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Buncombe County, NC

Buncombe County public meetings in 2021

34 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 21, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board holds closed session, takes no action

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners met in special session and unanimously voted to enter a closed session for legal matters. After hearing a legal update and discussion, no action was taken. The board then returned to open session and adjourned.

Tue Dec 7, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $1.675M in ARPA funds for three economic development projects

The Board of Commissioners approved $1,675,000 in American Rescue Plan Local Fiscal Recovery funding for three economic development projects: $50,000 to the Asheville Area Arts Council, $375,000 to Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, and $1,250,000 to Self Help Ventures Fund. The board also approved a resolution to participate in the state's opioid settlement, affirmed the extension of the face covering requirement, and approved a COVID premium pay policy for eligible county employees.

Fri Dec 3, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board holds closed session on legal matters, takes no action

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners met in special session on December 3, 2021, and voted 7-0 to enter a closed session to hear a legal update. After discussion, the board voted 7-0 to return to open session and then voted 7-0 to adjourn. No action was taken on any matter during the meeting.

Tue Nov 16, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves 911 consolidation with Asheville, adds 24 positions

The Board approved an interlocal agreement to consolidate 911 dispatch services with the City of Asheville, effective January 1, 2022. This includes a budget amendment of $1,093,325 to add 24 full-time positions and establish a separate 911 Communications department. The Board also approved $11,035,004 in additional Recovery Fund awards and several other budget amendments and appointments.

Tue Nov 2, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board interviews candidates for two committees, no action taken

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on November 2, 2021, to interview candidates for the Strategic Partnership Grants Committee and the Ad Hoc Reappraisal Committee. No formal decisions or votes were made during the meeting; it was purely for candidate interviews. The meeting adjourned at 2:18 p.m.

Tue Nov 2, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $21.99M school capital projects and EMS funding

The Board of Commissioners approved a $21,998,175 budget amendment for School Year 2023 capital projects recommended by the School Capital Fund Commission, with $7,502,175 for Asheville City Schools and $14,496,000 for Buncombe County Schools. The Board also approved a $360,000 budget amendment and 18 new paramedic positions to improve Emergency Services response times. Additionally, the Board directed the County Manager to maintain current library facilities and locations, rather than constructing a new downtown library.

Tue Oct 19, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board interviews Board of Adjustment candidates, takes no action

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to interview candidates for the Board of Adjustment. No action was taken during the meeting, which was purely procedural. The meeting adjourned after the interviews.

Tue Oct 19, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves clean vehicle and school solar resolutions

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a consent agenda and several new business items, including resolutions committing the county to transitioning its fleet to zero-emission vehicles and supporting a feasibility analysis for on-site solar installations at schools and AB Tech. The board also approved budget amendments for a Family Justice Center grant and eight conservation easement projects, and made several board appointments.

Tue Oct 5, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board interviews Tourism Development Authority candidates, takes no action

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting solely to conduct interviews for the Tourism Development Authority. No action was taken on any matter, and the meeting was adjourned after the interviews.

Tue Oct 5, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves solar interlocal agreements with UNCA and Black Mountain

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved interlocal agreements with UNC Asheville and the Town of Black Mountain to collaboratively bid out solar projects on County, UNCA, and Black Mountain facilities. The board also approved a resolution opposing proposed legislation that would change how Buncombe County School Board members are elected, and approved a $194,500 design services contract with CPL Architects for advanced planning at 35 Woodfin.

Tue Sep 21, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Buncombe County extends indoor mask mandate through Oct. 29

The Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 to extend the requirement for face coverings in public indoor spaces through October 29, 2021, citing local COVID-19 data trends. The board also approved a $500,000 economic development appropriation for the One Buncombe small business grant program, a new Emergency Paid Sick Leave policy, and several resolutions related to Mountain Mobility transportation services.

