# October 15, 2024

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
**Date:** October 15, 2024 5:00 PM EDT (2024-10-15T17:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744

## Summary

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners met on October 15th to address several important issues facing the county, with a primary focus on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Discussions also included updates on tax collections and ongoing financial management for the county. Commissioners approved a significant budget amendment of $29 million to support hurricane recovery, and reviewed progress on tax collection goals.

A key decision made during the meeting was to delay the countywide property reappraisal until January 1, 2026, due to challenges presented by the recent storm. The Board also approved extending funding for emergency shelter programs and authorized the purchase of a new compactor to improve efficiency at the Solid Waste Department. Citizens should be aware that, following a closed session, the Board voted to remove Keith Miller as Tax Assessor.

While public comment was not taken during the meeting due to building access limitations, residents can find detailed information about all agenda items and related documents on the Buncombe County website. The Board also formally recognized October as Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, highlighting an ongoing commitment to community well-being.

## Agenda

- [Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12305)
- [Call To Order](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12306)
- [Discussion / Adjustment / Approval To Follow Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12307)
- [Consent Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12308)
- [Approval of the September 17 Combined Special meetings and Regular meeting minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12309)
- [Approval of the August 2024 Tax Collection Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12310)
- [Budget Amendment for Estate Settlement with NC Department of Commerce Budget Amendment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12311)
- [Budget Amendment to accept donations made to Buncombe County Libraries Budget Amendment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12312)
- [Revised Resolution authorizing the amendment of an interlocal agreement between Buncombe County and the City of Asheville expanding the availability of emergency shelter beds and the approval of COVID Recovery Funding project reallocations Revised Resolution Amended Interlocal Agreement](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12313)
- [Proclamation proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month Proclamation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12314)
- [Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12315)
- [Good News](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12316)
- [Presentations](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12317)
- [Public Hearings](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12318)
- [County Manager's Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12319)
- [New Business](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12320)
- [Resolution continuing the January 1, 2025 re-appraisal until January 1, 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12321)
- [Budget Amendment to the FY2024-2025 Grants Project for anticipated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/State of North Carolina for Hurricane Helene grant funding](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12322)
- [Budget Amendment for Solid Waste Department purchase of a compactor](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12323)
- [Resolution designating official banking depositories of Buncombe County](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12324)
- [Budget Amendments to the General Fund, 911 Special Revenue Fund, and the Mountain Mobility Special Revenue Fund for Fiscal Year 2024 Budget carryforwards](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12325)
- [Resolution authorizing the County Manager to enter into a purchase contract with Southeastern Specialty Vehicles, Inc. For the purchase of three (3) ambulances](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12326)
- [Old Business](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12327)
- [Board Appointments](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12328)
- [Announcements](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12329)
- [Closed Session / Open Session](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12330)
- [Adjournment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744/item/12331)

