Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell’s proposed timeline for the 2020-21 fiscal year budget is likely to shift yet again. Asheville City Council will consider the adoption of a one-month interim budget on Tuesday, June 23.
Author: Molly Horak
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Buncombe reports sixth COVID-19 outbreak in long-term care facility
As the coronavirus continues to spread through the community, county staff are conducting universal testing at 35 skilled nursing and adult care facilities. NCDPS is also beginning testing all incarcerated individuals within the state prison system.
As trends worsen, Cooper to release reopening guidance next week
Gov. Roy Cooper said he plans to release information about the next phase of reopening early next week. As North Carolina’s COVID-19 trends continue to increase, Cooper is considering making facial coverings mandatory.
NC sees highest COVID-19 case count since pandemic’s start
Three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, North Carolina faces its first real wave of the virus. The state hit a new record number of cases on June 12 and has one of the highest percent of positive COVID-19 cases in the country.
Tenants worried as temporary evictions stay nears end
A last-minute decision to temporarily stay all eviction proceedings grants a momentary reprieve for renters unsure where their next paycheck will come from. But tenants fear they may lose their housing when courts resume hearing eviction cases at the end of June.
Buncombe reports fifth care facility COVID-19 outbreak
North Carolina reports highest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations for second straight day. Plus, Aston Park Health Care Center reports more deaths than any other congregate living facility in the state.
Public condemns APD, city response to demonstrations
Many of the commenters during Asheville City Council’s June 9 meeting called for the resignation of Asheville Police Chief David Zack and Mayor Esther Manheimer. Many more called for the immediate defunding of the APD. The comments came at the end of a five-hour meeting held virtually and fraught with technical difficulties.
APD proposes restructuring, independent investigation
Asheville Police Chief David Zack announced his plan to restructure the department during Council’s June 9 meeting. His proposal calls for the creation of a community engagement division and an independent investigation into APD’s handling of recent protests.
Campbell announces interim budget for 2020-21 fiscal year
Instead of voting on Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell’s proposed budget on Tuesday, June 23, as originally planned, City Council will now consider an interim budget on that date. The move, coming after a wave of public comment to “defund the Asheville Police Department,” is meant to bridge the gap before a new budget can be reworked with additional community engagement.
Council starts process to remove Asheville’s Confederate monuments
Asheville City Council unanimously adopted a joint resolution with Buncombe County to remove two Confederate monuments at the Buncombe County Courthouse and in Pack Square Park. The resolution also convenes a task force to further explore the removal or repurposing of the Vance Monument in downtown Asheville.
Local server reflects on changes in restaurant industry
The work didn’t stop for server Horus Runako when Wicked Weed was forced to stop in-person dining. After spending the last two months helping with delivery food and beer orders, he — along with most customers — is excited to return to the restaurant setting.
Cooper releases new guidelines for K-12 public schools
New guidance from the state outlines requirements and recommendations for K-12 schools to safely reopen this fall. Plus, North Carolina’s COVID-19 metrics are making national news — and not in a good way.
Police chief to update Council on APD efforts June 9
A portion of City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, June 9 will be dedicated for an update on city policing. According to City Manager Debra Campbell’s proposed budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, the APD is slated to receive $30,057,325 — an increase of $457,621, or 1.5%, from the department’s current budget.
Cooper announces task force to address COVID-19 in communities of color
Gov. Roy Cooper signed a new executive order on June 4 to address the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. In Buncombe County, a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases come from historically marginalized communities.
Downtown tense ahead of citywide curfew
Tensions were high as downtown Asheville prepared for another night of anticipated protests, despite a new citywide curfew that will go into effect at 8 p.m.
Commenters oppose housing incentives ahead of Council vote
Trees and trash proved contentious topics as members of Asheville City Council considered two Land Use Incentive Grants for affordable housing projects during a May 26 virtual meeting.
In photos: Downtown buildings, businesses damaged after night of protests
After a peaceful demonstration of thousands in downtown Asheville turned violent around 10:30 p.m. on Monday evening, some attendees smashed windows and spray-painted graffiti on downtown buildings and the Vance Monument.
Asheville protests escalate as demonstrators respond to George Floyd killing
Asheville Police used tear gas and rubber bullets as demonstrators protested police brutality and racial injustice the evening of May 31.
In photos: Activists protest police brutality at May 29 ‘Justice for George Floyd’ rally
More than 100 protesters chanting “I can’t breathe” and “Black lives matter, they really, really matter” gathered in Pack Square Park and marched to the plaza outside the Buncombe County Courthouse on May 29.
Journalism nonprofits work to supplement local reporting
As traditional for-profit news outlets face shrinking advertising revenues, staff cuts and consolidation, nonprofit news sources are exploring whether their model may be part of the solution in a changing media landscape. Local outlets help keep communities informed, but right now, they are navigating an uncertain future.
Six Mission Hospital staff test positive for COVID-19
Six staff members at Asheville’s Mission Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19. “This cluster of cases occurred in some of our most dedicated and talented staff,” said Dr. William Hathaway, Mission Health’s chief medical officer.