Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in roads with high priority
Highway fund and broadband budget amendments
Nearly $1 million in state aid will pay for paving five to six miles of designated state-aid roads, plus bridge work and materials. The Highway Supervisor cautioned that paving costs $120,000–$140,000 per mile.
Citico Creek Road closure and repair
July storms washed out a 13-mile stretch of Citico Creek Road in the Cherokee National Forest, and the Forest Service closed it July 24. Because the federal government owns and maintains the road, the county is asking Congress to steer emergency repair money to it — residents rely on it for access, emergencies, and tourism.
FY 2026-27 road paving list
Road Superintendent Steve Tigbrook's paving wish list — two state-aid roads plus several county roads — got the green light, funding permitting.
Big Fork Road bridge rehabilitation
The bridge on Big Fork Road, built in the 1960s, has scouring and undercutting flagged by state inspectors. The county is seeking up to $1.5 million in federal money (80% share) to bring it back up to state standards.