Town Council Workshop - Apr 13 2026

Town Council Workshop Recap: Navigating the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

On April 13, 2026, the Town Council held a comprehensive workshop focused on shaping the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (2027). This session, attended by all council members, aimed to address current fiscal challenges and strategize for the future. The meeting provided a detailed look at proposed changes, potential impacts on residents, and upcoming opportunities for community input.

A significant portion of the workshop centered around balancing the budget amidst rising expenses and uncertain revenue projections. The Council discussed a proposed increase in the property tax rate from its current 38 cents to 31 cents, acknowledging that this would be necessary to maintain existing town services. While the "revenue neutral rate" (a tax rate that would generate the same revenue as last year) was established at 27 cents, council members recognized that maintaining current service levels would require a higher rate. The Town Manager presented several strategies to mitigate the need for significant tax increases, including delaying planned land purchases for fire and police facilities (while continuing property searches), postponing the Police Department relocation, and prioritizing funding for critical new positions. The council also discussed exploring grant opportunities and improving administrative efficiency to offset costs. Several external factors, including a pending county tax reappraisal, potential changes in insurance rates, and uncertainty surrounding the countywide fire tax rate, were identified as key unknowns that could impact the final budget.

Beyond fiscal matters, the Council engaged in discussions about addressing staffing challenges and improving recruitment and retention within town departments. A proposal to automatically contribute 2% to employee 401k plans, with a matching contribution up to 6%, was discussed as a potential incentive. The expansion of the water treatment plant and securing funding for this crucial infrastructure project also received attention, highlighting the town's commitment to long-term growth and sustainability. Finally, a resolution opposing potential state legislation that would limit local property tax authority was debated, reflecting the Council’s concern about preserving local control and financial flexibility.

The workshop included valuable community input. Resident Darla Letourneau emphasized the importance of utilizing email and social media to effectively communicate town events and information, a suggestion that resonated with the Council. Jeff Johnson acknowledged concerns about potential property tax increases but underscored the importance of maintaining essential town services, a sentiment shared by many.

Several key decisions were made during the workshop. The Council voted to remove the cap on supporting a grant application for pickleball courts from Explore Asheville, allowing them to seek up to $5 million – demonstrating a commitment to recreational opportunities. They also agreed to implement an AI-based system for capturing meeting minutes, addressing concerns about compliance with state regulations. A discussion regarding a "Strong Governance" resolution was tabled for future consideration.

What's Next? The Town Council is committed to ongoing transparency and community engagement throughout the budget process. Residents have several opportunities to participate:

• Community Conversations (April 22nd): Share your thoughts on the budget directly with council members.
• Budget Discussions (April 27th): The Council will continue discussing the budget at their regular meeting.
• Public Hearing (May 11th): An official public hearing will be held to gather feedback on the proposed budget.
• Final Budget Adoption (May 18th, June 8th & June 28th): The Council will finalize the budget and vote on its adoption.

The Town Manager will also continue pursuing grant opportunities, including the Explore Asheville lift grant, and an analysis of new developments is expected soon. This workshop marked a crucial step in shaping the town's financial future, and ongoing community involvement is vital to ensuring that the final budget reflects the needs and priorities of all residents.

This recap aims to provide a clear understanding of the discussions, decisions, and next steps related to the Town Council’s budget planning process.