City Council Worksession on Policy, Finance and Infrastructure (In-Person) (Oct 28, 2025)

Meeting Overview

On October 28, 2025, the Asheville City Council held an in-person work session of the Policy, Finance, and Infrastructure Committee. The meeting focused on reviewing the city’s financial status, updating members on recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, and discussing recommendations for appointments to various advisory boards and commissions.

Financial Status and Audit

Staff presented the first-quarter financial report for Fiscal Year 2026, noting that general fund revenues and expenditures are currently tracking with the budget. While revenues are at 6.2% of the budget and expenditures at 22%, staff indicated that sales tax revenue is projected to come in slightly under budget. The report highlighted potential impacts from national economic uncertainty, inflation, and tourism recovery on the city’s finances. Additionally, staff reported that the Fiscal Year 2025 audit is delayed due to a federal government shutdown, which has impacted guidance on single audits. The completed audit results are scheduled to be presented at the December 9, 2025, City Council Worksession.

Recovery Efforts and Infrastructure

The committee received an update on the City Council Priorities, which align with the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Plan and recommendations from the Urban Land Institute. Key initiatives discussed include the Long-Term Recovery Plan, the 2024 General Obligation Bond, and the development of resilience hubs. The Infrastructure Recovery Board’s initial work plan was also reviewed; the board, which is temporary and will operate until June 30, 2027, will focus on rebuilding damaged infrastructure with a long-term resilience focus, improving water systems, and supporting parks and recreation. The board is scheduled to hold an orientation and its first meeting to adopt rules, elect officers, and review the progress of current recovery projects.

Board Appointments

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing recommendations for appointments to various advisory boards and commissions, including the African-American Heritage Commission, Human Relations Commission, Sustainability Advisory Committee, and Urban Forestry Commission. Staff presented recommendations for specific candidates for these positions, as well as for other boards such as the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Audit Committee, and Planning & Zoning Commission. For positions where no applications were received, such as the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Audit Committee, and Soil Erosion and Stormwater Control Board, staff recommended that the vacancies be readvertised. The Soil Erosion and Stormwater Control Board was recommended to be put on hold until needed. No formal votes were taken on these appointments during the work session; formal action will occur at a subsequent business meeting.

Decisions and Follow-ups

The only formal decision made at this work session was the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting on August 26, 2025. No other votes were taken, as the session was primarily for information sharing and discussion. Staff indicated they will continue to monitor financial trends, including sales tax revenue and health care costs, and will provide a more comprehensive assessment with the second-quarter report. The council will vote on the board appointments at the formal meeting.