Commissioners get update on hurricane recovery efforts, accept grant funding to combat opioid usage

Press release from Buncombe County:

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners continues to work on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and got an update on that work during its meeting on Nov. 17 (Commissioners held a Thursday meeting due to Tuesday being Election Day). The presentation included a brief video, created by County staff, and information from FEMA representatives, which included key information such as:

• Buncombe County experienced more than 1,000 landslides.
• More than 30 bridges were damaged.
• In October, more than 13,000 people used one of the Community Care Centers.
• As of Nov. 7, we have collected 135,000 cubic yards of debris.
• FEMA currently has 300 responders in Buncombe County.
• Potable water restoration remains the top priority with the assistance of the Army Corp of Engineers.
• FEMA is also focused on helping displaced people find temporary shelter.

You can watch the County-produced video here. If you need to apply for hurricane-related assistance from FEMA, visit disasterassistance.gov/. For up-to-date news on hurricane recovery efforts, check BuncombeReady.org.

Mountain Community Capital Fund Update

In response to various needs of Buncombe County small businesses, the Mountain Community Capital Fund (MCCF) was established in 2018 along with the City of Asheville and Mountain BizWorks. The program is intended to help provide funding for business owners who don’t have collateral. Loans range from $10,000-$70,000 and can be paid back in five to seven years. Since its creation, the MCCF has provided 75 loans with $2.9 million being lent to local businesses.

In response to Hurricane Helene, the MCFF is getting the updated operating agreements:

• Evergreening of the document by defining roles and removing references to specific organizations.
• Five-year term of agreement with option to renew.
• Updated allocation of losses to be based on funding sources.
• Description of funding sources moved into a separate exhibit.

Once fully approved by all partners, the MCCF will be actively seeking applicants. Keep an eye on the County’s social media channels for information on when the application period opens, eligibility requirements, and more. You can read more about the MCCF here.

Coxe and Ferry Road projects update

Two affordable housing projects are moving forward. The land at the County-owned properties is looking for development partners and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) will be signed for both projects once construction firms are interviewed.

The Coxe Avenue project is reviewing development proposals and interviewing developers with the goal of signing an MOU in February 2025. The Ferry Road Project is looking to start the process of design review and developer interviews in July 2025. Additionally, Commissioners will consider reallocating $3.7 million of ARPA funding from Ferry Road to Coxe Avenue.

No official decisions were made during the presentation. You can see the presentation here.

Waiving late fees for occupancy taxes

Commissioners approved automatically waiving all penalties related to late occupancy tax remittance reports and payments for sales from September-December of 2024. The move comes in response to the effects of Hurricane Helene. In October, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) approved the same measure. Both parties need to officially approve the occupancy tax penalty waiver. This does not absolve the actual occupancy tax, just any associated late fees. You can read the resolution here.

DWI Task Force budget amendment

Commissioners approved accepting a $75,082 grant for the DWI Task Force, which consists of three sworn officers. The grant requires a 75% ($225,247) match by the County and that funding was already budgeted for fiscal year 2025. You can view the budget amendment here.

Dogwood Health Trust grant budget amendment

Dogwood Health Trust is providing the County with a two-year grant totaling $510,000 to implement the Ujima Collective Healing Space. The funding will specifically provide a contract for two Peer Support Specialists, a Community Health Worker, and other logistical help. The need for this project arose after research on ways to use Opioid Settlement Funds discovered there is a disproportionate increase in the overdoes deaths of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color populations. The Ujima Collective Healing Space aims to provide culturally relevant treatment options and will also be supported by numerous local organizations. You can read the budget amendment here.

Safety and Justice Challenge capstone award budget amendment