# Regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on January 7, 2025 **Body:** Buncombe County Government — Buncombe County Board of Commissioners **Date:** January 7, 2025 5:00 PM EST (2025-01-07T17:00:00-05:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626 ## Summary The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on January 7, 2025, beginning with a commissioners' briefing focused on disaster recovery updates and concluding with the approval of various administrative matters. The session included discussions on the county’s financial status, public safety logistics, and a series of personnel and board appointments. The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the December 17 meeting and the November tax collection report. A primary discussion point involved the county’s tax collection rates, with Commissioner Wells noting a slight decrease of approximately 2% compared to the previous year, particularly within real estate. County staff member Jennifer attributed this dip to ongoing storm-related recovery efforts and assured the Board that rates would be closely monitored. Staff emphasized their willingness to assist residents who may need help with payments, while Commissioner Wells expressed concern over the decline. The Board also addressed logistical details for attendees, noting that parking validation passes would be available from sheriff’s deputies for those using public transportation or parking for the meeting. Significant personnel actions were taken during the meeting. The Board unanimously voted to appoint Drew Ball to fill the vacant District 3 seat on the Board of Commissioners, previously held by the outgoing chair. Ball expressed honor and excitement to serve, emphasizing a commitment to working for the community. Additionally, senior attorney Kurt Euler was unanimously appointed as the interim county attorney. The Board also approved a wide range of appointments and reappointments to various boards and commissions, including the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, and the Metropolitan Sewerage District Board. No members of the public signed up to offer comments during the designated public comment period. The Board announced an upcoming joint meeting with the Asheville City and Buncombe County School Boards scheduled for January 16, starting at 9:00 AM, as well as a budget retreat on the same day. The next regular meeting, preceded by a briefing at 3:00 PM, is scheduled for January 21. Following the meeting, specific action items were established. County staff agreed to continue monitoring tax collection rates and providing regular updates. Anna Stearns will administer the oath of office to Drew Ball, and the newly appointed members will begin their duties on their respective boards. The Board confirmed its participation in the joint meeting with local school boards on January 16, with the next regular session set for January 21. ## Agenda - [Residential Waste Collection Update](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10224) - [Helene Update](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10225) - [Homeowner Grant Program Update](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10226) - [Call To Order](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10227) - [Discussion / Adjustment / Approval To Follow Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10228) - [Consent Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10229) - [Adoption of the December 17, 2024, meeting minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10230) - [Approval of the November 2024 tax collection report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10231) - [Support for the Blue Ridge Rising Strategic Plan and appropriations](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10232) - [Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10233) - [Good News](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10234) - [Presentations](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10235) - [Public Hearings](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10236) - [County Manager's Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10237) - [Old Business](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10238) - [New Business](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10239) - [Appointment of Drew Ball to fill vacant District 3 seat on Board of Commissioners](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10240) - [Appointment of Curt Euler to fulfill the duties as interim County Attorney](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10241) - [Board Appointments](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10242) - [Announcements](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10243) - [Closed Session / Open Session](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10244) - [Adjournment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626/item/10245) ## Votes - Appointment of Drew Ball to fill vacant District 3 seat on Board of Commissioners — Passed, 6-0 - Appointment of Curt Euler to fulfill the duties as interim County Attorney — Passed, 6-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3AnYQqO5FA - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1202/segments - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1235/segments ## Documents - [minutes_2025-01-07.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1626?document=4036) ## Sources - [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3AnYQqO5FA)