ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County Commissioners on Tuesday established a Helene Recovery Office, received a public health update ahead of flu season and recognized a national award for the county’s finance department.
For the 31st straight year, the county’s Finance Department earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its Fiscal Year 2026 budget document. The award, given to fewer than 2,000 agencies nationwide, recognizes transparency, performance and strong communication in government budgeting.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the county’s Health and Human Services Board presented its 2024 annual report, outlining accomplishments and challenges across public health and social services. The report highlighted the department’s coordination of Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) benefits following Tropical Storm Helene and its successful harm reduction pilot project.
HHS leaders said the department continues to prioritize preparedness and recovery efforts to maintain critical services while adapting to shifting state and federal funding.
The board remains focused on service delivery and preparedness to best support our community, Chair Dr. David Frayne said in a news release.
Public Health Director Dr. Ellis Matheson briefed commissioners on the upcoming respiratory virus season, noting that multiple viruses — including influenza, RSV and COVID-19 — are expected to circulate simultaneously. Last winter, North Carolina reported 544 flu-related deaths, including 19 in Buncombe County.
Matheson said new RSV vaccines for adults older than 60 and pregnant individuals, along with monoclonal antibody treatments for infants and high-risk toddlers, are expected to reduce illness rates this season. She urged residents to stay up to date on vaccinations, practice good hygiene, and stay home when sick. Vaccines are available through local pharmacies, medical providers and the Buncombe County Immunization Clinic at 40 Coxe Ave.
Commissioners also held a public hearing to rezone property at 2596 Hendersonville Road from residential to commercial service use. The rezoning was approved unanimously, aligning with the Buncombe County 2043 Comprehensive Plan. No public comments were received.
In new business, commissioners approved the creation of a dedicated Helene Recovery Office to coordinate long-term recovery and resilience projects stemming from Tropical Storm Helene. The office will be staffed by five grant-funded positions — three project managers and two fiscal analysts — and oversee work on landslides, park restoration and infrastructure repairs.
The initial Helene project budget includes:
- Landslides: $10,296,428
- Tower roads: $1,324,343
- Owen Park: $1,807,912
- Additional park projects: $572,562