Regular Meeting of The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners | March 5, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap: March 5, 2026

On March 5, 2026, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convened their regular meeting, addressing a range of topics impacting residents. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for those seeking to stay informed about their local government.

The meeting began with a standard ethics reminder, ensuring all board members were clear on potential conflicts of interest. Following this, the public comment period provided an opportunity for residents to share their concerns and perspectives with the Board. Kenneth Buckner offered reflections on the passing of Jesse Jackson, sharing a personal story that highlighted his disappointment with an interaction with law enforcement. Gino Perez brought forward a significant concern regarding the Buncombe County Ride Voucher program, arguing its current structure creates barriers for seniors and individuals with disabilities seeking transportation. He proposed a streamlined system utilizing a single contact number to coordinate rides directly, eliminating the voucher process altogether. This suggestion sparked discussion about potential improvements to the program and its effectiveness in serving vulnerable populations.

Several important recognitions were approved unanimously, demonstrating the Board's commitment to community well-being. The Commissioners formally recognized April 12-18, 2026 as Fair Chance Hiring Week, encouraging local businesses to consider individuals with criminal records for employment opportunities. Similarly, they approved a proclamation recognizing Severe Weather Preparedness Week (March 1-7), urging residents to review their safety plans and prepare for potential emergencies. Residents are encouraged to visit BuncombeReady.org for preparedness information and sign up for emergency alerts, which will be launching soon.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on financial oversight and accountability. Bill Christie, chair of the Audit Committee, presented their annual report, detailing efforts to recruit a new internal auditor and transition to an outsourced audit service. The Board approved the Audit Committee's recommendations, including adopting the Green Book Standard of Internal Controls – a move designed to strengthen financial management practices within Buncombe County. The final step will be the execution of a master services agreement with Cherry Becker to provide these outsourced audit services, which will then be overseen by the Audit Committee.

Beyond these key decisions, the Board also reappointed Commissioners Terry Wells and Parker Sloan to the Environmental and Energy Stewardship Subcommittee, and David Burdett to the Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Board. Commissioner Wells provided an update from the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission, highlighting Southeastern Container's expansion plans and their dedication to sustainable practices – a positive development for the local economy.

What’s Next?

Several action items emerged from the meeting, impacting residents in various ways. The Audit Committee will continue its search for a replacement member to ensure ongoing oversight of financial operations. Residents interested in economic development are invited to attend the Chamber/EDC Leadership Circle meeting on March 26th. Finally, the Affordable Housing Subcommittee will be reviewing a large number of applications for housing assistance programs – a crucial step in addressing the ongoing need for affordable housing within Buncombe County.

This meeting demonstrated the Board of Commissioners' focus on both immediate community needs, like weather preparedness and addressing concerns about transportation access, as well as long-term goals such as strengthening financial oversight and supporting economic growth. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged in local government by attending future meetings and utilizing available resources like BuncombeReady.org.