City Council Meeting – December 10, 2024

City Council Recap: December 10, 2024 – Focusing on Financial Health and Storm Recovery

The Asheville City Council convened on December 10, 2024, for a meeting primarily focused on the city's financial standing and plans to utilize newly received federal disaster recovery funds stemming from Tropical Storm Helene. The meeting, attended by all council members, involved presentations and discussions aimed at ensuring responsible financial management while addressing the ongoing needs of residents and businesses affected by the storm.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2024 audit. Finance Director Tony McDowell, alongside Deborah Campbell (City Manager) and auditor Dan Garrity from Cherry Bekaert, delivered the results. The council received a clean audit opinion – meaning no material misstatements were found in the city's financial records – and importantly, there were no audit findings to report. While the unassigned fund balance slightly decreased, it remains above the city's established threshold, and a letter will be sent to the Local Government Commission (LGC) as required. The council also discussed a crucial influx of $1.7 million in disaster recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), specifically designated for recovery efforts related to Tropical Storm Helene. A proposed plan was presented outlining how these funds would be allocated: $624,000 for business restabilization grants, another $624,000 for rental assistance, $250,000 to support homeless emergency shelter needs, and $250,141 for administering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Additionally, funds previously earmarked for improvements at the Stephens-Lee Community Center will be redirected to Parks and Recreation to support disaster recovery initiatives.

A key debate arose regarding the most effective way to distribute rental assistance funds. Concerns were raised about the timeliness of Eblen Charities’ current disbursement process, prompting a discussion on potentially partnering with Buncombe County. The county's existing infrastructure and capacity were seen as a potential advantage in ensuring quicker and more efficient aid delivery. Council members also considered the possibility of expanding assistance programs in future funding rounds to include support for mortgage and utility payments, recognizing the broader financial challenges faced by some residents.

While no formal public comments were received during the meeting, the discussions highlighted a commitment to providing timely and impactful support to those affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The council did approve the consent agenda without objection, and formally received and acknowledged the FY24 audit presentation.

Looking Ahead: Several key action items emerged from the meeting, requiring further attention and decisions. Staff will prepare a response to the Local Government Commission regarding the fund balance decrease. Discussions with Buncombe County are ongoing, exploring a potential partnership for rental assistance distribution. The council will also consider expanding future funding options to encompass mortgage and utility payments. Crucially, a vote on the proposed action plan amendments – which would formally authorize the city to access and allocate the $1.7 million in disaster recovery funding – is expected at a future meeting. Residents can expect further updates on these developments as the city works to ensure a comprehensive and effective recovery response.