ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County voters will decide this fall whether to authorize $70 million in new debt for affordable housing and open space preservation after county commissioners approved placing two bond questions on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday, June 16, to adopt bond orders for a $30 million General Obligation Open Space Bond and a $40 million General Obligation Housing Bond. The action does not authorize the borrowing but allows voters to decide whether the county can issue the bonds.
If approved, the open space bond would fund land conservation efforts, parks, greenways, trails and the protection of farms, scenic landscapes and natural resources. The housing bond would support affordable housing projects for low- and moderate-income residents, including related infrastructure improvements and land acquisition.
Commissioner Jennifer Horton emphasized in a social media post following the vote that the decision now rests with county residents.
“The decision belongs to you,” Horton wrote, noting that both bond questions will appear on the November ballot.
County officials presented polling data during Tuesday’s meeting suggesting both measures could receive voter support, although the open space proposal appears more popular.
A survey of 410 Buncombe County voters conducted May 5-7 found 65 percent supported the open space bond, while 22 percent opposed it and 13 percent were undecided. Support increased to 70 percent after respondents were told the estimated annual cost to the median homeowner would be about $22.
The housing bond received 54 percent support in the initial survey, with 28 percent opposed and 18 percent undecided. Support remained at 54 percent after respondents were informed the estimated annual cost to the median homeowner would be about $30.
If approved by voters, both bonds would be repaid through property taxes.
According to county estimates, the open space bond would increase property tax liability by about $4.10 annually for every $100,000 in assessed property value. The housing bond would add about $5.50 annually per $100,000 of assessed value.
County documents estimate the total repayment cost of the $30 million open space bond, including interest, at approximately $47.6 million over the life of the debt. The $40 million housing bond is projected to cost about $63.5 million to repay, including interest.
Before adopting the bond orders, commissioners held public hearings on both proposals. The board also approved a resolution setting the special bond referendum for the November election.
Voters will have the final say when the measures appear on ballots across Buncombe County on Nov. 3.