Briefing of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on January 7, 2025

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Briefing Recap – January 7, 2025

On January 7, 2025, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a briefing meeting to update staff and discuss ongoing initiatives addressing critical county issues. The meeting provided updates on residential waste collection, housing assistance for Hurricane Helene victims, infrastructure repairs, debris removal, floodplain management, and support for local businesses and homeowners. This recap summarizes the key takeaways from that meeting, outlining what was discussed, decided, and what residents can expect moving forward.

A significant portion of the briefing centered on the ongoing transition to FCC Environmental for residential waste collection, which began in February 2024. While the switchover is underway with over 75,889 carts distributed, some initial challenges have arisen regarding billing and subscription verification. Commissioners acknowledged community concerns about these issues and emphasized the need for FCC to swiftly address customer service inquiries, ensuring paper bills are readily available. Residents experiencing difficulties with their waste collection services are encouraged to contact FCC directly.

The Board also received a detailed update on the county's response to the housing needs of residents displaced by Hurricane Helene. Currently, approximately 1,371 households are receiving temporary assistance through FEMA hotels, with a concerning number (around 500) potentially facing displacement on January 11th due to eligibility reviews. County navigators are actively working with these individuals, and the county has approved 128 households for more permanent housing solutions like mobile homes or leasing. Discussions also included the ongoing effort to remove debris from private properties, prioritizing structures posing safety risks.

Beyond immediate recovery efforts, the briefing highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve Buncombe County’s resilience. Nate Pennington provided an update on floodplain management, emphasizing the county's role as a cooperating technical partner with the state. New flood maps are expected in three to four years, and the county is actively working towards stricter building standards in flood-prone areas. A state initiative has also been established to expedite repairs to damaged private roads and bridges, potentially streamlining the process through reduced procurement regulations. Residents are encouraged to report damage via BuncombeCounty.org/solidwaste.

Community members present at the meeting voiced concerns about both waste collection confusion and the pace of debris removal, particularly in commercial areas. These comments underscored the importance of clear communication and efficient service delivery as the county navigates these transitions. Steve McGeegan from North Carolina Emergency Management highlighted the importance of proactive mitigation efforts to reduce future disaster impacts, emphasizing that all projects must pass a benefit-cost analysis.

Looking Ahead: Several key action items emerged from the briefing, directly impacting residents:

• FCC will focus on resolving billing and subscription issues related to waste collection.
• County staff will continue supporting FEMA and Tetra Tech in providing housing assistance to Hurricane Helene victims.
• The Board will consider an interlocal agreement with the City of Asheville regarding FEMA disaster recovery funds at their January 21st meeting.
• County staff will explore ways to streamline the homeowner grant application process and automate data verification.
• Residents are encouraged to self-report damaged roads and bridges through the county website (BuncombeCounty.org/solidwaste).

This briefing underscored Buncombe County’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene and strengthening its resilience against future disasters. Residents can expect ongoing efforts to improve waste collection services, provide housing assistance, and enhance floodplain management practices. The Board’s focus on proactive mitigation strategies will be crucial in safeguarding the community and minimizing future impacts from natural disasters.