Increase in methamphetamine use in Western North Carolina affects the region’s “misery index,” even if the death rate is lower than that of opioids.
Tag: Buncombe County
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Buncombe sets $300 cap on homeowner grants
Residents who have owned their primary residence for at least five years and make no more than 80% of the area median income — $60,100 for a family of four — could apply for aid to cover property tax increases starting Sunday, Aug. 1.
Buncombe prepares to launch comprehensive plan
Although the county completed a strategic plan last year, which outlines general governmental goals, it does not have a comprehensive plan, which primarily evaluates land use and infrastructure. State law requires the adoption of such a document by July 2022.
Buncombe among state’s leading counties in elder abuse
As of 2019, the latest year for which data is available, Buncombe County had the largest population of adults ages 60 and older in the state with 71,578 people, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. And in 2000, the county received 1,190 reports allegations of abuse of older residents.
Buncombe budget hikes taxes, funds rebate program
Buncombe County’s fiscal year 2021-22 budget — passed unanimously by the Board of Commissioners on June 15 — includes an effective property tax increase of 2 cents per $100 of valuation. It also includes $300,000 toward property tax relief grants.
As bears emerge from hibernation, animal-resistant receptacles are key
For many Asheville residents, seeing a bear at their trash can is a bucket-list item, the pinnacle of mountain living. But as exciting as a bear sighting can be, interactions with the furry, four-legged natives can quickly spell problems for bears and humans alike.
Letter: Corporate free rides
“The argument was made that if we put conditions in the incentive contracts, a company may not sign. What then is our incentive to give them our money?”
Asheville City Council to consider nondiscrimination ordinance
The city’s proposed nondiscrimination ordinance is nearly identical to that passed 6-0 by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on April 20, which prompted extensive public comment from residents in both support and disagreement.
Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries join recycling co-op
To help reduce industry waste, Sierra Nevada has partnered with American Recycling of Western North Carolina to create the WNC Brewery Recycling Cooperative, a drop-off site in Candler.
Letter: Name Buncombe’s COVID-19 fatalities
“Let all the anti-maskers see the results of the virus on a local level.”
Buncombe to discuss nondiscrimination ordinance March 16
Buncombe County would become the first local government in Western North Carolina to pass a nondiscrimination ordinance. Orange County and several municipalities have approved similar language after a statewide ban on such ordinances expired Dec. 1.
Arboretum’s Willow Pond educates visitors on wetland ecosystems
The new outdoor classroom and garden area, the result of a three-year, $2 million project, features three distinct ponds, a boardwalk, a 20-person teaching shelter and interpretive signage, complete with a frog kiosk that plays different amphibian vocalizations.
Solarize Asheville-Buncombe aims to make clean energy affordable
The yearlong campaign begins April 1 and seeks to outfit at least 100 residents and businesses with solar energy systems by the end of 2021.
Letter: Thank you, COVID-19 relief team
“But your efforts — coupled with a continuing commitment by everyone else to mask up, wash up and keep themselves and others safe — will hopefully turn the tide.”
Multiagency collaboration seeks to stop gun violence
Can rising gun violence be stopped in its tracks by roughly $200,000 and dedicated community resources? Leaders from the SPARC Foundation, My Daddy Taught Me That, the Racial Justice Coalition and Umoja Health, Wellness and Justice are ready to take on the challenge.
Buncombe receives new property values
While the median sales ratio for the county overall increased by roughly 18% the rise was not evenly distributed. Urban areas such as Central Asheville and Southside generally saw larger percentage gains than did rural areas like Candler and Avery Creek.
North Carolina’s COVID-19 vaccine supplies remain limited
“Our biggest problem right now is that millions of people want a shot, but we only have hundreds of thousands of doses,” said Gov. Roy Cooper at a Jan. 27 press conference. “There will be a time when everyone can get one, and we want to make sure everyone can access it as quickly as possible.”
Buncombe preps new systems for vaccine rollout
COVID-19 vaccination initiatives announced by the county include a drive-thru site for second doses at A. C. Reynolds High School and a waitlist for first-dose vaccination appointments. The waitlist will replace a system that requires residents to schedule appointments directly as vaccines became available.
Buncombe energy assistance program gets $485K boost
The state grant for Buncombe’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, funded as part of the first federal COVID-19 relief package, will be considered at the Tuesday, Jan. 19, meeting of the county Board of Commissioners.
From CPP: Family leave for county employees in some parts of the state
Seven North Carolina counties now offer paid days off to care for a new child or an ailing family member.
Buncombe residents unable to make COVID-19 vaccine appointments as county phone outage continues
According to a press release issued the morning of Jan. 7, county officials are working with Charter Communications to resolve the “vendor-related issue” as quickly as possible. As a temporary workaround, callers are instructed to call the Buncombe Ready team at 828-419-0095.