Haywood County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Haywood County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
Haywood Working Lands Fund
A proposed fund that would dedicate rollback taxes from farmland leaving present-use value to support conservation easements and farm preservation, rather than flowing to the general fund. Adoption is set for August 17, and commissioners are exploring bigger funding options like a dedicated property or sales tax.
Free industrial park land for two local businesses
The county is giving land to Pisgah Electrical Services (38 jobs) and Willow Hill Soap Company (8 jobs), with clawback agreements to make sure the promised jobs and wages materialize.
Outdoor flood siren system
The county installed 18 electronic flood sirens focused on the Cruso, Lake Logan and other flood-prone corridors, activated by river gauge data or fire departments. If you hear the high-low tone, leave on foot for higher ground immediately — don't drive.
Affordable housing and the revolving loan fund
The HOME Consortium is shifting returned funds into rental construction and running a disaster rental assistance program for Helene-affected households, with about ten applications in the pipeline. A $1.96 million HOME-ARP allocation is coming for homelessness services.
Canton-Clyde-Waynesville emergency water interconnect
After years of boil-water advisories and storm damage, the three towns are building a seven-mile pipeline so they can send water to each other during emergencies. It's mostly state-funded, and construction could start soon once easements are secured.
Farmland preservation funding squeeze
Speakers asked the county to dedicate present-use value rollback taxes to a farmland preservation fund, citing the Queen Farm's $3 million sale as an example. Commissioners support the idea but note state funding lags land values and private money is needed.
Little East Fork camper encampment and illegal discharge
Residents near Little East Fork say a camper encampment discharging waste into the stream has gone on for a year, with slow response from the Sheriff's Office. The county attorney says a June 29 injunction hearing is set, but if the occupants are confirmed squatters, criminal trespass enforcement could resolve it faster.
Jail expansion costs and 'jails over schools' debate
Sheriff Wilke walked through how the department replaced expired body armor, deployed body cameras, tasers, and drones, and tracked it all with new software — mostly with grant and donation money. He tied the modernization to a 40% drop in thefts and faster response times, which means fewer stolen lawnmowers and quicker help when you call.
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.
Animal welfare and Haywood County Animal Services practices
Four residents told the board the starvation deaths of horses Sam and Buster were preventable, citing repeated ignored complaints since 2023, and asked that the case go to the district attorney. Chairman Ensley defended Animal Services Director Howard Martin, saying the county followed the law.
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.
Code of Ordinances recodification and higher civil penalties
Two public hearings are set for February 2: one on HUD housing consortium action plans and one on amendments to the full county code ahead of recodification. Chapter 150 (Building Regulations) will be voted on for adoption February 16.
Broadband expansion nearly complete in Haywood County
Federal and state programs have cut unserved locations from about 5,000 in 2020 to roughly 131. Most remaining builds finish by end of 2026; the hardest-to-reach spots wait on the Stop Gap program and satellite service through 2030. Residents should check the FCC map and challenge inaccurate listings.