June 15, 2026 - FY26 27 Budget Public Hearing

Black Mountain FY26-27 Budget Public Hearing Recap: Addressing a Significant Shortfall

On June 15, 2026, the Black Mountain Town Council held a public hearing to discuss and gather input on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The meeting, attended by council members and numerous residents, centered on addressing a substantial budget shortfall of approximately $1.85 million – a challenge driven by rising costs across multiple areas, including fuel, inflation, tipping fees, insurance premiums, and deferred maintenance. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions (or lack thereof), community feedback, and next steps for Black Mountain residents.

The primary focus of the evening was exploring potential solutions to this shortfall. Town staff, presenting in the absence of Town Manager Richard Hicks, outlined several proposed adjustments. These included eliminating five full-time positions, freezing hiring for vacant police and public works roles (with a portion of the Public Works position funded by the general fund), transferring funds from the Helene Fund to the general fund, and absorbing credit card fees. More significant adjustments under consideration involve increasing golf course greens fees, raising solid waste collection fees by $350 per month, and a projected property tax increase from 0.312 to 0.341 – an adjustment estimated to generate an additional $526,691. The council also discussed deferring a crucial upgrade to the town's Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, postponing it to the following fiscal year.

Beyond addressing the immediate shortfall, a significant portion of the discussion revolved around challenges within the town’s water fund. The City of Asheville's recent 32% increase in bulk water rates is significantly impacting Black Mountain’s costs. Consequently, the council explored options to increase both base water rates and usage fees for residents. A complex issue arose regarding the town’s wells, two of which were previously shut down due to inaccurate contamination results. Reopening these wells and increasing water production by 20% was discussed as a potential solution, alongside participating in a state-funded program to test for lead and copper service lines, requiring a $500,000 loan. Concerns were also raised about the fire department's staffing and housing needs, with emphasis placed on maintaining competitive salaries for firefighters within the Unified Fire District.

The public hearing provided an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and offer suggestions. Anthony Sola advocated against cuts to police and fire departments, suggesting a citizen committee for financial planning and facility construction. Glenn Rechin echoed these concerns, advocating for user fees over general taxes to fund services and cautioning against a garbage tax. Kathy Phillips supported the proposed adjustments, emphasizing the importance of funding essential community services like those provided by Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Angela Levine strongly advocated for fully staffing and housing the police and fire departments, proposing a citizen-led commission to study permanent solutions for their housing needs. A debate also arose regarding the town’s garbage fees, with some residents arguing they were disproportionately high compared to neighboring areas.

Importantly, while extensive discussion took place, no formal votes were taken during the public hearing. The council acknowledged the difficult decisions ahead and recognized the need to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining essential community services. The next steps involve further budget discussions and ultimately a vote on the final FY26-27 budget at a later date. The council also discussed the possibility of forming a citizen committee to assist with budget planning and facility construction, as well as re-evaluating the possibility of reopening two previously shut down wells to increase water production.

This budget process directly impacts Black Mountain residents through potential tax and fee increases, as well as possible changes in town services. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the ongoing discussions and future votes regarding the FY26-27 budget, as these decisions will shape the financial landscape of Black Mountain for years to come.