Buncombe County public meetings in 2024
21 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a new Helene Disaster Leave Policy providing up to 40 hours of paid leave for employees affected by Hurricane Helene, and reallocated $656,794.26 in COVID-19 recovery funds to cover personnel costs related to Helene recovery. It also accepted a $199,296 state grant for disaster rental assistance and a $30,000 donation for foster care holiday gifts. All actions were approved as presented; no vote tallies were recorded in the minutes.
- Approved Helene Disaster Leave Policy (up to 40 hours paid leave)
- Approved COVID Recovery Fund reallocation of $656,794.26 to Helene Recovery Personnel
- Approved budget amendment for $199,296 Disaster Rental Assistance from NCDHHS
- Approved $30,000 foster care donation from Helping at Risk Kids, Inc.
- Approved consent agenda including December 2, 2024 meeting minutes
Board of Commissioners
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved multiple actions related to Hurricane Helene recovery, including reallocating $3.73 million in COVID recovery funds from the Ferry Road infrastructure project to the Coxe Avenue Affordable Housing Development, authorizing $1.5 million for a small business grant program administered by Mountain BizWorks, and approving $1.6 million for household assistance with $300,000 going to Grace Covenant. The board also adopted zoning amendments to prohibit cryptocurrency mining, regulate data centers, and allow emergency housing in all zoning districts. Additionally, the board approved contracts for detention center shower repairs, radio tower leases, and equipment purchases for Solid Waste.
- Approved reallocation of $3,732,743.16 from Ferry Road Infrastructure to Coxe Avenue Affordable Housing Development
- Approved $1.5 million economic development appropriation for Helene Relief small business grants with Mountain BizWorks
- Approved $1,597,053.34 for household assistance, with $300,000 to Grace Covenant and remainder to Economic Services
- Adopted zoning amendment prohibiting cryptocurrency mining and regulating data centers (Ordinance 24-11-07)
- Adopted zoning amendment allowing emergency housing in all districts (Ordinance 24-11-08)
- Authorized $769,411.61 construction contract with Enterprises G for Detention Center shower repairs
- Authorized radio tower leases with Milestone, Verizon, and property owners at 221T Still Springs Road
- Approved $280,293 budget amendment for Solid Waste equipment purchases
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a resolution temporarily waiving late penalties on occupancy tax filings and payments for September through December 2024, due October 2024 through January 2025, with a final deadline of June 20, 2025. The Board also approved several budget amendments, including a $29 million FEMA grant for Hurricane Helene recovery, a $1.76 million compactor purchase, and multiple grant awards. All decisions were unanimous.
- Approved waiver of occupancy tax late penalties for Sept–Dec 2024 (unanimous)
- Approved $29M FEMA/State grant budget for Hurricane Helene recovery (unanimous)
- Approved $1,755,328 compactor purchase for Solid Waste (unanimous)
- Approved $7,391,061 in FY2024 budget carryforwards (unanimous)
- Approved $1,225,560 contract for three ambulances (unanimous)
- Approved $300,329 DWI Taskforce grant (unanimous)
- Approved $510,000 Dogwood Health Trust grant for Ujima Collective (unanimous)
- Approved $285,000 Safety and Justice Challenge grant (unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners met remotely on October 15, 2024, due to a lack of water in the building following Hurricane Helene. The board approved a resolution to postpone the countywide property reappraisal from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, citing the storm's impact on property values and staff resources. It also approved a $29 million budget amendment for anticipated FEMA Hurricane Helene grant funding and a $1.755 million purchase of a new compactor for the Solid Waste Department.
- Postponed countywide property reappraisal to January 1, 2026
- Approved $29M budget amendment for anticipated FEMA Hurricane Helene funding
- Approved $1.755M budget amendment for Solid Waste compactor purchase
- Approved $7.39M in FY2024 budget carryforwards across multiple funds
- Authorized purchase contract for three ambulances up to $1.225M
- Approved revised interlocal agreement with Asheville for emergency shelter beds
- Approved $16,560 in library donations budget amendment
- Approved $24,226 budget amendment for estate settlement with NC Commerce
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved reallocating $3.6 million in COVID Recovery Funding to support emergency shelter operations and expansion through June 2026, and amended an interlocal agreement with the City of Asheville to fund the Salvation Army, Safe Shelter, and Haywood Street Respite. The Board also approved a $4.05 million grant for the Enka Recreation Destination Phase II project and a $567,000 design contract, and adopted changes to the 2025 County Health Plan, including removing GLP-1 weight-loss drugs from coverage.
