[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6528512,"mediaKeyId","3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7","parentId",3379361,"title","Votes at a glance: key actions by Ashe County commissioners on May 19, 2025","audioSeconds",3675,"startMs",347000,"endMs",4022000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7&start=347&end=4022","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7/thumbnail_347000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6528512/Ashe-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-key-actions-by-Ashe-County-commissioners-on-May-19-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528512-9aeb76ab65a3ddf6b5c36906026c5807/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154195&Signature=lGtY5GyTTuGZ-LbUz9kZXERD8~hwYusUXaMf23vMKN-dqSKUttXG1JiQqaqn1MlS52Y6gOkwOco8yKp22qYS0Xaf2JpmuGQIfa9WJ~YHE5rwNPH339xPQLkV9boCfirVU2LAbk9RewToWYYYpk7G~WabNx0IxSy-Z1hbTdRl8L6fjRh9beuybHf-~LxSeH6gNPWeCWYF8kBub5M4zeoEOCjzftxkPxAQr0Z~H-V7KYTZdJbtZyuSSHNxYG-bcZA-etdClVH7ZvXxAoiH5tBE3a~YgLaKNzPEvyjnmogSs3ynpLm3-R5AuuIEWl0GNxm9Q9EOow5F2eH85RZYme-j5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ashe County","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","At its May 19 meeting the Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved a number of routine and substantive items. The following lists each recorded motion and the meeting’s recorded outcome. Where the transcript did not include a roll‑call tally, the article notes that the board voted by voice with “all in favor.”

- Reappointment of the tax collector/tax administrator: Motion to reappoint the county tax collector was made, seconded and approved by voice.

- ABC fund request for School Resource Officer (SRO) training: The board approved allocating an estimated $2,300 from ABC funds to send three SROs to the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) conference; staff said Sandy would later return with formal budget amendments.

- Animal Control donation appropriation: The board approved a budget amendment to increase the Animal Control appropriation by $4,200 (from prior appropriations to $456,689) using prior‑year donation funds to replace damaged and worn equipment.

- Veterans grant acceptance: The board accepted a $17,150 grant from the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (no county match required) to refurbish a conference room at Family Central and to purchase supplies and equipment for veteran gatherings.

- Friends of the Ash County Public Library proclamation: The board adopted a proclamation celebrating the Friends of the Ash County Public Library’s 50th anniversary.

- Audit contract approval: The board approved the county audit engagement for year ending June 30, 2025, with a contract total stated as $56,800 and an annual financial information report billed separately at $1,600; staff noted a new GASB pronouncement will affect compensated‑absences accounting.

- Renewal of mowing and cleaning contracts: The board approved renewal of existing mowing and cleaning contracts at the same prices with the incumbent contractors.

- Environmental Services building design contract: The board approved the design contract with the firm that responded to the RFQ (see separate article for details); design fees were presented in the meeting materials and discussed.

- Generations Ash funding: The board approved making $225,000 available as a loan and amended the Department of Human Services appropriation accordingly, contingent on repayment language from the county attorney (see separate article for details).

- Executive session: The board voted to enter executive session at about 10:15 a.m. to discuss economic development (N.C. Gen. Stat. §143‑318.11(a)(4)) and attorney consultation (N.C. Gen. Stat. §143‑318.11(a)(3)).

