Special Meeting: Budget Adoption 6/29/26

Tree Board Budget Adoption Recap: June 29, 2026

On June 29th, 2026, the Tree Board held a special meeting to finalize and adopt the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (2026-2027). The meeting, which lasted several hours, centered around finalizing the budget amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding state legislation that could impact property tax reappraisals. The adopted budget represents a significant shift for the Tree Board, reflecting increased investment across several key areas.

Key Decisions & Financial Overview: The Tree Board approved a total budget of $3,040,918 – a substantial 21.5% increase from the previous year. This includes a general fund portion of $2,462,818, marking an 18.52% increase. The budget sets the ad valorem tax rate at .36 per $100 of assessed valuation, representing an approximate 20% increase for residents compared to the revenue-neutral rate. The board also formally adopted two budget amendments: Amendment 18 will reimburse Kathy Dodson for beautification efforts at the Kanawa flower beds using donated resources, and Amendment 19 will utilize FEMA funds and a donation to continue work on Arbor Lane, including the pedestrian bridge and culverts. Finally, the board approved Carter's engagement letter for an upcoming audit.

Discussion Highlights: Navigating State Legislation & Prioritizing Investments: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Senate Bill 474 and its potential impact on Buncombe County's property tax reappraisal, alongside Senate Bill 889 which placed a moratorium on the reappraisal. While awaiting finalization, the budget was prepared with the assumption that SB 474 would pass. The board engaged in detailed discussions regarding proposed budget increases, with a particular focus on personnel (a 3% merit-based increase for all departments and additional salary adjustments), the Police Department (a 15% increase supporting a career ladder program and take-home vehicle initiative), Sanitation (a 12.17% increase due to contracted waste services), Street Maintenance (a significant 47% increase driven by equipment and staffing needs), Recreation & Public Works (increases of 34% and 24%, respectively).

Community Input: Addressing Resident Concerns: Residents were given the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns during a public hearing. Road maintenance was a prominent topic, with one resident requesting a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and fee schedule to better understand repair timelines. Concerns about illegal dumping in the MRA parking area were raised, with residents hoping contracted sanitation services would address this issue. While acknowledging the tax increase, many expressed appreciation for the town's commitment to providing living wages and merit-based pay. A question was also raised about the potential impact of budget decisions in neighboring counties on Buncombe County's sales tax revenue.

Action Items & What’s Next: The Tree Board will continue to monitor the progress of Senate Bill 474, and if it fails to pass, a budget amendment will be required. The board will also select an on-call engineering firm at the next meeting to support State Revolving Fund (SRF) projects. Finally, the board acknowledged concerns raised by the Flat Creek Crossing Steering Committee regarding bank stabilization and pedestrian bridge construction, emphasizing the importance of securing a FEMA grant to address these safety concerns.

Why This Matters to Residents: The adopted budget reflects a significant investment in Buncombe County’s infrastructure and workforce. While the increase in the ad valorem tax rate will impact residents, town officials emphasized that this was necessary to address inflation and maintain essential services. The board is committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as needed, ensuring residents remain informed about how their tax dollars are being utilized.

This recap is intended to provide a clear and concise overview of the Tree Board's budget adoption meeting. For more detailed information, please refer to the full transcript and supporting documents available on the town website.