Tue Sep 7, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $70M in bonds for Givens Estates and Highland Farms retirement communities

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution allowing the Public Finance Authority to issue up to $70 million in tax-exempt bonds for the benefit of The Givens Estates, Inc. and Givens Highland Farms. The funds will finance capital improvements and new apartments at the two retirement communities. The board also approved a $100,000 budget for a COVID-19 vaccination incentive program and adopted a new policy for prequalifying construction bidders.

Tue Aug 31, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $500K for Tropical Storm Fred recovery, advances ARPA funds

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a budget amendment allocating up to $500,000 for emergency impacts from Tropical Storm Fred, including neighborhood access restoration and debris removal. The board also voted to move forward with allocating the first half of $50.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for approved proposals, with initial awards totaling $11,309,495. The board held a closed session on a legal matter but took no action.

Wed Aug 18, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Buncombe County approves indoor mask mandate amid COVID surge

The Board of Commissioners declared a local state of emergency and approved a county-wide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces, effective until September 30, 2021. The decision was made in response to rising COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates, with the measure passing 6-1. The order aligns with CDC guidance and the Governor's executive orders, with exemptions for religious gatherings and certain medical conditions.

Tue Aug 3, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $2M for Homeward Bound housing expansion

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing $2,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to Homeward Bound for the purchase of the Days Inn property at 201 Tunnel Road, to be converted into 85 permanent supportive housing units for people experiencing chronic homelessness. The board also approved the annual tax collection settlement, the order of collection for the 2021 tax year, and several budget amendments, including those for COVID-19 vaccination programs. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

Tue Jul 20, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board interviews candidates for Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on July 20, 2021, solely to conduct interviews for the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. No action was taken during the meeting, and it was adjourned after the interviews.

Thu Jul 15, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board interviews candidates for Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on July 15, 2021, to conduct interviews for the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. No action was taken during the meeting, which was adjourned at 12:11 p.m.

Tue Jul 13, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board interviews candidates for Early Childhood Education Committee

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to interview candidates for the Early Childhood Education and Development Committee. No action was taken during the meeting; it was purely procedural.

Tue Jul 13, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves East Fork Pottery expansion incentives and $40,000 grant

The Board approved a $40,000 economic development incentive for East Fork Pottery, LLC, contingent on the company investing $2.38 million and creating 50 new jobs. The Board also approved a resolution to participate in the NC Department of Commerce Building Reuse Grant Program for the project. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

Tue Jun 15, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Buncombe County adopts FY2022 budget with 48.8¢ tax rate

The Board of Commissioners adopted the FY2022 budget, which sets a property tax rate of 48.8 cents per $100 of assessed valuation and totals $360,394,615 in the General Fund. The board also adopted the Racial Equity Action Plan, approved a comprehensive facility study, and rescinded the local state of emergency related to COVID-19.

Tue May 4, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board adds Juneteenth as paid county holiday, approves 160D code changes

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved adding Juneteenth as a paid county holiday, observed on the Friday on or before June 19th each year. The board also adopted the mandatory 160D text amendments to integrate state-mandated changes into the county's development regulations. Additionally, the board approved a rezoning request for a property in Swannanoa and authorized $800,000 in funding to support two affordable housing project applications.

Tue Apr 20, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board interviews planning and historic commission candidates, no action taken

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on April 20, 2021, solely to conduct interviews for candidates for the Planning Board and Historic Resources Commission. No votes or decisions were made during the meeting, which adjourned at 12:29 p.m. The meeting was procedural in nature.

Tue Apr 20, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Buncombe County approves anti-discrimination ordinance

The Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance prohibiting discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on characteristics including race, sexual orientation, and gender identity, effective July 1, 2021. The board also approved a $175,000 legal settlement, joined the Asheville-Buncombe United for Youth Network, and approved multiple budget amendments. All votes were 6-0.

