2025.05.20 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

The Woodfin Town Council held its regular meeting on May 20, 2025. The council approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, a tax collection report, and a resolution to set a public hearing for the closure of Desperate Lane.

In public comment, resident Lolly Frederick addressed the council regarding the vacant council seat left by the resignation of Council Member Eric Edgerton. She emphasized the importance of filling the seat promptly to maintain effective governance and shared her experiences from other community boards, noting the challenges of operating with a missing member. She also praised the town’s responsiveness during recent crises, including Hurricane Helene.

The council received an update on Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts from Rachel Sawyer of Buncombe County. Sawyer noted that over 350 homes were destroyed and over 11,000 damaged in the region, with Woodfin experiencing a substantial portion of the overall damage. She explained that the county is transitioning debris removal responsibilities to the state and is developing a long-term recovery plan in collaboration with municipalities. A community survey to gather resident input on recovery priorities is open until May 31.

Town Manager Shannon Tuch provided a report on various municipal operations, including the ongoing FEMA public assistance for road repairs, the reduction of stormwater fees, and the hiring of a new School Resource Officer. Police Chief Boykin recognized Officer Logan Banks with the Excellence in Service Award for saving a gunshot victim’s life.

The council discussed and voted on several key items. First, they approved a new town policy establishing a defined process for board, commission, and committee appointments and reappointments, which passed 4-0. Second, the council voted 4-0 to leave the council seat vacated by Council Member Eric Edgerton vacant until the November 2025 general election. Third, the council directed the town manager to return with a resolution acknowledging a one-year lease extension for the property at 23 Community Rd, extending the lease to June 30, 2027; this motion also passed 4-0.

During a public hearing on Ordinance 2025-07, the council considered a text amendment to Chapter 54 of the Town Code to delete Section 54-213, which contains Floodway District regulations. The amendment aims to eliminate conflicts with the Town's updated Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. No members of the public spoke during the hearing, and the council approved the ordinance 4-0.

The council presented the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which projects a general fund budget of $8,214,932 with projected revenue of $8,006,899. The budget does not include approximately $7 million in FEMA grant revenue. The council established a public hearing date of June 17, 2025, for the FY2025-2026 budget. Finally, the council adjourned into executive session to discuss employment contract terms, where they approved the agreement for the Town Manager, including a correction of the date and confirmation of the current salary, by a vote of 4-0.