Board of Elections Meeting | May 21, 2026

Board of Elections Meeting Recap: May 21, 2026 – Focusing on Internal Operations and Personnel

On May 21, 2026, the Board of Elections convened a meeting primarily focused on internal operational matters, specifically concerning budgeting, personnel management, and salary transparency. The meeting provided valuable insights into how the Board functions within Buncombe County government and highlighted areas for potential improvement. It's important to note that this meeting did not address upcoming elections; rather, it centered on the internal workings of the Board itself.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the Board's budgeting process and how it interacts with County management. Commissioners clarified that budgeting occurs at a functional level, allowing for some flexibility within departments but requiring Board approval for any shifts between broader government functions. A key topic of interest was salary transparency, with Board members expressing a desire for easier access to detailed compensation information. While staff pointed out that granular salary data is already available online through the budget explorer dashboard, they acknowledged the need for a more user-friendly summary report and committed to exploring options to provide one.

The ongoing classification and compensation study, which will involve both an external vendor and county professionals, was also a major focus. This study aims to thoroughly review positions within the elections department and ensure equitable compensation practices. A notable debate arose regarding personnel authority, particularly concerning who has the power to extend job offers and negotiate salaries. Currently, Human Resources handles these negotiations as part of a county-wide process. Board members voiced their desire for the Director of Elections to have greater control over this, aligning with their budgetary responsibilities. To address this, the Board agreed that a review and potential revision of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Buncombe County is necessary.

There was no direct public comment during the meeting, and all discussions remained focused on internal processes. However, the conversation highlighted a shared commitment among Board members and County Human Resources to ensure fair compensation practices and retain talented employees within the elections department.

Looking Ahead: The Board has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, May 28th at 1:00 PM to specifically address the resolution regarding personnel authority and related matters. In the meantime, County Management and Human Resources will discuss the MOU with the Board of Elections. Staff is also exploring options to provide a more accessible report summarizing total salary information for the Board’s consideration. Residents can expect further updates following the special meeting on May 28th, which will determine how hiring and salary negotiation processes within the Board of Elections are managed moving forward.