Note: Starting now, the Scout will post preview information – online only – for upcoming government meetings.
Murphy – The Cherokee County Board of Education is asking the board of commissioners to approve spending sales tax proceeds to conduct a feasibility study for a possible new school location and to add restroom facilities at Murphy Middle School.
The feasibility study, budgeted at $75,000, will look at acreage south of U.S. 19/74/128 across from the existing Murphy High and Middle School campuses. The property is rugged but is almost 100 acres that the school district already owns, so the school board decided to see if building a new Murphy High campus there would be possible.
The restroom project is expected to cost $279,000.
The board of commissioners has oversight responsibility for school district expenditures.
In Andrews, the board of aldermen will be voting on whether to create a social district in Downtown Andrews, the boundaries of the district and rules that will apply. If approved by the board on Thursday, it could be in effect by this weekend.
Below are highlights from board of commissioners agenda for this Monday. Following the agenda are other upcoming meetings. Agendas will be added when available, usually a few days before meetings. (Note: The school board has not posted an agenda online since November 2024.)
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners
Here are agenda highlights for the April 21, 2025 meeting of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Cherokee County Courthouse.
Public Comment Period
Budget and Finance
a) Budget Revision for Cherokee County Board of Education request for use of Article 40/42 sales tax in the Amount of $75,000 for MHS Mountain Property Feasibility Study; and $204,000 for MMS Bathroom Professional Services (Total funding request $279,000.)
b) Budget Revision for $100 Donation to DSS for Scam Jam 2025
c) Budget Revision in the Amount of $42,300 for the Purchase of a New Chevrolet Traverse for the Health Department (Funding sources: Corbin-Directed Grant Funds - $18,750; proceeds from sold vehicles - $19,657; use of fund balance for remainder - $3,893)
New Business
a) Dr. Jillian Irwin and David Badger, Health Director – Presentation of Program to Address Opioid Pandemic in Cherokee County – 3 Year Program Cost and Spending Resolution (County admin and public health have been meeting with Integrated Care of Greater Hickory (ICGH) over the last several months to discuss and develop a plan to address substance use disorder in our county.)
b) Robin Caldwell – Request to Apply for Duke Energy Grant (This is a $25,000 grant for storm preparedness and natural disaster readiness.)
c) Bates Creek Baptist Church - Request Board to Accept Late Tax Exemption Application
d) Tammi Smith - Request Board to Accept Late Tax Exemption Application
e) Harry Hearne – Valley River Pickleball Request 1) County to cover the cost of installation of permanent net posts and nets, and the cost of striping for the new pickleball court and the last remaining tennis court to be used as a dual-use court (Estimated cost: $19,000); and 2) Approve use of courts for regional tournament and allow temporary sponsor banners to be placed on the fence.
f) Angela Clem - Murphy Booster Club Request to Use Pickleball Courts for Tournament Fundraiser
g) Nantahala Regional Library Roof Estimates (Lowest bid is $116,434. The request is for the Town and the County to split the cost 50/50.)
h) Ellen Stephens - Saddle Club Request for Matching Funds to Repair Arena (Asking County to match the Saddle Club’s $25,000, for arena repairs.)
i) Jordan Messer – Peachtree VFD Request for Rescue Funds in the Amount of $6,568.40
j) Chad McNabb – Hiwassee Dam VFD Request for Rescue Funds in the Amount of $7,500
k) Cherokee County Parents Athletics Association Request -Reimbursement of $2,783.48 for Annual Insurance Premium (Murphy Youth Football and Cheerleading)
l) Amateur Radio Proclamation
m) EBCI MOA Amendment 2 - Cherokee County Hot Tub Spas and Indoor Swimming Pool
n) Sheriff’s Request to Use Marble Property and Pond for Fishing Derby
o) Resolution Authorizing Sale of Real Property by Electronic Public Auction (Parcel ID# 4542-00-88-0093-000, Choctaw Ridge Trail .74 acres. Property was declared surplus at the last board meeting.)
p) Resolution Authorizing Sale of Real Property by Electronic Public Auction (Parcel ID# 5576-00-82-8644-000, Granny Squirrel Dr .78 acres. Property was declared surplus at last board meeting.)
q) Resolution Authorizing Sale of Real Property by Electronic Public Auction (Parcel ID# 4580 04 73 3154 000, Morris Ridge Drive .84 acres. Property was declared surplus at last board meeting.)
r) Tax Releases, Tax Refund Report and NCVTS Refund Report
s) Petition for Redress of Grievances to US Government
t) Discuss NCFS Funding
u) Reschedule May Board Meeting (Commissioner Stiles has a conflict with May 19th)
County Manager Items
Commissioner Comments
Closed Session
Pursuant to §143-318.11 (a) (4) - To discuss matters relating to the locationc or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body.
Open Session, Adjourn
Andrews Board of Aldermen
Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on the Town of Andrews’ Facebook page.
New business on the agenda:
a. Adoption of an ordinance authorizing the creation of a social district in the Town of Andrews.
b. Adoption of a social district plan.
c. Amendment of Chapter 4-2A(c) of the Ordinance Code for the Town of Andrews to allow the possession and consumption of alcohol within the Social District, pursuant to the Regulations of the Social District.
d. VFW Donation for Hot Summer Nights Car Show $1000.00- (Keith Welch Speaking)
e. Andrews Valley Rail Tours. (Judy Speaking)
f. Andrews Chamber of Commerce- Donation request for next fiscal year. (Shannon speaking)
g. Approval of Budget Amendments-
h. Quote Approval- Street Repair (Higdon Construction & Tom Frye submitted bids)
i. Discussion of Sidewalk Repair- Colvard Ave
Other upcoming meetings
Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Forum meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 5, in the Texana Community Center. District 3 Commissioner Ben Adams and board Chairman Dan Eichenbaum will be at the meeting.