Where the transcript recorded only voice votes and not individual tallies, the board’s actions were recorded in the meeting as approved by consensus or voice vote. No individual “yes/no” tallies were included in the publicly available transcript for these items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ashe County - County Commission on 2025-05-19 9:00 AM - May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of motions passed at the May 19 Ashe County Board of Commissioners meeting, including personnel reappointments, grant acceptances, small appropriations and contract approvals.","taxTitle","Ashe County, North Carolina","taxId",45072,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6528516,"Commissioners approve design contract for new Environmental Services building; fee cited around $295,000–$301,000",314,2181000,2495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7&start=2181&end=2495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7/thumbnail_2181000.jpg","/articles/6528516/Ashe-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-approve-design-contract-for-new-Environmental-Services-building-fee-cited-around-295000301000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528516-8e1dfdcd213b6678c60f83991cdc99c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154195&Signature=X8Idw7M53CicV7V03KOn9RvHv8yw3oBVz5aFoQlZZjhN9KUB7wnpEcUEv8tJFCDP4ebfOhh8xdxaw~CMXZ4Ep3M0jhYz0l5RxZAP4Sseak5WsIKjmJ~aA8yOLqMZkJoJ8ByKgVBlii4HSdU7wXWorem5-BFZComBSSxrMB4qKjf4gWPJg7-Q143RuMrwHx0Qs6Me6e2Ch2R6nN9qIoQHignBHubNRQ1-8j1qeFzTtLO0HGkDmSQvJ238EnzlDl~X7Cu39jNiAM3SKyY53FAYWel~7F7q2ZhhM9MTfuWv4QrY5VPVfcXpLpK44TqCGJDnmO3hFvNt-VIVbcCaZw5d3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ashe County Board of Commissioners voted May 19 to approve a design contract with the firm that responded to the county’s request for qualifications to design a replacement Environmental Services building.

County staff said the current environmental services building is too small to accommodate the fleet of roll‑off and garbage trucks and that the project had been discussed for years. The selected firm responded to the RFQ and proposed architectural and structural engineering fees that staff characterized as “right at $301,000,” while the document’s back page showed a figure the presenter read as $295,625. Staff said the figures include contingencies for surveying and geotechnical borings and that construction‑phase and bidding fees would be additional and would be paid from the next fiscal year’s budget if the board chooses to proceed.

Commissioners asked whether a nearby historic log cabin would have to be removed under the proposed layout; staff said the early orientation shows the new building angled behind the cabin and that the cabin could remain in place and still be used. Commissioners also asked about fire suppression and whether a sprinkler system was required; staff said sprinkler design was excluded from the base fee but that a contingency for fire suppression had been provided and the board could elect to include sprinkler design if operational needs (fuel, oils in the building) warranted it.

A motion to approve the design contract was made and seconded; the board voted to approve the contract and proceed with the design work. Staff said construction administration, bidding, and the capital outlay would be addressed in next year’s budget and that some preconstruction fees can be reimbursed if the county finances the project later.

No construction contract was awarded at the May 19 meeting; the action covered only design and related preconstruction services.","The board approved an architectural and engineering contract to design a new Environmental Services building intended to improve fleet access and operations; staff cited design fees of approximately $295,625 to $301,000 and said some contingencies (surveying, borings, fire suppression) were excluded and may add cost.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6528521,"Commissioners approve $225,000 one‑time allocation to Generations Ash as a loan, contingent on repayment language",297,2541000,2838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7&start=2541&end=2838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7/thumbnail_2541000.jpg","/articles/6528521/Ashe-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-approve-225000-onetime-allocation-to-Generations-Ash-as-a-loan-contingent-on-repayment-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528521-51a5336232914cdcc4c23a384fe77911/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154195&Signature=UKMXC-vKLqzWMOLekDrUtVecYfbizbQoKXjrE3vxxKusLq~eoG~hWoQRQ2FyUrCK3eQxxwuRDakp8RjhcUoWMnb9g888U3pFF3JBGmnwDsOx4WED3NpQwKIdRIcHMYgxUd3csccl-THnl4FSbcI5Gpkp5YQP3j0r~CJYBI5AVghgDR5xSx4pvy4LxKpspPFkZMbbz~gi3o-IwREeXugZ2MDGiU3kj6wwKOQudMSCCjd5mrU-LFd39zhSTrDeKtZ4TZnat~POgwXegmM7VA9dzuX6QTuglsPt27cdcXCf-7YNFd-GsWbGVjNwO5MbG7xLueWUarPpg9TJT-LmFmhWKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ashe County Board of Commissioners on May 19 voted to make $225,000 available to Generations Ash as a loan and to increase the Department of Human Services appropriation accordingly, subject to final loan language from the county attorney.

During discussion, staff said the agreement with Generations Ash could treat the funds as either a special allocation or a loan and that the board should consider repayment protections in the contract if property were sold. Commissioners expressed a preference for a loan arrangement with minimum scheduled payments and oversight into Generations Ash financials and strategic plans.

