The proposed 2023-24 Fiscal Year general fund budget for Jackson County totals just over $88.1 million, an increase of about 5.9% over the current fiscal year amended budget. It is balanced with a tax rate of $0.38 per $100 of value.

An application to use Bridge Park and Main Street for the annual Pride event has led the Town of Sylva to a larger discussion about safety and the use of town resources for events held downtown.

Town Manager Paige Dowling officially presented the proposed 2023-24 budget to the Sylva Board of Commissioners during its May 11 meeting. Next, the public will have its opportunity for input during the 5:30 p.m. T, May 25 meeting of the town board.

Sylva has approved a zoning map amendment request in order to allow for the possible construction of an affordable housing development on Savannah Drive.

Three Jackson County programs will receive funding from the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council to help reduce and prevent juvenile crime.

Last week, the Jackson County Commissioners approved a GREAT Grant agreement that will fund a project to connect more than 1,000 homes with broadband internet access.

Jackson County will hold a public hearing on two amendments to its Unified Development Ordinance this month.

Jackson County is losing long-time county attorney Heather Baker, but it has already selected a new attorney to serve as an interim while the county searches for a replacement. 

Sylva taxpayers may be looking at a one-cent tax increase in the coming 2023-24 fiscal year. In return for that increase, the town would see the Main Street Sylva director’s position move from half-time to full-time with greatly expanded responsibilities. 

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has applied for a grant to fund a Medication Assisted Treatment program in the county’s detention center. This comes after the Jackson County Detention Center has had five deaths in less than eight years, two of which occurred in 2022.