48 (13.8%) Cumulative: Shields 4,340 (44.9%), Laseter 2,728 (28.2%), Messer 2,593 (26.8%). Total 9,661

Education D04 Early: Breeden 5,794 (65.9%), Perkins 3,000 (34.1%) Mail: Breeden 189 (58.2%), Perkins 136 (41.8%) Cumulative: Breeden 5,983 (65.6%), Perkins 3,136 (34.4%). Total 9,119

Soil and Water (vote for 2) Early: Bell 5,512 (44.4%), Reynolds 4,441 (35.7%), Zickgraf 2,475 (19.9%) Mail: Bell 202 (41.3%), Reynolds 193 (39.5%), Zickgraf 94 (19.2%) Cumulative: Bell 5,714 (44.2%), Reynolds 4,634 (35.9%), Zickgraf 2,569 (19.9%). Total 12,917

Amendment: Photo ID Early: For 7,493 (71.9%), Against 2,929 (28.1%) Mail: For 263 (60.5%), Against 172 (39.5%) Cumulative: For 7,756 (71.4%), Against 3,101 (28.6%). Total 10,857

Amendment: 3.5% income tax cap Early: For 7,378 (71.2%), Against 2,986 (28.8%) Mail: For 300 (69.8%), Against 130 (30.2%) Cumulative: For 7,678 (71.1%), Against 3,116 (28.9%). Total 10,794

Amendment: Property tax levy limit Early: For 7,277 (70.3%), Against 3,067 (29.7%) Mail: For 313 (72.6%), Against 118 (27.4%) Cumulative: For 7,590 (70.4%), Against 3,185 (29.6%). Total 10,775

Malt beverage Early: For 7,141 (71.4%), Against 2,863 (28.6%) Mail: For 267 (67.1%), Against 131 (32.9%) Cumulative: For 7,408 (71.2%), Against 2,994 (28.8%). Total 10,402

Unfortified wine Early: For 7,109 (71.5%), Against 2,834 (28.5%) Mail: For 276 (69.3%), Against 122 (30.7%) Cumulative: For 7,385 (71.4%), Against 2,956 (28.6%). Total 10,341

Local sales tax Early: For 5,295 (51.6%), Against 4,962 (48.4%) Mail: For 196 (46.4%), Against 226 (53.6%) Cumulative: For 5,491 (51.4%), Against 5,188 (48.6%). Total 10,679

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8.34pm 5 precinct is

North Franklin US Senate: Whatley 675 (50.3%), Cooper 630 (47.0%), Bray 21, Dublin 15 NC-11: Balkcom 693 (51.6%), Ager 617 (45.9%), Groo 33 NC Senate 50: Corbin 834 (62.3%), Downing 505 (37.7%) NC House 120: Gillespie 788 (58.7%), Brown 554 (41.3%) Comm D1: Lunn 679 (51.7%), Shearl 634 (48.3%) Comm D2: Bell 631, Burns 612, Castle 570, Greene 554 Educ D02: Shields 626 (50.8%), Laseter 352 (28.6%), Messer 254 (20.6%) Educ D04: Breeden 770 (67.0%), Perkins 380 (33.0%) Soil and Water: Bell 696, Reynolds 619, Zickgraf 293 Photo ID: For 992 (74.8%), Against 334 · Income tax cap: For 938 (71.3%), Against 377 · Levy limit: For 919 (70.4%), Against 386 Malt beverage: For 891 (70.3%), Against 377 · Wine: For 882 (70.1%), Against 376 · Sales tax: For 730 (55.6%), Against 583

Iotla US Senate: Whatley 502 (54.1%), Cooper 396 (42.7%), Bray 17, Dublin 13 NC-11: Balkcom 502 (54.3%), Ager 407 (44.0%), Groo 16 NC Senate 50: Corbin 609 (65.6%), Downing 319 (34.4%) NC House 120: Gillespie 561 (60.8%), Brown 361 (39.2%) Comm D1: Shearl 471 (52.6%), Lunn 424 (47.4%) Comm D2: Burns 463, Castle 452, Bell 417, Greene 336 Educ D02: Shields 429 (51.0%), Laseter 233 (27.7%), Messer 180 (21.4%) Educ D04: Breeden 533 (69.0%), Perkins 239 (31.0%) Soil and Water: Bell 485, Reynolds 405, Zickgraf 219 Photo ID: For 709 (77.7%), Against 204 · Income tax cap: For 698 (77.1%), Against 207 · Levy limit: For 685 (75.8%), Against 219 Malt beverage: For 604 (69.3%), Against 267 · Wine: For 588 (67.9%), Against 278 · Sales tax: For 481 (53.2%), Against 423

