Event Recap
City Council Meeting Recap: March 25, 2025
The City of Asheville City Council held a meeting on March 25, 2025, which included a budget work session and a regular public meeting. The agenda focused heavily on financial recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, federal grant approvals for public safety, and routine contract renewals. The Council also recognized local social workers and community volunteers for their contributions to the city.
Key Decisions and Votes
The Council voted on numerous resolutions, primarily related to disaster recovery and public safety funding. Most items passed unanimously (7-0), including:
- Helene Recovery Contracts: Ratification of an emergency contract with Environmental Testing Solutions for lead and copper water testing, and a contract with Compass Group (d/b/a Chartwells) for meals provided to City employees during the storm response.
- State Loan: Authorization to enter into a cashflow loan agreement with the State of North Carolina and a budget amendment of $2,791,793.35 to create a new "Helene Cashflow Loan Fund." This loan serves as a temporary bridge until FEMA reimbursements are received.
- Interlocal Agreements: An amendment to the Tax Collection Agreement with Buncombe County to include the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), and an agreement whereby the City receives compensation from Buncombe County for fire protection and rescue services provided to the Biltmore Estate and Haw Creek areas.
Several public safety and grant-related items passed with a 6-1 vote, with Councilwoman Kim Roney voting "No" on the following:
- Federal Grants: Acceptance of the 2024 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant ($71,999) and the 2024 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant ($58,546.94 total budget amendment).
- Drug Trafficking Grant: Authorization to apply for the 2026 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Grant.
- Police Recruiting: Authorization to enter into an agreement with Safeguard Recruiting LLC for police recruiting services.
Other unanimous approvals included the renewal of an irrigation maintenance contract with K2 Irrigation Services, Inc., and the donation of decommissioned electric vehicle chargers to Appalachian State University.
Discussion Highlights
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the City Manager’s report and public comment regarding the proposed Real-Time Intelligence Center (RTI) and the I-26 Connector Project. The City Manager clarified that the RTI already exists and is designed to enhance safety through partnerships with law enforcement, emphasizing data security rather than surveillance. Council members acknowledged the concerns raised by the public and expressed a desire for further discussion and information on these projects.
During the budget work session, staff presented projections indicating that the City will likely need to implement spending cuts and a potential property tax increase to balance the budget for the next fiscal year. Staff noted that providing employee compensation increases would likely require a tax increase. The Council also discussed the city’s electric bus fleet, noting complexities in selling or terminating the existing battery lease agreement with Zenobe (formerly Proterra) due to federal funding requirements and unavailable parts.
Community Input
Members of the public raised significant concerns during the public comment period, focusing on the proposed Real-Time Intelligence Center and the I-26 Connector Project. Speakers questioned the potential for data misuse, constitutional implications, and the impact on vulnerable communities. Regarding the I-26 project, commenters expressed concern over the lack of meaningful community engagement, specifically requesting consideration of alternative designs such as an underpass. There was a general call for greater transparency from the City Council and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
Follow-ups
- NCDOT Presentation: The Council requested a follow-up presentation from NCDOT regarding the I-26 Connector Project to address community concerns and provide more information.
- RTI Discussion: Council members indicated a need for ongoing discussion and scrutiny of the Real-Time Intelligence Center.
- Budget Work Session: The Council will meet again on April 8, 2025, to provide final direction on compensation and budget decisions, including the potential property tax increase.
- Electric Buses: Staff from Transportation and Legal are continuing to work with legal counsel to determine options for the electric buses, including potential lease termination and surplus procedures.
Impact on Residents
These decisions directly impact how the City manages its finances in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The approval of the state cashflow loan allows the City to cover immediate recovery costs while awaiting federal reimbursement, preventing a cash flow crisis. The approval of federal grants for the Police Department will fund the outfitting of the Real-Time Intelligence Center and the purchase of 73 new bulletproof vests to replace expiring gear. Additionally, the amendment to the golf course license agreement allows the Asheville Municipal Golf Course to continue operating as a nine-hole facility while a $2.8 million restoration project is planned, with a best-case reopening timeline of summer 2027.