Shaky economy could lead to almost $7 million needed for Buncombe budget

On Tuesday, Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene, in presenting the annual budget to the Board of Commissioners, said the county’s economy has some problems, though is still better than most — and that county government could need to take $6.9 million out of reserves to make ends meet in the coming fiscal year.

“While we have no idea today how we’re going to find that [money], we’ll start working that in a matter of days, so we know where we can cover our costs to save this $6.9 million,” Greene said, later adding that possibilities included cutting vacant positions, slowing down hiring of new employees or even a full hiring freeze.

The county’s proposed $316.8 million budget for the next fiscal year keeps the county’s property-tax rate — 52.5 cents per $100 — the same. Greene said that the budget’s been hit by rising costs in energy, food and fuel — and that her information indicates that the long-booming local housing market was also facing problems.

““We consistently hear that the economy is not good, that people are hurting — and I absolutely believe that to be the truth,” Greene told the board. “We also hear that it’s the unknown that scares people. When I fill up my car, I know what scares me — $4 a gallon is very frightening. Rising prices at the pump are eating into our funds.”

Additionally, she said, building permits are down by 200 from last year.

Chairman Nathan Ramsey broke in at that bit of news.

“But compared to many places, we’re in very good shape as far as the building permits,” he noted.

“We are,” Greene replied. “The value has not dropped as much as the number of permits. Our revenues from real-estate transfers have fallen a little over 10 percent. Real estate folks say that houses are staying on the market a lot longer — and the more expensive the house, the longer it stays. There’s still a market for houses under $300,000 to $400,000.”

Additionally, she said, foreclosures are up and unemployment has gone from 3.6 percent last year to 4.3 percent now.

“The chairman’s right, we’re not in as bad a situation as some other places, but we’re taking this seriously,” she said.

The board will hold a public hearing on the proposed county budget on June 3.

— David Forbes, staff writer

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.

3 thoughts on “Shaky economy could lead to almost $7 million needed for Buncombe budget

  1. well, I am so glad they are “taking it seriously” perhaps they should take their oversight of public trust a little more seriously too?

  2. Appalachia

    In the 09-10 budget year, Buncombe County will get a $13 million increase in its 1986 Article 42 Sales Tax, which will be transferred from poor counties to 15 urban counties like Buncombe. This is because the half cent sales tax will be distributed based on point of sale rather than based on population.
    Maybe that year they can restore cuts made this year or even cut taxes.

Leave a Reply to Bill Rhodes ×

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.