- Approved $3.6M COVID Recovery Funding reallocation for shelter support (Haywood Street Respite, Safe Shelter, Salvation Army)
- Approved amendment to interlocal agreement with City of Asheville for emergency shelter beds
- Accepted $4,054,415 TPDF grant for Enka Recreation Destination Phase II
- Approved $567,000 design contract with Civil Design Concepts for Buncombe County Sports Park
- Approved 2025 Health Plan changes, including removing GLP-1 weight-loss drug coverage
- Approved FY2026 Section 5311 transit grant applications totaling $1,073,993
- Approved sale of surplus property on Unadilla Avenue for $2,000
- Approved lease renewal with NC Dept. of Adult Correction for 60 Court Plaza at $1/year
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners adopted the Schedule of Values for the 2025 tax reappraisal, setting the standards for property valuations. They also approved a budget amendment to fund a broadband match for the state's Completing Access to Broadband program, using ARPA funds and Medicaid hold-harmless funds. Additionally, the board received a presentation on proposed health insurance changes for 2025, including premium increases and a plan to stop covering GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, but no vote was recorded on this item.
- Adopted Schedule of Values for 2025 reappraisal (unanimous)
- Approved reallocation of $298,391 ARPA funds from fire district renewable energy to broadband match
- Approved $411,408 budget amendment using Medicaid hold-harmless funds for broadband match
- Authorized County Manager to execute NCDIT CAB MOU for Bellsouth broadband project
- Approved July 2024 tax collection report (consent agenda)
- Approved August 20, 2024 regular meeting minutes (consent agenda)
Board of Commissioners
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution and budget amendment to accept a $1,000,000 Community Development Block Grant Recovery Housing Program award to support Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries in expanding Transformation Village with a 64-unit building. The board also approved a budget amendment and contract for the 200 College Street renovation project, and approved a resolution to apply for DWI Task Force funding from the NC Governor's Highway Safety Program.
- Approved resolution accepting $1M CDBG Recovery Housing Program grant (unanimous)
- Approved budget amendment for $1M Recovery Housing Program grant (unanimous)
- Approved budget amendment consolidating $2,458,869 for 200 College St. renovation (unanimous)
- Approved contract with Stone Restoration for 200 College St. renovation (unanimous)
- Approved resolution to apply for DWI Task Force funding (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including fireworks display at Biltmore Estate (unanimous)
- Approved budget amendments for compost facility and stormwater ditch (unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the fiscal year 2024 Annual Tax Settlement and adopted the Order of Collection for fiscal year 2025, as required by state law. It also approved a $750,000 budget amendment for Erwin Middle School ADA and egress renovations, and approved the feasibility study's proposed locations for a new EMS station, library, and pre-K facility. A resolution establishing a Short-Term Rental Ad Hoc Committee was adopted.
- Approved FY2024 Annual Tax Settlement and adopted FY2025 Order of Collection
- Approved $750,000 budget amendment for Erwin Middle School ADA & Egress Renovations
- Approved feasibility study for Asheville Primary School site (EMS station, library) and Hall Fletcher site (pre-K)
- Adopted resolution establishing Short-Term Rental Ad Hoc Committee
- Approved consent agenda including contracts for Hall Fletcher and 200 College Street renovations, solar installations, and tax report
- Set public hearing for Schedule of Values 2025 Reappraisal for August 20, 2024
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved contracts with Ryse Construction to renovate 35 Woodfin Street for a new 911 Backup Center and public-facing departments. The Board also authorized a second supplemental agreement for opioid settlement funds and approved several budget amendments for grants and conservation easements.
