Asheville residents got their first official chance to voice opinions on the city’s financial plans for 2026-27 during a public comment session held at the City Council meeting on Tuesday night. Discussions revolved around strategies to manage a significant shortfall anticipated in the next fiscal year’s budget.
While the financial gap is still substantial, it is somewhat less than earlier estimates. Lindsay Spangler, the city’s budget and performance manager, shared updates with the Council in a work session before the meeting. She revealed that the deficit is now projected at $26.4 million, a decrease from the previously estimated $30.4 million, thanks to continued budget cuts initially considered temporary and revised employee health care cost calculations. More details on the financial forecasts can be found here.
Spangler pointed out that addressing the budget gap would likely necessitate new taxes. “With the size that we’re looking at, we don’t believe it’s possible to balance the budget just with budget reductions,” she stated, indicating that the city might need to consider revenue increases, including adjustments in fees and property tax hikes.
During the session, several speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining the city’s core values amid financial challenges. Vicki Meath from the nonprofit Just Economics and former Council candidate Nina Tovish stressed the need for the city to ensure all employees receive a living wage, which Just Economics has calculated at $24.10 hourly.
Rachel Cohen, representing the Sunrise Movement, advocated for continued investment in sustainability and public transit. She proposed exploring a sales tax to fund these initiatives, a move that has been considered several times in recent years. However, City Attorney Brad Branham noted that such a tax would require state approval, which isn’t expected until at least 2027.
Two individuals aiming to replace current Council members used the platform to call for significant changes. Candidate Kyle Turner argued that Asheville faces a “structural deficit where recurring expenses outpace recurring revenues,” requiring more than temporary fixes. David Moritz, another candidate, emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, pointing out a national trend of increasing spending without corresponding results.
The Council’s next budget work session is scheduled for March 10, where updated financial projections and budget strategies will be discussed. The city plans to release a draft budget on May 12, followed by a public hearing on May 26.
Additional Developments
- Chris Corl briefed the Council on plans for a performing arts center to replace the aging Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, with the city seeking a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for the project. Details of the proposal can be found here.
- The Council unanimously approved modifications to the city’s noise ordinance, enhancing clarity and legal defensibility, particularly near schools and medical clinics. This change is linked to an ongoing lawsuit.
- A community design workshop on rebuilding Azalea Park and French Broad riverfront parks is scheduled for February 28. More information is available here.
- The Council did not address the proposed “Fourth Amendment resolution,” which would reaffirm the city’s commitment to protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures.
- A grant application for $585,000 was approved to study multimodal improvements along Hilliard Avenue, following a previously denied application in December.
