Special Called Meeting (Budget Presentation & Golf Course Presentation) - May 15, 2025

Meeting Overview

On May 15, 2025, the Black Mountain Town Council convened a Special Called Meeting to address two primary agenda items: the presentation of the recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026 and an update on the status of the Black Mountain Golf Course. The meeting served as an informational session for the budget, with no motions expected during that portion, while the golf course discussion involved operational updates and specific financial decisions regarding equipment.

Key Decisions and Votes

The Council took two distinct actions during the meeting. First, the body voted 5-0 in favor of scheduling a public hearing on the FY26 budget for June 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Second, Council Member Doug Hay made a motion to move forward with a lease agreement for golf course equipment from Beard Equipment Co. The Council voted 5-0 to approve this lease. The agreement involves leasing John Deere mowers at a cost of approximately $7,400 per month, or $88,800 annually. It was noted that the Town’s insurance company will pay off the previous equipment lease.

Discussion Highlights

Town Manager Josh Harrold presented the recommended FY26 budget, which totals $19,569,250. This figure represents an 11.2% decrease from the previous year, a reduction attributed to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The proposed budget maintains the current property tax rate of 0.3210 cents per $100 of valuation, meaning there is no property tax increase. However, the budget includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for permanent employees and funds for four new full-time and one new part-time position.

Regarding utility fees, the presentation outlined a 15% increase in water rates starting July 1, 2025, driven by a 33% increase in wholesale rates from the City of Asheville. Additionally, the waste reduction fee will increase by $3 per month, bringing the total to $8 per month. Capital expenditures are focused on street paving, police vehicles, golf course equipment, and a generator for public safety.

The golf course discussion, led by Town Manager Harrold, Golf Course Operations Manager Brent Miller, and Superintendent Jerry Brigman, detailed $2 million in storm damage. Staff reported that more funding has been spent on golf course recovery than any other effort besides critical infrastructure. The town is pursuing FEMA funding for repairs and has submitted a second round application for a cash flow loan, with a deadline of June 6. Staff outlined a strategy to reopen the back nine holes by early June 2025 and explore installing a driving range on the front nine to generate revenue. The town is also seeking used equipment and exploring leasing options to replace damaged machinery.

Community Input and Follow-ups

The provided summaries do not report any public comments or testimony from members of the general public during this meeting. Consequently, there were no direct responses from Council members to community input.

Regarding follow-up actions, staff indicated they are actively pursuing FEMA funding for both a small project and potentially a larger project related to the golf course damage. The town needs to finalize and have the town attorney review waivers for volunteers assisting with repairs. No specific follow-up commitments were explicitly agreed to by individual Council members beyond the approved motions.

Impact on Residents

These decisions directly affect the town’s financial structure and community amenities. Residents will see changes in monthly utility costs, specifically a $3 increase in the waste reduction fee and an approximate 15% increase in water rates starting in July. The decision to lease new golf course equipment supports the goal of reopening the back nine holes by early June, aiming to restore this community asset and generate revenue through a potential driving range on the front nine. The scheduled public hearing on June 9 will provide residents the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed budget before final adoption.