City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure (In-Person) (Dec 9, 2025)

City Council Worksession Recap: Policy, Finance & Infrastructure (December 9, 2025)

On December 9th, the City Council held a work session focused on Policy, Finance & Infrastructure – key areas impacting our community. This wasn’t a decision-making meeting; instead, it was an opportunity for Council members to receive updates and discuss potential future directions. Here’s a breakdown of what was covered and why it matters to you:

Financial Health Check & Future Budget Considerations:

A significant portion of the session centered on the recently completed Fiscal Year 2025 audit. The good news? Auditors gave the city a clean bill of health – an “unmodified” opinion, meaning our financial records are considered accurate and reliable. However, the discussion wasn't all positive. While overall strong, the city’s unassigned fund balance (the money available for unexpected expenses) dipped slightly to 14%, below the target of 15%. This is largely attributed to costs associated with Hurricane Helene. Auditors also identified a minor error in how one project was recorded and pointed out that the city needs to adjust its accounting for opioid settlement funds. These findings will be considered as Council begins discussions on the upcoming budget, which is expected to start soon. Why this matters: A healthy fund balance provides stability and allows the city to respond effectively to emergencies like natural disasters.

Planning for a Future Transit System & Revitalizing Patton Avenue:

Council also spent considerable time exploring the future of our city’s transit system and its potential impact on the Patton Avenue corridor. A key discussion point was identifying a preferred location for a new transit facility, with 360 West Haywood (city-owned property) emerging as the leading contender. Council members also discussed planning for a significantly larger bus fleet – potentially doubling its size to 70 buses by 2040-2050 – and how that growth can be integrated with a revitalization plan for Patton Avenue. The vision is to create a more walkable, vibrant area with increased housing options while addressing potential business relocations. Why this matters: Investing in transit and revitalizing key areas like Patton Avenue can improve accessibility, boost economic development, and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Other Business & Next Steps:

Beyond finance and transit, the Council approved minutes from a previous meeting and briefly discussed vacancies on the Planning & Zoning Commission.

What Happens Next?

Several key action items emerged from the work session:

• Audit Corrections: Cherry Bekaert will finalize the full audit, with a deadline of February 12th.
• LGC Reporting: The City Council will review and sign a letter to the Local Government Commission (LGC) in January, addressing performance indicators.
• Budget Discussions: Council will begin budget discussions soon, taking into account the current fund balance.
• Grant Application: City staff will prepare and submit a grant application for funding to support the new transit facility.
• Staff Analysis: HR will analyze compensation adjustments, considering their impact on employee retention and living wage goals.

Stay Informed:

For more detailed information, including the full audit report and updates on these initiatives, please visit the City of Asheville’s website. Your engagement is vital as we work together to shape a thriving and resilient community!