BAKERSVILLE — Mitchell County Economic Development Commission Director Mickey Duvall during the regular meeting of the Mitchell County Commissioners on Monday, Aug. 16 presented plans for new “welcome to Mitchell County” signs that will be discussed further in the future.
Chase Pitman and his father previously designed county line signs in 1995 and also designed the newer signs presented in the meeting.
Duvall said that the signs designated to be replaced are at the Avery/Mitchell line, Roan Mountain and from Mcdowell County coming into Mitchell. The Yancey/Mitchell line is also planned to receive a sign soon.
“That one we will dress up with rocks and other amenities on that,” Duvall said.
Board chair Mattew “Vern” Grindstaff chimed in, supporting the new design that reads “Welcome to Beautiful Mitchell County” and is adorned with some locally relevant imagery.
“I think the majority ruled that this was the sign that we liked,” Grindstaff said. “I personally think this is a beautiful sign. It’s a more modern take on what we’ve had and represents both ends of our county with the rhododendrons and the minerals.”
Commissioner Brandon Pittman followed by asking if the EDC would fund the project. Duvall said no, adding that the county would also be responsible for the costs of the rock and landscaping.
Pittman raised a few concerns, saying that rocks and other objects could destroy the signs, especially if they are made of high-density foam board. Pittman requested that the matter be tabled for further discussion and the motion was granted.
Commissioner Steve Pitman requested that a cost estimate be provided to the board, as well.
“I know the one up on Roan Mountain got vandalized,” Brandon Pittman said. “So, I guess my line of thinking is I would hate to put a nice sign up there and it gets destroyed.”