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TRYON—The Town of Tryon Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday night to discuss several important topics, including announcing committee appointments, budget amendments and preparations for the town’s 140th-anniversary celebration.

Town Manager Fatland detailed the origins of the amendments, explaining that a thorough review of the budget revealed the town had been paying insurance premiums that exceeded the agreed-upon rates from 2021. 

Under the previous town manager, the Board approved a yearly insurance package totaling $536,000 to cover health insurance for long-serving employees. The budget was based on an estimated $583 per month per employee, but due to increases in premiums and the provider charging more for retirees, costs surged to around $1,100 per month within two years. This unexpected rise affected the town’s budget, particularly as it was not adjusted to account for these changes.

Fatland, who resumed the role of town manager in 2023, discovered the discrepancy in October and, at the meeting, introduced the budget amendments for 2024 and 2025 to revert to the original fixed monthly payment plan of $583 for each employee the Board had agreed to in 2021. 

During the meeting, retired police chief Jeff Arrowood voiced his disappointment with the Board’s decision.

Fatland has been actively exploring alternative insurance providers to mitigate the impact on the seven employees, seeking a solution allowing the town to offer adequate coverage while remaining within the approved budget. 

The meeting also included updates on the damages caused by Tropical Storm Helene, with Fatland outlining the ongoing restoration efforts. Additionally, he sought approval to amend the audit contract and introduced discussions surrounding installment financing for the purchase of used equipment.

Regarding infrastructure, the Board awarded a contract for the Grady Avenue water line and opened bids for upcoming sewer projects on Hidden Hill, Oak Street, and Grady Avenue.

As Tryon moves toward its 140th anniversary celebration in 2025, the Board took key steps to create a board related to the milestone event. Committee appointments were made as follows:

• Finance & Human Resources: Tracie Morris, with Skip Crowe as the alternate
• Public Works & Utilities: Skip Crowe, with Julie Lambakis as the alternate
• Eastside Advisory (Liaison): Skip Crowe, with Julie Lambakis as the alternate
• Downtown: Julie Lambakis, with Tracie Morris as the alternate
• Parks: Alan Peoples
• Tryon Cemetery: Alan Peoples
• Tourism: Bill Crowell
• Harmon Field (Liaison): Tracie Morris, with Bill Crowell as the alternate
• Saluda Grade Advisory: Bill Crowell
• Foothills Regional Commission: Alan Peoples

Following the committee appointments, Tim Daniels provided updates on downtown development, minimum housing, and planning initiatives. The Tryon Downtown Development Association celebrated the success of recent events, including the Christmas Stroll and Parade.

The meeting concluded with a closed session, and the next regular meeting of the Town of Tryon Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, at 7 p.m. in the McCown Room of the Tryon Town Hall, located at 301 North Trade Street.