Sugarfork US Senate: Whatley 193 (62.5%), Cooper 110 (35.6%), Bray 5, Dublin 1 NC-11: Balkcom 197 (64.0%), Ager 105 (34.1%), Groo 6 NC Senate 50: Corbin 213 (69.8%), Downing 92 (30.2%) NC House 120: Gillespie 197 (64.4%), Brown 109 (35.6%) Comm D1: Shearl 190 (62.3%), Lunn 115 (37.7%) Comm D2: Burns 177, Castle 162, Bell 106, Greene 92 Educ D02: Shields 115 (42.8%), Messer 78 (29.0%), Laseter 76 (28.3%) Educ D04: Breeden 167 (69.9%), Perkins 72 (30.1%) Soil and Water: Bell 152, Reynolds 108, Zickgraf 63 Photo ID: For 237 (77.7%), Against 68 · Income tax cap: For 238 (78.8%), Against 64 · Levy limit: For 231 (77.0%), Against 69 Malt beverage: For 201 (70.8%), Against 83 · Wine: For 203 (71.5%), Against 81 · Sales tax: Against 156 (52.2%), For 143

Smithbridge US Senate: Whatley 1,116 (61.5%), Cooper 644 (35.5%), Bray 37, Dublin 18 NC-11: Balkcom 1,095 (60.4%), Ager 665 (36.7%), Groo 52 NC Senate 50: Corbin 1,253 (69.5%), Downing 550 (30.5%) NC House 120: Gillespie 1,188 (66.0%), Brown 612 (34.0%) Comm D1: Shearl 1,069 (60.5%), Lunn 699 (39.5%) Comm D2: Burns 1,022, Castle 1,007, Bell 661, Greene 539 Educ D02: Shields 732 (45.8%), Messer 469 (29.3%), Laseter 398 (24.9%) Educ D04: Breeden 1,050 (69.0%), Perkins 471 (31.0%) Soil and Water: Bell 868, Reynolds 756, Zickgraf 447 Photo ID: For 1,430 (79.7%), Against 364 · Income tax cap: For 1,386 (77.8%), Against 395 · Levy limit: For 1,370 (77.3%), Against 403 Malt beverage: For 1,202 (70.6%), Against 501 · Wine: For 1,193 (70.1%), Against 509 · Sales tax: Against 954 (54.5%), For 797

Burningtown US Senate: Whatley 334 (66.8%), Cooper 149 (29.8%), Bray 12, Dublin 5 NC-11: Balkcom 334 (66.8%), Ager 157 (31.4%), Groo 9 NC Senate 50: Corbin 372 (74.8%), Downing 125 (25.2%) NC House 120: Gillespie 353 (70.9%), Brown 145 (29.1%) Comm D1: Shearl 289 (59.8%), Lunn 194 (40.2%) Comm D2: Burns 302, Castle 287, Bell 154, Greene 127 Educ D02: Shields 226 (51.4%), Messer 115 (26.1%), Laseter 99 (22.5%) Educ D04: Breeden 269 (66.9%), Perkins 133 (33.1%) Soil and Water: Reynolds 233, Bell 229, Zickgraf 118 Photo ID: For 398 (81.2%), Against 92 · Income tax cap: For 380 (78.4%), Against 105 · Levy limit: For 377 (77.7%), Against 108 Malt beverage: For 343 (73.0%), Against 127 · Wine: For 340 (73.0%), Against 126 · Sales tax: Against 249 (51.4%), For 235

Cumulative for the 5 reported precincts US Senate: Whatley 2,820 (57.6%), Cooper 1,929 (39.4%), Bray 92 (1.9%), Dublin 52 (1.1%) NC-11: Balkcom 2,821 (57.7%), Ager 1,951 (39.9%), Groo 116 (2.4%) NC Senate 50: Corbin 3,281 (67.3%), Downing 1,591 (32.7%) NC House 120: Gillespie 3,087 (63.4%), Brown 1,781 (36.6%) Comm D1: Shearl 2,653 (55.7%), Lunn 2,111 (44.3%) Comm D2: Burns 2,576 (29.7%), Castle 2,478 (28.6%), Bell 1,969 (22.7%), Greene 1,648 (19.0%) Educ D02: Shields 2,128 (48.6%), Laseter 1,158 (26.4%), Messer 1,096 (25.0%) Educ D04: Breeden 2,789 (68.3%), Perkins 1,295 (31.7%) Soil and Water: Bell 2,430 (42.7%), Reynolds 2,121 (37.3%), Zickgraf 1,140 (20.0%) Photo ID: For 3,766 (78.0%), Against 1,062 (22.0%) Income tax cap: For 3,640 (76.0%), Against 1,148 (24.0%) Levy limit: For 3,582 (75.1%), Against 1,185 (24.9%) Malt beverage: For 3,241 (70.5%), Against 1,355 (29.5%) Wine: For 3,206 (70.1%), Against 1,370 (29.9%) Sales tax: For 2,386 (50.2%), Against 2,365 (49.8%), only 21 votes apart

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TIME:8.40pm
Cumulative for District Races:

Here are the districtwide results as of 8:39 PM Eastern. The state site last updated at 8:35.

- **US Senate (statewide, 305 of 2,626 precincts):** Cooper (D) 1,618,439 (64.5%), Whatley (R) 848,670 (33.8%), Bray (L) 24,537 (1.0%), Dublin (G) 18,438 (0.7%). Cooper leads by 769,769.

