Agenda and Agenda Packet for August 2026 Meeting Macon County Board of Commissioners

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting tonight at 6pm in the county courthouse. There will likely be a large number present due to a public hearing about data centers and discussions about the Macon County Public Library and flock cameras being on the agenda, so arrive early, before 5.30pm, especially if you want a good seat or intend to sign up to speak. Macon Media intends to be there before 5pm.

The county will livestream the meeting, but be advised that their audio is almost always less than adequate and you will not be able to hear commissioners, staff, and members of the public who do not speak into the microphones. Those of you who are forced into the overfill room if we do not go upstairs need to let the deputies know if you cannot hear what is being said during the meeting.

Livestream | Macon County



Macon Media will not attempt a livestream on facebook due to technical difficulties. I will have a video on Wednesday or Thursday.

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Public Agenda
August 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM


1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Young

2. Announcements
3. Moment of Silence
4. Pledge of Allegiance
5. Public Hearing(s)
a. To Consider Amendment of Chapter 157 of the Macon County Code of Ordinances to Include Update Definitions of Server-Based Facilities
Note: Following the close of the public hearing, the board may take action.

6. Additions to agenda
7. Public Comment Period
8. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

9. Reports/Presentations
a. GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2025 – County Manager Warren Cabe
b. Presentation of Proposed Schedule of Values and Schedule Public Hearing – Tax Administrator Abby Braswell

10. Old Business
a. Carson Convenience Center Design Presentation – Mr. Cabe

11. New Business
a. Discussion and Consideration of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council FY 2026-2027 Certification and Annual Plan – Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Area Consultant Lorraine Williams
b. Discussion Regarding Outside Agency Funding Requests – Mr. Cabe
c. Consideration to Declare County-Owned Property Surplus and Advertise for Public Bid – Mr. Cabe and Attorney Eric Ridenour

12. Consent Agenda – Attachment #12
All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commissioners.
a. Minutes of the July 11, 2026, Regular Meeting
b. Budget Amendments #20-29
c. Grant Project Ordinance – 2027 Urgent Repair Program
d. Community Advisory Board Annual Report
e. Fireworks Permit – Town of Franklin
f. Nantahala Community Development Club Lease Extension
g. Economic Development Commission Updated Bylaws
h. Macon County Transit Updated Drug and Alcohol Policy
i. Tax releases for the month of July 2026 in the amount of $1,061.95
j. Monthly ad valorem tax collection report – no action necessary

13. Appointments
a. CHSA Board (2 seats)

14. Closed session as allowed under NCGS 143-318.11

15. Adjourn/Recess

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Agenda Packet

(Download 128 Page PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1smc8zPpdCUBWEKfBnuvWvXjFTL8IJYJw/view?usp=sharing

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Support Macon Media

• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at Facebook Subscription
• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
• PayPal: paypal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 3.30pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Macon County Board of Commissioners July 14, 2026, Part One Introduction and Public Comment

Executive Summary

The July 14, 2026, Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting opened with a large, engaged crowd. After brief announcements about pickleball court construction at the Rec Park and upcoming boardwalk work, and procedural items, the Board entered an extended public comment period. Public comment focused on three main topics and was overwhelmingly critical of proposed changes.

Media Outlets Present

Macon Media (Bobby)
Smoky Mountain News (Kyle)
The Franklin Pres (Shelby)
Macon Sense (Dan)

Public Comment (organized by topic)

Redistricting

Near-unanimous opposition to the Planning Board’s 3:2 recommendation (with at-large elements). Speakers strongly preferred five pure districts with district-only voting for better local representation, rural voice protection, and accountability. Many called for a public referendum after broader community outreach and education.

Data Centers/High-Impact Land Use Ordinance

Intense opposition to large-scale data centers. Key concerns included constant noise pollution, massive water and electricity consumption, light pollution harming dark-sky tourism and wildlife, environmental risks to headwaters, lack of meaningful local jobs, and potential loopholes in the current ordinance. Speakers urged stronger restrictions, a moratorium, or an outright ban.

Library/Fontana Regional Library (FRL)

Concerns about exiting the long-standing regional library system. Speakers emphasized its value, called for supportive appointments to library boards, and suggested exploring partnerships rather than withdrawal.