## Votes

- Budget Amendment for the Home and Community Block Grant agreement to provide services to older adults in Buncombe County — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing execution of an easement to the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County for the Weaverville Pump Station and Force Main Improvements — Passed, 5-0
- Motion pursuant to GS 153A-98(c)(7), based on the recommendation of the County Manager, move that the County Manager is authorized to disclose the reasons for holding the good cause hearing against R. Keith Miller, the County Tax Assessor, and any supporting documentation, and that  the release of this information is essential to maintaining the public confidence in the administration of county services — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to approve the consent agenda with additions. — Passed, 5-0
- Adopt the Resolution Authorizing the Chairperson to Execute an Application for FY 2026 Section 5311 Public Transportation Program Funding — Passed, 5-0
- Approve the budget amendment; accept the grant award; and execute design contract with Civil Design Concepts — Passed, 5-0
- Approve COVID Recovery Funding project reallocations; and to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Amendment of an Interlocal Agreement Between Buncombe County and The City of Asheville Expanding the Availability of Emergency Shelter Beds — Passed, 5-0
- Commissioner Whitesides made the motion to appoint Eric Cregger as the interim Tax Assessor to serve until such time as a permanent assessor is recruited and appointed or for the remainder of the unexpired term of the previous assessor as appointed by Resolution No. 21-11-06, which occurs first. — Passed, 5-0
- Commissioner Wells made a motion to adopt the Resolution Amending the Title VI Plan for Mountain Mobility and Authorizing the Chairperson to: Sign the Title VI Plan Review and Approval Document, execute a Title VI Nondiscrimination Agreement, and Execute Necessary U.S. DOT Title VI Assurances for Mountain Mobility. — Passed, 5-0
- The Board voted to appoint Masson Scott to the Mountain Community Capital Fund. — Passed, 5-0
- The Board voted to appoint Himanshu Karvir to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to the owner or operator of a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, with 100 or fewer rental unit seat. — Passed, 5-0
- The Board voted to appoint Mark Bastin to the ad hoc committee. — Passed, 5-0
- Council Member Carolina moved to approve a budget amendment to appropriate $24,226 in program income for additional expenditure budget. — Passed, 5-0
- Upon motion by X and second by Y, the Board adopted Resolution 2025-14 — Passed, 6-1
- 1. Adoption of the revised Resolution authorizing the execution of an amendment to the interlocal agreement between Buncombe County and the City of Asheville expanding the availability of Emergency Shelter Beds and to replace Resolution No. 24-09-11. — Passed, 5-0
- Approval of the resolution to set the new reappraisal deadline for January 1, 2026. — Passed, 5-0
- that the next countywide re-appraisal scheduled for January 1, 2025 will be postponed until January 1, 2026. — Passed, 5-0
- That the County will resume the normal re-appraisal scheduled starting January 1, 2029. — Passed, 5-0
- That this resolution shall be effective upon its adoption — Passed, 5-0
- Approve budget amendment — Passed, 5-0
- That this ordinance shall be effective upon adoption. — Passed, 5-0
- Approve budget amendments — Passed, 5-0
- BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of Buncombe County, North Carolina this the 1[st] day of October, 2024: ... — Passed, 5-0
- Budget Amendment to enhance and expand Adoption Promotion Funds — Passed, 5-0
- Approval of request to waive occupancy tax penalty in the amount of $53.45 for Cloud Nine Farm — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing Pyrotechnic Experts for firework display on September 28, 2024 — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing the intent to accept bid for sale of surplus County property located Unadilla Avenue in Asheville — Passed, 5-0
- Motion in accordance with NC Gen. Stat. 105294, having heard and reviewed the information developed by Human Resources and the Internal Auditor as well as the presentation and discussion today, that the Board find there is good cause to remove R. Keith Miller from his position as Buncombe County Tax Assessor and further direct the County Manager, or her designee, to do any and all other acts as she deems necessary and appropriate in order to remove Mr. Miller from office and terminate his employment with Buncombe County effective September 17, 2024 — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution authorizing the County Manager to execute a lease agreement with the State of North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for office space located at 60 Court Plaza — Passed, 5-0
- Commissioner Wells made the motion to: 1) Increase to employee biweekly premiums ($340,000); 2) Modify coinsurance for Standard Plan ($55,000); 3) Increase deductible and maximum out-of-pocket on HSA plan as required by IRS ($5,000); 4)Co-pays for GLPs for non-diabetic use will increase from $50 to $200; 5) Approval of the weight management oversite program VIDA, in conjunction with the GLP-1 drugs prescribed for weight loss. — Passed, 5-0
- Recommended Action: Approve collection report on consent agenda. — Passed, 5-0
- Council Member Kenny Armstrong moved to approve budget amendment — Passed, 5-0
- WHEREAS, Domestic violence, which can include physical, mental, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, is a means of intimidation and violence to influence, violate, and control a partner involved in an intimate relationship; and ... NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED on behalf of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, that the month of October 2024 be proclaimed Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month — Passed, 5-0
- That the FY2024-2025 amendments listed in Exhibit A below be hereby adopted. — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution #   24-10-07 Designating Official Banking Depositaries of Buncombe County — Passed, 5-0
- BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners for the County of Buncombe as follows: 1. The Finance Officer of Buncombe County is authorized and directed to deposit funds of the County in the following depositories: Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Regions Bank, Bank of America, First Citizens Bank, Truist Bank, US Bank, First National Bank, Pinnacle Bank, Bank OZK. 2. Certified copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the depositories designated herein. 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. — Passed, 5-0
- That the County Manager is authorized to enter into a purchase contract with Southeastern Specialty Vehicles, Inc for the purchase of three (3) ambulances. That this resolution is effective retroactively starting October 1, 2024. — Passed, 5-0

## Documents

- [minutes_2024-10-15.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1744?document=4097)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://buncombeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/3586)