- Approved two construction contracts with Ryse Construction for 35 Woodfin Street renovations
- Established $3.8M 911 Backup Center Renovation project (funded by reallocations)
- Authorized execution of Kroger opioid settlement and SAAF-2 agreement
- Approved rezoning of 99999 Yates Ave from R-1/CR to R-1 Residential
- Approved $265,000 NCDPS grant to expand jail Medication Assisted Treatment program
- Approved $1.37M FTA Section 5307 funding rescission to City of Asheville
- Waived property tax exemption prohibition for Lakeshore Villas project
- Approved budget amendment for 3 new conservation easements ($184,000)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners adopted the FY2025 budget, setting a tax rate of 51.76 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 1.96-cent increase over the prior year. The $440,025,235 General Fund budget includes funding for 30 new General Fund positions and three new Solid Waste positions. The Board also approved a resolution directing $3,314,860 in opioid settlement funds to four strategies and approved reallocating $1,935,286 in COVID Recovery Funding. Several other items, including budget amendments and a hire, were approved on the consent agenda.
- Adopted FY2025 budget with a tax rate of 51.76 cents per $100 of assessed value
- Approved resolution directing $3,314,860 in Opioid Settlement Funds to four strategies
- Approved reallocation of $1,935,286 in COVID Recovery Funding
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, a fireworks resolution, and the JCPC annual plan
- Approved consent to hire Robb Hartman as Internal Audit Director at $120,000 annual salary
- Approved budget amendments for GASB standards, functional coverage, and debt service
- Approved a $230,118 Just Home Grant budget amendment and two grant-funded positions
Board of Commissioners
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the County Manager's FY2025 Recommended Budget, which proposes $628,228,685 in total spending across all funds and a property tax rate increase of 2.55 cents to 52.35 cents per $100 of assessed value. The board also approved several consent agenda items, including a design contract with WSP USA Inc. for Ferry Road site roadwork not to exceed $1,200,000, intergovernmental agreements for public safety systems, and conservation easement funding for Okoboji Farm and Warren Wilson College. A resolution determining a critical need for an affordable housing capital improvement project at the Ferry Road site was adopted, and the board approved an updated Capital Improvement Policy. Budget adoption is scheduled for June 18.
- Held public hearing on FY2025 Recommended Budget ($628.2M all funds; $441.9M General Fund; proposed 52.35-cent tax rate)
- Approved design contract with WSP USA Inc. for Ferry Road access road and roadway improvements, not to exceed $1,200,000
- Approved intergovernmental agreements for Public Safety Interoperability Program (PSIP) and Centralized Data Entry (CDE) with Asheville, Black Mountain, Weaverville, and Woodfin
- Approved third amendment to TDA grant agreement adding Town of Woodfin as direct grant recipient for Woodfin Greenway and Blueway
- Adopted resolution determining critical need for affordable housing capital improvement project at Ferry Road site
- Approved $511,500 in Open Space Bond funds for Okoboji Farm conservation easement
- Approved $310,000 in transaction costs for four conservation easements on 600 acres at Warren Wilson College
- Approved updated Capital Improvement Policy establishing annual General Fund reserve transfer beginning FY2026
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a second reading of a seven-year exclusive franchise agreement with FCC Environmental Services, LLC for residential solid waste and recycling collection in unincorporated Buncombe County, starting January 1, 2025, with a one-year extension option. The board also approved budget amendments allocating $3,122,792 in Affordable Housing Services Program funds to ten projects, $15,587,436 in Affordable Housing GO Bond funds to six new projects, and $10,671,764 in Open Space GO Bond funds for Ferry Road Open Space and Deaverview Mountain. Additionally, the board approved a $83,851 budget amendment for demolition of two condemned structures in Barnardsville and accepted several consent agenda items including a paratransit rate increase and contracts for courthouse renovation and paving design.
