Regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on February 4, 2025

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on February 4, 2025, focusing on financial updates, disaster recovery funding, and environmental protections. The session began with administrative announcements regarding parking validation and a reminder of ethical duties. The Board approved a consent agenda, which included minor adjustments to a letter responding to the Prismatics school consolidation study. This letter was edited to clarify that the proposed consolidation would not likely lead to improved student outcomes.

During public comment, several residents addressed the Board on distinct issues. David Nutter of Connect Buncombe advocated for a review of land use planning, codes, and ordinances to address flood hazards in light of climate change and the impacts of Hurricane Helene, suggesting improvements to density regulations and riparian buffers. Peter Thorworth raised concerns regarding noise pollution from engine braking by large trucks on New Leicester Highway, requesting consideration of a ban similar to one in Lake Lure. Additionally, Josh Kelly of Mountain True spoke in favor of listing the Eastern Hellbender salamander under the Endangered Species Act, highlighting the species' importance to local waterways and the population decline caused by Hurricane Helene.

The Board received a financial update from Finance Director Melissa Moore, who reported that the County is 53.2% through its fiscal year. Revenue stands at $263.4 million, a 4.2% decrease from the prior year, with sales tax down 3% due in part to the timing of Hurricane Helene. Expenditures are up 3% to $213.3 million, with salaries and benefits increasing by 6.7%. The Solid Waste Fund performed well with revenue up 23.8%, and capital projects, such as the Fleet and General Services Complex, are 44% complete.

In new business, the Board unanimously approved a resolution supporting the federal Endangered Species Act listing for the Eastern Hellbender. They also approved a budget amendment to receive $2.166 million in state disaster recovery funds, which will initially restore essential public health services, including school nursing and animal shelter operations. Furthermore, the Board approved a rescission of federal transit funds with conditions related to the New Leicester Highway extension, Route 170 improvements, and a study of transit route adjustments in South Asheville. Don Johnson Bavatsky was reappointed to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. The Board also approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization and various tax-related resolutions, including the advertising of delinquent tax liens and a waiver for an occupancy tax penalty.

The Board entered a closed session to receive legal advice from their attorney regarding Executive Order 14159, noting that no formal action would be taken following this session. The next briefing and regular Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for February 18, with the briefing at 3 p.m. and the regular meeting at 5 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.