On Monday, the commissioners held their first regular meeting of the month at the County Administrative Offices on North Main Street in Marion. During the meeting, they heard an update from Planning Director Ron Harmon about commercial cryptocurrency mining in McDowell.

Earlier this year, the commissioners implemented a moratorium on this activity. Cryptocurrency mining is “the continuous process where computers work to solve algorithms to maintain and build algorithmic, or blockchain, and in exchange are granted cryptocurrency.” It is a digital payment system that does not rely on banks to verify transactions. Local officials say that cryptocurrency mining uses significant electricity and water resources to power special servers and maintain a cool climate.

“Cryptocurrency mining requires considerable amounts of electricity usage, noise, and other local impacts to communities living near the mining facilities,” reads a memo to the commissioners.

County Manager Ashley Wooten told The McDowell News earlier this year that there have been inquiries from companies interested in starting a cryptocurrency mining operation in McDowell.

The commissioners voted earlier this year to enact a 12-month moratorium. They also directed the county Planning Board and staff to look at creating rules for cryptocurrency mining operations in McDowell County.

On Monday, Harmon presented a draft of the commercial cryptocurrency ordinance. It showed more or less bans on the development of commercial cryptocurrency mining throughout the unincorporated areas of McDowell County. The Marion and Old Fort municipalities may elect to allow this ordinance to be effective within their corporate limits and extraterritorial jurisdictions. Harmon said it would not prohibit cryptocurrency mining by private individuals.

The commissioners agreed to hold this hearing at their Dec. 11 meeting.

In a related matter, the commissioners approved changing the county’s telecommunications tower ordinance to comply with new federal regulations.

Commissioners also heard a report from Health Director Karen Powell with the Foothills Health District.

Powell presented a request to increase several environmental health fees. The higher costs are for the evaluation of new and existing wastewater systems. Powell also asked the commissioners to endorse a policy banning smoking and vaping at the Health Department building.

Under this policy, the Foothills Health District will prohibit the use of tobacco products in “any building of the Health Department and within 50 feet of the building, thus avoiding smoke being drawn into the ventilation system and circulated throughout the building(s).” The ban will cover Health Department buildings, vehicles, playgrounds, outdoor grounds and walkways, and parking lots. It will also ban the use of smokeless tobacco on the Health Department property.

“This policy aims to safeguard the well-being and safety of all individuals utilizing health department services, employed by the health department, and visiting health department premises. Specifically, to reduce the exposure to secondhand smoke and tobacco product residual material,” reads a memo from health officials.

The commissioners should have acted on these requests but asked for more information before taking action.

During Monday’s meeting, the commissioners indicated they will adopt a resolution in support of Israel in its brutal war with Hamas. The answer will be brought before the board for consideration at a future meeting.

In other business, the McDowell County Commission:

Heard a report from Kim Case from myFutureNC. She gave an overview of that organization and its goal of seeing an increase in post-high school education statewide, whether it’s college degrees, certificates, or other credentials. The goal for McDowell County is that 51% of the residents will have a postsecondary degree or credential. After hearing from Case, the commissioners adopted a resolution supporting the myFutureNC attainment goal.

They held a public hearing about the renaming of roads. Property owners along two named streets off of Hankins Road have requested a road renaming. Emergency Services staff have ensured that the road names do not conflict with existing ones. The roads were renamed Drake-Lee Drive and Jett Way.

They talked about the strategic planning process. The commissioners met at the end of August to start the strategic planning process. Since that time, county staff and the N.C. Commerce officials have worked to put together a working group comprised of the following departments/agencies: the county manager, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services, Tourism Development Authority, planning, Parks and Recreation, the Senior Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension, the transit system, DSS, economic development, Foothills Health District, Foothills Regional Commission, McDowell County Public Schools, and McDowell Technical Community College. The group held its first meeting on Nov. 1 to review the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats the commissioners identified. The next meeting will focus on the vision that the board has laid out. In addition, a public input survey has been developed.

They heard updates about building projects, including the Recreation Center and the animal shelter. The commissioners recently rejected the bids for the Recreation Center project. The architect is now reworking the bid scope to focus on the pool, parking/driveway improvements, and whatever components can be completed on the sports field. The animal shelter architects will meet with staff this week to review and finalize the drawings for the shelter. A topographical survey of the proposed location on N.C. 226 South has been ordered. There have been several positive discussions with donors regarding assistance with the project, according to Wooten.

I heard an update on water system upgrades. The Nebo IA and IB projects are being funded by the county’s $11 million state appropriation. A combination of N.C. Commerce funds and American Rescue Plan Act funds for McDowell is funding the Universal water and sewer project.

They talked about the HUD HOME Consortium. Several years ago, the commissioners agreed to allow the county to act as the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Consortium lead agency. This arrangement provides for funding from HUD to participating local governments. While the county is the lead agency and the fiscal agent, the Foothills Regional Commission works behind the scenes. The commissioners approved the partnership agreement and the receipt of funds from HUD.

They approved leases with the American Red Cross and McDowell Technical Community College.

Appointed Jim Williams and David Patneaude to the Planning Board, Nancy Moore to the Transportation Advisory Board, and Conner Tolley to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.