City Council Meeting (May 28, 2024)

Asheville City Council Recap: May 28, 2024 – A Look at Key Decisions & What's Next

The Asheville City Council had a busy day on May 28th, tackling a wide range of issues impacting our community. Here's a breakdown of what happened and why it matters to you:

1. Big Decisions & Votes:

• Budget Approved (for now): Council gave initial approval to the proposed $249.6 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). This budget includes a 4.11% salary increase for city employees to meet the local living wage, and sets the stage for potential investments in affordable housing and infrastructure. A final vote will happen on June 11th, so stay tuned!
• Boosting the Block Project Moves Forward: Council approved a contract with Illumined Leadership Solutions and BennettWeston Consulting to lead community engagement for the "Boosting the Block" project. This exciting initiative, funded by a Mellon Foundation grant, aims to revitalize The Block area and connect it more seamlessly with Pack Square.
• Housing Authority Gets Green Light for Weaverville Development: Council approved a resolution allowing the Asheville Housing Authority to issue bonds to finance a 156-unit affordable housing development in Weaverville. While this doesn’t directly impact Asheville taxpayers, it demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing regional housing needs.
• Solid Waste Plan on its Way: Council approved a contract with Kessler Consulting Inc. to develop a comprehensive Solid Waste Master Plan, aiming for more effective and sustainable waste management practices in our city.
• Bridge Maintenance Approved: The council approved a contract to maintain several of the city’s bridges, ensuring safe and reliable transportation.
• HIDTA Grant Accepted: Council approved accepting a $154,638 federal grant to support efforts related to drug trafficking through the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.

2. Discussion Highlights – What Were People Talking About?

• General Obligation (GO) Bonds: A significant portion of the meeting revolved around a potential $75 million GO Bond referendum in November. This would allow the city to borrow money for major infrastructure projects like affordable housing, roads, parks, and public safety facilities. Council discussed the potential impact on taxpayers and explored funding priorities.
• Staff Compensation: Concerns were raised about current salary levels for first responders and the possibility of a property tax increase to address these issues. Staff was asked to provide more data on the financial implications of various compensation adjustments – expect this topic to resurface!
• Downtown Business Improvement District (BID): Council continued discussions about a proposed BID for downtown Asheville, gathering public input and considering governance structures.

3. Community Input – Voices Heard:

• While this was primarily a work session, public comment opportunities were available for the budget and zoning matters. Residents expressed their opinions on various aspects of city services and development projects.
• Councilwoman Roney voiced concerns about the HIDTA program, reflecting community perspectives on its effectiveness and potential impact.

4. Action Items – What Happens Next?

• Budget Finalization: The final vote on the FY 2024-25 budget will take place on June 11th.
• Bond Package Discussion: Staff will provide more data and analysis regarding the potential $75 million GO bond package, including its impact on taxpayers.
• Staff Compensation Analysis: Staff will provide data on the financial implications of various staff compensation adjustments.
• Boosting the Block Engagement: The new Community Facilitator will begin engaging with residents and businesses in The Block to develop a revitalization plan.
• Public Hearing & Budget Adoption: A public hearing and budget adoption meeting will be held on June 11th.

5. Why This Matters to You:

These decisions directly impact the quality of life in Asheville. The budget will shape city services, infrastructure investments, and employee compensation. The Boosting the Block project promises to revitalize a key area of our downtown. The potential GO bond referendum will determine how the city addresses critical infrastructure needs in the years to come. Staying informed and participating in these discussions ensures that our city government is responsive to the needs of all residents.

Want to Learn More?

• Visit the City of Asheville website: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/ to access meeting minutes, agendas, and other relevant documents.