Questions Over Accessibility, Unwritten Policies, Surface during McDowell Commissioners Meeting

A series of routine agenda items before the McDowell County Commissioners this week turned into a broader discussion about how county government operates when formal policies and written agreements appear to lag behind long-standing practice.

Throughout the meeting on April 13 (and the video posted on April 15), commissioners and staff reviewed items involving rail funding discussions, parks expansion and internal personnel rules. But repeated references to decisions being made without clear written documentation raised questions about transparency, consistency and institutional record-keeping.

County Manager Ashley Wooten told commissioners the issue is not isolated.

“We have practices, but not policies,” he said, characterizing how several procedures have developed over time without being formally codified.

One of the clearest examples came during a discussion of an employee service recognition program. County leaders acknowledged that service awards have been issued for years, but no written policy exists outlining eligibility, structure or how benefits interact with retirement milestones.

Commissioners ultimately voted to formalize existing practice while rejecting efforts to apply expanded benefits retroactively. The decision brought structure to the program but also highlighted how long-standing personnel actions had operated without codified rules.

Later in the meeting, Wooten said staff could not locate documentation showing how certain authorities — including fireworks permitting — were formally delegated to the City of Marion.

“If there’s a piece of paper … we cannot find it,” he said.

The comment underscored concerns among some officials about gaps in record retention and clarity over which body holds specific regulatory authority.

Commissioners did not take immediate action on the issue, but the discussion added to a broader pattern raised during the meeting: governance relying heavily on precedent rather than written policy.

At the same time, county leaders moved forward on several major initiatives.

A regional passenger rail proposal linking Asheville and Salisbury drew renewed attention, with local advocates urging McDowell County participation in funding commitments needed to unlock larger state and federal dollars. Officials said initial local investment would primarily serve as a signal of support for outside funding opportunities.

The discussion comes as freight rail service resumes through Old Fort following extensive storm damage repairs. Thousands of feet of track have been restored, and a public event is planned to mark the reopening of service along the corridor.

Commissioners also unanimously approved plans to expand Universal Park into a larger outdoor recreation destination. The project includes new trails, improved fishing access and future recreational amenities. Supporters say the expansion could strengthen tourism and regional economic development. No county funding is required upfront, with the project relying on grants and private contributions.

Recreation fees were also adjusted, with modest increases approved for pool admission and rental rates. County officials said the changes are intended to offset rising operational costs while keeping prices competitive with neighboring jurisdictions.

Participation in county recreation programs continues to grow, including more than 850 youth baseball players and increased revenue from campground use, according to staff reports.

Other actions taken during the meeting included approval of a $580,000 state recycling grant to modernize equipment and infrastructure, and creation of a new multi-county youth football league following changes in a previous partnership with Burke County.

Commissioners also reviewed a proposed framework for how local fire departments request funding increases, with officials emphasizing the need for department input before any final policy adoption.

The board was also briefed on federal digital accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which will require upgrades to the county’s website and public communications systems, adding future compliance costs. The Department of Justice requires full compliance by April 24, 2026. 

Still, the most persistent theme of the meeting extended beyond any single vote or grant.

As commissioners worked through funding decisions and program approvals, they also confronted a broader question about governance itself — how much of county operations are formally documented, and how much continues to rely on institutional memory and long-standing practice.