A motion was made to make the money available as a loan, contingent on further study and protections; a second followed. Commissioners then agreed to a friendly amendment that reads: to increase the appropriation for the Department of Human Services from $1,859,475 to $2,084,475 — an increased appropriation of $225,000 to be made from unencumbered general‑fund funds as a one‑time supplemental allocation to Generations Ash as defined in the agreement after execution and contingent on repayment language from the county attorney. The amendment was accepted and the board voted to approve the loan framework and appropriation; commissioners directed staff and counsel to finalize repayment terms and minimum payment schedules and return the agreement for formal execution.

Board members emphasized the need for oversight, monthly or periodic reporting and a minimum repayment amount to be included in negotiated language. Commissioners also discussed using contingency funds for the allocation and asked staff to return with specific payback terms at the next meeting.

The board did not disburse funds at the meeting; legal details and final contract language will be resolved and returned to the board for authorization of fund release.","The board approved making $225,000 available to Generations Ash as a loan and amended the appropriation into the Department of Human Services budget; final loan terms and repayment schedule will be negotiated and returned to the board.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6528524,"Ashe County manager presents $55.6 million proposed budget, recommends 44¢ tax rate",524,2913000,3437000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7&start=2913&end=3437","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7/thumbnail_2913000.jpg","/articles/6528524/Ashe-County/North-Carolina/Ashe-County-manager-presents-556-million-proposed-budget-recommends-44-tax-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528524-e341bd39f59ff120f41e219dca1360c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154195&Signature=cS4nCQHrWva~-Lq4ExEix-~FkZFkvEAu01w-w9pAioSq7GxATgLMvO0CviJuz~UN2sH3p0veB81usLeqONm2rMFjy~3yn8zKbVVa--0JSnLvTCS-Px35Yry3TK-x7kVf0LjOGPtD~ppo5Nfmrllcyh4G~c-DGOmfD9NuMJnZ9xeTDd8Dg-zHT~ag04sW3EiAGLZpHPcjU7J-GexVxM85eElhccbjoWu8TEjrZY~kbENhIy9qOB16AahpvbTYDbXGRHQg~A6U-Vd~pepyJi0YHv74uRcE3bCjjN~jX-NhRFotZrJIIBE3nD-xZtzSb5uMXato3csOQAJmbzmJj0Wzxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ashe County staff on May 19 presented a proposed fiscal year 2025–26 general fund budget of $55,585,040 and recommended a county tax rate of 44 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

The budget message, read at the meeting by county staff, said the county remains under financial pressure from Hurricane Helene. The county reported existing debris contracts representing “an unplanned expenditure in excess of $8,000,000” and said FEMA reimbursement is expected but not yet received. The manager’s message listed Hurricane Helene recovery and debris removal as top priorities.

The presentation highlighted several large capital projects: a $96 million new middle school (supported by state grants and local financing) with an expected completion in late 2028; continued work on a landfill expansion; replacement and rebuild of two landfill compactors; and courthouse HVAC repair and chiller replacement. Parks and recreation plans include hiring an additional staff member and resurfacing tennis courts (estimated at $90,000). Airport projects include taxiway and apron pavement rehabilitation and a taxiway expansion.

The proposed budget message included workforce changes taken earlier in the year, including implementation of a pay and classification study intended to raise starting salaries and market alignment. A cost‑of‑living adjustment of 3% for employees was proposed in the new budget.

County staff said the proposed budget was prepared in accordance with the North Carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and North Carolina General Statute 153A‑82, and that department workbooks and supporting documents would be available to the public and to commissioners for a scheduled week‑long review.

