While many agenda items were tackled in the Aug. 12 Macon County Commissioners’ meeting, much attention was given to an update from the Burningtown-Iotla Fire and Rescue Department (BIFD). Earlier this year, the county requested that the department consider combining with Cowee Fire and Rescue because of identified deficiencies within BIFD. Those deficiencies resulted in what is now a 13-month probationary period for the department, which began in July 2024.
Then, in July of this year, commissioners requested a report from BIFD on its latest inspection. Additionally, Commissioner John Shearl was in attendance at an Aug. 1 drill where the objective was for BIFD to demonstrate its ability to carry out adequate emergency response.
However, at the drill a real emergency situation developed, which necessitated most of the BIFD team to depart in order to respond to the event. In Shearl’s view, the department still has not demonstrated necessary steps reflecting adequate training, certification, and readiness.
Recent turnover in leadership at the department has resulted in five individuals leaving, creating even greater experience and qualification/certification/training issues.
At the recent commissioners’ meeting, Macon County Fire Marshal Jimmy Teem reported on his findings and shared his understanding of the current situation at BIFD. Results of a June 4 inspection showed that the department “did not have post-test records for the last 12 months, team members did not have background checks, and training records had not been updated for the past month.”
At a follow-up August inspection, Teem’s team also found discrepancies between the department and the state’s roster for eligible emergency responders. Teem did report that his latest findings revealed that BIFD does have 20 members who have each received the necessary 36 hours of training.
After nearly an hour of discussion, debate, and much input from BIFD Fire Chief Ken McCaskill, as well as members of the department, that included everything from training and competency status to communications challenges in the Burningtown area, commissioners called for a vote to suspend the contract in place with BIFD. The motion was defeated 2-3, with Chairman Josh Young and Shearl voting for, and Commissioners Danny Antoine, Barry Breeden, and Gary Shields voting against.
In the end, BIFD was granted a “month-to-month” probationary extension with the understanding that the department is required to report to the county monthly on its progress to have consistent numbers in team construct, as well as adequate training and record-keeping procedures in place.
More on alcohol sales and access
At their July 8 meeting, commissioners initiated discussion on expanded alcohol sales and access within the county. Currently, alcohol can only be purchased within the municipalities of Franklin and Highlands, including the ABC stores located in each town.
Last month, Macon County Attorney Eric Ridenour agreed to review North Carolina state guidelines on alcohol sales. At the Aug. 12 meeting, he presented to commissioners a basic framework for a ballot initiative. Macon County Manager Warren Cabe began the discussion with a reminder to the board: “You have a draft resolution, which is required if you decide to place this initiative on the ballot … As part of that decision, you would need to decide between the Primary Election (May timeframe) or the General Election (Nov. 5) in 2026.”
While the timing decision was not required at the meeting, Cabe did remind that a resolution would need to be passed at some point. Ridenour followed Cabe and clarified what the resolution entailed.
“If there is going to be ‘liquor by the drink in restaurants,’ the county would have to offer an ABC store or already have one in place, or also place that topic on the ballot,” said Ridenour. “Additionally, you need to decide if alcohol access will be only on-premise, as in restaurants, or also off-premise, such as in being sold for carry-out in gas stations.”
Ridenour added that what he has drafted includes both on-and off-premise alcohol sales within the county. He also explained that commissioners could partner with the Town of Franklin and Highlands on a joint alcohol board regarding ABC store operations, which Jackson County has already done. That arrangement would include shared distribution of any associated revenue and Ridenour believed Jackson County currently operates under a 60% county and 40% town structure.
Breeden then made a motion to place the resolution on the ballot for the November 2026 election, which was seconded by Shields. Board approval was unanimous.
Vet memorial enhancements
Susan Carpenter addressed the board regarding additions to the veteran’s memorial located at the Nantahala Community Building. She reported to commissioners that the Nantahala community intends to raise funds for a 5 by 4-foot memorial stone honoring those who lost their lives in World War II and the Vietnam War. Sources for that funding will be sought from local businesses to go along with existing funding already donated by the American Legion Post 108, VFW Post 7339, and Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 994.
Cabe encouraged commissioners to provide their endorsement on the project. Shields made a motion to support, followed by Breeden’s second, followed by unanimous approval by the board.
Both Franklin and Nantahala have recently conducted improvements and additions to the memorials located at their respective sites in honor of U.S. veterans.
At the meeting, Macon County Parks and Recreation and LBJ Job Corps personnel were recognized for their outstanding work on the Veterans Memorial located at the Carpenter Center Building in Franklin.
Lastly, Cabe updated commissioners on the Franklin High School project, stating that the student parking lot will be paved by the end of this week and ready for the start of the school year which for students begins Aug. 25.