Connie Orr
Robbinsville – Though very few details were revealed, the Graham County Board of Commissioners did reveal at March 18's meeting that a new location was being considered for the long-discussed justice center.
All that the board was willing to reveal was that negotiations were underway for a property off Tallulah Road and that the site was near one that had previously been under consideration. Before the announcement, commissioners had looked at locations adjacent to State Employees Credit Union.
"I know the public is getting weary with us," said commissioner Connie Orr. "We are not standing still. We want to get this right."
"We've not let this fall to the wayside," added commission chair Meggan Smith. "We've looked at the Stanley (Furniture Plant) property numerous times. We've looked at the school property numerous times. We've had some meetings, but we've hit some roadblocks.
"We're trying to have plans A, B and C, because we need to make a plan as soon as possible."
Prior to the discussion, finance officer Stacy Carpenter noted that the county has collected $1,605,521.48 to date from the ¼-cent sales tax that was passed on a ballot referendum to help fund the construction of a new justice center. Of that total amount, $23,945.52 was collected in January alone.
Other news & notes
* Carpenter also stated during her finance update that the 2022-23 fiscal year audit should be ready by April 15.
* Libby Ensley and Randy Moody were appointed to be Graham County's representatives on the Tri-County Community College Board of Trustees.