- **US House NC-11 (62 of 290 precincts):** Ager (D) 154,286 (61.2%), Balkcom (R) 94,709 (37.6%), Groo (L) 3,058 (1.2%). Ager leads by 59,577.

- **NC Senate 50 (18 of 97 precincts):** Corbin (R) 32,135 (51.5%), Downing (D) 30,298 (48.5%). Corbin leads by 1,837.

- **NC House 120 (9 of 43 precincts):** Gillespie (R) 12,503 (63.3%), Brown (D) 7,252 (36.7%). Gillespie leads by 5,251.

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TIME: 8.59pm
District / statewide races (as of ~8:51–8:54 PM update)

Macon status: Still 5 of 15 precincts (last Macon update 8:29). No change.

US Senate (statewide)

• Total: Cooper (D) 1,723,505 (62.2%) · Whatley (R) 996,692 (36.0%) · Bray (L) 29,059 (1.0%) · Dublin (G) 21,057 (0.8%)
  Cooper leads by 726,813
• Early: Cooper 1,574,410 (64.7%) · Whatley 820,012 (33.7%)
• Mail: Cooper 47,730 (70.0%) · Whatley 18,971 (27.8%)
• Election Day: Whatley 157,682 (58.9%) · Cooper 101,304 (37.8%)
• Reporting: 620 of 2,626 precincts (8 counties complete, 47 partial, 45 not reported)
• Moved from 445 precincts at 8:48; Cooper slipped from 63.0% to 62.2%

US House NC-11 (full district)

• Total: Ager (D) 166,630 (60.3%) · Balkcom (R) 105,954 (38.4%) · Groo (L) 3,613 (1.3%)
  Ager leads by 60,676
• Early: Ager 143,998 (63.4%) · Balkcom 80,776 (35.6%)
• Mail: Ager 3,510 (71.5%) · Balkcom 1,333
• Election Day: Balkcom 23,845 (54.0%) · Ager 19,122 (43.3%)
• Reporting: 134 of 290 precincts (McDowell & Graham complete; Cherokee, Clay, Jackson still 0; Buncombe 40/80)
• Up from 74 precincts; Ager slipped from 60.8% to 60.3%

NC Senate 50 (full district)

• Total: Corbin (R) 34,874 (52.5%) · Downing (D) 31,513 (47.5%)
  Corbin leads by 3,361
• Early: Downing 27,406 (50.3%) · Corbin 27,034 (49.7%)
• Mail: Downing 1,259 (66.8%) · Corbin 626
• Election Day: Corbin 7,214 (71.7%) · Downing 2,848
• Reporting: 30 of 97 precincts
  (Graham complete; Transylvania 12/15, Haywood 5/21, Swain 4/5, Macon 5/15; Cherokee, Clay, Jackson still 0)
• Unchanged since 8:48

NC House 120 (full district)

• Total: Gillespie (R) 12,503 (63.3%) · Brown (D) 7,252 (36.7%)
  Gillespie leads by 5,251
• Early: Gillespie 9,817 (61.1%) · Brown 6,255
• Mail: Brown 299 (57.5%) · Gillespie 221
• Election Day: Gillespie 2,465 (77.9%) · Brown 698
• Reporting: 9 of 43 precincts (Graham complete; Macon 5/15; Cherokee & Clay still 0)
• Unchanged since 8:48

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Macon report with early / mail / Election Day / cumulative
(12 of 15 precincts · 15,526 ballots · site last updated ~8:54 PM)
Still out: East Franklin, Highlands, Flats

US Senate

• Early: Whatley 5,637 (53.3%) · Cooper 4,689 (44.4%) · Bray 152 · Dublin 92
• Mail: Whatley 149 (34.3%) · Cooper 276 (63.6%) · Bray 6 · Dublin 3
• Election Day: Whatley 2,941 (66.9%) · Cooper 1,276 (29.0%) · Bray 111 · Dublin 69
• Cumulative: Whatley 8,727 (56.7%) · Cooper 6,241 (40.5%) · Bray 269 (1.7%) · Dublin 164 (1.1%)

NC-11

• Early: Balkcom 5,667 (53.7%) · Ager 4,737 (44.9%) · Groo 144
• Mail: Balkcom 158 (36.5%) · Ager 272 (62.8%) · Groo 3
• Election Day: Balkcom 2,892 (65.9%) · Ager 1,319 (30.0%) · Groo 180
• Cumulative: Balkcom 8,717 (56.7%) · Ager 6,328 (41.2%) · Groo 327 (2.1%)

NC Senate 50

• Early: Corbin 6,539 (62.0%) · Downing 4,012 (38.0%)
• Mail: Corbin 182 (42.2%) · Downing 249 (57.8%)
• Election Day: Corbin 3,458 (79.0%) · Downing 919 (21.0%)
• Cumulative: Corbin 10,179 (66.3%) · Downing 5,180 (33.7%)

