BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Black Mountain’s town manager has proposed a $19.6 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, outlining spending priorities, rate changes and recovery efforts following last year’s devastating Tropical Storm Helene.
Town Manager Josh Harrold said the $19.57 million figure represents an 11.2 percent decrease from the current year’s adopted budget, primarily because of lingering impacts from Helene.
The proposed budget includes balanced appropriations for the General, Special Revenue and Utility funds. Harrold presented the spending plan this week, which outlines funding for operations, capital improvements and debt service.
“The town experienced catastrophic damage in the 100-year and 500-year floodplain,” Harrold said in a news release about the budget.
He cited estimated damage to town property ranging from $25 million to $30 million, based on current Federal Emergency Management Agency assessments. Recovery efforts in partnership with FEMA are expected to continue for several years.
The budget maintains the property tax rate at 32.10 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. With a projected collection rate of 99.5 percent, ad valorem taxes are expected to generate $5.72 million — an increase of $122,500 from last year.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PROPOSED BUDGET
In the Water Fund, the budget includes rate increases for in-town and out-of-town customers, effective July 1, 2025. The rate hike stems from a second consecutive 33 percent increase in wholesale water rates from the city of Asheville. Another 33 percent increase is anticipated in fiscal year 2026-27.
“Given both the current and potential future projects involving this fund, I believe it to be in our best interest to raise rates that allow us to provide our current levels of service while planning for the future capital projects we have previously identified,” Harrold said in the release. “The damage to the water system caused by Hurricane Helene proves the town needs to increase resiliency, such as back-up wells, to be able to sustain without water from Asheville.”
Water fees and charges are projected to generate $2.53 million. Under the new rates, in-town residential customers using an average of 1,878 gallons per month will see their bills rise by 91 cents. Out-of-town customers with similar usage will pay an additional $3.09 per month.
The Stormwater Fund remains unchanged, with single-family residences continuing to pay $72 annually. The fund’s revenue is projected at $378,600.
Harrold emphasized that while the proposed budget reflects council priorities, it is not final and will undergo further review.
“This budget is neither final nor necessarily a reflection of what will be approved by the Town Council,” he said. “The Town Council will undertake a thorough study of this proposal to arrive at what it considers the proper program of revenues and expenditures for the town government for the coming year.”