Regular Meeting of The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners | February 17, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – February 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convened their regular meeting, addressing a range of financial, personnel, and community matters. The meeting began with a reminder to all board members regarding their ethical obligations, emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency in county governance. This meeting provides important updates for residents on key decisions impacting the community.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on financial matters. Mason Scott, presenting in place of Melissa Moore, delivered a positive second quarter financial report for FY2026. The county is currently performing well, with revenues exceeding expectations and expenditures aligning closely with projected budgets. Strong property tax collections (reaching 70% of the budget) and consistent sales tax revenue were highlighted, along with healthy performance from the county's investment portfolio. While Solid Waste Fund revenues are slightly below expectations, this trend is consistent with seasonal patterns. The Board unanimously approved a budget amendment to allocate $1,435,000 in lottery funds for the much-needed replacement of tennis courts at North Buncombe High School. Further demonstrating fiscal responsibility, the Board also approved a budget amendment to realize $1,399,689 in FEMA reimbursement for expenses incurred during Tropical Storm Helene response efforts, benefiting partner agencies including Buncombe County Schools and the Fairview Fire Department.

Beyond financial matters, the Board approved a key personnel ordinance amendment that will streamline county operations. The change will shift the Finance Director’s reporting structure to directly under the County Manager, aligning with best practices observed in other North Carolina counties. This adjustment aims to improve efficiency and clarity within the county’s financial leadership. The Board also made several appointments to various advisory boards, including the Strategic Partnership Grant Committee, Health and Human Services Board, Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Historic Resources Commission. These appointments ensure diverse perspectives are represented in advising the county on key initiatives.

Community voices were heard during the public comment period, with lifelong Western North Carolina resident Kenneth Buckner addressing the Board regarding an incident involving the Sheriff’s Department following Hurricane Helene. Mr. Buckner's comments were extensive, and he indicated his intention to continue this discussion at a future meeting. Drew Pendergrass also shared insights from participating in the Point-in-Time Count, highlighting its crucial role in informing resource allocation for those experiencing homelessness. Residents are encouraged to participate in next year’s count, contributing valuable data that shapes community support efforts.

Looking ahead, the County Manager will follow up with Mr. Buckner regarding his concerns about the Sheriff’s Department, ensuring a thorough review of the matter. The Board's next briefing and regular meeting are scheduled for Thursday, March 5th at 3 p.m. (briefing) and 5 p.m. (meeting). Commissioners Wells and Horton were also recognized for their recent participation in professional development programs, demonstrating the Board's commitment to continuous improvement and effective governance. This meeting showcased a focus on financial stability, operational efficiency, community engagement, and responsible resource management for Buncombe County.