Macon County Commissioners Part 1 (07-14-2026) | Macon Media



Opening & Announcements (approx. 6:00–6:07 PM)

Chairman Josh Young called the meeting to order and welcomed the large turnout.

Announcements covered Pickleball courts at Red Park are now under construction (area closed to the public). Boardwalk construction on Arthur Drake Road is expected to begin soon (parking lot access adjustments noted).

Commissioner John Shearl (Planning Board liaison) stated that while redistricting was on the agenda, no action would be taken tonight. He emphasized the need for several months of community outreach to residents who had not attended Planning Board meetings.

Chairman Young announced plans to strengthen the high-impact land use ordinance (Chapter 157) to better address data centers and server-based facilities (crypto mining already covered by noise restrictions). Proposed language was included in the agenda packet (shown in red). The item would be referred to the Planning Board for review, followed by a public hearing and board vote the following month. He noted that speakers in favor of data centers should use their time, as most commissioners appeared inclined to support restrictions.

A moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. There were no public hearings or agenda additions. The public comment period opened with the clarification that all signed-up speakers would be heard and that speakers could address multiple topics in one trip to the podium.

Public Comment Period – Divided by Topic (approx. 6:07–8:15 PM)

Topic 1: Redistricting

The first block of public comment focused on the Planning Board’s recommendation for a 3:2 configuration (with some at-large voting). Nearly every speaker opposed this and advocated for five pure districts with district-only voting.

Key points raised

The 3:2 plan would dilute rural voices (especially in Highlands, Nantahala, Scaly Mountain, and Otto areas) by expanding District 1 and 3 territories or concentrating representation in less-populated areas.

It prioritizes candidate convenience and political ambition over fair citizen representation and local knowledge.

The current system (three districts with a multi-member central district) resulted from a 1976 referendum that passed overwhelmingly for fairness and has worked without major public complaint.

Planning Board meetings showed little data analysis or serious consideration of alternatives; public comment there was overwhelmingly against 3:2 (only one supportive comment noted). Calls for the Board to reject the recommendation, conduct robust community education on all options, and ultimately put any change to a public referendum/ballot vote.

Historical and constitutional context was cited, along with examples from other North Carolina counties.

Speakers in this block included Joanne Rosner (Scaly Mountain), Kim Leister (Franklin, also on the town planning board), Lisa Walker, Constance Neely (Scaly Mountain), Margaret Pickett (Highlands), Lorraine Ross (Union Precinct), Ricky (Highlands), Heather Johnson (Otto), and others. The consistent message was “Let the voters decide.”

Topic 2: Data Centers / High-Impact Land Use Ordinance

The next block addressed data centers and proposed ordinance tweaks. Opposition was intense and detailed.

Key concerns expressed

Noise: Constant high-pitched or freight-train-like hum from cooling and backup generators; residents in other communities report needing windows closed year-round or using plexiglass/mattresses for soundproofing.

Resource consumption: Enormous water use for cooling and electricity demand (potentially requiring gas turbines); risks to wells, rivers, and the county’s headwaters status.

Light pollution: Would harm dark-sky tourism (a significant economic driver), lightning bugs, and salamander habitat (Macon County described as “salamander capital of the world”).

Economic & environmental impact: Limited local jobs (national contractors used); built-in obsolescence; property value declines; toxic “e-waste” and chemical discharge risks.

Loopholes & enforcement: Current language too vague or specific; crypto facilities could convert to data centers; calls for a moratorium, broader definitions, or outright prohibition.

Transparency: Difficulty finding zoning/ordinance details online; need for clearer public notice.

Speakers included Matt Jackson (realtor perspective on “unrestricted” land and need for stronger rules), a storyteller-style critique highlighting environmental protection, Chuck Watson, Rob James (tech industry background warning about AI resource drain and bubble economics), Michael Scarborough (IT professional calling for better transparency in zoning changes), Judy Hartley, and Pam Haley (noise and quality-of-life impacts from other communities). Several speakers urged the Board to “vote against these data centers of all kind” and strengthen the ordinance language.

Topic 3: Library / Fontana Regional Library (FRL)

The final public comment block addressed the library system and potential exit from the regional partnership.

Key points

The FRL has served the community well for over 80 years and should be maintained or improved rather than exited.

Jackson County’s departure was noted, but speakers urged Macon County to stay and work on solutions (e.g., recruiting another partner county or appointing board members who support the library).

