Press release from Buncombe County Board of Commissioners:
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners started their first regular meeting in August with a full slate of presentations.
Avian Flu Update
Public Health Preparedness Coordinator Nathan Greene provided an update on Avian Flu. While the USDA is reporting a high animal health impact across the country and 10 reported human cases this year, currently there are no known avian flu cases in Buncombe County impacting birds or cattle. Avian Flu is considered low risk to humans and Buncombe County Public Health officials and partners are taking a proactive approach to using all available resources to keep our community prepared. Read the entire presentation here.
US Forest Service Update
District Ranger Jen Barnhart shared a Pisgah National Forest update including details about Tropical Storm Fred impacts and repairs and the Grandfather-Appalachian-Pisgah (GAP) Restoration Project. That project proposes actions to restore fire-adapted sections of Pisgah National Forest and reduce wildfire risk to resources and nearby communities. Public comment on that project is open through Aug. 12, visit here for more information. Read the entire presentation here.
GO Bonds Oversight Committee Annual Report
The General Obligation Bonds Oversight Committee presented their first annual report to the Board of Commissioners. The committee was formed to review Affordable Housing and Open Space bond funded projects for legal and financial compliance and to ensure transparency with the public about how the bond funds are managed and utilized. Accomplishments include adoption of bylaws, selecting a chair and vice chair, and creating a transparency dashboard that will allow the public to track and follow projects. Read the presentation here. Find more information about the 2022 Affordable Housing and Open Space bonds here. Find more information about the advisory boards and oversight committee meetings at engage.buncombecounty.org.
Community Development Block Grant NR Quarterly Update
A neighborhood revitalization grant through the NC Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Division allows Buncombe County to support a home repair program for low-and moderate-income homeowners. Community partner Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity manages the program. Community Development Division Manager Matt Cable provided a quarterly overview of progress and future plans. Since the last report, a selection committee has met, and five sites have been selected in the County to receive repairs ranging from roof repair and replacement to flooring repairs.
Continuum of Care Update
The Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care (CoC) is the collaborative planning body responsible for developing and overseeing a comprehensive and well-coordinated system of effective services designed to prevent and quickly resolve occurrences of homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County. Homelessness Program Manager Lacy Hoyle provided an update on recent activity from the funding committee and the shelter planning work group. Following a low barrier shelter request for proposals in July, the group plans to bring their recommendation to the Board of Commissioners in early September. Find the presentation here and more information about the Continuum of Care here. The next Continuum of Care Board meeting is Aug. 15.
County Manager’s Report
County Manager Avril Pinder reported that Buncombe County’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 2 has deployed to Kinston, NC to assist with Hurricane Debby response. She also introduced Interim Human Resources Director Karen Marshall.
New Business: Annual Tax Settlement
In new business, the Board approved the fiscal year 2024 annual tax settlement and adopted the order of collection for fiscal year 2025. Looking at the fiscal year 2024 snapshot, as of June 30, Buncombe County’s total levy was $256,998,604.39 with a collection rate of 99.78 percent. Find more information here and residents can visit a one-stop property tax portal at tax.buncombecounty.org to see their 2024 tax notices, pay a bill, start a payment plan, or inquire about tax relief. Property tax bills will be in the mail starting the week of Aug. 19.
Budget Amendment: Buncombe County Schools
Following the recommendation of the School Capital Fund Commission, the Board of Commissioners approved additional funding to complete ADA and egress renovations at Erwin Middle School. Initially budgeted for $2.7 million, additional complexities will require an additional $750,000. The project includes construction of indoor and outdoor ramps, new restroom facilities, and renovation of existing classroom spaces to ensure compliance with ADA standards. Find the ordinance here.
Feasibility Planning Study for the Existing Asheville Primary School Site Next Steps
The Board of Commissioners heard a presentation outlining concepts and the feasibility of a regional EMS base and library for West Asheville. The Board approved moving forward with additional due diligence to understand the operational and financial impacts of the projects and requested that staff provide an update in the future. Buncombe County recently contracted with ADW Architects to complete a feasibility site study of the Asheville Primary School Site. “The intent is to move forward with next steps and due diligence,” said Commissioner Edwards.” Leadership for Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County provided three facilities priorities each. The study process concluded that only three of the six priorities provided would suitably fit on the Asheville Primary School Site. Two uses for Buncombe were identified as a good fit for the Asheville Primary School site. They are the Buncombe County Regional EMS Base and Library. Due to the existing relating amenities and open land area, the Hall Fletcher Elementary School site was determined most suitable for a Pre-K Facility. ADW has provided preliminary concepts and cost estimates, and next steps include presenting to Asheville City School Board for concept approval, developing a construction phasing plan and budget funding year plan. See the entire presentation here.
Schedule of Values Public Hearing
In today’s 3 p.m. briefing, Property Assessor Keith Miller presented the 2025 Schedule of Values to the Board. The Schedule of Values outlines the methodology and procedures used to develop the 2025 assessed property values for the reappraisal of all real property for January 2025.
Methods, procedures, rules, terminology, categories, and classifications used by county appraisers are included in the manual, and they’ll be used to value property until the next countywide reappraisal. During its regular meeting, the Board of Commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing to hear community feedback regarding the Schedule of Values at its Aug. 20 regular meeting.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.