Regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on December 17, 2024

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – December 17, 2024

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convened their regular meeting on December 17, 2024, addressing a range of topics impacting the community. The meeting began with a standard procedural opening, including the Pledge of Allegiance and a reminder to board members regarding their ethical obligations under open government laws. The Board proceeded with approving the consent agenda, a routine process encompassing approval of prior meeting minutes and other administrative items.

A significant portion of the public comment period was dedicated to discussions surrounding parking regulations within Buncombe County. Marty Benson and Nick Levine, representing Strong Towns and Asheville for All, both advocated for a reevaluation of mandatory parking minimums. Benson argued these regulations hinder housing development, while Levine used an analogy to illustrate the restrictive nature of current parking policies. The Board listened attentively but did not respond directly during this portion of the meeting. Later discussions highlighted a broader conversation about land use and development strategies within the county.

The Board received a financial update from Finance Director Melissa Moore, detailing performance for the first quarter of FY 2025 (July-September 2024). The news was largely positive, with overall revenue showing a slight increase (3.8%) compared to the previous year, and property tax collection on track. While sales tax revenue will be reflected in future reports due to a three-month lag, current expenditures remain within budget, with notable investments in human services and education.

A comprehensive update on the Homelessness Continuum of Care (CoC) was delivered by Lacey Hoyle, Homeless Program Manager. Several key developments were highlighted, including a modification to the Ramada site deed restriction allowing for both veteran supportive housing and affordable housing. The Board approved allocating ARPA funding to support Code Purple emergency shelter operations and related supportive services, as well as streamlining housing placement for disaster survivors through the Back at Home program. A crucial approval was secured for the Consolidated Application for HUD CoC funding, a vital source of permanent supportive housing resources. Hoyle also detailed the county's response to Hurricane Helene, emphasizing shelter operations and outreach efforts.

The Board also received an update on the mandated feasibility study concerning a potential merger of the Asheville City and Buncombe County school systems. Rachel Sawyer, Strategic Partnerships Director, noted that data collection through surveys, interviews, focus groups and observations is nearing completion. The final report is expected by December 31st, 2024, and the Board will have an opportunity to review it before submission to the state legislature. This study fulfills a requirement from the state, and its findings will inform future discussions about education governance in the region.

In terms of immediate action, the Board unanimously approved a budget amendment to accept $199,296 from the state’s disaster relief fund to provide one-time rental assistance for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, a revised disaster leave policy was approved, allowing employees to utilize up to 40 hours of paid leave for recovery-related activities and enabling the use of sick leave in disaster situations, aligning with a state policy. Finally, the Board entered closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding ongoing lawsuits (Interim Solutions et al vs. Buncombe County and Estate of Mallory Chris vs. Buncombe County), but took no action during that time.

Looking ahead, the next Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2025. A significant event on the horizon is a joint meeting with Asheville City and Buncombe County school boards, planned for January 16, 2025, to discuss the findings of the School Consolidation Study. These upcoming meetings will provide further opportunities for community engagement and discussion on key issues facing Buncombe County.