In honor of this year’s Sunshine Week Xpress looked at publicly subsidized travel by elected officials and employees of Buncombe County and the city of Asheville.
Tag: Buncombe County
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Overview of nearly $11 million requested by nonprofits
Nonprofits are asking the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners for a piece of next fiscal year’s budget. In all, 46 organizations are requesting a combined total of almost $11 million.
A Q&A with Buncombe County’s new sustainability officer
Jeremiah LeRoy is Buncombe County’s first sustainability officer. Learn more about him and the new position with Xpress’ Q&A.
20 recent overdose deaths sparks $750K commitment from Buncombe
No funding has officially been approved, but commissioners presented a united front in committing to a three-pronged approach to curbing opioid use. The effort will include community paramedics, residential treatment for new mothers and a media blitz focused on prevention.
Nonprofits to request nearly $11 million from Buncombe County
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hear funding requests from 46 nonprofits as it begins budget season during its meeting on Tuesday, March 21. Those requests total just under $11 million.
Commissioners move to create new sustainability office, solar farm; A-B Tech spending freeze remains
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a variety of sustainability measures while continued talks about the current spending freeze on capital projects at A-B Tech was put on hold at the school’s request.
Sustainability issues, A-B Tech funding headline Board of Commissioners meeting
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has a full agenda when it meets on Tuesday, March 7. Items included continued talks about funding A-B Tech capital projects, a rezoning request, a proposed solar farm in Woodfin and more.
A-B Tech, Buncombe commissioner diverge on diversity efforts
In the midst of change on A-B Tech’s campus, a county commissioner is questioning the college’s commitment to diversity. But the school’s president is outlining diversity achievements on campus. Xpress takes a look at the issue.
Universal preschool access could help next generation thrive
An diverse and influential group looks to incrementally implement universal preschool in Buncombe County. Xpress takes an in-depth look at the organization, logistics and potential costs behind the effort.
In situ remediation could revitalize hazardous waste sites
A group of innovative strategies collectively known as “in situ remediation” could dramatically improve the prospects for addressing groundwater and soil contamination at several local hazardous waste sites more quickly and at lower cost.
WNC programs offer strategies for overcoming substance abuse problems
Substance abuse programs in WNC focus on education and collaboration, spreading the message of hope and encouragement while acknowledging that much work remains to be done.
Commissioners unanimously agree to support prison diversion, community investment programs
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners gave unanimous approval to a number of projects, including investing in at-risk communities and pool renovations for Warren Wilson College, during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
‘Come back with answers,’ commissioners tell A-B Tech president, unanimously agree to continue spending moratorium
Commissioners unanimously requested that A-B Tech’s president return for a second round of questioning while also agreeing to continue a moratorium on the community college’s capital funding projects.
Commissioners ask staff to look at property tax breaks; talk teachers, infrastructure, more at retreat
Goals and priorities emerged when the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held its retreat on Friday, Feb. 17. Among priorities are continuing to increase teacher pay while looking at expanding access to preschool across the county.
South Asheville vacation rental rallies support, gets unanimous approval
The Board of Adjustment gave unanimous approval for a project that calls for up to 10 vacation rental cabins in South Asheville.
Whitesides questions commission, Fryar sees window for criticism at county-city meeting
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Asheville City Council held their first joint meeting in more than one year on Tuesday, Feb. 7. While it was mostly presentations and information updates, Commissioners Al Whitesides and Mike Fryar used the time to question the African-American Heritage Commission and energy efficiency, respectively.
Contentious vacation complex back on Board of Adjustment agenda
A proposed vacation complex that previously appeared before the Board of Adjustment but did not get a vote is back up for consideration. In October about 30 people showed up to speak out against the project.
County, city to hold joint meeting to discuss partnerships, goals
County commissioners and City Council members will meet up to discuss their common goals and projects. The gathering is the first of its kind in more than a year. Intended to showcase synergies between the two governmental entities, the meeting agenda doesn’t include any official action items.
Vaccinations prevent disease and build ‘herd immunity’
Local health officials consider why Buncombe County leads the state in the percentage of unvaccinated children and also discuss how immunization builds a shield of protection on a community level.
Buncombe County groups collaborate to prevent childhood obesity
Childhood obesity is a perfect storm of many factors, say local health experts, pointing to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, genetics and environmental factors. Asheville-area agencies are working to help overweight kids lose weight and others to stay within healthy limits.
Buncombe County property values see $6.8 billion increase
The Buncombe County tax department finished its preliminary property tax reappraisal for 2017 and it shows, before appeals have been filed and settled, that the county’s 2017 property tax base is approximately $31.5 billion. That’s an increase of $6.8 billion from the last assessment in 2012.