May 20, 2026 Budget Work Session

Black Mountain Budget Work Session Recap: Facing Financial Challenges and Seeking Solutions

On May 20, 2026, the Black Mountain Town Council held a Budget Work Session to address significant financial challenges facing the town as it prepares for the next fiscal year. The meeting, attended by Town Council members and various town staff including Brent, Jerry, and Carson, focused on two primary areas: an emergency at the town's golf course stemming from issues with Deadham Lake, and a substantial budget shortfall impacting both the general fund and the water fund. This recap aims to provide residents with a clear understanding of the discussions, decisions, and next steps emerging from this important session.

The meeting opened with a critical update on the emergency at the Black Mountain Golf Course, where Deadham Lake was drained, leaving the greens without water. Town staff are currently manually watering the greens using a truck, and a resident, Michael, is independently assisting by utilizing hoses from a neighbor’s property. While the council initially raised procedural concerns about citizen assistance, they ultimately accepted it given the emergency circumstances and a forecast for significant rain offering potential short-term relief. A more permanent solution is under consideration: a $40,000 - $50,000 backup plan involving a separate pump from a vendor in Greenville, South Carolina, which would take approximately 60-90 days to implement.

Beyond the golf course emergency, a significant portion of the meeting centered on addressing a $1,858,260 shortfall in the general fund and a $918,479 shortfall in the water fund. This situation is complicated by a delay in the property revaluation process, currently pending legislation in the House. Preliminary data indicates a 47.85% increase in taxable values compared to last year, creating complexities for budget planning. To balance the budget without depleting fund reserves, a 6.8% tax increase would be required. A revenue-neutral rate (based on the new valuations) would necessitate a 22.02 cent tax rate, though this increase could lead to a slight decrease in vehicle tax revenue. The council acknowledged rising costs across multiple areas, including solid waste disposal, salaries (currently among the lowest in the county), fringe benefits, and Duke Energy rates.

The discussion highlighted several potential options for addressing these shortfalls. Council members emphasized the need to rebuild the town's fund balance, aiming for a minimum of 8-10 months of operating expenses. Potential solutions explored included considering budget cuts across various departments, including Administration/HR/Finance/Technology, Street & Sidewalk funding, and community organization support. A 35% rate increase from the City of Asheville is also expected for Black Mountain residents, further impacting the water fund. The possibility of delaying or scaling back projects like the 9th Street Bridge replacement was also discussed due to matching requirements and potential repayment of engineering fees. A proposal to waive water bills for residents assisting with watering the greens was ultimately rejected due to fairness and policy concerns.

While no formal votes were taken during this work session, several key action items emerged. The Town Council is seeking guidance on areas where they are willing to consider budget cuts or tax increases, and the town manager will meet with professionals (likely consultants) to further assess the budget situation. The town manager will also investigate options for a backup pump system at the golf course. Several specific action items were assigned, including contract reviews within various departments and an assessment of a forensic audit for the finance department.

The decisions made, or considered during this meeting, will directly impact Black Mountain residents through potential tax adjustments and changes to town services. The Council’s next steps involve continued discussions at future meetings, seeking professional guidance on budgetary challenges and making difficult decisions regarding tax rates, budget allocations, and fund balance management. Residents can expect further updates as the town navigates these financial complexities and works to ensure a stable fiscal future.