Regular Meeting of The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners | February 3, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held its Regular Meeting on February 3, 2026, focusing on operational updates, program participation, and community development initiatives. The body began by approving the Consent Agenda, which included the approval of minutes from a previous meeting, a tax collection report, resolutions regarding delinquent property taxes and jury compensation, and a budget amendment for waste reduction and recycling. This approval was made without objection, moving these routine items forward.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment, where several individuals addressed the Board’s concerns regarding local developments and county services. David Clark, identified as a Professor at UNC Asheville and member of Friends of the Woods, delivered a detailed critique of the university’s proposed Millennium Campus development, specifically the plan to construct a soccer stadium on 45 acres of wooded land. Clark criticized the university’s transparency and decision-making processes, referencing a 1960 bond issue that purchased the land. Ann Walsh and Sandy Nips spoke in support of Clark’s concerns, emphasizing a lack of community engagement. Micah Sun also addressed the Board, using metaphorical language to compare the university’s actions to historical narratives of greed and environmental destruction. The Board did not comment on these public statements, adhering to protocol.

Regarding county operations, staff provided updates on emergency management and shelter services. Ryan Cole, County Emergency Management, and Lacey Hoyle, Code Purple Coordinator, presented a debrief on the county’s response to recent winter storms, Fern and Gianna. They reported that shelters accommodated approximately 45 people per night, with overflow capacity utilized at multiple locations. The report highlighted areas for improvement, including the need for a dedicated county shelter facility, generators at schools, and improved weather monitoring systems. The Board discussed the funding structure for Code Purple and the need to consider expanding services due to increased demand.

In terms of legislative actions, the Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution of intent to participate in the North Carolina Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) program following a public hearing. This program allows commercial property owners to fund energy efficiency and other improvements through special assessments on their tax bills. Additionally, the Board unanimously authorized the County Manager to apply for grants supporting the Swannanoa Sidewalks project, aimed at repairing and extending sidewalks in Beacon Village as part of Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The Board also made several unanimous reappointments to advisory boards, including Robert Owens to the Historic Resources Commission, and Daniel Beerman, Susan Schiemer, and Melissa Harmon to the Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee.

Looking ahead, the Board will receive ongoing updates from the Code Purple workgroup regarding operational challenges and potential funding needs. County staff will continue working on Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects, including plans for weather stations and generator installations at schools. The Board will continue to monitor the situation surrounding UNCA's Millennium Campus development and engage in discussions about potential community impacts. Staff was encouraged to publicize the new NC C-PACE program, and strategic partnership grants committee interviews are scheduled for February 17.