Buncombe County Proposes $70 Million Bond for Housing and Conservation
Buncombe County is gearing up for a significant decision in the upcoming November elections, as the Board of Commissioners initiates legal steps to introduce two bond referenda. The county seeks voter approval to incur $70 million in new debt aimed at bolstering affordable housing and land conservation efforts.
In a unanimous decision, the board approved two documents outlining plans to allocate $40 million for affordable housing initiatives and $30 million towards conserving land. These proposed amounts align with bond issues that received voter approval in 2022. For more details, you can view the first document and second document.
During a work session, Strategic Partnerships Director Rachael Sawyer emphasized the need for additional funding to achieve the county’s 2030 strategic plan goals. She highlighted that $40 million is needed to support over 500 affordable housing units, while $10 million would be allocated for conserving approximately 700 acres annually. Additionally, developing new parks at Deaverview Mountain and Ferry Road would require an estimated $10.7 million.
The potential impact of these bonds on property taxes was not detailed by Sawyer. However, a presentation by Ryan Olson from the Trust for Public Land estimated that the new $70 million borrowing could increase taxes on a median home valued at $465,000 by about $52 annually over 20 years, reflecting a 2.6% rise in the proposed property tax rate.
While discussions on a bond for school capital projects were considered, they will not be part of the November ballot. Commissioner Terri Wells, chair of the School Capital Fund Commission, indicated that education leaders are targeting a 2028 vote instead. More information on this can be found here.
A public hearing on the proposed referenda is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, with the general election set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Buncombe’s Budget Hearing Garners Diverse Opinions
The Board of Commissioners facilitated a public hearing to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. Nine speakers participated, offering varied perspectives on the county’s proposed 11% property tax increase. Among the critics was Rob Stetson, a Republican candidate for the Board of Commissioners District 1 seat, who urged for prudent budget management.
“I tell everyone that you will draw upon your own personal experiences to develop and adopt a budget based on what makes sense by cutting things that are not necessary. And I just hope that I’m not lying to the people out there when I tell them that,” stated Stetson.
Meanwhile, other participants called for sustained or increased funding for specific areas. Riceville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tom Kelly highlighted the need for costly equipment, and Pepi Acebo from the Asheville City Board of Education pointed out potential unfunded mandates from the state legislature’s proposed budget plan for teacher salary increases.
County Manager Avril Pinder suggested that budget adjustments could be anticipated before the commissioners’ scheduled vote on Tuesday, June 2. However, no specific changes were disclosed after the meeting.
Additional Updates
- A public hearing was held on the Commercial District Revitalization Program, with a second hearing set for Tuesday, July 21. Comments can also be submitted via email at HeleneRecovery@BuncombeNC.gov or by calling 828-250-6100.
- The U.S. Forest Service provided an update on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, noting progress in reducing wildfire risks and restoring access to recreational areas.
- The commissioners adopted a resolution to accept properties from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program. So far, 189 properties have been acquired, with another 72 under review.
- Buncombe County accepted $606,000 in insurance money for vehicles damaged during Hurricane Helene.
- May was declared Older Americans Month, with a resolution noting that over 30% of Buncombe residents are aged 60 or older, surpassing the national average.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners convenes every first and third Tuesday at 200 College St., Room 326, in downtown Asheville, starting at 5 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2.
For further details, view the full recording and documents from the May 19 meeting.
