# 2026.06.30 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

**Body:** Town of Woodfin — Woodfin Town Council
**Date:** June 30, 2026 4:58 PM EDT (2026-06-30T16:58:28-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2937

## Summary

The Woodfin Town Council convened for a Special Called Meeting on June 30, 2026, to address critical municipal operations and regulatory compliance. The primary focus of the session was the adoption of a regional hazard mitigation plan and the finalization of the town’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. A significant portion of the discussion was also dedicated to analyzing rapidly changing state legislation that impacts property tax reappraisals and potential revenue adjustments.

The Council took two major actions during the meeting, both passing with a unanimous 5-0 vote. First, the body approved Resolution No. 2026-06, officially adopting the Buncombe-Madison Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This 600+ page document, mandated by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, identifies natural and man-made hazards, assesses risks, and outlines long-term actions to minimize damage. Woodfin participated in the plan’s development through stakeholder meetings, and the adoption ensures the town remains eligible for federal disaster assistance. Second, the Council approved Ordinance No. 2026-07, finalizing the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. The approved budget totals $9,047,909, maintaining the ad valorem (property) tax rate at 33 cents per $100 of taxable property. The budget includes funding for 40 full-time employees, two part-time staff, and one temporary grant position, alongside specific allocations for the Parks Capital Project Fund and the Stormwater Utility Fund.

A substantial segment of the meeting was devoted to discussing the implications of pending state legislation, specifically Senate Bill 889 and its amendment, Senate Bill 474. These bills relate to property tax reappraisals in counties that have conducted them in the current calendar year, including Buncombe County. Initially, Senate Bill 889 placed a moratorium on reappraisals, but Senate Bill 474 was amended to remove Buncombe County from that exemption. However, Senate Bill 474 is currently stalled in the legislature. The Council discussed the potential impact of this bill passing, which would require the town to use existing 2026 property values for tax calculations to ensure a revenue-neutral budget. If the bill fails, the town will proceed with its current assessment plans. Mayor Jim McAllister acknowledged the challenges presented by these rapidly changing laws and emphasized the importance of adhering to legal requirements. Town Planner Shannon Tuck provided context on the Hazard Mitigation Plan, while Finance Director Sheri Powers presented the budget details. Council members expressed appreciation for the staff’s work in navigating these complex legislative and budgetary issues.

There were no formal public comments or testimony recorded during this special called meeting. As the session was focused on specific agenda items, the public did not provide input, and no members of the Council responded to community concerns during the session.

Following the meeting, the Town Council has committed to monitoring the status of Senate Bill 474 and preparing for potential adjustments to the budget or tax rate if the bill passes. The Council also agreed to monitor developments regarding the Unified Fire District and their tax rate decisions. No other follow-up actions were explicitly agreed upon by members or staff during this session. The adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan and the approval of the FY 2026-2027 budget are now official actions of the Town of Woodfin.

## Votes

- Council Member Bowers made a motion to approve Ordinance number 2026-07, the Town of Woodfin's Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, and find that it is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan and the financial needs of the Town. This budget ordinance reflects a balanced budget in accordance with NCGS 159-8 and sets an ad valorem tax rate of[thirty-three][cents][($.33)][per][ $100][of] taxable property, equal to the previous year's tax rate. Vice Mayor Ervin seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Parton seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Council Member Kahn made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-06 adopting the Buncombe-Madison Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Town of Woodfin. Council Member Parton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5udV5eTSRk
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2000/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_2026-06-30.html](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2937?document=14324)
- [presentation_2026-06-30.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2937?document=14325)
- [minutes_2026-06-30.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2937?document=14326)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5udV5eTSRk)