# 2026.04.14 Woodfin Town Council Budget Work Session

**Body:** Town of Woodfin — Woodfin Town Council
**Date:** April 14, 2026 12:00 PM EDT (2026-04-14T12:00:46-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2736

## Summary

The Woodfin Town Council convened a special work session on April 14, 2026, to review the upcoming fiscal year (FY27) budget, with a specific focus on capital projects and infrastructure planning. The session covered a wide range of topics, including updates on park construction, stormwater and street improvements, cybersecurity measures, and potential changes to fire district taxation. The council’s primary objective was to lay the groundwork for final budget decisions by examining the financial details and status of various ongoing initiatives.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on capital projects, particularly Silver Line Park and Riverside Park. For Silver Line Park, the council reviewed progress on a project split into FEMA recovery work and restroom construction. Through value engineering and negotiations with the contractor, BH Graning Landscaping, the project came in under budget, with a revised bid total of $1,359,312.65. FEMA is expected to reimburse $829,004 for the recovery portion, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in May 2026 and conclude by September 2026. Regarding Riverside Park, the council considered a change order that would add back previously removed features, such as bistro tables and a fish sculpture, if additional funding becomes available. The total cost for this phase is projected to increase to $3,507,342.78, requiring a fund balance allocation to cover the anticipated deficit.

The council also addressed broader infrastructure and operational concerns. Discussions included the stormwater utility fee, which was approved to remain consistent with the previous year, and plans for street repairs utilizing existing funds and potential future allocations. A new town hall project was introduced, with staff exploring long-term funding options, including potential partnerships with companies specializing in affordable housing. Additionally, the council reviewed a proposed cybersecurity addendum to an IT contract with TSA, noting that while it would significantly increase IT service costs, it is deemed necessary to protect town data. The council also agreed to monitor the upcoming vote by Buncombe County Commissioners regarding a fire district tax and its potential impact on residents.

Regarding official actions, the council unanimously approved the agenda for the work session. Furthermore, a motion was made and seconded to approve budget amendments and authorize the town manager to enter into contracts related to Silver Line Park, Riverside Park, FEMA-related repairs, and engineering services. This motion passed, allowing the town to proceed with the specified contractual obligations for these capital projects.

No public comments were received during this work session. The council acknowledged the detailed preparation provided by staff, specifically mentioning Adrienne and Shannon, for their role in preparing the information for the session. Members emphasized the importance of fiscal prudence and being mindful of the impact on Woodfin residents throughout the discussions.

Looking ahead, the council outlined several follow-up actions. Staff will investigate potential funding sources and partnerships for the new town hall project and monitor the Buncombe County Commissioners’ decision on the fire district tax, reporting back to the council. The town will evaluate the TSA cybersecurity addendum to decide whether to proceed. Additionally, the council will continue the budget process over the next few months, reviewing expansion budget requests and considering tax rates in light of property revaluation. A public hearing is scheduled for June, followed by final budget adoption. The council also noted they will consider adjusting the timing of future meetings, potentially moving the May meeting to an afternoon slot.

## Votes

- Council Member Kahn made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Bowers seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Council Member Cohen seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uke_C6fBu1Y
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1834/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2026-04-14.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2736?document=14314)
- [agenda_2026-04-14.html](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2736?document=14312)
- [presentation_2026-04-14.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2736?document=14313)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uke_C6fBu1Y)