Haywood County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Haywood County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Property Revaluation and Schedule of Values
Haywood County is undergoing its first property revaluation since 2021, with new values effective January 1, 2027. After six years of market growth, many values will rise — though not all equally — and the market has recently slowed. A public hearing is set for October 19 and the Board votes on adoption November 2.
Grant-funded Health and Human Services Programs
The county is adding four staff to its substance use program — a director, a prescriber, and two peer support workers — all funded by opioid settlement money, to help clients get to appointments, jobs, and housing.
County fiscal pressures from Hurricane Helene and lost papermill tax base
Recovery remains a years-long effort, with 87 home acquisitions in the pipeline, 25 already approved, plus elevation, landslide, generator and infrastructure projects awaiting state and FEMA review.
Haywood Community College FY 26-27 budget request
HCC asked for a 6.81% increase ($268,243) to cover salaries, utilities, a rebid custodial contract and insurance — plus capital requests for bathroom renovations and a fleet vehicle. The college also celebrated six state-champion SkillsUSA students and its new arboretum designation.
County property tax authority resolution
Commissioners formally opposed any constitutional amendment or state action that would cap or restrict the county's property tax authority, warning it could force service cuts and higher fees.
Tax Collector vacancy and interim appointment
The county has collected 92.95% of this year's $50.5 million levy, with $4.33 million outstanding. Delinquent taxpayers will be advertised April 15 unless they pay by April 9 online or April 10 in person.
FY2025 audit results and FEMA fund overage
The county got a clean audit, but the FEMA hurricane cleanup fund was overspent by $3.6 million due to late contractor invoices during the switch to the state debris program. Auditors and the county manager stressed it was a one-time timing issue, not a budgeting problem.
Board of Equalization and Review appointments
The board was also scheduled to interview candidates for the Board of Equalization and Review — the panel that hears property tax valuation appeals. Appointments here affect how residents' tax appeals are handled.
Commissioner tax payment dispute
A resident accused commissioners of grandstanding over Commissioner Ramey's tax payment plan while using agricultural deferments themselves. Chairman Ensley admitted he owed $156.67 due to a misdirected bill and paid it online during the meeting; Commissioner Best clarified the "loophole" is a legitimate agricultural deferment for working farmland.