ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County commissioners voted Tuesday to consolidate multiple fire service districts, adopt changes to flood regulations and approve several administrative and budget measures during a regular meeting.
Following a public hearing, the board approved a resolution combining 20 fire protection and ambulance and rescue service districts into a single unified district. County officials said the move is intended to create a more consistent level of service and a sustainable funding model for fire protection in unincorporated areas.
Strategy and Innovation Director Rafael Baptista said the change will not affect how departments respond to emergency calls, and residents will continue to be served by the same local fire agencies. Existing municipal fire services in Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Weaverville and Black Mountain will remain funded through local property taxes.
Officials said the tax rate for the unified district has not yet been set. Preliminary projections include a revenue-neutral rate of 9.19 cents and a rate of 14.45 cents to meet fiscal year 2027 fire department budget requests. A proposed rate is expected to be presented with the county manager’s recommended budget on May 5.
Commissioner Terri Wells said feedback from other North Carolina counties that have adopted similar systems has been positive.
The board also approved amendments to the county’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance after a public hearing. The changes add definitions and restrict certain types of development in flood-prone areas, including limits on temporary structures and materials in floodways.
County officials said such items can increase flood risks by obstructing water flow and creating hazards during high-water events. The amendments also require emergency action plans for temporary structures in floodplain areas.
In other action, commissioners authorized the addition of Mars Hill and Marshall to the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium, which distributes about $1.2 million annually in federal housing funds.
The board issued several proclamations recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Food Waste Reduction Month, and honoring Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12-18.
Commissioners also received an annual update from Asheville Regional Airport officials, who reported serving 2.24 million passengers in 2025, making it the second-busiest year in the airport’s history.
Additionally, the board approved a resolution opposing a U.S. Forest Service proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule, citing potential impacts to more than 2,600 acres of roadless areas in Buncombe County.
The board also approved multiple budget amendments, including funding related to federal hazard mitigation grants, reimbursements tied to Tropical Storm Helene response efforts, and contingency spending for unplanned expenses.
The next regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for May 5.