City Council Meeting – May 14, 2024

City Council Recap: May 14, 2024 – Key Updates and What's Next

The Asheville City Council convened on May 14, 2024, addressing a range of topics impacting our community. The meeting primarily focused on recognizing local achievements, reviewing ongoing city operations, and planning for future initiatives, most notably a proposed Downtown Municipal Service District (MSD) – often referred to as a Business Improvement District (BID). This recap provides an overview of the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents.

A significant portion of the meeting revolved around a proposed Downtown MSD/BID, which aims to enhance services and improve quality of life in our downtown area. The Council held a first reading on the ordinance establishing this district, following a public hearing held earlier in April. If approved, the MSD could lead to increased safety patrols (ambassador programs), improved cleaning and beautification efforts, and support for economic development initiatives downtown. A second reading and final vote on this ordinance will be held at a future Council meeting, so residents are encouraged to stay informed.

Beyond the downtown focus, the City Manager presented a proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025. A major highlight is that the budget proposes no increase in property taxes for residents. The proposal includes a 4.11% compensation increase for all city employees, aligning with the “Pledge of Living Wage,” and utilizes fund balance to address key priorities. The Council is also considering a $75 million Geobond referendum in November 2024, which would fund projects related to affordable housing, transportation improvements, parks and recreation enhancements, and upgrades to public safety facilities. Discussions included the possibility of incorporating the Malvern Hills Pool project into this Geobond, requiring potential adjustments to other budget areas. A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on May 28th, and a final vote is scheduled for June 11th.

The Council also addressed concerns raised during the public comment period, largely centered on a proposed partnership between the Asheville Police Department and UNC Asheville’s police force. Council members acknowledged these concerns and indicated they will continue to review and consider the partnership proposal. Throughout the meeting, several council members emphasized their support for both the Downtown MSD/BID and fair compensation for city employees. There was also a recurring focus on ensuring any new initiatives are fiscally responsible and mindful of the impact on taxpayers.

Looking Ahead: Several important action items emerged from this meeting:

• UNC Asheville Police Partnership: Review and consideration will continue.
• Budget Input & Vote: A public hearing on May 28th will gather community feedback, followed by a final budget vote on June 11th.
• Geobond Referendum: The Council will take the first step toward initiating a Geobond referendum at their next meeting.
• Downtown MSD/BID Vote: A second reading and vote on the ordinance establishing the Downtown MSD will occur at a future meeting.

For more detailed information, including meeting minutes, agendas, and proposed budget documents, please visit the City of Asheville website: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/. Your engagement and participation are vital to shaping the future of our city!