NC House 120

• Early: Gillespie 6,093 (57.9%) · Brown 4,433 (42.1%)
• Mail: Gillespie 173 (40.0%) · Brown 260 (60.0%)
• Election Day: Gillespie 3,231 (73.9%) · Brown 1,144 (26.1%)
• Cumulative: Gillespie 9,497 (61.9%) · Brown 5,837 (38.1%)

Commissioner D1

• Early: Shearl 5,320 (51.4%) · Lunn 5,027 (48.6%)
• Mail: Shearl 164 (38.5%) · Lunn 262 (61.5%)
• Election Day: Shearl 2,742 (64.2%) · Lunn 1,526 (35.8%)
• Cumulative: Shearl 8,226 (54.7%) · Lunn 6,815 (45.3%)

Commissioner D2 (vote for 2)

• Early: Burns 5,161 (27.5%) · Castle 5,096 (27.1%) · Bell 4,496 (23.9%) · Greene 4,036 (21.5%)
• Mail: Burns 157 (20.3%) · Castle 146 (18.9%) · Bell 234 (30.2%) · Greene 237 (30.6%)
• Election Day: Castle 2,651 (34.1%) · Burns 2,649 (34.1%) · Bell 1,408 (18.1%) · Greene 1,071 (13.8%)
• Cumulative: Burns 7,967 (29.1%) · Castle 7,893 (28.9%) · Bell 6,138 (22.4%) · Greene 5,344 (19.5%)

Education D02

• Early: Shields 4,166 (44.7%) · Laseter 2,602 (27.9%) · Messer 2,545 (27.3%)
• Mail: Shields 174 (50.0%) · Laseter 126 (36.2%) · Messer 48 (13.8%)
• Election Day: Shields 2,116 (53.9%) · Messer 957 (24.4%) · Laseter 853 (21.7%)
• Cumulative: Shields 6,456 (47.5%) · Laseter 3,581 (26.4%) · Messer 3,550 (26.1%)

Education D04

• Early: Breeden 5,794 (65.9%) · Perkins 3,000 (34.1%)
• Mail: Breeden 189 (58.2%) · Perkins 136 (41.8%)
• Election Day: Breeden 2,647 (71.5%) · Perkins 1,054 (28.5%)
• Cumulative: Breeden 8,630 (67.3%) · Perkins 4,190 (32.7%)

Soil and Water (vote for 2)

• Early: Bell 5,512 (44.4%) · Reynolds 4,441 (35.7%) · Zickgraf 2,475 (19.9%)
• Mail: Bell 202 (41.3%) · Reynolds 193 (39.5%) · Zickgraf 94 (19.2%)
• Election Day: Bell 2,034 (40.3%) · Reynolds 1,995 (39.5%) · Zickgraf 1,016 (20.1%)
• Cumulative: Bell 7,748 (43.1%) · Reynolds 6,629 (36.9%) · Zickgraf 3,585 (20.0%)

Referendums

Photo ID
Early: For 7,493 (71.9%) · Against 2,929
Mail: For 263 (60.5%) · Against 172
Election Day: For 3,744 (86.2%) · Against 600
Cumulative: For 11,500 (75.7%) · Against 3,701 (24.3%)

Income tax cap
Early: For 7,378 (71.2%) · Against 2,986
Mail: For 300 (69.8%) · Against 130
Election Day: For 3,560 (82.5%) · Against 755
Cumulative: For 11,238 (74.4%) · Against 3,871 (25.6%)

Property tax levy limit
Early: For 7,277 (70.3%) · Against 3,067
Mail: For 313 (72.6%) · Against 118
Election Day: For 3,416 (79.8%) · Against 865
Cumulative: For 11,006 (73.1%) · Against 4,050 (26.9%)

Malt beverage
Early: For 7,141 (71.4%) · Against 2,863
Mail: For 267 (67.1%) · Against 131
Election Day: For 2,709 (65.8%) · Against 1,408
Cumulative: For 10,117 (69.7%) · Against 4,402 (30.3%)

Unfortified wine
Early: For 7,109 (71.5%) · Against 2,834
Mail: For 276 (69.3%) · Against 122
Election Day: For 2,706 (66.0%) · Against 1,393
Cumulative: For 10,091 (69.9%) · Against 4,349 (30.1%)

Local sales tax
Early: For 5,295 (51.6%) · Against 4,962 (48.4%)
Mail: For 196 (46.4%) · Against 226 (53.6%)
Election Day: Against 2,257 (53.1%) · For 1,994 (46.9%)
Cumulative: For 7,485 (50.1%) · Against 7,445 (49.9%) — 40-vote margin

District / statewide (brief)

• US Senate (822/2,626): Cooper 61.2% · Whatley 36.9% (Cooper +720k)
• NC-11 (157/290): Ager 59.6% · Balkcom 39.0% (Ager +58.6k)
• NC Senate 50 (43/97): Corbin 53.9% · Downing 46.1% (Corbin +5.6k)
• NC House 120 (16/43): Gillespie 64.5% · Brown 35.5% (Gillespie +6.5k)

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TIME 9.12pm

**All 15 of 15 Macon precincts are now in** (site updated 9:06 PM)  

**16,350 ballots** counted out of 29,887 registered (~54.7% turnout)  

No precincts outstanding. Provisionals not yet counted.