- Approved Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with FCC Environmental Services, LLC (second reading, 6-0)
- Approved $3,122,792 reallocation of Affordable Housing Services Program funds to 10 projects
- Approved $15,587,436 in Affordable Housing GO Bond funds for 6 new projects
- Approved $10,671,764 in Open Space GO Bond funds for Ferry Road Open Space ($3,000,000) and Deaverview Mountain ($7,671,764)
- Approved $83,851 budget amendment for demolition of two condemned structures in Barnardsville
- Approved paratransit rate increase to $3.37 per shared service mile effective July 1, 2024
- Approved pre-construction services contract with Vannoy Construction for $168,848 for courthouse renovation
- Approved design contract with Davis Civil Solutions for $35,880 for countywide paving project
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 on first reading to grant FCC Environmental Services, LLC an exclusive seven-year franchise for residential trash and recycling collection in unincorporated Buncombe County, starting January 1, 2025. A second reading and final approval is scheduled for May 21, 2024. The Board also extended the county's moratorium on cryptocurrency mining facilities for one year, to April 30, 2025, and approved several budget amendments and grant awards.
- Approved first reading of 7-year exclusive solid waste franchise with FCC Environmental Services, LLC (6-0); second reading set for May 21, 2024
- Extended temporary moratorium on cryptocurrency mining facilities to April 30, 2025
- Approved $75,000 Clean Water Fund award to Town of Black Mountain and $25,000 to Riverlink
- Approved $2,831,000 budget amendment and DOT passthrough agreement for Barnardsville Bridge replacement
- Adopted resolution accepting $2,750,000 in ARPA funds for Barnardsville stream restoration
- Approved boundary change moving five parcels from Reems Creek to Woodfin Fire Service District, effective July 1, 2024
- Approved $114,000 in conservation easement allocations and $30,000 state reimbursement for Cole Farm survey costs
- Appointed Sarah Gross as Clerk to the Board, effective May 28, 2024
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved resolutions to issue up to $17M in General Obligation bonds for affordable housing and up to $81.5M in Limited Obligation bonds for school and county capital projects. The Board also approved a $200,000 grant for Fairview park development and a $549,400 design contract for the 35 Woodfin renovation.
- Approved issuance of Taxable General Obligation Housing Bonds not to exceed $17M
- Approved issuance of Limited Obligation Bonds not to exceed $81.5M
- Approved $200,000 budget amendment for Fairview Park Development Grant
- Approved $549,400 design contract with CPL Architects for 35 Woodfin renovation
- Proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
- Proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- Proclaimed April 18 as Line Worker Appreciation Day
- Proclaimed April as Less Plastic Buncombe Month
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a resolution to negotiate Limited Obligation Bonds up to $81.5M for school and county capital projects. They also authorized a $1M grant application for recovery housing and approved several audit contracts and budget amendments.
- Authorized negotiation of Limited Obligation Bonds up to $81.5M (Resolution 24-04-03)
- Approved $1M grant application for ABCCM 'Pathways to Recovery' housing (Resolution 24-04-02)
- Approved $808,400 design contract with Clark Patterson Lee for courthouse renovations
- Approved FY2024 audit contract with Mauldin & Jenkins for $192,000
- Authorized decennial transportation program audit with Mauldin & Jenkins up to $25,000
- Appointed Assistant Finance Director Mason Scott as Deputy Finance Officer (Resolution 24-04-01)
- Approved 2024 Legislative Agenda (Resolution 24-04-04)
- Approved $250,000 budget amendment for Sheriff's Office surveillance equipment
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a contract with Prismatic Services, Inc. to study the feasibility of merging the Asheville City and Buncombe County school systems. The Board also approved several updated human resources policies and funding for the A-B Tech Master Plan.
- Approved $301,543 contract with Prismatic Services, Inc. for School Consolidation Feasibility Study
- Approved $500,000 budget amendment for A-B Tech Master Plan
- Approved financing of up to $23.5M in revenue bonds for Lakeshore Villas Affordable Housing Project
- Approved new Overtime Pay policy and revised Benefits, Leave, and Supplemental Pay policies
- Approved resolution for Pyrotecnico to conduct fireworks display at Biltmore Estate on April 20, 2024
- Approved authority to begin negotiations with FCC for solid waste franchise hauling
- Declared March 19, 2024, as Buncombe County Ag Awareness Day
Board of Commissioners
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a $648,990 contract with D.H. Griffin Wrecking Company, Inc. to demolish a vacant building on the A-B Tech Enka Campus, with work expected to take 180 days from notice to proceed. The Board also adopted the Recovery Housing Program Citizen Participation Plan and approved a resolution allowing Pyrotecnico to conduct fireworks displays at McCormick Field on 13 dates in 2024. Commissioners appointed Deputy Clerk Stacey Woody as Interim Clerk effective March 15, 2024, and directed staff to explore options to continue and improve library services in the Swannanoa Valley while supporting continuation at the existing location. All votes recorded were 6-0.
