BOC Budget Workshop 3/22/24

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Budget Workshop Recap - March 22, 2024

On March 22, 2024, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners (BOC) held a Budget Workshop to discuss priorities and potential adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year. This session, focused solely on budget considerations, brought together Board members and county staff to explore funding options for key projects and employee compensation. No formal votes were taken, as this was a workshop designed to gather information and explore possibilities before making final decisions.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the urgent need to repair the Texas Road Bridge. Board members engaged in a detailed conversation about funding strategies, weighing options like phasing the project over two budget years to manage costs or exploring financing opportunities to expedite completion. Ideas were floated regarding potential cost savings, including considering a slightly narrower bridge design and exploring fundraising to enhance the bridge’s aesthetic features. Board members were encouraged to gather feedback from constituents regarding design preferences, specifically concerning the bridge's width and appearance. Public Works Director Barry was tasked with obtaining cost estimates for a narrower design and investigating potential financing options to help move the project forward.

Beyond infrastructure, the Board also dedicated considerable time to discussing employee compensation. The current living wage for Buncombe County employees is $22.10 per hour, with four employees currently earning below that threshold. A proposed five percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all employees was discussed, which would amount to approximately $25,919 annually. Recognizing the importance of retaining qualified staff in a competitive job market, Board members acknowledged that salaries play a crucial role. While supportive of addressing employee compensation, some board members suggested exploring merit-based salary increases as an alternative to a blanket COLA. Finance staff, Savannah and Rachel, were asked to determine the funds currently available in Fund 25 and Fund 28. Savannah was also tasked with providing data on cost-of-living increases in Western North Carolina to inform future decisions.

Beyond the Texas Road Bridge and employee compensation, the Board briefly considered several other potential budget items. These included completing sidewalk construction between Black Mountain and the Columbarium, exploring options for a leaf vacuum system (potentially through contracting), replacing a guardrail on Lookout Road, and addressing a dangerous curve on Virginia Road. The Police Chief will present information regarding potential salary adjustments for police officers, aimed at attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Finally, the Board acknowledged a need to replace a police vehicle exceeding mileage and age policies, and discussed an Intergovernmental Agreement with Black Mountain that is currently on hold due to staffing changes.

The workshop concluded with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Buncombe County as it prepares its budget for the next fiscal year. Several action items were assigned, including gathering cost estimates, analyzing financial data, and soliciting community feedback. Gracie Nichols, a Neighborhood Representative, was asked to provide an update on resident concerns regarding the bank falling down on Swanee. The Board will reconvene in the coming months to continue these discussions and finalize budget proposals, ensuring that decisions align with the county's top priorities: public works improvements (including completing the pedestrian bridge, metering project, and stormwater plan), environmental initiatives like Chestnut replanting and Lake Susan dredging, and ensuring public safety through staffing and community engagement. Commissioner Fouché emphasized the importance of both completing the Texas Road Bridge and supporting county staff, reflecting a commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with providing quality services for all residents.