Town Council Workshop - Jun 08 2026

Town Council Workshop Recap: June 8, 2026

The Town of Weaverville Town Council held a workshop on June 8, 2026, to review the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, legislative updates, and economic development initiatives. The meeting focused on finalizing budgetary allocations, adjusting funding for external agencies, and adopting fee schedules and policy amendments. The session concluded with the formal adoption of several key ordinances and resolutions, setting the stage for further review of specific contracts and pay plans in upcoming meetings.

Key Decisions and Votes

The Council took several significant actions during the workshop. A motion to increase funding for the Weaverville Economic Development Advisory Committee (WEDAC) to $6,000 passed with a unanimous vote of 7-0. Following this adjustment, the Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance for the General Fund and Special Revenue Fire Fund, as well as the Budget Ordinance for the Water Fund. The vote on the budget adoption was 6-1, with Councilmember Andrew Nagle voting Nay.

Additionally, the Council approved a fee schedule increase for the Public Works crew hourly rate from $35 to $45 per hour, also by a unanimous 7-0 vote. The Council unanimously approved a resolution amending the Town’s Personnel Policy, Harassment Policy, Workplace Violence Prevention Policy, and Grievance Policy. The Council also approved a motion to increase stipends for the Western Buncombe Association (WBA) to $6,000 and for the Senior Meals program by $4,000, while maintaining current levels for the Western Impact Development Alliance & Community (WIDAC). Funding for these increases will come from the town’s fund balance.

Discussion Highlights

Town Manager Harris provided comprehensive updates on the proposed budget, which totals $20,325,948, and legislative matters, specifically Senate Bill 889 (SB 889). The Council discussed the potential impact of SB 889 on property tax calculations and noted they are working with lobbyists to represent the town’s interests. The proposed budget includes funding for new personnel, including a full-time HR employee, two police officers, a maintenance technician, and a water treatment plant operator. It also outlines a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees, an 8% increase in health insurance costs, and expanded leave benefits.

Council member Mark emphasized the importance of transparency regarding town spending on events. In response, Councilmember Young presented a spreadsheet detailing the Town’s costs for supporting Weaverville Business Association events. The Council agreed that the Town should provide cost information for transparency purposes, even when no money is exchanged, a motion that passed unanimously. Councilmember Barnett reported that an economic analysis for Weaverville will begin July 1st and noted that the LIFT application grant for the outdoor pickleball center was not approved. One council member voiced concerns about the COLA raises, voting against the budget despite acknowledging the outcome would not change.

Community Input

Public discussion during the workshop primarily focused on the proposed budget and external agency funding. While the summaries indicate public discussion occurred, no specific members of the public are named as providing testimony or comments in the provided records.

Follow-ups and Next Steps

The Council has outlined several next steps based on the workshop discussions. The finalized contract with the county’s fire department will be reviewed at the June 22nd meeting. The proposed FY2027 Pay Plans, which are still in development, will also be discussed at the June 22 meeting. The Council agreed to monitor SB 889 and its potential impact on local property taxes. Additionally, Tanya, likely a department head, has been tasked with creating sample cost estimate and actual cost accounting models for town-supported events for future council review. The Council also discussed potentially increasing the fee for meter rechecks in the future to reflect actual costs, though no immediate action was taken on this specific fee adjustment.