- Approved consent agenda including February 20, 2024 meeting minutes, tax collection report, and fireworks resolution (6-0)
- Directed support for exploring options to continue and improve Swannanoa Valley library services and continuation at existing location (6-0)
- Adopted Recovery Housing Program Citizen Participation Plan (6-0)
- Approved $648,990 contract with D.H. Griffin for A-B Tech Enka Campus vacant building demolition (6-0)
- Appointed Stacey Woody as Interim Clerk to the Board effective March 15, 2024 (no vote recorded)
- Appointed Kyle Guie to Agricultural Advisory Board for Farmland Preservation (6-0)
- Reappointed Nancy Waldrop to Buncombe County Planning Board (6-0)
- Held off on Early Childhood Education and Development Committee appointment; to revisit April 2, 2024 (no vote recorded)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for East Valley LLC. The meeting includes budget adjustments for COVID-19 vaccines and school nursing, as well as a second-quarter financial report for FY2024.
- Public hearing for East Valley LLC Rezoning Request (ZPH2023-00040)
- Budget amendment of $220,000 for purchasing COVID-19 vaccines
- Line-item transfer of $100,000 from Homeowner Assistance to the School Nursing Program
- Budget amendment for increased bond proceeds for the Lakeshore Villas Project
- Resolution to donate surplus personal property
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved several infrastructure contracts, including renovations for the Asheville High School Auditorium and electrical upgrades for the County Courthouse. It also authorized funding for two conservation easements and approved a $1.03M appropriation for 911 operations equipment.
- Approved $4.66M contract with Vannoy Construction for Asheville High School Auditorium renovations (6-0)
- Approved $639,890 contract with Haynes Electric for Courthouse electrical upgrades (6-0)
- Approved $666,250 contract with Providence Construction Group for Enka Sports Park restrooms (6-0)
- Approved $400,000 for Parham-Fortner and Lake Eden conservation easements (6-0)
- Approved $1,027,946 appropriation from 911 Fund balance for recorders, consoles, and protocols (6-0)
- Approved closing out the CDBG Coronavirus Program with $404,212 unencumbered (6-0)
- Approved $204,000 contract amendment for ADW Architects for new EMS East Base (6-0)
- Reappointed Brenton Faircloth to Asheville Planning & Zoning Commission (6-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved funding for increased law enforcement presence in the Downtown Business District and a budget amendment for public health workforce development. Other actions included updating the Solid Waste Ordinance and adjusting the Board of Elections Director's salary.
- Approved $56,000 for Sheriff’s Office Downtown Initiative (6-0)
- Approved $684,061 budget amendment for Public Health Infrastructure workforce development (6-0)
- Approved Director of Board of Elections annual salary of $115,000 (6-0)
- Approved Solid Waste Ordinance amendments on second reading (6-0)
- Approved $50,000 reduction for NBHS Softball Field construction (6-0)
- Accepted FY2023 audit and approved final contract amendment (6-0)
- Appointed Artie Miller to Library Board (6-0)
- Reappointed Christopher Fink to Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee (6-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved amendments to the Solid Waste Management ordinance and a resolution to join the North Carolina CLASS Investment Pool. They also authorized a $725,000 budget amendment for North Buncombe High School softball field construction. A proposed salary increase for the Director of Elections was tabled for further information.
- Approved amendments to Solid Waste Management Ordinance Chapter 62 (6-0)
- Approved resolution and agreement to join NC CLASS Investment Pool (6-0)
- Approved $725,000 budget amendment for North Buncombe High School softball field construction (6-0)
- Approved $15,000 grant for Soil & Water Conservation District Education Programs (6-0)
- Tabled decision on Director of Elections salary increase to $115,000
- Appointed Joey Moore to Mountain Area Workforce Development Board (6-0)
- Appointed Celesta Gorman to Historic Resources Commission (6-0)
- Approved November 2023 Tax Collection Report (6-0)