The number of opioid-related hospital visits in Buncombe County is up 172 percent from the previous year and commissioners and looking to the courtroom for relief.
Tag: joe belcher
Showing 43-63 of 101 results
Raising questions: Past pay increases present puzzles
As questions swirl around an ongoing FBI probe into former Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene, some top officials are scrutinizing the results of a directive they say was meant to boost the earnings of the county’s lowest-paid employees.
Solar farm moves forward, rezoning stalls out
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners tapped Duke Energy for a solar farm project at the old county landfill and unanimously denied a rezoning request.
Commissioners OK early Sunday alcohol sales, punt on medical marijuana
Pre-noon alcohol sales in unincorporated parts of Buncombe County gain approval while pro-cannabis advocates urge commissioners to lean on state lawmakers for medicinal marijuana approval.
Phoning it in: Commissioners negotiate tax rate in private
Xpress takes a look at how Buncombe County commissioners set the tax rate during off-the-record phone calls and in-person meetings.
Unincorporated Sunday alcohol sales on hold; transfer station $1.5M over budget
Commissioners are looking to allow alcohol sales in unincorporated areas of the county. The law allows for restaurants and grocery stores to sell alcohol starting at 10 a.m. but does not allow for state-run ABC stores to open.
Buncombe OD calls on track to eclipse last year
Buncombe County staff presented commissioners with an update on opioid use on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Statistics from Buncombe EMS show some 520 responses to overdoses and poisonings in the first half of this year.
Fix it: Commissioners tell Mission, Blue Cross to end dispute
As the deadline approaches for a contract between Mission Health and BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina to expire, Buncombe County commissioners are urging the two organizations to get a deal done.
County pledges $4.2M to Lee Walker Heights, aims for 100% renewable energy
Buncombe County will pledge $4.2 million toward the redevelopment of Lee Walker Heights and consider trying to completely run on renewable energy by 2027.
Property tax rate up, nonprofit funding down as Buncombe commissioners close out budget
Taxes are going up as the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners signed off on a budget that includes a 2.6-cent property tax hike while lowering funding for some area nonprofits.
Sales tax, solar farm deal change course; development frustrations arise
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners heard development frustrations from Ridgecrest and South Asheville residents ahead of approving measures to shift a sales tax and backtrack on a deal with Duke Energy.
County manager, commissioner chair: revenue-neutral tax rate unlikely
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners did not take any official action on the proposed budget during its meeting on Tuesday, June 6. But discussions revealed that a revenue-neutral property tax rate is not likely to happen.
Solar farm redo, sales tax diversion and budget on deck for commissioners
Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget, consider diverting the A-B Tech sales tax fund and discuss backing out of a deal with Duke Energy to conduct a solar farm feasibility study.
County nonprofit funding at odds with resolution guidelines
As commissioners considering funding projects with community grants, Xpress looks at the performance contracts used to monitor the process and finds commissioners aren’t adhering to suggested guidelines.
Commissioners approve economic incentive, bemoan zoning
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved an economic incentive package and struggled with a rezoning request that highlighted zoning’s gray areas.
20 recent overdose deaths sparks $750K commitment from Buncombe
No funding has officially been approved, but commissioners presented a united front in committing to a three-pronged approach to curbing opioid use. The effort will include community paramedics, residential treatment for new mothers and a media blitz focused on prevention.
Nanny state
Asheville
Commissioners move to create new sustainability office, solar farm; A-B Tech spending freeze remains
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a variety of sustainability measures while continued talks about the current spending freeze on capital projects at A-B Tech was put on hold at the school’s request.
Sustainability issues, A-B Tech funding headline Board of Commissioners meeting
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has a full agenda when it meets on Tuesday, March 7. Items included continued talks about funding A-B Tech capital projects, a rezoning request, a proposed solar farm in Woodfin and more.
Universal preschool access could help next generation thrive
An diverse and influential group looks to incrementally implement universal preschool in Buncombe County. Xpress takes an in-depth look at the organization, logistics and potential costs behind the effort.
Commissioners unanimously agree to support prison diversion, community investment programs
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners gave unanimous approval to a number of projects, including investing in at-risk communities and pool renovations for Warren Wilson College, during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
