2022.03.15 BOC Meeting

Woodfin Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – March 15, 2022

The Woodfin Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on March 15, 2022, addressing a range of topics impacting the town's governance, finances, and future development. The meeting saw unanimous votes on significant changes to the town's structure and a rezoning request, alongside detailed discussions about the budget, police department performance, and progress on the comprehensive plan.

A major decision made at the meeting was the unanimous approval of an amendment to Woodfin’s town charter, officially transitioning the town to a Council-Manager form of government. This change means that the newly appointed Town Administrator will also serve as the Town Manager, effective March 21st. Commissioners will continue to be called Commissioners, ensuring a smooth transition for residents.

The Board also tackled the town’s finances through an amendment to the current budget. While staff initially made conservative estimates, Woodfin is experiencing a surge in local option sales tax revenue – up 24% from last year following a previous increase of nearly 30%. The amendment aims to adjust for unexpected expenses, including an overage in the Reynolds Mountain Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and increased police salaries and overtime due to staffing challenges related to the implementation of a new evidence technician position and COVID-19. The Board ultimately approved this amendment, demonstrating their commitment to responsible financial management amidst a period of rapid growth.

Regarding development, the Board approved a rezoning request from applicant Nazar Sadavnik for property on Elk Mountain Road. The change, from Community Shopping to R7 (Residential), will allow the applicant to subdivide the property into two lots for the construction of single-family homes. The decision followed a public hearing where positive feedback was received from board members, indicating support for the proposed residential development.

Beyond these key decisions, several important discussions took place. The Board received a comprehensive 2021 Police Department Annual Report, highlighting a slight decrease in calls for service and a significant clearance rate of approximately 91% on investigations. Notably, the implementation of a Responder Support Services program, embedding a mental health clinician with the department, was praised as a positive step in supporting officer wellness. A brief but notable discussion arose regarding the ABC store's handling of mask mandates during COVID-19, prompting a board member to express concerns about employee decisions and potential impact on customers.

Progress was also showcased in the development of Woodfin’s Comprehensive Plan. The Steering Committee finalized draft mission and vision statements, aiming to guide the town's future growth and development. Survey results revealed that residents prioritize natural resource protection, managing growth effectively, and improving transportation infrastructure – all key considerations for the plan's development.

Looking ahead, several action items emerged from the meeting. The town is preparing to receive an additional $1,070,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding and will hold a budget workshop to discuss potential spending strategies. The Public Works department is seeking bids for installment financing to purchase two new sanitation trucks, and the street paving project bidding process remains underway.

This meeting demonstrated Woodfin’s proactive approach to managing growth, addressing financial challenges, and planning for a sustainable future. Residents can expect further updates on the Comprehensive Plan’s progress, as well as discussions surrounding ARP funding allocation at upcoming meetings. For detailed information and official documents, please visit the Town of Woodfin’s website.