Asheville City Council preview: Missing evidence and squeezed dollars

At tonight’s Asheville City Council meeting, two major issues will get aired publicly: an update on changes to the Asheville Police Department evidence room and a hearing on the budget for the next fiscal year. Some police officers and firefighters have announced their intent to show up and demand a higher raise than the one percent in the proposed budget.

Missing guns, drugs, and money from the APD evidence room have been a huge scandal, especially as local media push for the release of the audit revealing the extent of the missing items. Tonight, for the first time since the audit was approved last year, the issue is back before Council, as new APD Chief William Anderson details a “management plan” that includes hiring a new civilian manager.

However, a fair deal of secrecy remains. The document about the management plan cites an improved security system and that a sworn police sergeant will directly oversee the new manager, but notes that any “additional steps cannot be disclosed at this time as they relate to the on-going investigation” over the missing evidence.

The city will also hold a public hearing on its budget for the next fiscal year. City staff have not had a raise for three years, and the new budget includes funds for a one percent cost-of-living increase. But some city employees, especially police and firefighters, have announced that they will show up to ask for a higher increase.

Council will also consider a ban on future digital billboards within city limits and funding (through up to $1 million in low-income housing tax credits) for new development in the Eagle/Market Street area.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in Council’s chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

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.

One thought on “Asheville City Council preview: Missing evidence and squeezed dollars

  1. glolady

    Interesting how the City had the money to get all new computers and securely destroy paperwork in November 2011. Do you think that was part of the cover up too?

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.