Avery County approves $1.62 million budget amendment for Avery High School kitchen renovation

The Avery County Board of Commissioners on May 6 approved a $1,620,055 budget amendment to begin the Avery High School kitchen renovation, covering the construction bid and asbestos abatement.

Finance Officer Caleb Hogan presented the amendment, which debited $1,620,055 to Avery County Schools Capital Outlay and credited $1,620,055 to Fund Balance Appropriated to fund the project. The motion to adopt the amendment was made by Commissioner Wood Hall Young Jr. and seconded by Commissioner Robert Burleson; the vote was unanimous, 5–0.

Hogan also presented several other budget adjustments adopted at the meeting, including recognizing the county as fiscal agent for 4-H with a $17,100 amendment for part-time staffing and supplies; approving an EMS insurance reimbursement of $3,371.77; authorizing a $13,786 reimbursement to Central Dispatch for radio-tower damage; and transferring $15,385.50 for Agricultural Extension program funds following closure of the program’s NC State–monitored account. The board approved each amendment by unanimous vote.

The board did not provide additional detail at the meeting about a construction contract award beyond approving the appropriation; staff will proceed with project implementation and required contract or procurement steps.