Press release from Buncombe County government:
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of Buncombe County will hold a public hearing at a special meeting of the Board beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, in the Commissioners’ Chambers located at 200 College Street, Room 326, in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, on a proposal to provide certain economic development appropriations to Buncombe County Service Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of North Carolina (“BCSF”). In response to the continued unprecedented challenges being faced by local businesses throughout the County, Buncombe County (the “County”) is partnering with our municipalities and community organizations to create a centralized COVID-19 donation center. To facilitate this aid, the County is soliciting the assistance of the BCSF. BCSF is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization that receives donations and grants on behalf of the County to improve access to health, safety, independence, wellness, recreation, and community services in alignment with County goals and priorities. BCSF will engage Mountain BizWorks (“MBW”) to administer loans to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The County proposes to appropriate and spend from the County’s general fund, pursuant to NCGS § 158-7.1 and NCGS Chapter 166A, the North Carolina Emergency Management Act, amounts to make an appropriation of $150,000. The purpose is to leverage community giving in order to make loans to provide low-cost “bridge funding” to help businesses stay open and limit job losses as well as to facilitate a small business job retainage grant program to assist those individuals who have suffered substantial financial damages due to the pandemic. This investment will further the economic interests of the County in numerous ways by creating a mechanism to increase and maintain the population, taxable property, employment, industrial output, small business prospects in Buncombe County. The Board intends to take action during the hearing in connection with these matters and may approve the making of appropriations to Buncombe County Service Foundation, Inc.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic no public attendance will be permitted. To watch the Board meeting and/or register to provide public comment, use the following website address: https://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/commissioners/default.aspx
Registration for public comment starts on Wednesday, January 20 at 5:00 p.m. and ends on Monday, January 25 at 3:00 p.m.
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