**Big close races:**

- **Local sales tax flipped to Against by 9 votes** (7,862–7,853)

- **Education D02:** Messer took 2nd from Laseter by 5 votes (3,780–3,775)

### US Senate

- Early: Whatley 5,637 (53.3%) · Cooper 4,689 (44.4%) · Bray 152 · Dublin 92

- Mail: Cooper 276 (63.6%) · Whatley 149 (34.3%) · Bray 6 · Dublin 3

- Election Day: Whatley 3,448 (66.2%) · Cooper 1,548 (29.7%) · Bray 135 · Dublin 78

- **Cumulative: Whatley 9,234 (57.0%) · Cooper 6,513 (40.2%) · Bray 293 (1.8%) · Dublin 173 (1.1%)**

### NC-11

- Early: Balkcom 5,667 (53.7%) · Ager 4,737 (44.9%) · Groo 144

- Mail: Ager 272 (62.8%) · Balkcom 158 (36.5%) · Groo 3

- Election Day: Balkcom 3,385 (65.0%) · Ager 1,609 (30.9%) · Groo 210

- **Cumulative: Balkcom 9,210 (56.9%) · Ager 6,618 (40.9%) · Groo 357 (2.2%)**

### NC Senate 50

- Early: Corbin 6,539 (62.0%) · Downing 4,012 (38.0%)

- Mail: Downing 249 (57.8%) · Corbin 182 (42.2%)

- Election Day: Corbin 4,030 (77.7%) · Downing 1,157 (22.3%)

- **Cumulative: Corbin 10,751 (66.5%) · Downing 5,418 (33.5%)**

### NC House 120

- Early: Gillespie 6,093 (57.9%) · Brown 4,433 (42.1%)

- Mail: Brown 260 (60.0%) · Gillespie 173 (40.0%)

- Election Day: Gillespie 3,735 (72.0%) · Brown 1,452 (28.0%)

- **Cumulative: Gillespie 10,001 (61.9%) · Brown 6,145 (38.1%)**

### Commissioner D1

- Early: Shearl 5,320 (51.4%) · Lunn 5,027 (48.6%)

- Mail: Lunn 262 (61.5%) · Shearl 164 (38.5%)

- Election Day: Shearl 3,165 (62.5%) · Lunn 1,901 (37.5%)

- **Cumulative: Shearl 8,649 (54.6%) · Lunn 7,190 (45.4%)**

### Commissioner D2 (vote for 2)

- Early: Burns 5,161 (27.5%) · Castle 5,096 (27.1%) · Bell 4,496 (23.9%) · Greene 4,036 (21.5%)

- Mail: Greene 237 (30.6%) · Bell 234 (30.2%) · Burns 157 · Castle 146

- Election Day: Burns 3,112 (33.8%) · Castle 3,082 (33.5%) · Bell 1,712 (18.6%) · Greene 1,299 (14.1%)

- **Cumulative: Burns 8,430 (29.3%) · Castle 8,324 (28.9%) · Bell 6,442 (22.4%) · Greene 5,572 (19.4%)**

### Education D02

- Early: Shields 4,166 (44.7%) · Laseter 2,602 (27.9%) · Messer 2,545 (27.3%)

- Mail: Shields 174 (50.0%) · Laseter 126 (36.2%) · Messer 48 (13.8%)

- Election Day: Shields 2,403 (51.8%) · Messer 1,187 (25.6%) · Laseter 1,047 (22.6%)

- **Cumulative: Shields 6,743 (47.2%) · Messer 3,780 (26.4%) · Laseter 3,775 (26.4%)**

### Education D04

- Early: Breeden 5,794 (65.9%) · Perkins 3,000 (34.1%)

- Mail: Breeden 189 (58.2%) · Perkins 136 (41.8%)

- Election Day: Breeden 3,114 (71.1%) · Perkins 1,265 (28.9%)

- **Cumulative: Breeden 9,097 (67.4%) · Perkins 4,401 (32.6%)**

### Soil and Water (vote for 2)

- Early: Bell 5,512 (44.4%) · Reynolds 4,441 (35.7%) · Zickgraf 2,475 (19.9%)

- Mail: Bell 202 (41.3%) · Reynolds 193 (39.5%) · Zickgraf 94 (19.2%)

- Election Day: Bell 2,478 (40.9%) · Reynolds 2,310 (38.1%) · Zickgraf 1,268 (20.9%)

- **Cumulative: Bell 8,192 (43.2%) · Reynolds 6,944 (36.6%) · Zickgraf 3,837 (20.2%)**

