<< Back 12/25/02 New DSS building planned SMN Jackson County commissioners got an update on the proposed new Department of Social Services building at their Dec. 17 meeting. Architect Donza Mattison of McMillan Smith and Partners provided scale drawings of a proposed floor plan plus schematics depicting where the building might go and some building designs for commissioners to look at. The county is currently negotiating with D&R Properties for two parcels along N.C. 116 just across the street from Smoky Mountain Mental Health. The 2,400-square-foot, two-story building would be designed for 88 DSS employees. DSS currently has 52 employees. Mattison estimates a total cost in the neighborhood of $2.5 million. The new facilities could be ready for occupancy in early 2004. In other action, after closed session the board voted unanimously to reinstate new Sheriff Jimmy Ashe’s previous service time an accrued sick leave. Ashe left the Jackson County Sheriff Department in 2001 to begin his successful 2002 election bid. The board also voted to retain attorney Diane Sherrill, of Hunter, Large and Sherrill, to continue her work on a Court of Appeals tax case involving U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor (R-Brevard).