HAYWOOD PULSE
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Updated 6/10/2026
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Welcome to Haywood Pulse,
Our mission is to empower the community through transparency and shared insights through our website and our newsletter. We are NOT and organization; we ARE an information source. We value your voice and encourage you to contribute your perspective as we grow. We will share your comments and letters here on our website and in our newsletter. Our goal is to help you stay informed and engaged in local and state government—where the real changes are made. We believe that informed citizens build stronger communities. By focusing on grassroots involvement, we can drive meaningful change from the bottom up. Visit us frequently for updates. Stay informed. Stay engaged.
Together we will make an impact.
The flag isn't just a piece of cloth. Our flag holds the memories of those who built our country; who fought and died for our country; who fought for civil rights and women's equality; who stood up for those who couldn't; and now those who are standing up against tyranny.
The flag isn't just a piece of cloth, the flag is us.
WORD FROM FLAGMAN (Kevin)
Kevin has given his permission to post this from his FB page:
I’ve recently had two people close to me ask/warn me about speaking so openly about politics. They both mean very well; the don’t know each other; they both worry I might end up on “a list.”
Good. I hope I’m already on lists. If you aren’t behaving in a way that makes you liable to be on a list then you aren’t acting in this very precarious moment in a way that will determine fascism or democracy.
The reason I’m here in FB and not on Bluesky is specifically because I’m open about my politics. I’m intentionally putting myself out there.
I thanked my friends for their concern but this is go time. Sign up and be counted or keep silent and allow the fascists to speak for you. (Kevin)
As our friend Bruce tells us--THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE SILENT!!
From our guest writer, Carly Pugh.
This is a reminder that during these tough times gardening and playing in the dirt is a great way to decompress, and raise some food.
Comedy and Gardening as Life-Sustaining Outlets:
A Review of Zach Galifianakis’ This Is a Gardening Show
by Carly Pugh
On Earth Day, Netflix released a new mini-series called This Is a Gardening Show. In it, Zach Galifianakis talks with experts and children alike about Apples, Tomatoes, Foraging, Root Vegetables, Corn, and my personal favorite, Compost. It was certainly designed with the modern attention span in mind, as the six episodes range between 15-20 minutes. Zach’s lighthearted wit and humor pair perfectly with heavy moments of consideration for humanity’s future.
Zach grew up in Wilkesboro, NC, and we should all be proud to call him our neighbor. His reputation as a ridiculous comedian who starred in The Hangover might overshadow his profound empathy and intelligence, though I’ve come to appreciate the way absurdity can break down barriers between actor and audience. He’s been gardening for more than 20 years, but his delightfully simple questions (“What is a tomato?”) invite anyone and everyone to learn about gardening.
As a novice gardener myself, I found the series equally informative and engaging. It made me simultaneously want to get outside and stay glued to the couch with my ramen, snuggling my pets and my child.
Don’t mind the occasional bleep, this is a show you can and SHOULD watch with children. Their point of view is highlighted in each episode as Zach interviews them on each topic. Comedy stays at the center, but learning does too.
Overall, it’s a beautifully simple concept: we need to stay connected to where our food comes from. We have plenty of things to worry about lately, especially if you’re a parent: artificial ingredients, pesticides, food dyes, humane treatment of animals, climate change, to name a few. Zach is here to tell us we can laugh, breathe, and reconnect to the earth despite our problems.
Want a taste of the beautiful absurdity? Check out the trailer for This Is a Gardening Show and listen for Zach’s thoughts on a remedy for the human condition.
Support the Haywood County Women's Democrats and learn more about candidates that are running.
On June 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Root& Rise, 60 South Main, Tom Downing, candidate for North Carolina State Senate District 50, will share his plans for representing the district and explain why his campaign is for everyone. His priorities are education, the economy, public safety and healthcare
Downing, who holds a master’s in public affairs from Western Carolina University, has worked for the last 15 years for the City of Asheville in the mayor’s and city manager’s offices and the finance department. During the pandemic, he worked with 12 other city staff members, answering calls to United Way’s 211 information line. Prior to his work in municipal government, he was a special education teacher.
The meeting is open to all Democratic and unaffiliated women, and newcomers are enthusiastically welcome.
BUDGETING 101 (Part 2)
The Budget Process
In part 1 of Budget 101 we learned about the different parts of a municipal budget and where funds come from. In part 2, we are looking at how the budget comes together. This AI summary is a good overview of the budget process.
Remember that North Carolina requires municipalities to have a balanced budget—there must be funds to cover the expenditures. Also, the budget must be approved by the local governing authority by June 30th.
This has not been an easy year for preparing the budget. Municipalities and counties are struggling to find funds to pay for services. Many places are having to up the property tax, not because they want to, but because services will suffer if they don’t.