Tue Apr 6, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Buncombe County approves $100K incentive for Systems Logistics expansion

The Board approved a $100,000 economic development incentive and agreement for Systems Logistics Corporation to expand its Arden facility, creating 47 new jobs and investing $3 million. The Board also approved a $35,000 cost-share with the City of Asheville for a visioning effort for the Vance Monument site, and extended the deadline for employees to use COVID-19 paid time off to June 30, 2022. Additionally, the Board approved three new administrative positions to manage federal recovery funds and authorized continuing contracts for school security upgrades.

Tue Mar 16, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Buncombe County approves Biltmore Farms rezoning for employment use

The Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning request from Biltmore Farms, changing 11.57 acres of a 100-acre parcel east of Brevard Road from R-3 Residential to EMP Employment, to support future advanced manufacturing. The board also approved a one-year extension of the audit contract with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP for $130,860, and a budget amendment adding $378,035 for non-congregate COVID-19 sheltering. A non-discrimination ordinance was discussed but not voted on, with a vote scheduled for April 6, 2021.

Tue Mar 2, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $460K BorgWarner incentive, 7-0

The Board approved a $460,000 economic development incentive and agreement with BorgWarner Turbo Systems LLC, which plans to invest $62.25 million and retain 600 jobs at its Arden facility. The Board also approved several other items, including a contract with Equinox for Ferry Road property analysis, a resolution to create a local government investment pool, and funding for deferred budget requests. All votes were unanimous except for the funding of deferred requests, which passed 6-1.

Tue Feb 16, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board interviews candidates for planning and zoning boards, no action taken

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to interview candidates for the Asheville Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Equalization and Review, and Planning Board. No formal decisions or votes were made during the meeting; it was purely procedural, concluding with adjournment.

Tue Feb 16, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Buncombe County accepts $1.75M jail-reduction grant renewal

The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included several budget amendments and resolutions. In new business, the Board accepted a $1.75 million Safety + Justice Challenge grant renewal, approved the related budget amendment, and approved one new and nine extended grant-funded positions. The Board also approved a revised Gift Card Policy to expand allowable uses for client assistance programs.

Tue Feb 2, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $7.88M emergency rental assistance program

The Board approved a $7,877,876 U.S. Treasury grant for emergency rental and utility assistance, including four new grant-funded positions. It also approved a 1.45% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees, a design contract for Vance Elementary renovations, and an emergency paid sick leave extension. All votes were 7-0.

Tue Jan 26, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $150K for One Buncombe small business relief

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and unanimously approved a resolution and budget amendment authorizing $150,000 in economic development funds for the One Buncombe COVID-19 relief program, with reinvestment of repayments. The board also received a COVID-19 update on vaccine rollout and equity efforts. No other substantive decisions were made.

Tue Jan 19, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves 911 consolidation with Black Mountain and Montreat

The Board approved intergovernmental agreements to consolidate 911 call-taking and dispatch services with the Towns of Black Mountain and Montreat, effective January 20, 2021. The Board also approved a $1M budget amendment for increased COVID-19 vaccine support and a $485,577 budget amendment for low-income energy assistance using CARES funding. All votes were 7-0.

Sat Jan 16, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board approves $56K for downtown sheriff patrols, raises elections director pay

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved funding for a Sheriff's Office Downtown Initiative to add patrols in the Downtown Business District on Fridays and Saturdays, and approved a salary increase for the Director of Elections to $115,000 per year. The board also accepted the Fiscal Year 2023 audit, approved a budget amendment for public health workforce development, and passed several consent agenda items including solid waste ordinance amendments.

Tue Jan 12, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board hears COVID-19 update, relief fund report; no votes taken

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners met in special session on January 12, 2021, receiving a COVID-19 update from public health officials and a report on the One Buncombe COVID-19 Rapid Relief Fund. No formal decisions or votes were made during the meeting; it was informational only.

Tue Jan 5, 2021 · 17:00

Board of Commissioners

✓ Decided: Board interviews candidates for grants committee; no action taken

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on January 5, 2021, to conduct interviews for the Strategic Partnership Grants Committee. No formal decisions or votes were made during the meeting. The meeting was called to order at 1:40 p.m. and adjourned at 2:41 p.m.