ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County Property Assessor Keith Miller was relieved of his duties Tuesday because of “unacceptable personal conduct.”
During a special-called meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to remove Miller for good cause effective immediately.
“We remain committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, honesty and equity,” County Manager Avril Pinder said in a news release. “Wavering from our values is not an option in Buncombe County.”
The assessment office manages land records, individual personal property, business personal property, residential and commercial real estate, data analysis and special programs. The department has seven divisions and approximately 35 employees.
According to county documents, the problem stems from a business and personal relationship Miller had with an employee.
According to county documents, Miller notified human resources of his intent to retire on Sept. 4 “shortly after you had a meeting with County Manager Avril Pinder regarding facts and circumstances involving your personal business transactions and relationships that may constitute Unacceptable Personal Conduct. Retirement or resignation are personal decisions; however, there is reason to believe that your email initiating the retirement process was an attempt to usurp disciplinary actions. The retirement process will have to take its course. Please take notice that this Board does not accept your notice of intent to retire.”
The board authorized Pinder to disclose the reasons for the good cause hearing against Miller, saying the release of the information is essential to maintaining the public confidence in the administration of county services.
CLICK HERE to see the K. Miller BOC Letter of Notice
Commissioners appointed Eric Cregger as interim property assessor. Cregger, who has served as assistant director of property assessment since September 2023, has worked for Buncombe County since October 2015.