Montreat Minute 11/8/24

November 8, 2024

Town Council Meeting Thursday, November 14, at 6:00pm

The Montreat Town Council will meet for its monthly meeting next Thursday, November 14th, at 6:00pm in Assembly Inn’s Convocation Hall. Please note the change in location while the Town Hall is being restored from the hurricane. As usual, the Public Forum precedes the Council Meeting, beginning at 5:30pm.

For a copy of the agenda, CLICK HERE. The meeting will be live streamed and recorded. For information about streaming the meeting, CLICK HERE. The Public Forum will begin at 5:30pm. Everyone is invited.

Audit Approved and Sent to State

The Town’s 2023-2024 Audit was approved yesterday by the Audit Committee and immediately following by the Town Council. It was then sent to the State in advance of the original deadline set by them. But due to the hurricane, the State Treasurer gave Western NC communities a liberal extension. Thanks to extraordinarily hard work by Town staff and our auditors, the extension was not needed.

The audit, AKA Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, indicated excellent growth and financial stability for the Town. Financial highlights include:

  • Net Position (Assets – Liabilities) increased by $424,942 (+5%) to $9,112,270
  • Total debt decreased $230,871, a decrease of 13%
  • The total Fund Balance (our savings account) increased by $280,806 to $2,214,104

For a copy of the Audit, CLICK HERE.

The Town Council is extremely grateful to Montreat’s Financial Officer, Rachel Eddings, and our Auditing Firm, Carter P.C., for their perseverance and commitment to meet the original state deadline.

Hurricane Debris Pick Up

As mentioned previously, Public Works Director Barry Creasman has requested that all residents pile Hurricane Helene vegetative debris at the edge of their individual properties. Please DO NOT BLOCK THE ROADWAY. Public Works is winding down its residential debris pickup plans, so make sure to have your debris on the roadside.

Bulk Pick Up/Storm Related Pickup Scheduled for December 3

Bulk Pickup has been rescheduled to December 3rd. At that time, we will be picking up items ruined in the hurricane as well as usual bulk pickup items. Again, please do not block the roadway with your items.

Zoning Guidance Post Storm

Montreat Zoning Administrator, Kayla DiChristina, has prepared a short document to aid residents in understanding what zoning regulations are in place in regard to repairs and improvements as a result of Hurricane Helene. If you have repairs or rebuilding from the storm, you are urged to read the document and contact Kayla. For a copy of the document, CLICK HERE. Kayla can be reached at 828/669-8002 x 3.

Donations Still Being Accepted

We are very fortunate to have received more than $148,000 in donations for staff and restoration expenses. Donations are still being accepted to defray the cost of repairing the damage. FEMA typically does not approve all the projects we submit for reimbursement and, historically, the Town has been reimbursed only about 75% of the total cost of the approved projects. We are still awaiting FEMA payment from damage done in the 2018 Hurricane Alberto storm!

Thus, donations will help us stay strong financially. CLICK HERE for instructions regarding how to make online donations and gifts by check. Pass the link on to friends who love Montreat and want to see it rebuilt.

Hurricane Losses? The State May Help

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety is offering the Individual Assistance (IA) program, which helps uninsured or underinsured families impacted by declared State and Federal disasters. File your loss with your insurance company and if the claim is denied, you may be eligible for the IA program.

Eligibility for the IA program requires that you apply for a disaster loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If your loan request is denied by SBA, you become eligible for State IA grant assistance by completing and signing an application. For more information on this program, CLICK HERE.

Montreat College Students Launch Storm Project

The design students at Montreat College are passionate about using their skills to uplift our town. They have launched a project to document the Town of Montreat’s experience with Hurricane Helene.

Your stories, pictures, and moments of strength will guide our design project to truly support our neighbors during this time. By understanding your experiences, we can create a project that directly benefits the community.

Like residents, the students are invested in Montreat, even if it is their temporary home. This project is their way of giving back and showing their commitment. To take the survey, CLICK HERE.

  • Town offices will be closed on Monday, November 11th, for the Veteran’s Day Holiday. Trash pickup will be on Tuesday, November 12th, instead of Monday.
  • Due to hurricane damage, MRA has closed all trails and recreational facilities for the time being. They are hoping to have some trails open in the coming weeks. If you would like to help open the trails, MRA has three trail volunteer days scheduled. Email [email protected] to find out more about how to sign up. 
  • MRA has cancelled all groups and activities at the conference center through the end of the year. However, the annual College Conference will be held as planned. For more about MRA and hurricane related information, visit their website by CLICKING HERE.
  • Like other retail establishments, our Post Office took a hit being closed after the storm. You can help them get back on their feet by buying stamps. Jordan and Nova have a variety of stamps, including multiple choices of Christmas and holiday stamps. Support our Montreat Post Office—buy your stamps there.
  • Do you receive your own copy of the Montreat Minute or know someone who doesn’t? Sign up for the Sunshine List to receive the Montreat Minute and stay “in the know” about the Town’s happenings. CLICK HERE to sign up for the list!
  • Do you receive Montreat Code Red alerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane? If not and you would like to be added to the list CLICK HERE

Questions or Comments?

Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angie Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great weekend!