Libraries were framed as essential community “data centers” providing broad public benefit. Calls to appoint supportive members to library boards rather than those opposed to the system.

Speakers included Linda Tyler and Dan Kowal (who also touched on data centers and the responsibility of protecting headwaters water quality).

Public comment concluded after these topics. The Board then moved into formal New Business items (including the scheduled discussion on Flock Safety cameras with Sheriff Brent Holbrooks). These parts of the meeting will be covered by later articles and videos.

This public comment segment was notably passionate and heavily skewed toward protecting local character, environment, privacy, and democratic representation. No formal votes or actions occurred during this portion of the meeting.

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Support Macon Media

• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at Facebook Subscription
• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
• PayPal: paypal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 4:40am on Thursday, July 14, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Macon County Board of Commissioners July 2026 Agenda and Livestream

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting tonight at 6pm in the county courthouse. There will likely be a large number present due to public concern about data centers and discussions about the Macon County Public Library and flock cameras being on the agenda, so arrive early, before 5.30pm, especially if you want a good seat or intend to sign up to speak. Macon Media intends to be there before 5pm.

The county will livestream the meeting, but be advised that their audio is almost always less than adequate and you will not be able to hear commissioners, staff, and members of the public who do not speak into the microphones. Those of you who are forced into the overfill room if we do not go upstairs need to let the deputies know if you cannot hear what is being said during the meeting.

Livestream | Macon County



Macon Media will attempt a livestream on Facebook starting at 5.55pm at https://www.facebook.com/MaconMediaNews/live_videos/ I apologize that it is in portrait mode instead of landscape mode.

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Public Agenda
July 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM


1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Young

2. Announcements

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Hearing(s)

5. Additions to agenda

6. Public Comment Period

7. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

8. Reports/Presentations - None

9. Old Business
a. Continued Discussion Regarding Macon County Public Library - County Manager Warren Cabe
b. Re-districting Recommendation from Macon County Planning Board - Planning, Permitting, and Development Director Joe Allen
c. Update on the 2027 Reappraisal for Macon County - Tax Administrator Abby Braswell

10. New Business
a. Discussion concerning License Plate Reader Cameras - Sheriff Brent Holbrooks
b. Schedule Public Hearing on proposed revisions to the High Impact Ordinance and request the Planning Board to review – Attorney Eric Ridenour

11. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes of the June 9, 2026 Regular Meeting
b. Budget Amendments #2-12 and 14
c. Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce Service Contract
d. Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce Service Contract
e. USDA Lease Agreement
f. FY 2026-2027 Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Certification and County Plan
g. Revised Overtime (Compensatory Time) Policy
h. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment - Highlands School Project
i. Tax Releases for the Month of June 2026 in the Amount of $3,075.10
j. Monthly ad valorem tax collection report - no action necessary

12. Appointments
a. SCC Board of Trustees (1 Seat)

13. Closed Session as allowed under NCGS 143-318.11

14. Adjourn/Recess

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Agenda Packet } (Download 117 Page PDF) 

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Support Macon Media

• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at Facebook Subscription
• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
• PayPal: paypal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 4.03am on Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Town of Franklin Passes Data Center Moratorium Following Packed Public Hearing

Executive Summary

The public hearing on a temporary one-year moratorium on new data center development within the Town of Franklin’s planning jurisdiction (town limits + ETJ) drew the largest crowd of the meeting and strong community engagement.

Mayor Guffey, Council members, Town Attorney John Henning, Jr., and staff explained that the town currently lacks zoning definitions or regulations for data centers, creating legal vulnerability. A moratorium provides time to study impacts (water consumption, power demand, noise, light pollution, traffic, compatibility with surrounding uses) and craft protective zoning rules. Council members unanimously expressed opposition to data centers in Franklin, citing incompatibility with the town’s character, family-friendly priorities, water resources, and quality of life. They noted legal limits on outright bans and encouraged residents to also engage Macon County commissioners and state legislators.

Public comment was overwhelmingly opposed to data centers, raising concerns about massive water and electricity use, constant noise/light/heat, minimal permanent jobs (often just security/maintenance), environmental risks (including PFAS in wastewater), impact on tourism/dark skies/wildlife, and the speculative nature of the AI boom. Speakers urged the town to use the moratorium year to make data centers “virtually impossible” through strict zoning.

