Board of Commissioners Briefing

Meeting Overview On May 19, 2026, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a Briefing meeting to address recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, state legislative updates, and the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget. The session included routine approvals, public comment, staff presentations, and public hearings regarding commercial district revitalization and the county budget.

Key Decisions The Board voted unanimously (5-0) on several items. Council Member Ball moved to add a letter of support for Western North Carolina rail transit to the consent agenda, which was subsequently approved. Commissioner Whiteside moved to approve the consent agenda as amended, which included the approval of the May 5, 2026 meeting minutes, a resolution approving pyrotechnic experts for a fireworks display, a rate adjustment for purchased transportation services, Buncombe County Schools Lottery Project applications, and the Juvenile Court & Psychiatric Center (JCPC) Updated Funding Plan and Budget Amendment.

In new business, the Board approved resolutions related to the 2026 General Obligation Bond Referendum. Commissioner Horton moved to approve a resolution, and Commissioner Wells moved to approve a budget amendment, both passing 5-0. Additionally, Commissioner Ball moved to approve a resolution directing the publication of notice to apply for bonds, and Commissioner Sloan moved to approve a resolution making statements of fact concerning the proposed bond issue and authorizing the application; both motions passed 5-0. The Board also approved a resolution to accept properties through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and a budget amendment to realize insurance proceeds for the replacement of damaged Sheriff’s vehicles and a tax assessment vehicle.

Discussion Highlights A legislative update provided by County Lobbyist Whitney Christensen highlighted state-level developments regarding Helene recovery. Christensen reported that $55 million in grants for local government infrastructure and a $100 million loan program were secured, along with $120 million for home reconstruction/repair and $10 million for rental unit preservation. She noted that funding for affordable housing development and homeless stabilization programs was not included in the relief bills. Other updates included a 3% raise for state employees and an 8% raise for teachers, $60 million in approved business recovery loans/grants, and $685 million invested in water/sewer system expansion.

The Board discussed the proposed FY27 budget, which includes a 4.3-cent increase above the revenue-neutral tax rate, resulting in an overall rate of 43.52 cents per $100 assessed value. This increase equates to approximately $192 for the median-valued home. The budget proposal includes significant increases for Asheville City Schools and AB Tech, as well as capital investments for county and courthouse renovations, EMS space construction, a fleet/general services complex, solar projects, and affordable housing initiatives.

Presentations were also delivered on the U.S. Forest Service’s recovery efforts in the Appalachian and Pisgah Ranger Districts, focusing on trail restoration, watershed recovery, and fire risk reduction, as well as a third-quarter financial update for FY26.

Community Input Public comment addressed several key issues. Julie Forbes, a resident, detailed ongoing safety and health hazards in the River Newell/Tunnel Road area, pleading for expedited demolition of damaged properties due to debris, fire risks, and criminal activity. Peppy Acebo, an Asheville City Schools Board member, advocated for stricter enforcement of traffic laws regarding school buses. Multiple residents expressed concerns about rising property values and the potential impact of the proposed tax increase, while others strongly supported continued funding for the Local Assistance Program (LAP) to support survivors of domestic violence. An Asheville City Schools representative raised concerns about the proposed teacher salary raise structure, noting a potential disproportionate benefit to newer teachers and an increased local funding burden.

Follow-ups The Board agreed to consider adding a presentation on civil enforcement options for school bus traffic violations to a future agenda. The Board will continue to review and discuss the proposed FY27 budget, addressing public comments and considering potential adjustments. Additionally, the Board will explore sustainable funding solutions for the Local Assistance Program and continue preparations for a bond referendum in November. County staff and Whitney Christensen will continue to monitor legislative developments, particularly regarding FEMA reimbursement for Helene-related funding.

Impact These decisions and discussions reflect the county’s ongoing response to the economic and infrastructure challenges posed by Tropical Storm Helene. The approval of bond resolutions initiates the process for a potential November referendum to fund projects such as open space conservation and affordable housing. The FY27 budget hearing sets the stage for finalizing the county’s financial plan, including the proposed property tax increase and increased funding for education and capital projects.