2022.04.05 BOC Work Session

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Work Session Recap: April 5, 2022

On April 5th, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners (BOC) held a comprehensive work session focused on budget planning, future development projects within Woodfin, and addressing critical infrastructure needs. The meeting, attended by all Board members, covered a wide range of topics impacting residents and the future of the county.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the utilization of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Board engaged in a detailed conversation about potentially reallocating these funds, exploring the possibility of shifting existing projects into the general fund to provide greater budgetary flexibility. Currently, ARPA funds are earmarked for various initiatives including a new town hall sign ($23,528), improvements to Silver Line Park (including a $280,000 cofferdam project), and policy development within the police department. While no formal vote was taken on this reallocation proposal, it remains a key priority and will be revisited at a future meeting.

Beyond ARPA funds, the Board dedicated considerable time to discussing Woodfin’s stormwater management plan and its compliance with state regulations. Recognizing the need for improvements, they acknowledged the necessity of hiring a dedicated stormwater administrator and implementing upgrades, potentially costing around $100,000 annually. A crucial discussion centered on exploring funding options for these improvements, including the possibility of establishing a stormwater utility – a topic that will be further explored in upcoming meetings.

The Board also addressed several facility needs within Woodfin. The condition of the Silver Line building was a major point of discussion, with options including renovation, demolition, or exploring a public-private partnership being considered. A needs assessment will be conducted to evaluate these possibilities further. Recognizing the growing need, discussions also centered on a potential new Town Hall facility, with preliminary cost estimates suggesting an $8 million investment (subject to change). Other infrastructure needs identified included a replacement salt storage bin and improvements to parks and recreation facilities, including a potential shift of funds from a planned Wi-Fi project in parks to the Silver Line building renovation.

Community input played a role, with one resident raising concerns about E. coli contamination in local waterways, highlighting the importance of effective stormwater management and illicit discharge detection. A brief discussion also occurred regarding a police department calendar fundraiser, showcasing community engagement efforts. Finally, Commissioner’s passionately advocated for a new playground at Woodfin Elementary School, supported by a matching donor. The Board expressed interest in exploring the possibility of allocating ARPA funds towards this project, which would significantly benefit local children and families.

What's Next?

Several key action items emerged from the meeting:

• County staff will develop a detailed proposal for the ARPA fund reallocation, outlining specific budget adjustments.
• A needs assessment and feasibility study will be conducted to evaluate options for the Town Hall project.
• The Board will continue discussions regarding a stormwater utility at future meetings.
• Staff will gather more information on the playground project and present it to the Board for consideration.

This work session provided a valuable glimpse into the county’s financial planning and future development goals. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing discussions, as decisions made will directly impact the quality of life and future prosperity of Woodfin and Buncombe County. Further updates on these topics will be provided at upcoming Board meetings.