Board of Commissioners Meeting

Meeting Overview The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held its Regular Meeting on August 4, 2026. The session covered routine administrative approvals, public comments, staff recognitions, and several substantive policy and funding decisions regarding local infrastructure, economic development, and property taxes.

Key Decisions and Votes The Board approved the Consent Agenda by unanimous voice vote, which included the June 26th monthly collection report and various administrative contracts. A motion to authorize the County Manager to participate in the North Carolina Department of Commerce Building Reuse Grant Program for the Southeastern Container expansion passed with a 6-1 vote. The Board also unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Property Tax Settlement, noting a 99.66% collection rate and the removal of 143 uncollectible personal property tax bills. Additionally, the Board approved a budget amendment to accept a $284,368 Helene Recovery Grant for Parks and Recreation, designated to fund ADA-accessible boat launches at Glen Bridge, Bank Creek, and Hominy Creek River Parks. A motion to approve an addendum to the 2017 Interlocal Agreement with the Town of Woodfin regarding the French Broad River Greenway also carried, defining specific responsibilities for design, construction, and maintenance between the county and the town.

Discussion Highlights During the Consent Agenda, Commissioner Wells inquired about public utilities collection rates falling below 100%. Staff clarified that the discrepancy was due to a company shifting its tax classification from real/personal to public utility taxes for 2025, with a payment arrangement currently in progress. In recognizing staff achievements, Assistant County Manager Sybil Tate announced that Buncombe County won seven awards at the National Association of Counties (NACO) conference, including a "Best in Category" award for a Human Services Department staff development program. HHS Team members David Sweat and Heather Ramsey accepted the award, stating, "This belongs to my entire team... We're really lucky to work for an organization that believes in lifetime learning." Drew Ball thanked staff for their partnership with the Town of Woodfin, noting, "Helene was something that definitely was a challenge to get through."

Community Input Three members of the public provided comments during the designated period. Terri Scholl and Rob Denton spoke regarding the Enka Heritage Trail, citing a 2010 conditional zoning agreement and a 2014 Greenway Easement Grant Agreement. They expressed concern that the project was stalled due to disagreements with Martin Lewis and the Enka Youth Sports Organization (EYSO), questioning how easements were being circumvented. Mel Scholl submitted three points on behalf of his wife, arguing that the County must enforce contracts, consider the Connect Buncombe master plan, and withhold further funding from entities acting in bad faith. Dr. Rob Jackson thanked the Board for its investment in the school system and hurricane recovery efforts. Peace Lea Weaver warned of a public health crisis involving 7-OH kratom, a highly refined substance sold in gas stations, describing it as "something very evil" and comparing its withdrawal symptoms to heroin.

Follow-ups and Next Steps Staff will publish notice of public hearings immediately following the meeting regarding the Southeastern Container project. Two specific hearings are scheduled: one to utilize economic development incentives and another for a formal vote on local match support for the grant. For the Woodfin Greenway, final submission to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for the Highway 251 section is expected in August, with right-of-way negotiations for 22 properties expected to take approximately one year. Regarding the grant to AB Tech Community College, the contract will be sent for signatures, including that of the County Manager, for a three-to-five-year project.

Impact on Residents These decisions directly affect local infrastructure and economic development. The approval of the Southeastern Container grant participation supports a $31.3 million facility expansion in the Enka Commerce Park, which is projected to create 12 new jobs. The Helene Recovery Grant funding will improve accessibility at three major river parks, enhancing recreational opportunities for residents. The Woodfin Interlocal Agreement clarifies the division of labor for the French Broad River Greenway, ensuring continued progress on community green spaces despite post-Hurricane Helene challenges. The property tax settlement confirms the county’s high collection efficiency, while the public comments highlight ongoing community tensions regarding the Enka Heritage Trail and emerging public health concerns regarding kratom products.