Briefing of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on February 4, 2025

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Briefing Recap – February 4, 2025

On February 4, 2025, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a briefing meeting focused on three primary areas: ongoing recovery efforts from recent storm damage, a request for property tax refunds, and the findings of a school consolidation study. This recap aims to provide residents with a clear understanding of what was discussed, the decisions made, and what actions will follow.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the continuing recovery from recent storm damage, with updates provided across several key areas. Residents have received over $112 million in FEMA funds, with approximately 56,500 households approved for assistance out of roughly 87,000 applications. The deadline to apply for FEMA aid has been extended to March 8th, 2025. The county is actively working with FEMA and partners to address housing needs, including identifying locations for temporary mobile homes and trailers. Debris removal efforts are progressing well, with over 814,900 cubic yards already cleared from roadways. Residents needing assistance removing debris from their properties are encouraged to apply, and the county has launched a dedicated website – engage.buncombecounty.org/buncomberecovers – to provide updated information and resources. Finally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering disaster loans with favorable terms for both homeowners and businesses, with application deadlines extending to June 30th. A concerning wildfire on Peepi Cove Road in Leicester remains a priority, with efforts underway to contain the blaze. Ryan Cole from Emergency Services emphasized the importance of creating defensible space around homes to mitigate wildfire risk, a crucial message for residents.

The Board also addressed a request from Delta Express and Carolina Transportation to receive a $216,719.40 refund of business personal property taxes paid in recent years. The companies contend they should have been classified as “public service companies,” which would impact their tax calculations. The County Attorney, Curt Euler, stated that the county’s position is that the companies should have declared this status earlier and that granting a refund would be legally challenging without evidence of a clerical error or illegal tax. No action was taken on this matter; the Board will revisit the request at their next meeting on February 18th, inviting representatives from the companies to speak.

Finally, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the findings of a school consolidation study conducted by Prismatic. The study examined demographic trends, facility utilization, and public opinion regarding potential consolidation between Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools. The Board expressed general support for the study’s recommendations, particularly exploring shared services between the two school systems. A key focus moving forward will be on student learning outcomes, as highlighted by Commissioner Sloan. The Board is drafting a letter to the state legislature summarizing these findings and outlining their intentions, aiming for joint endorsement from all three governing bodies (Buncombe County Schools, Asheville City Schools, and the Board of Commissioners).

What's Next? Residents are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance before March 8th and utilize the county's recovery website. The Board of Commissioners will continue deliberations on the property tax refund request at their February 18th meeting. Citizens can expect further discussion and potential action regarding school consolidation as the Board works towards a joint letter with Asheville City Schools. Residents should also be aware of upcoming community resource recovery meetings for ongoing support and information.

This briefing highlighted the county's commitment to supporting residents through recovery efforts, carefully considering long-term educational strategies, and ensuring responsible financial practices.