ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County commissioners say a proposed constitutional amendment meant to limit property tax increases could end up costing residents in other ways, from reduced school funding to cuts in emergency services.
The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday, Oct. 20, opposing restrictions on counties’ authority to set property tax rates. The vote comes just two weeks before the Nov. 3 general election, with early voting already underway.
The amendment asks voters whether North Carolina’s constitution should require limits on property tax increases by local governments. It doesn’t specify how much taxes could increase. Instead, state lawmakers would be responsible for setting those limits.
Supporters say the amendment would help protect property owners from rising tax bills. Opponents worry it would leave local governments with fewer options to pay for services as costs continue to climb.
Buncombe commissioners made it clear where they stand.
Property taxes are the county’s largest source of revenue, helping pay for public schools, law enforcement, emergency medical services and other programs. Commissioners said restricting that money could leave them choosing between cutting services and finding other ways to pay for them.
“You can limit a government’s revenue, but you can’t repeal the cost of providing the services,” one commissioner said.
The board has already faced difficult budget decisions following Tropical Storm Helene.
During Tuesday’s discussion, a commissioner pointed out that the county cut $20 million from departmental funding requests while increasing support for public schools by $11.1 million, or 9.4%.
Commissioners said those decisions are difficult enough without additional restrictions from Raleigh. They also worried that limiting property tax revenue could make it harder to respond to another disaster or pay for major construction projects.
Several residents spoke against the proposed amendments during public comment.
Heather Quigley, a parent, warned that schools could be among the hardest hit.
“Our school’s obligations won’t shrink, but the money to meet them will,” she told commissioners.
Other speakers urged the board to oppose the property tax amendment and a separate proposal involving state income taxes.
Commissioners discussed both measures, but the resolution they approved specifically addresses county property tax authority.
It supports the current system, which allows counties to set property tax rates within limits established by state law, and opposes constitutional changes that would “restrict, cap, reduce, or otherwise limit” that authority.
Commissioners also raised concerns that restrictions could eventually mean higher fees, delayed projects or cuts to services. Some worried the changes could affect counties’ borrowing costs, making construction projects more expensive.
The resolution doesn’t change what’s on the ballot. Voters will have the final say Nov. 3.
Fairview Holiday Parade gets county support
Fairview’s holiday parade is one step closer to returning to Charlotte Highway.
Commissioners approved a letter of support Tuesday after several residents and business owners urged them to help keep the tradition going.
For many in Fairview, the parade has taken on a deeper meaning since Tropical Storm Helene devastated parts of the community in 2024.
Cory Wall, who has helped organize the event, told commissioners that volunteers are ready to handle the planning and fundraising. She said the parade won’t cost the county anything, with organizers covering expenses including law enforcement, traffic control and insurance.
Last year’s parade took two hours and 15 minutes, she said.
Other residents spoke about what the event means to families still recovering from the storm.
Leigh Shultis, who owns Wilderness Muse on Charlotte Highway, said the parade also gives struggling businesses a chance to reconnect with customers.
“This is a practical connection between community building and economic recovery, and it is essential,” Shultis said.
The county’s letter will go to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which oversees requirements for special events on state roads.
The letter isn’t final approval for the parade. Organizers still must complete NCDOT’s approval process.
Black Mountain-Swannanoa health center gets $480,000 grant
A planned health center in the Black Mountain-Swannanoa area is moving forward with help from a $480,000 state grant.
Commissioners approved the grant agreement Tuesday for Appalachian Mountain Health, which plans to spend $2.5 million renovating the facility.
The project is part of a larger $14 million investment in the region and is expected to create 48 full-time jobs paying an average of $39.81 an hour, according to the county.
The money comes through the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Building Reuse Grant program.
Buncombe County will receive the grant and pass the money along to Appalachian Mountain Health. Dogwood Health Trust will cover the required 5% local match, so the project won’t cost county taxpayers anything.
Appalachian Mountain Health is a federally qualified health center that provides care regardless of patients’ ability to pay. Its services include primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, dental care and pharmacy services.
The organization also operates mobile medical and dental clinics and provides health services in local schools.
No one spoke during the public hearing on the grant agreement.
County recognizes disability employment awareness
Commissioners also proclaimed October National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
County human resources officials discussed efforts to make workplaces more accessible, including modified workstations, flexible schedules and accommodations for employees with disabilities.
The county also highlighted improvements to its employee health clinic and efforts to support workers with mental health conditions and other disabilities that may not be immediately apparent.
The commissioners’ next regular meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 5, instead of Tuesday, Nov. 3, because of Election Day.