Jim Tate, chairman of Macon County Board Commissioners, said goodbye during the regular board meeting on Nov. 8.
Tate has served as chairman of the board for the past eight years of his 11-year tenure. He opted not to run for re-election.
“This is my last official meeting as a county commissioner,” said Tate. “It’s been an honor to serve my county. I’ve done my best to be fair to all.”
During the meeting he thanked his fellow commissioners and added some advice – Tate’s Top 10 Advice – for the future board which included:
Civil discourse – have open and respectful conversations; Sleep on big decisions – don’t make rash decisions, this county deserves better than that; Keep county taxes low and the county financially strong; Education – provide our kids with facilities and tools to be successful; Focus on county services; Keep the county safe; Government – keep an open mind and keep an open door, listen to people and be respectful; Preserve our heritage and natural environment; Drama – keep the county out of the spotlight, don’t let government become a distraction, focus on the services we provide; Take care of our county staff and county manager.
“I’ve been truly blessed to work alongside our county employees in Macon County. Take care of them,” said Tate.
Broadcasting subleases for Cowee Bald tower
Macon County Emergency Services director Warren Cabe recommended that the county renew subleases with Sutton Broadcasting and Blue Ridge Public Broadcasting for space on the county’s communication tower on Cowee Bald. The county currently leases the space from the National Forest Service and has the authority to sublease to other entities. Sutton Broadcasting and Blue Ridge Public Broadcasting have been leasing the space from Macon County for $500 per month. Cabe said the lease does not interfere with any county operations. The county pays the Forest Service approximately $1,600 annually for their lease.
Commissioners approved the sublease renewal and instructed the county manager to work with the county attorney, Cabe, and representatives of Sutton Broadcasting and Blue Ridge Public Broadcasting to work out the details of the lease, including fees and term of lease.
Operation Green Light
Veteran’s Services Director Leigh Tabor-Holbrooks asked commissioners to approve a resolution designating Nov. 7 – Nov. 11 as Operation Green Light to honor local veterans. The resolution asks county government and local citizens to burn green lights to honor and recognize veterans living in Macon County. Commissioners approved the resolution and thanked Tabor-Holbrooks and her team for the work they do for veterans in Macon County.
Planning Board appointments
Commissioners approved appointing Barry Breeden and Ben Laseter to the planning board.
Breeden owns and operates Carolina Junction Power Equipment Inc., as well as Breeden5 Properties, LLC. He is chairman of the board of directors for Heart for Families.
Laseter is the deputy director of Mainspring Conservation Trust and serves on the Board of Directors of the Nikwasi Initiative.
At the conclusion of the meeting Tate invited his wife, Allison, to the podium, handing her the gavel to officially close his last meeting as a Macon County Commissioner.
“I married the most patient woman in the world,” said Tate. “We’ve been married about 23 years and about half that I’ve been on this board. During that time we’ve raised kids, started a business and she has given me advice on how to run the county. Our life and marriage is stronger than ever. I’m asking her to adjourn my final meeting.”
The new board members will be sworn in on Dec. 5 with a called meeting following. The regular meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 13.