The new order, which will take effect at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, orders “all individuals anywhere in Buncombe County to stay at home,” with limited exceptions for essential activities, through 6 a.m. Thursday, April 9.
Tag: Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
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New county fund to support individuals, businesses during COVID-19
For individuals who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, the fund could pay for “life-essential needs” such as utilities and mortgages. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees could receive low-interest loans of up to $10,000 to sustain operations until they could reopen or get additional support from the federal government.
County readies stay-at-home mandate for March 25
At a March 24 press conference, Fletcher Tove, Buncombe County’s emergency preparedness coordinator, said public health staff were finalizing a new supplemental state of emergency declaration that would mandate a “stay home, stay safe” approach to fighting the spread of the disease.
Buncombe suspects local community transmission of COVID-19
Unlike other local instances of the disease caused by the new coronavirus, explained Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, county health workers had been unable to trace at least two cases to a specific source — suggesting that the infection is spreading within the county at large.
Letter: No to Second Amendment sanctuary
“Buncombe County commissioners should not declare our county a Second Amendment sanctuary. Doing that would send a message that this amendment is more important than the others.”
Commission approves $500K for COVID-19 response
The budget allocation approved during the meeting was double the $250,000 request listed on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners agenda, which was published on March 11. Of the new amount, $350,000 will go to public safety, with an additional $75,000 spent on both human services and general government.
Buncombe responds to COVID-19: March 17
Buncombe County has opened two drive-through testing sites, which will be open Wednesday, March 18, from 2-6 p.m. The first site is Biltmore Church at 35 Clayton Road in Arden, and the second is UNC Asheville at One University Heights.
Commission to vote on COVID-19 emergency funding March 17
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hear an update on the local status of COVID-19, then consider a $250,000 appropriation to provide funding for the county’s emergency response. Of that money, $200,000 would be available to the county’s public safety efforts, while $50,000 would be allocated to human services.
Record-breaking turnout makes Buncombe primary picks
More Buncombe County voters — 81,887, or 41.79% of all eligible residents — took part in the primary elections that wrapped up March 3 than in any previous primary in the county’s history. Xpress outlines the winners and losers for levels of elected office from president to Asheville City Council.
Letter: Wells has deep roots and a broad vision
“Terri has a great commitment to this community and will serve us well as our commissioner.”
Letter: Wells will serve county with integrity
“Based on my many experiences collaborating and working with her, I can say without a doubt that Terri is someone we can all trust to sit at the table with integrity.”
Letter: Vote for Wells to support environment
“Terri’s vision for the Buncombe area states that she will strive to develop accessible greenways and recreational resources for the health and well-being of the individuals who live there.”
Letter: Nelson has worked to preserve farms, forests and land
“I believe that an important part of keeping that economy strong relies on reasonable and smart land use. Endorsed by the Sierra Club, Nancy Nehls Nelson, Democratic candidate for Buncombe County commission in District 1, will work with stakeholders to make that happen.”
Penland to fill Board of Commissioners seat March 3
At the recommendation of the Buncombe County Republican Party, the board is scheduled to appoint Anthony Penland to fill the District 2 vacancy left by the late Commissioner Mike Fryar during its regular meeting. Penland will face Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in November’s general election.
Letter: Wells puts education first
“While education is her No. 1 focus, she will also work to preserve what many of us have come to the area for: nature, open spaces, farmland and our beautiful environment.”
Letter: District 1 voting conundrum
“I’ll have to write in myself unless someone else volunteers, since there’s no Republican or Libertarian primary to turn to, leaving zero democratic choice as usual.”
Letter: Nelson is a passionate community advocate
“With her corporate business experience, as well as the insight she has gained through community outreach and volunteer service, she would be an incredible asset to any public office.”
Ready, Aim, Misfire?
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Enka ‘bridge to nowhere’ connection on Feb. 18 commission agenda
Board members will consider spending an additional $650,000 to connect the bridge to existing roads at the board’s regular meeting in Room 326 at 200 College St. Buncombe officials previously allocated $3 million in taxpayer money for the structure, which was started over four years ago and has yet to carry traffic over Hominy Creek.
2020 Primary Voter Guide: Q&A with candidates for local, national offices
In preparation for the March primary, Xpress sent questions to all candidates in contested races for their party’s nomination to various local and national offices. Responses from candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, N.C. General Assembly, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Asheville City Council are all collected here.
Letter: Wells offers farming work ethic, vision
“Beyond Terry promoting land preservation and conservation stewardship, she has helped in securing broadband internet access, community programs and rural economic development.”