Press release from Buncombe County Government:
At its May 19 regular meeting, the Board of Commissioners set a date of June 7 for the potential November, 2022 voter-approved bond referendums. The proposed referendums are:
- Pay the capital costs of acquisition and improvement of land or interests therein for conservation and protection of natural resources and preservation of farmland, including but not limited to, the development of greenways and trails for recreation purposes
- Pay the capital costs of housing for the benefit of persons of low or moderate income, including construction of related infrastructure improvements and the acquisition of related land and rights-of-way
The public hearings will be held during the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. If approved by voters, the bonds would be issued in the amounts of $30 million and $40 million respectively.Next steps:
- June 7, 2022 – Public Hearing and Bond orders may be adopted. If adopted, the referendum is set
- Aug. 5, 2022 – Ballot language may go to the Board of Election
- Nov. 8, 2022 – Referendum
Background: At its April 19 briefing, the Board of Commissioners heard a bond referendum feasibility study from the Trust for Public Land on a possible referendum to generate funding for affordable housing and for conservation and protection of natural resources and preservation of farmland. Funded by the Merck Family Fund and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the study shows support for $30 million of bond funds for land conservation and greenways, and $40 million of bond funds for affordable housing. If approved by voters this November, a $30 million bond could cost typical households a maximum of $14 a year for 20 years, and a $40 million bond could cost typical households a maximum of $18 a year for 20 years.
To view the materials presented to the Board of Commissioners, click here.
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