### Referendums

**Photo ID**  

Early: For 7,493 (71.9%) · Against 2,929  

Mail: For 263 (60.5%) · Against 172  

Election Day: For 4,417 (85.7%) · Against 738  

**Cumulative: For 12,173 (76.0%) · Against 3,839 (24.0%)**

**Income tax cap**  

Early: For 7,378 (71.2%) · Against 2,986  

Mail: For 300 (69.8%) · Against 130  

Election Day: For 4,200 (82.2%) · Against 909  

**Cumulative: For 11,878 (74.7%) · Against 4,025 (25.3%)**

**Property tax levy limit**  

Early: For 7,277 (70.3%) · Against 3,067  

Mail: For 313 (72.6%) · Against 118  

Election Day: For 4,042 (79.6%) · Against 1,036  

**Cumulative: For 11,632 (73.4%) · Against 4,221 (26.6%)**

**Malt beverage**  

Early: For 7,141 (71.4%) · Against 2,863  

Mail: For 267 (67.1%) · Against 131  

Election Day: For 3,303 (67.5%) · Against 1,589  

**Cumulative: For 10,711 (70.0%) · Against 4,583 (30.0%)**

**Unfortified wine**  

Early: For 7,109 (71.5%) · Against 2,834  

Mail: For 276 (69.3%) · Against 122  

Election Day: For 3,287 (67.6%) · Against 1,577  

**Cumulative: For 10,672 (70.2%) · Against 4,533 (29.8%)**

**Local sales tax**  

Early: For 5,295 (51.6%) · Against 4,962 (48.4%)  

Mail: Against 226 (53.6%) · For 196 (46.4%)  

Election Day: Against 2,674 (53.1%) · For 2,362 (46.9%)  

**Cumulative: Against 7,862 (50.03%) · For 7,853 (49.97%) — Against by 9**

### District / statewide

- **US Senate** (1,089/2,626): Cooper 1,886,784 (60.2%) · Whatley 1,185,327 (37.8%) — Cooper +701,457

- **NC-11** (179/290): Ager 171,976 (59.0%) · Balkcom 115,235 (39.6%) — Ager +56,741

- **NC Senate 50** (64/97): Corbin 42,562 (55.3%) · Downing 34,382 (44.7%) — Corbin +8,180

- **NC House 120** (28/43): Gillespie 16,664 (65.5%) · Brown 8,777 (34.5%) — Gillespie +7,887

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Early Voting Totals by Party Registration in Macon County

Early voting is over for the 2026 midterms. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Cumulative totals (Macon County):

• Total early voting: 10,645
• GOP: 4,362 (14.6% of registered)
• Democrats: 2,067 (6.9%)
• UNA: 4,183 (14.0%)
• Not Voting: 19,231 (64.4%)
• Total registered: 29,876

Early Voting in the 2022 and 2026 midterms compared. 

In 2022, 9,734 voted early, or 34.8% of the 27,966 registered voters.

In 2026, 10,645 voted early, or 35.63%  of the 29,876 registered voters.

Here is a message from Director of the Macon County Board of Elections: 

Wow! What a turnout!  10,645 in total!!  And Early Voting Is OVER!! 

I want to give a huge shoutout to maintenance workers, delivery partners, the IT department, my Board Members, party chairman and women, and all our Polling Officials! We couldn’t have done this without you! To my Deputy Director, Judy Fritts you rock!  To my Elections Assistant, John Williams, you’re the Man! To our office helper, Edna Morgan, thank you so much!  Your long hours, hard work, dedication, and commitment do not go unnoticed. From the behind-the-scenes preparation to the long days serving our voters, each of you has played an important part in making this election happen.  To the voters in Macon County, thank you for being so kind and patient with our officials; we appreciate you all!

I know firsthand how much work goes into running an election, and I am incredibly grateful for the people who show up, step up, and give it their all.

To my staff, thank you for everything you do day in and day out. To our Early Voting poll workers, thank you for your time, patience, and willingness to serve our community.

I couldn't do this without each and every one of you. I am proud of this team, and I appreciate you more than you know!

THANK YOU for making Macon County proud! ️

 

Voters who could not make it to early voting must go to their proper polling location on Tuesday, November 3^rd to cast a ballot.  There is NO VOTING on Monday, November 2^nd. 

A Pre-Election Board Meeting will be held on Monday, November 2^nd at 5:00 pm to approve absentee-by-mail ballots. 

Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, we will meet at 4:00 pm to count early voting ballots and absentee-by-mail ballots.  No results will be public until 7:30 pm.

A Provisional Meeting will be on Tuesday, November 10^th at 3:00 pm.

Canvass will be on Friday, November 13^th at 11:00 am.

Regards,

 

 

Melanie D. Thibault

Director, Macon County BOE

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Agenda Packet for the November 2026 Franklin Town Council Meeting

The Franklin Town Council will be meeting at 6pm in the lower level of the town hall for its November 2026 regular meeting. 

The public agenda and agenda packet are posted below.

Agenda - November 2, 2026
6:00 p.m. 

