Event Recap
Meeting Overview On January 22, 2026, the Asheville City Council held a virtual agenda briefing work session to review upcoming business for the January 27 regular meeting. As a work session, no formal votes were taken, and public comment was not accepted. The council and staff discussed the January 27 agenda, the upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting, the city’s 2025 audit, and revisions to the city’s grievance process.
Review of Upcoming Business Assistant City Manager Ben Woody walked the council through the items scheduled for the January 27 business meeting. Key topics included a resolution to request additional federal funds for water system improvements, housing, and economic recovery projects, as well as a resolution to formally intervene in the North Carolina Utilities Commission docket regarding Duke Energy’s Carbon Plan. Council Member Kim Roney emphasized the need for council involvement and accountability in state-level policy interventions, particularly concerning the utility’s carbon plan. Additionally, Council Member Bo Hess raised a draft resolution regarding the Fourth Amendment, which he noted would be discussed at a future policy, finance, and infrastructure meeting.
Audit Update Finance Director Tony McDowell presented an update on the city’s fiscal year 2025 external audit, which was originally presented to the council in December 2025. The audit identified three Financial Performance Indicators of Concern: a material weakness in internal controls regarding a $1,623,000 understatement in capital project expenditures; a $6.76 million decrease in the General Fund balance, largely attributed to revenue shortfalls following Tropical Storm Helene; and negative operating net income in the Water Resources Fund due to storm-related infrastructure damage and lost customer revenue. City Manager DK Wesley highlighted the need for careful consideration of budget adjustments to maintain the city’s financial stability.
Grievance Process and Public Safety The council discussed revisions to the city’s grievance process, which would allow current or retired employees to serve as support persons during hearings and clarify the City Manager’s authority. Council Member Bo Hess expressed concern about ensuring fair compensation for city employees, particularly public safety personnel. The council also previewed the agenda for the January 29 Public Safety Committee meeting, which will include an update on the Athriel Fire Department’s Resource and Engagement Support Team, a quarterly crime statistics report from the Asheville Police Department, and a discussion of revisions to the Abandoned and Dilapidated Structures Ordinance.
Next Steps The council is scheduled to meet in person at City Hall on January 27 at 10:00 AM to address the agenda items discussed during the briefing. The Public Safety Committee will meet on January 29 at 11:00 AM. Additionally, city staff will participate in a community briefing hosted by Buncombe County on January 23 at 1:00 PM regarding winter storm preparedness. The council will continue budget discussions, including a public comment session on February 10 and final adoption in June, and the city will respond to a request from the North Carolina General Assembly regarding Asheville’s budget challenges by February 11.