Staff projects county revenue will come in $15.6 million under what was initially projected last summer, far better than the up to $25.7 million drop staff feared was possible in January. Next year’s numbers look similar.

Staff projects county revenue will come in $15.6 million under what was initially projected last summer, far better than the up to $25.7 million drop staff feared was possible in January. Next year’s numbers look similar.
Plans take another step for more than 200 affordable housing units on Coxe Avenue near the South Slope.
Properties that remain damaged or destroyed as of Jan. 1 have been reappraised for 2025. Businesses and private property owners will begin receiving property valuation notices for the current tax year as soon as next week.
After six weeks in service, data shows that while FCC’s performance has improved, issues remain.
“I believe it is up to the taxpaying residents of the county to hold the commissioners and the county manager accountable for every dollar they spend.”
FEMA representative Ina Chan explained that the agency has used flyers, text messages, calls and emails to attempt to contact residents that have been difficult to reach. Privacy and safety concerns, she noted, prevent FEMA workers from directly approaching residents.
“The engineers could give the Asheville City Council and county Board of Commissioners some excellent advice on how to rebuild Asheville and how to prevent our major rivers from overflowing and causing major catastrophic damage again.”
To offset a loss in revenue, county staff proposes 4% cuts to the county’s general fund, including a 4% cut in K-12 education.
“Based on the literature review, constituent input, local environmental factors, the current operations and academic outcomes of each school system, Prismatic does not recommend consolidation of ACS and BCS,” concluded a report from Charlotte-based education consultants Prismatic Services.
Drew Ball was elected by the Buncombe County Democratic Party to fill the board vacancy left by Amanda Edwards, who was elected chair in November.
In the crowded, fluorescent-lit basement of the Buncombe County Democratic Party headquarters in Oakley on Dec. 18, Democrats conducted the final election of 2024.
“I urge our county leaders to include citizens in the decision-making process for grant applications and allocations.”
Buncombe County board sees a woman chair and a Black woman commissioner for the first time.
“He should not receive any county benefits going forward. And the county should not be afraid of a legal challenge.”
When Buncombe County Commission Chair Brownie Newman first walked out of his house that Friday morning after the wind died down, he was hopeful the effects of Tropical Storm Helene wouldn’t be that bad. Then he walked one block over to Pearson Drive. This wasn’t the way Newman thought he’d end his 12 years on the county commission.
Commissioner Amanda Edwards, ex-Sheriff Van Duncan talk policy differences, ethics and politics as the general election race for the top seat in Buncombe County enters its final month.
The 2024 races for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners are unusual for their variety: there is a race for commission chair featuring an incumbent, a commission seat race featuring an incumbent and another commission seat race with two candidates who are new to public office.
Board of Equalization and Review Chair Miriam McKinney wrote two letters to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners warning that all five volunteer members of her board would resign if Tax Assessor Keith Miller was fired.
“Terri Wells is a candidate who has a proven record of service to our communities, children, open spaces and farmlands.”
“I’m surprised that after the water fiasco of winter 2022-23 — where so much of the city was without water for nearly a week — that the Water Resources Department didn’t roll out this change with more planning and input from end users.”
“Terri Wells’ ability to connect with people from all walks of life, coupled with her inclusive and collaborative approach, positions her as the candidate best suited to represent the varied interests of the residents in this expanded district.”