# Weaverville Town Council Budget Workshop April 16, 2024

**Body:** Town of Weaverville — Town Council
**Date:** April 16, 2024 6:00 PM EDT (2024-04-16T18:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1894

## Summary

The Town of Weaverville Town Council held a budget workshop on April 16, 2024, to review the proposed fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. This session was informational in nature, designed to present the financial plan and allow council members to ask questions before a more detailed discussion and potential vote scheduled for May. The primary goal was to bridge the gap between current revenue and the future tax contributions expected from recently approved housing developments currently under construction.

Town Manager Selena Coffey presented the proposed budget, which totals $8,998,385 for the General Fund, representing a decrease of $726,767 from the current year. The proposal maintains the current property tax rate of $0.35 per $100 of value, with no increase. Coffey emphasized that the budget is balanced and aims to sustain current services while the town anticipates a population increase of approximately 3,700 to 3,757 residents over the next five years. To manage this growth, the town is utilizing its fund balance, which stands at approximately $7.6 million, exceeding the 40% target policy. Council member Jackson inquired about the population growth rate, noting that housing stock is expected to double with new developments.

Key operational changes included a 10% increase for the North Buncombe Fire District, totaling $4 million, which includes a proposed one-cent tax increase for the district. Additionally, the Water Fund budget was increased by 12.5% to $3.2 million, accompanied by a 4% increase in water rates to fund system expansion and debt payments. The budget also proposes funding for an Assistant Public Works Director, three additional firefighter positions, and various capital improvements, including police vehicles, street improvements, and waterline replacements. Council members expressed interest in understanding the population growth projections and exploring options for funding quality-of-life improvements, such as the Ellarcove Watershed Trail System and DC fast chargers, though no decisions were made on these "enhanced" items.

No public comments were solicited or allowed during this workshop. The council did not take any formal votes on the budget itself, as the session was strictly for review and discussion. The only action taken was the unanimous approval of the motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:48 p.m., which was made by Council member Jackson and seconded by another member.

Following the workshop, council members are asked to review the proposed budget thoroughly. A more detailed discussion and potential vote on the budget will occur during a future workshop in May. Additionally, Town Manager Coffey will update the council on the final fire district tax rate proposal after the Fire Chief presents the budget to the county. The council will also provide input on a potential new strategic planning or urban design position, for which funding is not currently included in the budget.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOmBCgfC8lg
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1386/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2024-04-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1894?document=14408)
- [agenda_2024-04-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1894?document=14407)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOmBCgfC8lg)