# HCCBG Advisory Committee Meeting | Dec. 17, 2025

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — HCCBG Advisory Committee
**Date:** December 17, 2025 3:34 PM EST (2025-12-17T15:34:46-05:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/525

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Advisory Committee met on December 17, 2025. The agenda included the approval of the meeting agenda and minutes, a review of expenditure reports, finalization of the fiscal year 2027 grant application, review of the scoring tool, and discussion of Mountain Mobility funding.

**Key Decisions**
The committee approved the meeting agenda and the meeting minutes. Regarding the fiscal year 2027 grant application process, the committee agreed to release the application on January 9, 2026, with a submission deadline of February 27, 2026. The committee also decided to continue using their current discussion-based evaluation process for grant applications rather than adopting a formal scoring tool at this time.

**Discussion Highlights**
The meeting began with a review of the past year, during which members acknowledged the committee’s rapid response to hurricane recovery efforts, including the development of an application process and fund allocation. Members also noted the successful completion of the annual report and updates to the committee’s bylaws.

The committee reviewed expenditure reports for various providers, noting that most were on track or exceeding targets. Specific attention was given to updates from Bria regarding health promotions and disease prevention, Allison regarding in-home aid and county funding shifts, and UNITE regarding the Elder Club and community challenges. Updates were also provided on Mayhead and the Center for Conscious Living and Dying.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the fiscal year 2027 grant application. The committee agreed to prominently display the committee’s purpose statement on the application form. The committee also discussed the scoring tool, acknowledging its value for objectivity but deciding to retain the current discussion-based process for the time being.

A key discussion involved the funding allocation for Mountain Mobility, a transportation service. Concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of the current arrangement, in which the county provides $500,000, particularly given potential funding reductions for the HCCBG. Several members highlighted the need to understand the complexities of Mountain Mobility's funding and its potential impact on other providers.

**Follow-ups**
Susan Schiemer, the Committee Chair, agreed to finalize the fiscal year 2027 grant application incorporating the agreed-upon changes, including the purpose statement. She will send the application to committee members by the end of the weekend and share it with grant administrators. Additionally, Susan Schiemer and Billy Breeden agreed to coordinate to schedule a presentation from Matt Cable of the Planning Department regarding the Mountain Mobility funding situation. Susan Schiemer also agreed to share her Risk Assessment Matrix rubric with committee members for potential future use. Billy Breeden agreed to host a provider meeting in January to explain the application process and scoring tool.

**Impact**
These decisions establish the timeline and format for the upcoming fiscal year 2027 funding cycle, ensuring that grant applications align with the committee’s stated purpose of supporting older adults and caregivers. The decision to maintain a discussion-based evaluation process reflects the committee’s preference for collaborative decision-making over a formalized scoring system. The inquiry into Mountain Mobility funding addresses concerns about the long-term stability of transportation services for older residents and the potential ripple effects on other aging service providers within the county.

## Agenda

- [Approve the Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/525/item/24716)
- [Approve the Meeting Minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/525/item/24717)

## Votes

- Motion made by Suzanne to approve the Agenda, seconded by Eileen. — Passed
- Motion made by Suzanne to approve the Meeting Minutes, seconded by Taylor. — Passed

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkBlYhyYZjo
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/170/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2025-12-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/525?document=15287)
- [supporting_2025-12-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/525?document=15288)
- [supporting_2025-12-17_2.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/525?document=15289)
- [agenda_2025-12-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/525?document=15290)
- [supporting_2025-12-17_3.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/525?document=15291)

## Sources

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