Town Council Workshop - Mar 09 2026

Town Council Workshop Recap: Addressing Growth & Planning for the Future (March 9, 2026)

On March 9, 2026, the Town Council held a comprehensive workshop focused on two critical areas: preliminary budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year and long-term facility planning to accommodate our town’s rapid growth. This workshop provided a valuable opportunity for council members to explore challenges and potential solutions, all with an eye towards ensuring the town continues to provide excellent services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on assessing our current infrastructure and anticipating future needs. The council acknowledged that several key facilities, including Town Hall, the Police Department, the Fire Department, and the Community Center, are currently operating at or near capacity. This is particularly concerning given our town’s substantial growth – residential dwelling units have increased by 23% and the population has grown by 30% in just five years, with projections estimating a further increase to around 10-12,000 residents by 2030. The discussion highlighted the urgent need to consider land acquisition for future facilities, specifically mentioning a potential new fire station and exploring options for relocating other departments to accommodate expansion. The current lease with the Dry Ridge Museum occupying space within the Community Center was also noted as a potential future consideration.

The council engaged in detailed discussions about the 2026-27 budget, recognizing that pending revenue projections from Buncombe County are creating uncertainty. While no definitive decisions were made regarding specific budget allocations, the conversation explored various strategies for balancing service delivery expectations with financial constraints. Options discussed included continuing to outsource certain services like HR and stormwater permitting, exploring the possibility of bringing in-house services such as facility maintenance and electrical work to potentially save costs, implementing technology upgrades like automated record keeping, and considering public-private partnerships for shared services. The council also acknowledged the state requirements surrounding revenue neutrality and its impact on budget decisions.

Recognizing that addressing these challenges requires community involvement, the council emphasized the importance of public engagement. Ideas discussed to improve communication and gather resident feedback included developing a simplified "Dick and Dot" presentation to explain the budget, conducting community surveys to gauge resident priorities, and increasing outreach efforts through platforms like Nextdoor and homeowner associations. The council also discussed actively pursuing grant funding opportunities to support projects such as fire department staffing and stormwater improvements, and exploring transportation bonds to fund larger infrastructure upgrades.

Looking Ahead: The council has scheduled a series of meetings dedicated to budget discussions and finalization. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in these upcoming opportunities:

• March 23rd: Council Meeting (Preliminary Input)
• April 13th: Budget Workshop (Manager's Presentation)
• May 11th: Budget Workshop #3 & Public Hearing
• May 18th: Council Meeting (Final Direction)

This workshop underscored the significant changes our town is experiencing and the proactive steps being taken to address them. By carefully considering budget priorities, planning for future infrastructure needs, and actively engaging with the community, the Town Council is committed to ensuring our town remains a vibrant and thriving place to live for years to come.