Uncovering the Truth

In today’s world, the phrase "Follow the Money" is vital for shining a light on fraud, waste, and corruption, especially in government spending. This idea applies not just at the federal level but also to decisions made by local officials. Despite its importance, some officials seem hesitant to let the public examine the justification for financial transactions closely. This leads us to a pressing question: what are they afraid of, and what could happen if the truth comes to light?

One significant instance of this reluctance emerges in Haywood County, where I sought clarity regarding the Board of Commissioners' decision to transfer, on average, $75,000 annually to the Buncombe-Asheville Chamber of Commerce for a "Joint" economic plan initiative that, based on all available information that I have been provided, has benefited only the Asheville area economy and job market.

Like myself, many residents of Haywood County are justifiably confused. Why are our tax dollars being used this way, especially when we have our own Chamber of Commerce, which, from all indications, is quite capable of driving economic initiatives? Simple questions about the decision-making process remain unanswered, leaving many in the community feeling uneasy.

In an email, Chairman Kevin Ensley admonished me for questioning this expenditure. In response to his email, I requested that he answer several questions regarding this expenditure, which would easily put the issue to rest. However, after nearly two weeks, he has yet to respond with the answers that all Haywood County taxpayers deserve to know. Why hasn’t he provided the answers to my questions regarding the Commissioners' decision on this matter? This lack of transparency only stokes suspicion and fosters distrust amongst residents.

On August 28th, I submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Office of County Manager to obtain financial documents associated with the Haywood County agreement with the Buncombe-Asheville Chamber of Commerce for a "Joint" Economic Plan initiative. I received the requested information on September 5th, for which I wish to express my sincere thanks to Dillon Huffman, the Public Information Officer for Haywood County, for his quick release of the documents I requested.

The information I received indicates that since July of 2020, the Haywood County Board of Commissioners has transferred $501,280 to the Buncombe-Asheville Chamber of Commerce for the "Joint" Economic Plan initiative. Expenditures for this "Joint" initiative by date were as follows:

Document Invoice Inv Date Check # Amount Notes

356177 159844 07/01/2025 514171 $37,500.00 Economic Plan Contract

346020 156444 01/01/2025 509452 $37,500.00 Economic Plan Contract

$75,000

337236 154018 07/01/2024 505253 $37,500.00 Economic Plan Contract

335971 153780 06/10/2024 504728 $ 4,900.00 RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN

335758 153757 06/05/2024 504548 $ 540.00 2024 ANNUAL MTG BALANCE DUE

331786 151518 03/05/2024 502543 $ 550.00 INTERCITY STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP VISIT

327697 149317 01/01/2024 500542 $37,500.00 Economic Plan Contract

$80,980

327696 149104 2/12/2023 500542 $ 2,500.00 VENTURE ASHEVILLE ELEVATE

325086 146948 07/01/2023 499114 $37,500.00 Economic Plan Contract

318034 144469 04/24/2023 495645 $ 5,000.00 Outdoor Paid Manufacturing Campaign

315600 143072 03/22/2023 494402 $ 300.00 WORK FIRST-JOB FAIR

310762 141376 01/01/2023 482054 $50,000.00 Economic Plan Contract

$95,300

302721 138573 07/01/2022 478180 $50,000.00 Economic Plan Contract

292752 133878 01/04/2022 473681 $50,000.00 Economic Plan Contract

$100,000

284455 129275 07/15/2021 469917 $50,000.00 Economic Plan Contract

281970 127900 04/01/2021 468883 $25,000.00 Economic Plan Contract

273873 126419 01/01/2021 65270 $25,000.00 Economic Plan Contract

$100,000

266888 07/28/2020 461994 $50,000.00 Consulting Fee For Economic Plan

We now have documents that indicate exactly how much of our tax dollars the Haywood County Board of Commissioners has authorized to be transferred to the Buncombe-Asheville Chamber of Commerce since July of 2020. No financial documents for any expenditures for these initiatives before 2020 were provided.

What remains to be uncovered is the factual reason for the Board of Commissioners' decision to outsource our county's Economic Plan to Buncombe-Asheville Chamber of Commerce rather than to the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce.

Chairman Ensley’s failure to respond with the answers suggests a desire to avoid scrutiny of financial decisions made by the Haywood County Board of Commissioners. Such a lack of transparency is alarming, as it undermines the trust residents should have in their elected officials. When officials resist allowing the public to “Follow the Money,” it raises suspicions about what they might be trying to hide.

The consequences of this lack of transparency are not isolated to one financial transaction. Lack of accountability can lead to misuse of funds and poor management practices. Residents have every right to know how their tax dollars are spent. Elected officials should take the responsibility to provide that information clearly and promptly.

Additionally, hesitancy might suggest that they are worried about adverse reactions from their colleagues or constituents if the truth about financial dealings is revealed. This fear could hinder accountability and stop officials from addressing uncomfortable but necessary issues.

To build a culture of transparency and accountability, residents must keep pressing for answers. Open discussions with elected officials and holding them accountable for their decisions are crucial for ensuring public funds are used wisely and responsibly.

As citizens, we need to remain alert and proactive in our efforts to “Follow the Money.” By taking this approach, we can help uncover potential fraud, waste, and corruption. We must make our officials aware that transparency and accountability are not just ideals; they are demands of the public that must be met.

The concerns surrounding officials in Haywood County hesitating to allow public scrutiny over financial matters signal a broader issue regarding transparency in local government. The story of the $75,000 allocation to the Buncombe-Asheville Chamber of Commerce exemplifies the need for us to question spending decisions and seek clarity in how taxpayer money is spent.

We must continue to advocate for transparency and hold our elected officials accountable for their actions. Only through this engagement can we ensure that tax dollars are used correctly and align with the best interests of our community.

By cultivating a spirit of openness and accountability, we can work together to reveal the truth and maintain the integrity of our local government. It is time for officials to embrace transparency and allow the public to “Follow the Money” without fear. After all, a well-informed community is the backbone of a strong democracy.

Visit americaninsanity.org to learn how to become "The Informed Citizen" and gain valuable insights into the issues facing our communities.