Macon County began the year with one less magistrate than it has had in past years. The 2011-2012 budget put in place a variety of cuts across the board in North Carolina and as a result, Highlands is without a magistrate for the first time in 30 years.
The Town of Highlands may get a reprieve in next year’s budget if Gov. Pat McCrory gets his way. In the budget that he has presented to the N.C. General Assembly, he has included language to restore positions to many of the rural areas in the state.
When asked about the 2013-2015 biennial budget, the Hon. John W. Smith, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, stated that the AOC will be asking for the restoration of 28 magistrate positions statewide, news Macon County officials were happy to hear.
The Macon County Planning Board gathered last Thursday to discuss the current floodplain ordinance that was established in 2008. Of particular note was the no-fill portion of the ordinance that states that no dirt may be used to fill in land that is located in the floodplain.
The North Carolina National Guard's 210th Military Police Company hosted a mobilization ceremony yesterday at Southwestern Community College's Sylva campus.
After a lengthy debate Friday night, Macon County is set to close on the Parker Meadows property by the April 30 deadline. During a special called meeting Friday night, the Macon County Board of Commissioners listened to testimony from County Planner Matt Mason regarding the feasibility of developing the Parker Meadows Property with the intention of constructing a recreation facility.