It has been enlightening to be at the Waynesville town council meetings and listen to them talk about the budget. The council members have made the decision not to raise property taxes and have sent the town manager and finance director back to find more cuts in departments. They are also focused on making sure the town employees are not forgotten. The goal, though it’s going to take some time, is to pay a living wage to town employees. From sitting in the gallery, it was apparent that these government officials are interested in our town and the employees that make things happen.
AI Overview of the Budget Process
The municipal budget process is a continuous 6-to-9-month cycle of planning, approval, and monitoring. It requires forecasting revenues, soliciting departmental requests, balancing competing priorities, holding public hearings, and formally adopting an appropriations ordinance before the fiscal year begins.
The sequential execution of a municipal budget follows these core phases:
1. Preliminary Planning & Forecasting
The city manager or budget officer kicks off the cycle, typically several months before the new fiscal year. They forecast projected revenues (property taxes, sales taxes, fees, and state/federal aid) to establish the financial baseline.
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Resource: Review the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) framework for long-term budget design.
2. Departmental Requests
Individual department heads (e.g., police, public works, parks) submit their financial needs. They justify their operational and capital requests based on their strategic goals and community demands.
3. Manager's Review & Draft Proposal
The budget officer evaluates departmental requests, balances them against estimated revenues, and compiles a comprehensive draft budget.
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Methodologies: Municipalities may use traditional line-item budgets or incorporate strategic frameworks like performance-based or priority-based budgeting.
4. Legislative Review & Public Hearings
The proposed budget is presented to the city council or governing board and opened to the public. Municipalities are legally required to hold public hearings and publish meeting notices to ensure community feedback is integrated before adoption.
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Resource: Deep dive into North Carolina-specific statutory requirements using the UNC School of Government Local Government Budgeting Manual.
5. Adoption & Authorization
The city council votes to approve the final balanced budget, often enacted as an appropriations ordinance. This gives staff the legal authority to collect revenues and expend funds for the fiscal year.
6. Implementation & Monitoring
Throughout the fiscal year, government officials track monthly spending against the adopted budget. This ensures compliance and helps identify necessary financial adjustments early.
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Resource: Read OpenGov's Guide on the Local Government Budget Process to see how modern tools streamline these steps.
Flipper is keeping us busy. He's reminded me to go catch up on state news--going to do some research on the state budget.
Flipper also reminds us that one way to be involved at the local level is to become a member of local government boards. We are reposting the two openings from Waynesville below.
Check out our events/meeting page because there is a lot happening this month.
And, check back often as our goal is to keep you updated.
Current Board Vacancies (Waynesville)
There are multiple committee member vacancies on the several volunteer advisory boards and commissions including:
Zoning Board of Adjustment (alternates): The Board of Adjustment (Waynesville Board of Adjustment) is established as a “quasi-judicial” administrative board that operates on a level between the enforcement officials of the Town of Waynesville and the Courts. The purpose of the Zoning Board of Adjustment is to hear and decide appeals from and review any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official charged with enforcement of an ordinance adopted pursuant to the Land Development Standards
For application information, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (828) 452-2491 or visit the Town of Waynesville website. Applications will be accepted until June 17th at 5pm. NOTE: Five regular and three alternate members are appointed by the Town Alderman (these members live inside the corporate limits). Per Board bylaws, the Board of County Commissioners appoints at least one extra-territorial jurisdiction member (ETJ).
Environmental Sustainability Board: The Town of Waynesville is seeking applicants to fill three vacancies and one alternate position on the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB).The ESB advises Town Council on sustainability initiatives that help build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient community. Current board activities are organized around three focus areas:
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Energy – renewable energy, building efficiency, and electrification
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Electric Transportation – EV infrastructure and sustainable mobility
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Urban Ecology – urban forestry, green infrastructure, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship
The Board welcomes residents and community members with experience or interest in sustainability, energy, transportation, urban forestry, environmental science, and successful grant writing for state, federal, and private grants.
Board members serve three-year terms and meet monthly. Alternate members participate in discussions and vote when serving in place of an absent member.
If you are passionate about helping shape Waynesville’s sustainable future, we encourage you to apply.
For application information, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (828) 452-2491 or visit the Town of Waynesville website. Applications will be accepted until June 17th at 5pm.
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Applications are available for download here, or can be obtained at the Municipal Building, 16 South Main Street, Waynesville.
Applications can be submitted to the Town Clerk via
email: cpoolton@waynesvillenc.gov
Mailed to: Town of Waynesville, Attn: Town Clerk PO Box 100 Waynesville, NC 28786
In person during regular business hours at the Municipal Building located at 16 S. Main Street, Waynesville.
For more information, please contact Town Clerk Candace Poolton at 828-452-2491 or via email at cpoolton@waynesvillenc.gov.
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