Buncombe County Commissioners extend cryptocurrency mining moratorium and more at May 7 meeting

Press release from Buncombe County:

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners kicked off May by issuing a pair of proclamations during its meeting on May 7. Air Quality Awareness Week is May 6-10, a time to promote  the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency and its work to promote healthy outcomes for our community. The proclamation reads in part: “The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency actively monitors ground level ozone and fine particles and other measures of air quality and works with state and federal partners, businesses, and residents to ensure our air is clean. Buncombe County’s strategic plan includes a vision of high-quality air, water, farmland and renewable energy for future generations and the County has set a goal of reaching 100% renewable energy for County operations by 2030 and for the entire community by 2042.” You can read the entire proclamation here.

Older Americans Month

Commissioners are also honoring May as Older Americans Month by promoting the Age-Friendly Summit and the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Walk. The proclamation reads in part: “Buncombe County is home to over 78,367 older Americans over the age of 60 who contribute their time, wisdom, and experience to our community, thus benefiting the economic, social, and cultural wellbeing of Buncombe County. Communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are welcomed, included, and supported.” You can read the entire proclamation here.

FY24 third-quarter financial report

Staff provided Commissioners with an update on financials for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024. Some highlights of the presentation include:

General fund revenues:

Budget of $436.8 million, which includes $24.6 million of appropriated fund balance.
Actuals year-to-date total $343.8 million, which is 83% of the amended budget and 3% greater than the same time prior year.

Year-end revenues are projected to be $414.1 million, or 100.4% of budget (excluding appropriated fund balance).

Current-year increase in revenues is driven by the one-cent increase in property taxes.

Property tax collections make up $248.9 million, or 72%, of revenues.

You can read the entire report here.

Fire service district line modification

Commissioners approved a boundary change stemming the County’s standing with the state’s insurance rating. At issue are a few homes located and serviced by Reems Creek Volunteer Fire Department, which are more than five miles outside of that fire district. Moving the boundary will allow that area to be serviced by the Woodfin Fire Department, which is under five miles away and will help increase response times while also improving the insurance rating. All the homeowners, fire departments, and the Fire Marshal’s office support the update. You can read more here.

Clean water fund awards

Commissioners approved awarding two projects with clean water funds. The money comes from a fund that was established to provide $100,000 and after reviewing three applications, the Energy and Environmental Stewardship Subcommittee recommended approving two of those projects. The initiatives getting funding include:

• $75,000 for Black Mountain to install piping to divert stormwater from roadside ditches onto the golf course where it can slow and infiltrate.
• $25,000 for Riverlink to expand its Disconnect to Protect project that educates and supports landowners in diverting roof runoff to rain barrels and raingardens.

You can read more here.

Cryptocurrency mining moratorium

Commissioners voted to extend a moratorium on cryptocurrency mining due to County staff needing more time to research and study the issue. Cryptocurrency mining operations can negatively affect surrounding neighborhoods due to excessive energy use, e-waste, pollution, and noise. The temporary pause will help protect the public interest until regulations regarding cryptocurrency mining are adopted. The one-year ban is effective immediately through May 1, 2024. You can read the ordinance here.

Barnardsville bridge replacement grant

Commissioners are allocating more than $6.5 million from three funding sources to build a new bridge over Ivy Creek on Paint Fork Road in Barnardsville and help improve the flow of Ivy Creek. That area has experienced severe flooding over the years, especially in 2021 during Tropical Storm Fred. Additionally, the bridge and other infrastructure are deteriorating and need to be replaced.

The three funding sources for these two projects include:

• $2,750,000 from state ARPA funds
• $1,008,500 from the Land and Water Fund grant for right-of-way acquisition
• $2,831,000 from a Department of Public Safety grant

Work on a new bridge is in the design phase while the stream restoration project is currently securing the appropriate rights-of-way. You can read more here.

Budget transfers for ambulance

Commissioners approved amending the FY24 Health, Employment, Property, and Casualty Insurance fund to cover claims and insurance administration in excess of the existing budget. The $5.4 million funding amendment does not require new County funds and will establish $155,265 for interfund transfers to cover repairing a fully insured ambulance. You can view the budget ordinances here and here.

Sustainable procurement

The County continues its commitment to environmental stewardship as Commissioners approved a resolution that encourages a reduction of single-use plastics at all County operations. It also promotes staff making sustainable purchasing options when it is financially feasible. You can read the resolution here.