City Council Meeting Recap: June 11, 2024

The Asheville City Council held its regular meeting on June 11, 2024, focusing primarily on the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Operating & Capital Budget, the creation of a Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), and the continuation of a zoning hearing for a new housing development. The council also approved several routine contracts and resolutions regarding transportation and urban forestry.

Key Decisions and Votes

The council voted to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Operating & Capital Budget, which passed with a 4-3 vote. This budget includes a one-cent property tax rate increase, resulting in a new rate of 41.30 cents per $100 of assessed value, estimated to cost the average residential taxpayer an additional $35.08 annually. The budget also incorporates revised compensation plans for city employees, including firefighters and police officers. Following the main budget adoption, the council passed a motion to approve an amended budget with a 4-3 vote.

The council also moved forward with the establishment of a Downtown Business Improvement District. A resolution regarding the structure of the BID passed with a 7-0 vote. Subsequently, the council passed the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 5078, which formally creates the Downtown Municipal Service District, also known as the BID, with a 7-0 vote. This ordinance establishes an additional assessment on property owners within the district to fund services such as enhanced cleaning, safety patrols, and special projects.

In other actions, the council unanimously (7-0) authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Urban Canopy Works LLC for the development of an Urban Forest Master Plan. The council also unanimously (7-0) approved a resolution of support for two North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) projects: a spot safety project for sidewalk construction along Smokey Park Highway and a spot mobility project for a turn lane extension on Hendersonville Road/Long Shoals Road. Additionally, the council unanimously (7-0) approved the monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases for April 2024.

The council voted to amend a contract with Appalachian Paving and Concrete, Inc. for the Utility Cut Concrete Repair Project. This resolution, which authorizes a $250,000 contract amendment to extend repairs into the next fiscal year, passed with a 6-1 vote. Finally, the public hearing to consider the conditional zoning of 767 New Haw Creek Rd from RS-4 Single Family Medium Density to Residential Expansion - Conditional Zone was tabled.

Discussion Highlights

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, with council members engaging in a detailed review of compensation adjustments. Council members expressed concerns about balancing pay increases for public safety personnel, such as firefighters and police officers, with overall budget constraints. City Manager Campbell highlighted the need for a fiscally responsible plan during the briefing. Council Member Kim Roney raised questions regarding the inclusion of personal property in BID tax calculations, which led to a clarification from staff. Additionally, Council Member Sage Turner and Council Member Antanette Mosley recused themselves from voting on specific budget amendments related to the Sports Commission and Economic Development Coalition, respectively, due to state law restrictions.

Regarding the 767 New Haw Creek Rd zoning change, the council received an update on ongoing discussions between the developer and neighborhood representatives. The transcript notes that progress is being made to preserve more forested areas, which led to the decision to table the hearing and continue discussions. Council Member Sage Turner and Council Member Antanette Mosley had previously attended a meeting with the developer and neighborhood representatives regarding this matter.

Community Input

The transcript summary for this specific meeting does not report any public comments from members of the public. While document summaries reference public comments from Strong Towns Asheville regarding the Haywood Road resurfacing project and from Nick Levine regarding lane narrowing, the transcript summary for the June 11 meeting indicates that the agenda briefing (held virtually prior to the formal meeting) did not include a public comment period, and no public testimony is recorded in the summary of the formal meeting proceedings provided.

Follow-ups

The council scheduled the continued public hearing for the 767 New Haw Creek Rd zoning change for July 23, 2024. Staff will prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a contracted service provider to administer the newly created Downtown Business Improvement District, with the RFP to be issued within three months of the resolution's adoption. The City Clerk’s Office will re-advertise for applicants for several board and commission vacancies. Human Resources will implement the approved pay plan changes, effective with the July 6, 2024, pay cycle. The council also noted that it will continue discussions regarding a General Obligation Bond in July, with a public hearing and bond order introduction scheduled for the June 25, 2024, meeting.

Impact on Residents

The adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget directly affects residents through the one-cent property tax increase, which funds employee compensation adjustments and essential city services. The creation of the Downtown Business Improvement District will result in an additional assessment for property owners within the downtown boundaries to fund enhanced cleaning, safety ambassadors, and other improvements aimed at creating a more welcoming and safe environment. The approval of the Urban Forest Master Plan contract initiates a 10-20 year strategy to improve the city's tree canopy, which contributes to environmental resilience. The support for NCDOT projects will bring new sidewalks and traffic improvements to Smokey Park Highway and Hendersonville Road, enhancing pedestrian safety and mobility. The tabled zoning hearing for 767 New Haw Creek Rd means that the decision on 95 new single-family homes is delayed until the July 23, 2024, meeting, allowing for further community and developer discussions.