After the hearing, the council unanimously adopted the moratorium ordinance, with Michael Lewis making the motion and Travis Higdon seconding.

Data Center Moratorium Public Hearing (07-06-2026) | Macon Media



New Outlets Present

Macon Media (Bobby) Macon Sense (Morgan and Amy) the Franklin Press (Mia)

Candidates for Office Present

Caleb Brown (NC House District 120)
Russ Lunn (County Commissioner District 1)

Mayor Stacy Guffey noted the large turnout and stated no council member wants a data center in Franklin. He explained the hearing was placed later in the agenda so the public could observe how the board operates.

Town Attorney John Henning, Jr. provided the legal foundation: NC case law prevents simply banning undefined uses. Without regulations, the town would be in a weak position if an application arrived. The moratorium (allowed by statute for up to one year) gives time to study health/safety/welfare impacts and write zoning rules addressing noise, water use (data centers can’t drain town resources), power generation (avoid diesel generators), and land-use compatibility. He stressed there are currently no applications.

Robbie Tompa noted that data centers take from family, jobs, recreation, and visitors; the goal is to make them “dang near impossible” legally.
Rita Salain: Will do everything possible to prevent one; residents should also speak to county commissioners and state legislators (Gillespie/Corbin).
Travis Higdon (and others): Hard “no” on anything that harms rivers, peace/quiet, or the community.
Joe Collins reminded those present that they will do everything in their power to prevent a data center from being built in the town's jurisdiction.

Mayor Guffey and others emphasized the board’s commitment, legal constraints from the state legislature, the need to engage the county (ETJ only covers ~3 miles), and fairness to staff (e.g., Town Manager Amie Owens had been criticized on social media for simply identifying parcels large enough for a data center — she was warning the board, not supporting development).

The mayor invited public comment (limited to ~3 minutes) and stressed personal availability (phone number shared).

Public Comments

Judy Hartley: Supported the moratorium. Noted existing blighted properties (old Kmart/Ingles) should be prioritized for stable jobs instead. Highlighted data centers’ huge water/electricity use, noise from generators, light pollution, toxic waste, and very few permanent jobs. Urged using the one-year period to find a legal way to say “no.” Planned to attend county commissioners meeting.

Rob (REJ / James?): Tech worker background. Described data centers as repeating extractive patterns of coal/oil industries (deforestation, water overdraft, PFAS pollution, noise/light/heat affecting sleep miles away). Minimal jobs (often just a couple dozen permanent staff). Warned of AI financial bubble (referenced isAIprofitableyet.com) and risk of stranded assets. Thanked council for standing against them.

Matt Jackson (Realtor): Buyers do not ask for data centers — they are a deterrent. Urged passing the moratorium and then using the year to amend the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to make large/high-impact (and small) data centers a prohibited use in Franklin and ETJ. “Franklin should stay a place of rivers and ridgelines, not data centers.”

Michael Scarborough (40+ years in IT): Technology changes rapidly (Moore’s Law); a data center built today may have only ~10-year useful life. Tax benefits often negotiated away; jobs are mostly low-paying security/maintenance (IT work is remote). Better to have something like an Amazon distribution center for real jobs/tax base.

Natalia McElroy and many subsequent speakers echoed concerns about water, noise, minimal jobs, impact on tourism/heritage, and the need for strict zoning. Multiple residents stressed showing up at county commission meetings (next one noted as Tuesday) and contacting state legislators. Some shared personal stories about why they chose Franklin (peace, nature, family).

Broader themes from public: Data centers are 24/7 operations with security lighting, generators, and unknown long-term waste impacts. They conflict with the town’s vision for family-friendly, tourism-based, high-quality-of-life community. Strong appreciation for the council’s proactive stance and transparency.

Closing Council Remarks and Vote

Mayor Guffey closed the hearing, thanking everyone for civil, engaged participation and noting the rare unity across political lines on protecting the community.

Motion to adopt the temporary moratorium ordinance was made, seconded, and carried unanimously (hands raised; 6-0). The board then took a short recess.

The hearing demonstrated strong community-council alignment against data centers and a clear mandate to use the moratorium year aggressively to strengthen local regulations.

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Support Macon Media

• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at Facebook Subscription
• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
• PayPal: paypal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 6:00am on Monday, July 06, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

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