UPDATED: Spending takes off in Buncombe commission­er races; Chair candidates loan campaigns big bucks

The two candidates for Chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners have loaned their campaigns a combined total of $272,000. Democrat Brownie Newman loaned his campaign $42,000 and Republican Chuck Archerd loaned himself $230,000 according to the candidates’ campaign finance reports.

Public hearing on property tax schedule draws two comments; commission­ers move forward with selling $7.8 million in unused land

Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed tax schedule that drew two speakers. It also moved ahead with trying to sell five parcels of land, including 137-acres on Ferry Road; the one-time potential site of Deschutes Brewery’s expansion.

Pressley revs up county commission­er campaign

While his candidacy for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners was just announced, Robert Pressley says he’s been doing reconnaissance work for a few months now. “I’ve been to the last three county commissioner meetings, sitting in the back, listening, learning and listening to what the people are concerned about. So if I get the […]

County Commission­ers to consider rent restructur­ing at stalled Eagle Market Place developmen­t

In its first meeting since approving the county budget in June, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will return to action Tuesday, Aug. 2. Commissioners will consider a rezoning request and whether to allow a decrease in affordable housing units for a mixed-use development. They will also vote on a variety of board appointments. A […]

Commission­ers approve budget; ax proposed tax cut, gun range

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners wrapped up the budget season during its Tuesday, June 21, meeting by approving a $413,574,951 spending plan for fiscal year 2017. During a more than five hour meeting Commissioner Tim Moffitt proposed an alternate budget, that would lower the property tax rate, but it was shoot down, via party lines, in favor of the approved budget.

Concerns about attracting­, retaining teachers and budget requests highlight Buncombe County commission­ers meeting

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is approaching the homestretch for finalizing a budget for Fiscal Year 2017. During its meeting on Tuesday, May 31, the board heard concerns about attracting and retaining teachers amid budget requests from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools.