ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on Monday advanced several major initiatives related to disaster recovery, community planning and fiscal policy.
Top 3 takeaways:
- Commissioners approved a resolution to establish a steering committee for the Swannanoa Small Area and Resilience Plan.
- A proposed $434.7 million budget was presented, including a potential 3.26-cent property tax increase. If adopted on June 3, the increase would generate funding for core services and Tropical Storm Helene recovery, adding approximately $114 annually to the tax bill of a $350,000 home.
- The board accepted an additional $135,000 in Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery funds from the city of Asheville. The funding may assist eligible renters with housing costs.
Other updates:
- Commissioners updated county personnel policies following a public hearing.
- Board approved a resolution authorizing the county manager and finance officer to approve reimbursement resolutions.
- Mountain Mobility was honored as the Transit System of the Year.
- May 2025 was proclaimed Older Americans Month in Buncombe County.
- Buncombe County Election Services received a Clearinghouse Award from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
- Angela Lee, the county’s floodplain manager, was appointed to the executive board of the N.C. Association of Floodplain Managers.
- Amy Padilla-Cortes, of Buncombe County Public Safety Communications (911), was named the 2025 Peer Team Member of the Year by the N.C. chapters of APCO International and the National Emergency Number Association, recognizing her exceptional contributions to public safety.