1.    Call to Order- Mayor Stacy J. Guffey

2.    Pledge of Allegiance – Vice Mayor Mike Lewis

3.  Adoption of the November 2, 2026 Town Council Agenda - Town Council

4.  Approval of the Consent Agenda for November 2, 2026 - Town Council
     A.) Approval of Minutes
           1. Regular Meeting Minutes October 5, 2026
           2. Special Called Meeting Minutes October 12, 2026
      B.) Budget Amendment
      C.) Approve Contract for Harper XS – Water Treatment Plant
      D.) Refer to Planning Board
             1.  Petition for Rezoning
             2. Parking Text Amendment
             3. Process Text Amendment

5.  Introductions/Recognitions
    A.)  Bill Allen, Lab Supervisor, received Maintenance Technician 3 Certification – presented by Jason Hopkins, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor/ORC
    B.) Jason Hopkins, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor/ORC, received Lab Analyst 1 Certification – presented by Bill Deal, Public Works Director
    C.)  Swearing in of Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Sarah Bishop – Mayor Stacy Guffey

6.  Presentations
    A.) Police Presentation – Honorary Police Officer Ceremony

There will be a brief recess.

7.   Public Session

8.   Items from Council

9.  Old Business
   A.)  Revised Incentive Grant Application – Franklin Machine Company – Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Sarah Bishop

10.  New Business
     A.)  Request approval of Firehouse Subs Grant for Franklin Fire Department – Fire Chief Justin Setser
     B.)  Request approval of Chemtrac Grant for Franklin Fire Department – Fire Chief Justin Setser
     C.)  Request Appointment to Town of Franklin Planning Board/Board of Adjustment – 3-year Term - Town Planner Callie Barnett
     D.)  Request Approval of Resolution Supporting Feasibility Studies Grant Application – Town Planner, Callie Barnett
     E.)  Request Approval of 3-year Contract with DSI – Town Clerk/HR Director Nicole Bradley
     F.)  Request Approval of John Deere Lease Agreement – Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Sarah Bishop
     G.)  Request approval of Street Closures – Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Sarah Bishop
                  a.  Artisan Market, December 12th 2026
                  b.  Ruby Drop, December 30th 2026-January 1st 2027 (2 requests)

11.  Announcements
     A.) Next Town Council Meeting is Monday, December 7, 2026
     B.) Town Offices will be closed on November 11th, 2026 in observance of Veterans Day
     C.) Town Offices will be closed on November 26th and 27th, 2026 in observance of Thanksgiving
     D.) Ribbon Cutting for Sunnyside Park All Inclusive Playground on November 6th at 1:00 PM
     E.) Winter Wonderland (Night One) and Tree Lighting is Saturday, November 28th, 2026. Winter Wonderland will be from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with the Tree Lighting at 7:00 PM.  Winter Wonderland   (Night Two) will be on December 5th, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

12.  Adjourn

Agenda Packet | Download 90 page PDF 

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Published at 6:00am on Thursday, October 29, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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October 2026 Macon County Commissioners Meeting

Macon Media was unable to be at the county commissioner meeting tonight and instead watched via the online stream from the county.

Executive Summary

The Board opened with announcements (including Town of Franklin support for the ¼-cent local option sales tax and a proposed December 7 special meeting for swearing-in). There were no public hearings. Two citizens spoke in favor of a countywide dark-sky / light-pollution ordinance, citing tourism and environmental benefits.

Key reports included the opioid settlement fund balance (~$2.7 million) and progress on a strategic plan funded by a Dogwood Health Foundation grant; a detailed public-education update from the Quarter-Cent Sales Tax Committee (projected $2.2–2.4 million annually, exemptions for groceries, prescriptions, etc.); confirmation that the Franklin High School project remains on time and on budget for an August opening; and clearance of federal cross-cutter reviews for the Carson Convenience Center, allowing construction to proceed.

The Board unanimously approved the 2027 Schedule of Values, final sale of surplus Lot 168 Watauga Vista ($1,600), notice to terminate/rework fire department contracts effective June 30, 2027, the Operation Green Light for Veterans resolution (November 4–11), and two additional surplus-lot upset-bid processes. It approved $37,000 (Option 2) for an East Franklin School feasibility study to support a future $42 million Needs-Based School Capital Fund grant. On the Bartram Academy / Peak building, Commissioner Antoine recused himself due to a direct financial conflict; the remaining members voted 4-0 to declare no county need for the building so it can be leased for Boys & Girls Club after-school and summer programs. The consent agenda passed 5-0. The Board then entered closed session and later adjourned.

Macon County Board of Commissioners (10-13-2026) | Macon County Government

Votes and Results

All recorded votes were unanimous among those voting. No “no” votes occurred.

