Robbinsville – The message from Brittney Holder was straightforward: commissioners need to take action on helping curb the overpopulation of stray animals in Graham County.
The owner of B’s Pet Grooming spoke to elected officials during Nov. 18’s workshop session, which immediately preceded the regularly-scheduled monthly meeting. Holder opened her grooming business in 2018 and has garnered a reputation locally for her passion toward helping animals, which led to a collaboration that launched the non-profit Graham County Animal Refuge earlier this year.
The refuge was born in the immediate aftermath of the stalemate reached between Graham County and Marble’s Valley River Humane Society, which the two sides arrived at after a partnership that had previously lasted for decades. The intention for the refuge was for Holder to temporarily house animals as needed, but the location quickly turned into a new location for individuals to abandon or surrender their pets.
After charging ahead full speed throughout 2025, Holder said the five volunteers that assist the refuge are stretched thin.
“I am exhausted from the non-stop hours I am pouring into this animal rescue, on a volunteer salary,” Holder said. “We have been trapping stray cats and dogs, taking in unwanted pets and endless litters of puppies and kittens, transporting animals to Virginia, helping owners vaccinate, feed and properly care for their neglected animals, taking fosters to vet appointments, and I also host fundraisers and events to keep income coming in.”
The effort thus far has led to 313 adoptions. Holder reminded those on-hand that the refuge is allotted just $1,667 a month, or $20,004 a year. Fundraising and donations have led to an additional $75,583.56 coming to the refuge, but between vet expenses ($24,292.43); transport travel ($18,640) and day-to-day operating costs ($27,984.82), a total of $70,917.25 has been spent.
In other words, the refuge has spent 93.8% of the money that has been raised or donated – just to keep up with the demand.
“It cannot continue this way,” said Holder. “We need help. We need a partnership with an existing facility until we can get something in county.
“I had all these plans and I have quickly realized I alone cannot solve this animal crisis. It shouldn’t be expected of me to.”
A committee was recently formed to help explore options, which Holder admitted during the meeting could find solutions – just not overnight.
Other news & notes
* County project manager Jason Marino said that after sending out a second request for bids, only one was returned on the permanent replacement of home bleacher at Modeal Walsh Memorial (Big Oaks) Stadium. Marino said the estimate was $4.6 million higher than budgeted by the Graham County Board of Education, so the project has been postponed and temporary bleachers will return for the 2026 season;
* Marino also said that the abatement of asbestos and lead-based paint inside the Graham County Detention Center had been completed that day. Doors and other items are set to be re-installed before the jail is back in full use again;
* RH CPAs Senior Audit Manager TD Hill delivered a quick update on the progress of past-due audits. Hill said the 2023-24 audit should be completed by the end of February, which would allow the 2024-25 audit to be fast-tracked and the current 2025-26 fiscal year audit to also be submitted before the end of the 2026 calendar year;
* A request by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office to purchase a Kawasaki UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle), which was quoted at $33,316. A quote for a Polaris UTV was also presented, which was $44,740. Commissioner Natasha Williams asked if the office had other items to be purchased; Cody noted the need for a $20,000 fingerprint machine at the detention center had been tabled during a recent discussion. The board opted to table the purchase of either UTV;
* Resident Jeremy Wiggins asked if the county tennis courts off Moose Branch Road could be converted into a skate park, which he and other volunteers would maintain. County manager Brady Cody said he would do some research on the matter;
* The board approved a donation of $2,000 to the Reigniting Hope Foundation.