Board of Commissioners Meeting

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap - March 17, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on March 17, 2026, addressing a range of topics vital to the county's financial health, agricultural landscape, and emergency preparedness. The meeting began with a reminder of the Board's ethical responsibilities and approvals for both the regular agenda and a consent agenda that included adding a resolution approving Deaverview Mountain. Throughout the meeting, discussions centered on financial matters, agricultural preservation, and improvements to emergency response systems.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions surrounding a potential unified fire tax district and bolstering shelter resiliency. The Board received detailed reports outlining the current fragmented system of fire service districts, proposed changes to create a unified tax district, and a plan for increasing service standards across all areas. Following this presentation, the Board unanimously approved a contract with McGill Associates to conduct engineering services for a generator project at AC Reynolds High School, aimed at improving shelter resiliency during emergencies. Commissioners also approved resolutions related to the issuance of Limited Obligation Bonds (LOBS) for governmental facilities and schools, a key step in securing funding for essential infrastructure projects. Alongside these approvals, the Board unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing Agricultural Awareness Day, highlighting Buncombe County's commitment to supporting local agriculture.

During the public comment period, David Greenson from the Government Accountability Project (GAP AVL) raised concerns about potential displacement within Buncombe County, arguing that decisions beyond housing initiatives can significantly impact affordability and community character. He urged the Board to analyze displacement impacts of all decisions, making those analyses publicly available for review. This sparked a discussion about the broader implications of county policies and their potential effects on residents. County Manager Avril Pender provided an update on the ongoing property reappraisal process, explaining that finalized values are now available online and encouraging residents to review their records. She also addressed concerns about delayed mailing of property notices, stating that they are expected to be delivered this week.

Looking ahead, the Board has several key action items and deadlines. A public hearing will be held on April 21st to further discuss the proposed unified fire tax district, with a final decision and budget approval scheduled for May 19th. County staff will continue to engage with the community and fire departments throughout this process, ensuring transparency and collaboration. Residents are also encouraged to review their property values online and consider appealing if necessary, utilizing the resources available. Commissioner Wells emphasized the importance of farmland preservation, highlighting Buncombe County’s leadership in this area, while Fire Marshal Kevin stressed the need for a unified fire system to improve safety and ensure equitable service across the county.

This meeting demonstrated the Board's commitment to addressing key challenges facing Buncombe County, including financial stability, agricultural preservation, and emergency preparedness. The discussions surrounding the fire tax district represent a significant step towards modernizing county services and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.