FY2027 Budget Workshop | April 16, 2026

FY2027 Budget Workshop Recap: What Buncombe County is Planning for Next Year

On April 16, 2026, Buncombe County government held a workshop focused on developing the budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. This session, part of a larger ongoing process, aimed to discuss revenue projections and potential adjustments needed for the upcoming year. The meeting was attended by county officials, staff, and likely other stakeholders involved in the budget process. While no formal votes were taken during this workshop, it provided crucial insights into the county's financial planning.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on property values and the upcoming reappraisal mandated by North Carolina law. County Assessor Eric Kreger presented findings indicating that residential properties continue to represent the majority (70-75%) of the county’s tax base, with commercial properties also experiencing value increases. The “revenue neutral rate,” the tax rate needed to generate the same revenue as last year, was estimated at 39.2 cents per $100 of assessed value – a figure that will be closely watched as the reappraisal process unfolds. Citizens should be aware of the appeals process, which will see a large number of property owners reviewing their assessments and potentially filing challenges.

Beyond property taxes, county staff outlined revenue projections for other sources including sales tax (expected to see a slight increase) and intergovernmental revenues. A notable challenge identified was an anticipated decrease in funding from the state due to changes in Medicaid administrative cost share. To address potential budget shortfalls, staff is exploring options for reallocating funds from existing programs. Specifically, they are considering utilizing unused resources from conservation easement programs, affordable housing initiatives, and public art projects. Additionally, closing out older capital projects will free up funds for potential reallocation.

The workshop highlighted the importance of public participation in the budget process. While this session was primarily for discussion and information gathering, citizens are encouraged to attend the upcoming public hearing scheduled for May 19, 2026, to share their thoughts and concerns directly. The final budget adoption is planned for June 2, 2026. County staff will provide further details regarding the reallocation of funds at a later date, so residents are encouraged to stay informed through the county’s website and local news outlets.

Ultimately, this FY2027 Budget Workshop underscored the challenges facing Buncombe County as it navigates changing revenue streams and adapts to state mandates. The decisions made in the coming weeks will directly impact county services, taxes paid by residents, and investments in community programs. Active engagement from citizens is vital to ensuring the budget reflects the priorities of our community.