Briefing of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on January 21, 2025

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Briefing Recap – January 21, 2025

On January 21, 2025, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a briefing focused primarily on ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene and several other key updates impacting the county. The meeting provided a detailed look at progress made, challenges encountered, and future steps related to the hurricane’s aftermath, alongside updates on other important county initiatives.

A significant portion of the briefing centered around Hurricane Helene recovery, with County Manager Avril Pender leading a comprehensive update on FEMA partnership and assistance programs. The county has evaluated over 10,000 homes for damage, identifying a substantial number with major damage or complete destruction. Discussions revolved around transitioning displaced residents to more stable housing, utilizing programs like Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) and Temporary Direct Housing (TDH), and expanding FEMA rental assistance to 656 households. County staff are collaborating with local organizations like Thrive Asheville and the Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust to connect residents with rental resources, emphasizing a “no-wrong-door” approach. Concerns were raised by community members regarding the commercial property debris removal process in Swannanoa, prompting a commitment from county staff to address these concerns. A key discussion point was the potential for FEMA funding to support resilience enhancements, including net-zero energy retrofits – a prospect the Board will continue exploring.

Beyond recovery efforts, Christy Smith provided an update on debris removal, noting significant progress in right-of-way cleanup (over 750,000 cubic yards collected) and managing applications for private property debris removal (over 2,160 submitted). Matt Evans detailed the FEMA Public Assistance process, outlining timelines for damage inventories and insurance considerations. Lillian Govis highlighted ongoing communication efforts to keep the community informed, including a text alert system (Text BC Alert to 99411), increased social media engagement, and upcoming community resource roadshows. A new recovery engagement site is also being developed on the county’s public input portal.

The briefing wasn't solely focused on Hurricane Helene recovery. William Hyatt presented an update from the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), proposing revisions to membership and cost-sharing agreements which will be considered in the future. Rob Hartman provided an update on the Internal Audit department, noting the adoption of Global Internal Audit Standards and a completed countywide risk assessment. The Board approved both the updated audit charter and internal audit plan.

Key Decisions & Actions:

• The Board approved the updated Audit Committee charter and internal audit plan.
• The Board will consider a resolution supporting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to list the Eastern Hellbender as an endangered species at their next meeting.
• A budget amendment will be prepared in February to extend the contract with Tetra Tech, supporting their ongoing community navigator efforts.

What's Next?

County staff will continue working closely with FEMA and partner organizations to provide housing assistance, manage debris removal, and address community concerns. They will also continue updating the county’s website and social media platforms with relevant information. The Board's consideration of the Eastern Hellbender listing and further discussion on FEMA funding for resilience enhancements are scheduled for upcoming meetings. Residents can stay informed by signing up for text alerts (Text BC Alert to 99411) and visiting the county’s website for updates.

This briefing provided a detailed snapshot of Buncombe County's response to Hurricane Helene and other ongoing initiatives. The focus on collaboration, communication, and exploring opportunities for long-term resilience demonstrates the county's commitment to supporting residents and building a stronger community.