ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — When Asheville voters go to the polls in November, they will be asked to approve an $80 million General Obligation Bond.

Asheville City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved the ballot language for the referendum, which set the amounts and allocations.

Those include:

  • Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Housing Bonds
  • Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Transportation Bonds
  • Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Parks and Recreation Bonds
  • Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Public Safety Bonds

Click here to view the presentation with more details about each bond.

ASHEVILLE MIGHT SEEK AN UP TO $80 MILLION GO BOND

During the public hearing, two community members, including Sally Grau, who helped organize a previous Rebuild Malvern Hills Pool rally, voiced her support for part of the Parks and Recreation Bonds going toward funding Malvern Hills, which has been closed while in need of extensive repairs.

“We fully support the 2024 GO Bonds,” she said of the Malvern Hills community group. “Our community fabric is woven by the public spaces we share.”

She stressed the importance of the Malvern Hills community gathering space.

There will be an estimated 2.6 cent property tax increase for the GO Bonds.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Finance Director Tony McDowell provided examples of how bond funds could be used to address community needs in the categories in which they were listed.

“The additional revenue that could be realized from a bond referendum would allow Council to prioritize projects that are planned for future years and address current and long term community needs,” a press release from the city said following the vote.

City council voted during their June 25 meeting to set the public hearing for the GO Bond. Council’s role moving forward will be providing information only on bond categories and possible projects. State law prohibits city staff or any officials advocate for the bond referendum.

Timeline

July 23 – Council’s Final Action

  • Hold public hearing
  • Adopt final bond categories
  • Adopt final amounts for referenda

November 5 – Referendum vote.

December 10 – City Council adopts Resolution Certifying and Declaring Results of Special Bond Referendum.

Jan/Feb 2025 – LGC Approval of Bond Orders & City Council adoption of budget amendment. (If approved)

June 2025 – Council sets tax property tax rate that reflects revaluation and bond passage.

This story will be updated. Check back at 828newsNOW for more.