ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County commissioners on Tuesday approved new engineering work for landslide mitigation in the Grovemont community, ended a commercial hauler rebate program, revised affordable housing guidelines and voted to discontinue longevity pay for future county employees.

During their Dec. 2 meeting, commissioners also received a first-quarter financial update for fiscal year 2026 and an annual report from the Early Childhood Education & Development Fund Committee.

Grovemont landslide engineering approved

The board unanimously approved a $794,200 contract with ECS Southeast, LLC to design and engineer potential landslide mitigation in Swannanoa’s Grovemont neighborhood, which saw nine documented landslides during Tropical Storm Helene.

The work, funded entirely through FEMA Public Assistance funding via North Carolina Emergency Management, will include LiDAR mapping, hazard modeling, risk assessments, design recommendations and cost estimates.

No county dollars are required, and the project is expected to begin early next year. The initial design phase is slated to take about 10 months.

Commercial Hauler Rebate Program ending

Commissioners voted to terminate the Commercial Hauler Rebate Program effective Dec. 31, 2025.

Solid Waste Director Dane Pedersen told the board that only five of the county’s 620 active commercial haulers qualified for rebates, while the program cost nearly $1.5 million over the past three years. Ending the program, he said, will simplify fee structures and promote competitive neutrality among haulers.

The change will not affect commercial tipping fees.

Affordable Housing Services Program updated

Commissioners approved several revisions to the Affordable Housing Services Program intended to clarify rules and align funding with post-Tropical Storm Helene needs.

Key updates include prioritizing displaced residents, clarifying loan structures, prohibiting reimbursement for pre-development expenses, requiring borrower identification at application, and specifying when awards may be combined or reimbursed.

Projects using Project Based Vouchers may also rely on local Housing Authority rent standards, even when those exceed Fair Market Rent.

Longevity pay ending for new employees

Following a public hearing with no speakers, commissioners approved changes to the county Personnel Ordinance that end longevity compensation for employees hired or rehired on or after Jan. 1, 2026. Current employees will remain eligible under the existing system.

Early childhood and financial reports delivered

Commissioner Martin Moore presented the annual report from the Early Childhood Education & Development Fund Committee, which oversees $3.97 million in grants supporting 13 projects across the county. The committee’s work includes supporting behavioral health services, curriculum, workforce development, teacher pay and parent engagement.

The FY2027 grant application window opens Jan. 5, 2026.

Finance Director Melissa Moore provided the fiscal year’s first-quarter financial report, covering solid waste operations, capital projects, investments and procurement trends.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026.