Mark Jones has never voted for a tax increase before, but the Jackson County Commissioner joined the rest of the board in favor of instituting a fire tax for the Cashiers and Highlands areas of the county last week.

A public hearing to get Cashiers’ take on a proposed fire tax for the area drew about 70 people to the Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center. Judging by the 10 speakers who said their piece to the Jackson County Commissioners, one opinion is fairly unanimous among Cashiers taxpayers: the Cashiers Fire Department needs more revenue. 

A proposed ordinance could cost Swain County residents money if they don’t make sure their alarm systems are working properly.

A fire tax for Sylva and Cullowhee is off the table, at least for now, but Jackson County Commissioners told county staff to keep going on the Cashiers and Highlands fire districts.

Jackson County’s elected leaders will be have a big decision to make over the coming month: to levy a fire tax forcing property owners in lower-value areas of the county to pay higher bills or watch local fire departments continue to struggle with old equipment and insufficient manpower.

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Following Saturday morning’s fire on Main Street in downtown Sylva, Mayor Maurice Moody has scheduled an emergency meeting and work session for the Town of Sylva Board of Commissioners and local business owners for Monday at 4:00 p.m. in the board room of Municipal Hall, 83 Allen Street, Sylva.

The purpose of the meeting is to allow for an opportunity for merchants and the town board to discuss Saturday’s fire, the impact on businesses, and any updates as they become available.

Photos courtesy of Kristin Moore

Jackson County commissioners have nixed the idea of making volunteer fire departments financially autonomous.

Dark clouds hung above Cullowhee last Friday morning. And as the rain fell on the mountain community, tears slid down the face of Suzanne Stone.

“I’m numb,” she said. “I rotate between crying and disbelief. It’s like losing your home.”

Some Jackson County commissioners expressed trepidation this week over changing the way the county’s seven volunteer fire departments are funded.

Jackson County commissioners signaled support this week to change the way volunteer fire departments are funded, although the plan is not without its critics.