Jason McMahan
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Top issues during term (20)
Jail financing and the $70 million bond question
The county avoids lease complications but no dollar figure was discussed.
Hurricane recovery and bridge repairs
No net cost to taxpayers — insurance paid $49,875 and the grant covers the remainder.
Zoning amendments threatening Meat Jack and small businesses
Unclear — but Hope says the rules could put his family business out of operation.
Wastewater service for Cosby, Hartford and Wilton Springs
About $4 million ARPA-funded project; $277,000 paid so far.
Contaminated well water on Sparks and Good Hope Roads
A water line quote came in at $153,000 plus $1,300 per tap; new wells run $50,000-$60,000 each.
Smoky Mountain Innovation Park and economic development
About $4 million in grant-funded work with no local match for county taxpayers.
Pigeon River rafting threatened by I-40 construction
$50,000 from rafting fee revenue, which retains a surplus of its roughly $300,000 annual budget.
Bike trails and Innovation Park development
No cost to local taxpayers — grant funds cover the work, including a potential $5 million EDA grant matched by the state.
Federal appropriations and FEMA flood recovery
Potentially millions in unreimbursed disaster costs the county is trying to recover.
Rezoning 1692 Deerwood Road to commercial
Lithium battery disposal
Highway department temporary offices
The lease covers office space for another year until the rebuilt highway building is ready.
Lithium-ion battery fire safety
One-year moratorium on data center facilities
No direct cost; the pause buys time to write zoning rules that could limit energy and water use by such facilities.
County Elderly Tax Match Program
A flat $50 match for about 925 eligible seniors, budgeted at a fixed cost even though the state's contribution won't be known until September.
Speeding and cut-through traffic in Cosby
New speed limits and enforcement could generate ticket revenue while improving safety.
Proposed French Broad River boat ramp and park
Free land, and the conservancy would pursue a no-cost grant for a master plan.
County attorney contract length
The county pays $50,000 a year under the retainer, but litigation pushes total legal spending higher — over $126,000 this year.
Landfill-adjacent property timber
Potential timber revenue from county-owned land.
FY2026-27 budget and flat tax rate
No property tax increase; roughly 3% more in county payroll starting in January.
Decisions during term (113)
Recorded while McMahan was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Election of meeting chairman
Approval of previous minutes
Election of notaries
Sheriff's Office annual financial report
Budget transfers and amendments — county
Budget transfers and amendments — school system
A2I ankle monitor agreement for Sheriff's Department
$50,000 for Pigeon River rafting engineering study
Extension of $5 million bond anticipation note (Series 2024)
Initial resolution — notice for up to $70 million jail bonds
Highway department property lease (Erby Contractors and Debbie Irving)
Timber bid notice for landfill property
EMA vehicle replacement grant resolution
Motion to return zoning amendments B, C, D, and E to the Planning Commission
Amendment to county zoning resolution to define temporary uses
Motion supporting issuance of a business license to Jamie Phillips (Timberline Lawns)
Adoption of FY2026-27 budget and $1.4993 tax rate
Application for refund of taxes — Jeffrey V. Mayernic
Acceptance of donated ballistic vest for K-9 Atlas
Agreement for mental health patient transports
Voting record (20)
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