2026.06.30 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Recap: Budget Finalized, Hazard Mitigation Plan Adopted Amidst Shifting State Legislation

On June 30, 2026, the Woodfin Town Council convened a Special Called Meeting focused primarily on finalizing the town’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and adopting a regional hazard mitigation plan. The meeting, attended by the full Town Council, addressed these key items alongside a significant and evolving discussion surrounding state legislation impacting property tax reappraisals.

The council approved two major items during the session. First, they formally adopted the Buncombe Madison Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a comprehensive document outlining strategies to minimize damage and protect lives from potential natural and man-made disasters. This plan, updated every five years to comply with federal law, incorporates Woodfin’s input and focuses on general action items like updating stormwater ordinances. Second, the council approved Ordinance Number 2026-07, finalizing Woodfin’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year and maintaining the current property tax rate of 33 cents per $100 of taxable property. The approved budget totals $9,047,909.

A significant portion of the meeting’s discussion centered on rapidly changing state legislation, specifically Senate Bills 889 and 474. Initially, Senate Bill 889 placed a moratorium on property reappraisals for counties that had conducted them in the current year, including Buncombe County. However, this was subsequently amended by Senate Bill 474, which aims to remove Buncombe County from that exemption. The outcome of Senate Bill 474 remains uncertain, creating a degree of uncertainty for Woodfin. If passed, the town will be required to utilize existing property values (from 2026) for tax calculations, ensuring a revenue-neutral budget. If the bill fails to pass, Woodfin will proceed with its current budgetary plans. Council members acknowledged these legislative challenges and the need for flexibility in future planning, noting that they will likely need to revisit tax rates at a later date.

There were no formal public comments during this special called meeting, which was focused on specific agenda items. However, the council emphasized their commitment to transparency and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold regarding state legislation.

Looking ahead, the Town Council has several key action items. The town has officially adopted the Buncombe Madison Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the budget and tax rate for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 are now finalized. Most importantly, the council will closely monitor the status of Senate Bill 474 and prepare for potential adjustments to the budget or tax rate should it pass. They will also continue to monitor developments related to the Unified Fire District and their tax rate decisions, which could impact Woodfin residents. Residents are encouraged to visit the Town of Woodfin's website for more detailed information and official documents related to these items.