Mayor’s Summary of the June 11, 2026, Town Council Meeting

June 12, 2026
An older man with short white hair is smiling. He is wearing a dark blazer over a light pink collared shirt, standing in front of a plain light-colored background.

Fellow Montreaters,

Unofficial summer has arrived and the face of Montreat has taken on its summer countenance. Ready for some action and activity?

As I have said before, I do these summaries so you know what is happening in our Town immediately after our Town Council meeting. That way, you don’t have to wait a month for the official minutes in next month’s agenda packet. If you want, you can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.

Public Forum

  • Letta Jean Taylor suggested cross walk signs be placed at the Georgia Terrace and Assembly Drive intersection. She also asked about why the cell tower has not been aesthetically refurbished. She also asked what an “ad valorem tax drop” meant in the budget proposal. Savannah explained that it was a term describing the latest iteration of tax rate variations.
  • Mary Standaert also asked about the cell tower situation. She also had questions about the sanitation contract proposal. Savannah explained it is not a contract but the first step in understanding how the contractor would operate with the Town. Backdoor service will be included in the final contract.

Council Meeting

After calling the meeting to order, I stated that we will not be dealing with the budget tonight as originally planned due to the indecision by the state legislature whether we will be abiding by the property revaluation or not. I also mentioned I need a ride for the 4th of July parade. If anyone has a convertible or truck, please call me!

Town Manager Savannah Parrish gave a brief FEMA update. She said FEMA projects are moving along slowly, but at least they are moving. We received a $24,000 FEMA reimbursement payment today for administrative cost reimbursement.

Public Comments

  • John Dunbar asked who would be responsible and would manage the Chestnut Tree project on the Town right-of-way behind their Virginia Road home. Because this was a Public Comment period, no official response was given but I told John that Savannah would get back to him.
  • Letta Jean Taylor said the candidate filing period for open Montreat Town Council seats (of which there are three) is July 6 to July 17.
  • Mary Standaert thanked the Town Council for its work, especially in the challenging times we are currently in. She also reminded everyone that privatization of sanitation services was not successful 20 years ago.

Old Business—There was none.

New Business

  • I had the honor of conducting the Oath of Office for Justyn Whitson, our new Chief of Police. We are delighted with the new MPD leadership.
  • Jean Norris and Eric Nichols provided an excellent update report on Flat Creek Crossing. They are nearly fully funded. They are grateful for all the community support, financially and through volunteerism.
  • Savannah presented an agreement between Buncombe County and Montreat for our participation in the Fire District Tax Resolution. There are errors in the County contract, which Savannah will have the County fix. The Council passed the agreement pending the identified contract revisions.
  • Commissioner Blake led a discussion on the Town establishing a brokerage account, allowing us to accept financial security gifts and invest accordingly. Commissioner Widmer suggested several revisions to the resolution, and the Council passed it with the proposed changes.
  • The Council deferred action on approving the contract with Carter, P.C. for continued audit services due to a question on the date when the annual audit will be presented to the Town. Staff will discuss the issue with Carter, and the agreement will be reconsidered next month.
  • The Council unanimously approved the appointment of Kathy Putnam as an ex-officio member of the Stone Bridge Advisory Committee.
  • After significant discussion, the Council approved action to engage in discussions with Consolidated Waste Services for sanitation services beginning in the new fiscal year.
  • As I mentioned earlier, we deferred all discussions regarding the budget until state legislation is better defined. However, the budget will still be due by June 30.
  • The Council passed three budget amendments depositing and transferring funds within Town accounts.
  • Commissioner Blake, with support from Tree Board member Elizabeth Hamilton, gave an overview of discussions with the American Chestnut Foundation to plant three hybrid Chestnut Trees as a Chestnut tree “nursery” on Town property. The Tree Board will handle discussions and final actions in conjunction with the American Chestnut Foundation.

Council Communications

  • Commissioner Widmer suggested that perhaps an alternative approach to sanitation service solutions would be to give Public Works Director Barry Creasman a “blank sheet of paper” and ask him how he would design a $269,000 sanitation service.

Speaking for the entire Council, I thank you for your interest and support of the work of this Town. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please write me at thelms@townofmontreat.org or call me at 828/669-3852.

Thank you again,

A simple, abstract blue line drawing with a looping curve on the left and a sharp upward loop on the right, resembling a stylized letter L or a loose signature.

Mayor Tim Helms on behalf of the Town Council

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