2022.03.08 BOC Work Session

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Work Session Recap: March 8, 2022

On March 8, 2022, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners (BOC) held a work session focused primarily on reviewing the county's budget, revenue streams, and ongoing projects. This session provided valuable insight into the financial health of Buncombe County and upcoming initiatives impacting residents. The meeting was attended by county commissioners, staff members, consultants, and advisors involved in various projects.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on a thorough analysis of Buncombe County’s revenue sources. Commissioners received an update showing substantial growth in property tax revenues over the past five years – nearly doubling in value. While sales tax revenue has also increased, the growth rate has slowed recently, potentially due to inflation and changing consumer habits. The rising cost of gas (reaching $4.09 in Asheville during the meeting) was identified as a key concern, potentially impacting both county services and residents’ spending. Given the volatile economic outlook influenced by global events like the war in Ukraine, county staff emphasized the need for conservative budget projections.

Another key discussion revolved around potential cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for county employees. The current ordinance directs the board to consider a COLA similar to last year’s (7.4%), but commissioners expressed concerns about affordability given current economic conditions and ongoing inflation. The board was asked to consider options ranging from 1% to 7%, but ultimately deferred a decision, indicating they need more time to evaluate the implications.

The BOC also received an extensive update on the Parks & Greenways project, a collaborative effort with Buncombe County and the Parks & Greenways Advisory Committee. The presentation detailed various components of the park system, including greenways (viewed as a transportation asset), and highlighted a current funding gap. Consultants emphasized the importance of securing grant funding to bridge this gap and ensure the project's success. The presentation underscored the complexity of partnerships involved, with HNTB providing design and project management services.

Finally, discussions touched upon the county's debt obligations and capital improvements. Commissioners received information on existing debt related to Reynolds Mountain Incremental Financing, upcoming Park GO Bonds (with $1.5 million remaining to be issued), and the need for new sanitation trucks and mowers due to aging equipment. The board also clarified that Buncombe County utilizes a longevity-based system for salary increases, rather than a merit-based one.

What Happens Next? (Action Items & Impact)

The Board of Commissioners will continue to grapple with several key action items:

• COLA Decision: The most immediate task is to determine the percentage for employee cost-of-living adjustments. This decision will directly impact county employees and potentially influence the overall budget.
• Budget Finalization: The Board will continue discussions on the county’s budget in the coming months, aiming to finalize it by May or June. Residents can expect further opportunities for input as the process progresses.
• Reynolds Mountain Debt Information: County staff will provide additional details about the Reynolds Mountain debt financing in a subsequent packet, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.
• Parks & Greenways Funding: The county will continue pursuing grant funding opportunities to address the existing gap in the Parks & Greenways project.

This work session provided a transparent look at Buncombe County’s financial landscape and ongoing projects, highlighting both the opportunities for growth and the challenges posed by the current economic climate. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as the budget process continues and to engage with their elected officials to voice concerns and offer suggestions.