A tax revaluation, rising expenses, and a barrage of state legislation are all creating a chaotic budget year for the city of Asheville. This afternoon, Asheville City Council and city staff will discuss the issues and invite the public’s input at a special 2 p.m. town hall meeting in the U.S. Cellular Center banquet hall.
Tag: government
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Old disputes at heart of bill that transfers water system to MSD
About seven years ago, the Regional Water Authority of Asheville, Buncombe and Henderson County fell apart. The creation of what had been an historic agreement involving the three governments, ongoing disputes and frustrations led Asheville officials to end the partnership in 2005. Fast-forward to the March 28 filing of House Bill 488, which transfers the Asheville water system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District.
Trash and treasure
Last week, Asheville City Council members approved fee changes that could pump more than $2 million into the city coffers. Today, April 3, Council dives deeper into the city’s budget challenges, hosting a budget worksession and town hall at 2 p.m. in the second-floor banquet room of the U.S. Cellular Center.
On second thought: Commissioners approve discrimination ban, will need additional vote
After hearing more than 40 minutes of public comment on the matter, commissioners voted 4-3 to add language that protects Buncombe County workers from harassment based on sexual orientation to the personnel ordinance. Above, Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality Jasmine Beach-Ferrara smiles after speaking in favor of the expansion of the county’s nondiscrimination statement. (Photo by Caitlin Byrd)
Back again: County Commissioners to weigh in on discrimination policy tonight
Less than a year after three Buncombe County commissioners rejected a resolution that would protect government workers against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the proposition returns to the board for reconsideration tonight.
McGrady, Moffitt, Ramsey file bill to move control of Asheville’s water system to MSD
State representatives Chuck McGrady, Tim Moffitt, and Nathan Ramsey have filed a bill to take control of Asheville’s water system and transfer it to the Metropolitan Sewerage District.
Former APD evidence room manager pleads guilty to embezzling drugs
Former Asheville Police Department evidence room manager William Lee Smith has pleaded guilty to a federal charge for embezzling $10-30,000 in drugs from the evidence room, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Equality or sacrilege? Community weighs in on partner benefits for county employees
Here’s a look at some of what supporters and detractors had to say during a recent public hearing on providing domestic partner benefits to Buncombe County employees.
Asheville City Council approves fee increases
At an early meeting with only five of its usual seven members, Asheville City Council approved increases in water, trash and parking fees, among others.
LIVE: Twitter coverage of the March 26 Asheville City Council meeting
Fee increases for trash, water, parking, and more are on the agenda at Asheville City Council’s March 26 meeting, held earlier than usual at 2:30 p.m. Follow live Twitter updates.
Asheville City Council preview: fee simple
With final approval of the downtown Asheville Business Improvement District pushed back to April 9, and with an early meeting with two members absent, on March 26 Asheville City Council will set fees and charges for the coming year. Increased parking, water, and garbage fees are on the agenda.
Final impact report on Asheville water merger presented to MSD
The hefty final version of an impact study assessing the potential merger of Asheville’s water system with the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County was presented to the MSD board on Wednesday. The short version: potential net savings to water customers of $1.1 to $2.2 million per year over the next nine years.
Buncombe Commissioners approve domestic partner benefits on party line vote
Buncombe County commissioners voted March 19 along party lines to extend employee benefits to both same- and opposite-sex domestic partners.
LIVE: Updates from the March 19 Buncombe Commissioners meeting
At their March 19 meeting, Buncombe Commissioners will consider extending county employee benefits to both same- and opposite-sex domestic partners. This post features live updates from the meeting via Twitter.
Asheville downtown BID proposes budget, revised bylaws
The Asheville downtown Business Improvement District has released its proposed budget, as required by Asheville City Council, and revised bylaws in an attempt to address concerns that led to harsh words from some members of the two organizations last week.
Fryar apologizes for harsh words, calls for A-B Tech trustees to resign
In a letter sent to several local media outlets, Buncombe County Commissioner Mike Fryar apologized for calling A-B Tech President Hank Dunn a “little Hitler” and a “sick little puppy.” But the freshman commissioner continues to lambast the president in the new letter, arguing that Dunn acted outside his job description in a way that “undermines the authority of the full Board of Trustees.” He also calls for trustees who worked with Dunn on the maneuver to resign.
A place at the table: Art and commerce collide in Asheville
As the local creative sector gains financial clout, tensions loom between art as a business, an economic-development tool and a means of personal expression.
Asheville BID Board blasts Council over skepticism, delays
At a meeting Thursday morning, March 14, members of the downtown Asheville Business Improvement District board harshly criticized Asheville City Council for delaying approval of the BID’s proposed bylaws and expressing “disappointment” that the board hadn’t also submitted a detailed budget. Many board members said they were almost ready to walk away from the project.
Exhibit spotlights hidden local African-American history
The Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office has opened an exhibit to commemorate the 150-year anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and to remember those who were enslaved and their immeasurable contributions to our community. Along with the exhibit, the county has produced a short documentary, Forever Free, which features historians and descendants of slaves speaking on the significance of these records and the importance of acknowledging our past. Watch it here.
APD Chief Anderson apologizes for handling of son’s car crash
Asheville Police Department Chief William Anderson publicly apologized today for “a poor decision” in directing the APD, rather than the State Highway Patrol, to handle the initial investigation of a March 9 accident involving his son, Chad Anderson.
Buncombe County considering same-sex partner benefits
A key committee is recommending that Buncombe County extend employee benefits to both same- and opposite-sex domestic partners.