Regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on June 3, 2025

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap: June 3, 2025

On June 3, 2025, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular meeting, primarily focusing on finalizing the county's budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY26). The meeting, attended by Commissioners Sloan, Edwards, Moore, and others, addressed a challenging financial situation stemming from revenue losses related to Hurricane Helene and broader economic factors. The discussions and decisions made will significantly impact county services, schools, and residents' property taxes.

The most significant outcome of the meeting was the approval of the FY26 budget, which includes a 2.9-cent property tax increase per $100 of assessed value. This adjustment was necessary to address the revenue shortfall and maintain essential county services through a "lean recovery" approach. A key debate centered on funding for Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools, with commissioners ultimately voting to restore school funding levels to those of the previous fiscal year (FY25) by utilizing Article 39 funds. Commissioners Sloan, Edwards and Moore recused themselves from voting on specific items due to potential conflicts of interest related to their involvement with VIA Health, the Economic Development Coalition, and Arts AVL respectively. The board also approved a list of capital projects to be funded through debt, outlining planned investments in infrastructure and county assets.

Throughout the meeting, a significant amount of community input was heard. A large number of speakers, including teachers, parents, and students, passionately advocated for fully funding schools, emphasizing the vital role of public education. Concerns were also raised by some residents regarding the property tax increase, particularly given current economic pressures. However, many speakers also expressed appreciation for county staff and the essential services they provide. The meeting began with a powerful proclamation recognizing Gun Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, featuring personal testimony from Chair Amanda Edwards, a gun violence survivor. Justice Services Director Regina Herring highlighted the County's efforts to reduce community violence, and Deputy Secretary William Lassiter (NCDPS) emphasized the importance of safe gun storage.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. A joint committee comprised of members from both school boards and the County Commission will be tasked with recommending how to best allocate Article 39 funds. The Board also committed to revisiting the budget if revenue replacement funding becomes available, with the goal of replenishing those funds currently supporting school operations. Finally, the Board will continue to closely monitor the budget throughout FY26 and make adjustments as needed.

This meeting marked a crucial step in setting the financial course for Buncombe County. The approved budget and associated decisions will directly impact residents through property taxes, influence the quality of education provided to students, and shape the delivery of essential county services. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing budget monitoring and future opportunities for public input as the County navigates these financial challenges.