Haywood County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Haywood County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
$3M school funding request and potential property tax increase
The school system is asking the county for $3 million more next year — $1.3 million for raises for bus drivers, custodians and other non-certified staff, $700,000 to stop draining fund balance, and about $1 million to keep teaching positions the state won't fund. Commissioners signaled a tough budget decision ahead and hinted a tax increase may be needed.