Regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on January 21, 2025

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on January 21, 2025, focusing on budget challenges stemming from recent events, including Hurricane Helene, and a review of the county’s financial audit. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to discussing potential education funding reductions and their impact on Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools. The meeting also addressed operational matters, including recovery housing funding, zoning changes, and administrative approvals.

The Board took several key actions during the session. It unanimously approved an amendment to public comment rules, moving comments related to the education budget earlier in the meeting and limiting that specific public comment time to two minutes. The Board unanimously approved a rezoning application for property at 14 Hitching Post Lane, changing its designation from R2 Residential to CS Commercial Services, citing consistency with the county’s comprehensive plan. Additionally, the Board approved a resolution to seek additional funding from the North Carolina Recovery Housing Program, allocating $2.8 million for the expansion of Transformation Village, a project supporting individuals in recovery. The Board also unanimously approved an amended external audit contract with Maldene & Jenkins and accepted the FY24 audit report, which received a clean opinion on financial statements but identified areas for improvement in internal controls.

Significant discussion centered on a proposed 4% reduction to the education budget. Representatives from Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools presented detailed information on the potential impacts, emphasizing concerns regarding staffing levels, student support services, and overall educational quality. The dialogue highlighted the financial strain on schools following Hurricane Helene and a decline in ESSER funding. During this segment, the Board discussed the need for advocacy efforts with the General Assembly to secure additional funding and address state-level financial challenges. Commissioner Sloan and Horton acknowledged the importance of the audit and commended the auditors, while Dr. Jackson, Superintendent of Buncombe County Schools, emphasized the challenges facing schools in the wake of the hurricane and funding declines. Chair Thornburg of the Asheville City Schools Board highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between the county and school systems, and County Manager Pinder acknowledged the difficult decisions facing the board and the need for collaborative solutions.

Public input was limited but specific. Kathy DeBlaker addressed the Board, detailing her experiences navigating planning regulations and seeking assistance for disaster victims following Hurricane Helene. She expressed frustration with the process and sought advice on working with planning departments. The Board did not record a direct response to her comments in the summary, but the broader context of the meeting focused on recovery efforts and regulatory navigation.

Following the meeting, the Board directed county staff to explore alternative budget reduction options, if possible. The Board also requested written information from Asheville City Schools regarding their presentation. No other specific follow-up actions were explicitly agreed to by individual members or staff during this session beyond these directives. The next scheduled briefing and regular meeting is set for February 4, 2025.