Board of Elections Meeting: June 17, 2025

Buncombe County Board of Elections Meeting Recap: June 17, 2025

The Buncombe County Board of Elections convened on June 17, 2025, focusing primarily on upcoming election deadlines, ongoing projects to improve municipal election billing processes, and recognizing the contributions of outgoing Executive Director Karen Brinson-Bell. The meeting was attended by Board members and included a brief period for public comment.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to outlining key dates and deadlines related to upcoming elections, particularly focusing on the municipal election filing period which begins July 7th. Residents should note that offices will be closed on June 19th for the County Holiday (Juneteenth), and Director Duncan will be attending an Intergovernmental Organizations Conference in Kansas City to discuss election preparedness, particularly concerning emergency management related to Hurricane Helene. The Board also approved their agenda and minutes from the previous meeting without objection, demonstrating a commitment to efficient governance.

The Board confirmed that their budget for election services remains intact after recent reviews, ensuring continued support for accessible and secure elections. A key discussion centered on updating agreements with municipalities regarding election costs, a project involving collaboration with the County's Strategy & Innovation team. The Board is developing a data-driven model, drawing on past election figures, to provide more accurate cost estimates for municipalities like Asheville, which recently transitioned to even-numbered year elections. Addressing billing discrepancies related to COVID-19 was also a key focus of this discussion, highlighting the Board's commitment to fair and transparent financial practices.

During public comment, a community member expressed gratitude for the Board’s service. Mr. Sito raised concerns about transparency and suggested involving the City Council in discussions regarding legal advice, particularly concerning significant changes like municipal billing. He also suggested beginning meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance to reinforce commitment to upholding laws and regulations. The Board acknowledged these comments, emphasizing their dedication to open communication and collaboration with the community.

The meeting concluded with a heartfelt recognition of Karen Brinson-Bell, who is departing as Executive Director. The Board unanimously passed a resolution honoring her years of service and leadership, particularly noting her exceptional performance during challenging events like Hurricane Dorian, Hurricane Helene, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Director Duncan will share this resolution with Ms. Brinson-Bell as a token of appreciation.

What's Next? The Board has several key action items moving forward: finalizing the municipal election agreement update by seeking input from municipalities and inviting them to future meetings; engaging with Colin Shive of Tharrington Smith regarding the new billing model; and potentially approving a formal agreement with Tharrington Smith to provide legal services related to municipal election billing. Residents can expect further discussions on these topics, along with early voting planning, at upcoming Board meetings scheduled for August 5th and 19th. The Board will also be conducting poll worker appointments during these meetings, ensuring a well-staffed and efficient election process.

This meeting underscored the Board of Elections’ ongoing efforts to ensure fair, accessible, and transparent elections for all Buncombe County residents. The focus on municipal billing updates aims to provide clarity and accuracy in financial processes, while the recognition of Karen Brinson-Bell highlighted the importance of dedicated leadership within our local government.