Item	Motion / Action	Result	Notes / Abstentions
Approval of agenda	Breeden / Antoine	5-0	—
2027 Schedule of Values (reappraisal)	Antoine / Shields	5-0	—
Final approval – sale of Lot 168 Watauga Vista ($1,600)	Breeden / Shields	5-0	Chairman noted reluctance on price but liability relief
Notice of termination of fire department contracts (effective 6/30/2027)	Sherrill / Breeden	5-0	Starts 8-month notice process
Operation Green Light for Veterans resolution	Shields / Sherrill	5-0	—
Upset-bid process – Copeland Subdivision Lot 7 ($1,000 offer)	Antoine / Breeden	5-0	Buyer to reimburse publication costs; Board can still reject
Upset-bid process – Watauga Vista Lot 454 ($750 offer)	Breeden / Shields	5-0	Same conditions
East Franklin School feasibility study – Option 2 ($37,000 from contingency)	Breeden / Shields	5-0	Supports $42 M grant application
Recusal of Commissioner Antoine (Bartram / Boys & Girls Club item)	Sherrill / Shields	4-0	Antoine abstained/recused due to direct financial conflict of interest
Declaration of no county need for Bartram Academy building (allow lease for after-school/summer programs)	Breeden / Shields (after recusal)	4-0	Unanimous among remaining members; maintenance concerns raised but MOU places responsibility on Boys & Girls Club
Consent agenda	Breeden / Antoine	5-0	Includes one-year tax refund on unfinished basement
Enter closed session (real property negotiations + attorney-client)	Breeden / Shields	5-0	—
Adjourn	Antoine / Breeden	5-0	—

Narrative Summary 

Opening and Announcements
Chairman called the meeting to order. Manager noted the Town of Franklin’s resolution supporting the ¼-cent local option sales tax and suggested a special December 7 meeting for swearing-in (to avoid back-to-back meetings on the 7th and 8th). Consensus favored the idea for formal action next month. Moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Shields. No public hearings.

Public Comment

• Ann Hungerford (Ellijay Township) advocated for a countywide dark-sky ordinance (3,000 K max, 100% downward shielding), citing economic benefits of astro-tourism, proximity to PARI and Mayland Earth to Sky Park, and existing protections in Highlands and Jackson County.
• Sarah Johnson (Otto) supported the same for development projects, mentioned lightning-bug walks, and raised concerns about a planning-board vice-chair having signed an NDA on past data-center work.

Agenda Approval – Unanimous (5-0).

Reports and Presentations

• Opioid Settlement: Fund balance $2,699,697 (including $346,411 collected this year + interest). Strategic-planning committee formed; Omni Institute contracted (paid by $300,000 Dogwood Health grant). Five initial members identified (Kara Smith, Perry Welch, Marcy Holland, Devin Holland, Leslie Jones). Plan required before spending funds.
• Quarter-Cent Sales Tax Committee (Betsy Based / committee): Extensive education effort (website makingquarterpenny.com, slideshows, Facebook, community clubs, Rotary, early-voting booths). Projected $2.2–2.4 M/year; ~40% visitor-paid, 60% resident-paid. Does not apply to unprepared groceries, prescriptions, motor vehicles, utilities, manufactured homes, etc. Discussion focused on whether it effectively raises taxes on landowners versus pure property-tax alternative (~1.3 M per mil). Committee emphasized factual clarification only; not formal advocacy. Commissioners thanked the group.
• Franklin High School Project (Carol Daniel Construction / Josh Cochran, Tyler Wiley + County Manager): Time-lapse shown. Still on time and on budget for August opening. Sequencing of moves (Ag/Horticulture to Bartram/Peak campus in January, etc.), intersection redesign at Panther Drive/Porter Street, and demolition of old campus planned for next summer. School Board Chair praised the partnership.
• Carson Convenience Center: Federal cross-cutter reviews (Bald & Golden Eagle Act, NHPA, Clean Water Act, wetlands) completed. Construction ready to proceed; multi-use field option deferred to avoid archaeological delays.

Old Business / Action Items

• 2027 Schedule of Values adopted (5-0); four consecutive newspaper advertisements to follow.
• Surplus Lot 168 Watauga Vista ($1,600) final sale approved (5-0).
• Fire & Rescue contracts: 8-month notice of termination effective 6/30/2027 issued so new contracts can be negotiated (5-0).
• Operation Green Light for Veterans resolution adopted (5-0); green lighting of county facilities and encouragement of private display Nov. 4–11, 2026.
• Two additional surplus lots placed in upset-bid process (both 5-0), with buyer responsible for publication costs; Board retains right to reject final high bid.
• Macon County Schools requested $37,000 (Option 2) for East Franklin feasibility study to position for $42 M Needs-Based School Capital Fund grant. Approved from contingency (5-0). Study will help check grant requirements and potentially relieve overcrowding at multiple elementary schools.

Bartram Academy / Peak Building
School system and Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau requested lease of the soon-to-be-vacant building for free K–12 after-school and summer programs (existing county programs would be dissolved and students prioritized). Commissioner Antoine recused himself (direct financial conflict). Remaining Board voted 4-0 to declare no county need for the building. Discussion noted that exterior/interior maintenance and improvements would fall to the Club under the MOU; major capital items (roof, HVAC) remain a longer-term concern but Club expressed willingness to pursue grants/fundraising.

Consent Agenda – Approved 5-0 (includes one-year refund of illegal tax on unfinished basement).

Closed Session and Adjournment
Motion to enter closed session for acquisition/negotiations of real property and attorney-client privileged matters passed 5-0. After closed session, motion to adjourn passed 5-0.

No additional appointments were made. The meeting concluded with the Board still in a position to finalize any closed-session outcomes at a later public meeting if required.

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