No final action was taken on the budget at the May 19 meeting. Commissioners scheduled further review and budget work sessions before any adoption.","County staff presented the proposed FY 2025–26 budget of $55,585,040 and recommended keeping the tax rate at 44 cents per $100 of assessed value; plan reflects Hurricane Helene recovery costs, an ongoing landfill expansion and a $96 million middle school project.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6528529,"Ashe County paramedics raise safety and job-security concerns after proposed AshMedix deal draws scrutiny",5817,439000,6256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7&start=439&end=6256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3379361-74465fa83c0fa046f5b1ffaba3eb45a7/thumbnail_439000.jpg","/articles/6528529/Ashe-County/North-Carolina/Ashe-County-paramedics-raise-safety-and-job-security-concerns-after-proposed-AshMedix-deal-draws-scrutiny","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528529-bdeb68485550ff8d4265fa6a4216044a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154195&Signature=h25rwCeOduykNQBRErAP73we1j85BYJY0k7fuVooQzxAhPeKq0FNPRDlVDfXj-busgouT3-dQq2be6bXHJ3t9StE2x76~ooIHWacrqx3cjxazuhw~w~ynNCBGXHlO0cDAHtiYlKYDFpzeRLg~C7elk7H~Sju2EZUvA2Uo-ipekGxP-giOjBHsH1~gxXqH7I5HeDiqRESqSTIf9HTlxL~E-kK21UqKj0HtSduA42TeVG7VBuwN6HGf-~OcCAbCBQ0B9ADu4hQ04a9U7ZqTMYG5zuZMMdvUJI5uO9TgTllOJwqzP-DawBeC598etUfC0mNKwupb12fI6iV9UPH6kw2ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Ashe County paramedics urged the Board of Commissioners on May 19 to intervene after employees said they were discouraged from attending the meeting and alarmed by news of talks about a possible change in the private provider that holds the county’s EMS contract.

The most detailed public comments came from paramedics Ryan Kissel and Cody Darnell. Kissel, who described himself as a long‑time paramedic in the High Country, said staff had been “discouraged from coming here to speak” and from presenting in uniform. He said the jacket he wore represented his service and his belief in free speech.

Darnell, who identified himself as an Ashe County native and a paramedic of about 10 years, said employees learned through an internal messaging app that AshMedix had entered discussions with a company called Priority On Demand. He said employees were given roughly a 30‑minute briefing and that Priority’s representatives were remote. Darnell said the proposed June 1 transition would have changed several benefits, including medical insurance, removal of a 401(k) match, loss of Aflac, and reduced paid time off. After calling Priority’s stated insurer, Darnell said he discovered his medication would have been placed on a noncovered tier under the Priority plan and that, for him, coverage questions were unresolved. He told commissioners he would be forced to leave his job if his medication were not covered.

Following public comment, Craig Sullivan, who has been referenced in the meeting materials as the owner of the Medics company under discussion, addressed the board. Sullivan said there is currently no deal and that talks “fell off the table.” He said his intent was to explore options to “streamline some back office operations” and that he intended to speak with the board before communicating to employees; he apologized for missteps in communication and for the way the matter had been reported and discussed publicly.

Commissioners responded to the comments with expressions of support for EMS staff. At least one commissioner thanked AshMedix staff for their service and said the board heard the concerns raised during public comment. No formal board action related to the contract or benefit changes was taken at the meeting; commissioners directed that conversations about company proposals proceed with transparency and that employees be given accurate information.

The public comments and Sullivan’s remarks reflected competing accounts about whether any contractual or employment changes were finalized. Commissioners repeatedly reminded speakers that the county’s contract contains a clause prohibiting assignment or subcontracting without the board’s written permission, and several commissioners said any proposed change should have been brought to the board first. Sullivan acknowledged that he had not yet reached agreement with any buyer and said he planned to speak directly with employees.

The board did not vote on the EMS contract or authorize any assignment at this meeting. Commissioners also discussed the broader budget and hiring context later in the meeting, but did not adopt any EMS‑specific policy or directive on May 19.","Paramedics and EMTs told the Ashe County Board of Commissioners they felt discouraged from speaking out and alarmed by a potential change in ownership/management of the county-contracted ambulance provider; the prospective buyer’s representative later said no deal is in place.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key actions by Ashe County commissioners on May 19, 2025

Commissioners approve design contract for new Environmental Services building; fee cited around $295,000–$301,000

Commissioners approve $225,000 one‑time allocation to Generations Ash as a loan, contingent on repayment language

Ashe County manager presents $55.6 million proposed budget, recommends 44¢ tax rate

Ashe County paramedics raise safety and job-security concerns after proposed AshMedix deal draws scrutiny