City Council Meeting (Jun 10, 2025)

Meeting Overview On June 10, 2025, the Asheville City Council held a formal meeting following an extended work session. The agenda focused on the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget, updates on capital improvement projects, and various resolutions related to federal grants and recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Helene.

Key Decisions and Votes The Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget, which totals approximately $256 million and includes a 3.26-cent property tax rate increase. The budget was approved unanimously, though Mayor Esther Manheimer recused herself from voting on a budget amendment related to the Economic Development Coalition, and Councilwoman Sage Turner recused herself from a budget amendment related to the Sports Commission. The Council also approved a conditional zoning request for a 19-unit multi-family building at 215 Glenn Bridge Road.

Several other resolutions passed unanimously (7-0), including:

• Amendments to the City’s Rules on Boards & Commissions.
• Authorization for the City Manager to submit a planning grant for the Right at Home homelessness prevention initiative.
• A two-year contract with The Ferguson Group, LLC for federal lobbying services.
• Resolutions to expend and disburse Federal Transit Administration Grants for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.
• An ordinance enacting 20 mph speed limits on Short Coxe Avenue (from Southside Avenue to Biltmore Avenue) and Clingman Avenue Extension.
• Ratifications of contracts with DebrisTech, LLC; Carolina Towing and Transport of NC Inc.; and Hart’s Towing, LLC for debris and towing services.
• Ratification of an emergency contract with Herc Rentals, Inc. for Parks & Recreation vehicles.
• Authorization to amend a contract with Hagerty Consulting Inc. for recovery management services, accompanied by a budget amendment of $6,831,140.
• A budget amendment of $4,413,775 in the Transit Services Multi-year Fund.

One item passed with a 6-1 vote: a budget amendment of $160,904 in the City’s Special Revenue Fund for the Asheville HIDTA branch, with Councilwoman Kim Roney voting against. The Council also approved a motion to amend the 2025 meeting schedule, moving the July 17 virtual briefing to July 24 and the July 22 formal meeting to July 29.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) update presented by Walter Ear, Interim Capital Management Director. The presentation highlighted the completion of Memorial Stadium and Roger Farmer Park, as well as ongoing work at McCormick Field, the Municipal Building, and the Wall Street Parking Garage. Council members inquired about incorporating solar panels into ongoing and future construction projects, specifically at McCormick Field and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Concerns were also raised regarding the timing of planned parking deck repairs and their potential impact on downtown businesses; the Council was assured that efforts would be made to minimize disruption.

Regarding the budget, discussions centered on maintaining core city services while utilizing one-time revenue sources like FEMA disaster recovery grants. The budget includes compensation adjustments for city employees, including a new pay plan for police and firefighters, and funds the hiring of three additional firefighters to begin in January 2026.

Community Input Two members of the public addressed the Council during the public comment period. One speaker shared a personal experience with housing management and alleged financial discrepancies, while another shared experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapy. The transcript summary does not report specific responses from Council members to these comments.

Follow-ups Staff agreed to follow up on Council inquiries regarding the feasibility of solar panel installations. The City Manager’s office will provide updates to the community on parking deck repair timelines and mitigation efforts. Staff will continue working with FEMA to secure funding for storm recovery projects, and the City Council will revisit Strategic Partnership Funds in future budget discussions. Additionally, staff will coordinate outreach and public education regarding the new speed limits after signage is installed.

Impact The adoption of the FY 2025-26 budget ensures the continuation of city services, including a 3.26-cent property tax increase to fund employee raises and maintain financial reserves. The approval of the zoning change at Glenn Bridge Road allows for the construction of worker housing near industrial areas, aligning with the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan. The ratification of contracts with towing and debris removal companies validates spending related to Tropical Storm Helene recovery, with the expectation that these costs will be reimbursed by FEMA. The new 20 mph speed limits on Short Coxe Avenue and Clingman Avenue Extension aim to address safety concerns on those streets.