Regular Meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on November 7, 2024

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – November 7, 2024

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convened on November 7, 2024, for a meeting focused heavily on recovery from Hurricane Helene and strategic investments in the community. The session included presentations, discussions, and several key votes impacting residents across the county. This recap will outline those decisions, highlight important conversations, and clarify what actions are expected moving forward.

Responding to Hurricane Helene & Supporting Residents: A significant portion of the meeting centered around addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Lillian Grovis delivered a compelling video update showcasing the extensive damage, community resilience, and ongoing support efforts. Commissioners acknowledged the immense challenges faced by residents, including widespread power outages, road closures, and displacement. A unanimous vote approved a resolution temporarily waiving late occupancy tax penalties for businesses impacted by the storm, providing much-needed relief. The Board also received a detailed update from FEMA representative Hannah Vick outlining federal assistance programs available to residents, including housing support, water restoration efforts, and economic recovery initiatives. The Board approved a budget amendment to accept FEMA funding for these programs, demonstrating the county’s commitment to leveraging all available resources.

Investing in Community Development & Small Business: Beyond the immediate recovery efforts, the Board engaged in discussions surrounding future development and economic growth. A key topic was the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, with a proposal to shift resources from the Ferry Road development project to the Cox Avenue development. While no vote was taken on this reallocation, Commissioners indicated a recommendation would be presented at the November 19th meeting. The Board also received an update on the Mountain Community Capital Fund (MCCF), a program providing loans to small businesses. Discussions focused on identifying a new custodian for the fund and reviewing its operating agreement, with final approval anticipated at the next meeting. Commissioner Edwards emphasized the critical need for a group site to address ongoing housing shortages, highlighting it as a priority.

Grant Approvals & Justice System Reform: The Board approved several budget amendments related to grant funding, signifying investments in key community programs. These included accepting funds for the DWI Task Force, a Dogwood Health Trust grant supporting a culturally relevant healing space (Ujima Collective Healing Space), and the Safety and Justice Challenge capstone award. Regina Herring, Director of Justice Services, underscored the county's dedication to reforming its criminal justice system and addressing mental health and substance use disorders, aligning with the goals of these grant-funded initiatives.

What's Next & Important Dates: Several action items emerged from the meeting, impacting residents in the coming months. The Board will continue reviewing proposals for both the Coxe Avenue and Ferry Road development projects, with interviews scheduled in January/February 2025 for Coxe Avenue and a later date for Ferry Road. Staff will also evaluate the need to extend the deadline for property re-appraisal, originally delayed due to Hurricane Helene. The next regular Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2024, where the ARPA funding reallocation and MCCF operating agreement will be further discussed. Residents can find more information on the Buncombe County website regarding these topics and other county initiatives.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to both immediate disaster response and long-term community investment, reflecting the Board's focus on supporting residents and fostering a thriving Buncombe County.