ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The site of the former Asheville Primary School was back before Buncombe County commissioners on Tuesday.
Commissioners heard a presentation outlining concepts and the feasibility of using the property at 441 Haywood Road in West Asheville for a regional EMS base and a library.
The board approved moving forward with additional due diligence to understand the operational and financial impacts of the projects.
Buncombe County recently contracted with ADW Architects to complete a feasibility site study of the Asheville Primary School site.
“The intent is to move forward with next steps and due diligence,” Commissioner Amanda Edwards said in a news release.
Architectural plans show a two-story, 16,800-square-foot regional EMS station at the corner of Haywood Road and Argyle Lane and a two-story, 25,000-square-foot library at the corner of Haywood Road and Interstate 240.
Preliminary cost estimates are $11 million for the regional EMS station and $19 million for the library.
The former school closed in 2022.
Other Buncombe County Board of Commissioners agenda items:
Schedule of Values public hearing
In Tuesday’s briefing, Property Assessor Keith Miller presented the 2025 Schedule of Values to the board. The Schedule of Values outlines the methodology and procedures used to develop the 2025 assessed property values for the reappraisal of all real property for January 2025, the news release said.
Methods, procedures, rules, terminology, categories and classifications used by county appraisers are included in the manual, and they’ll be used to value property until the next countywide reappraisal, according to the news release. During its regular meeting, the Board of Commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing to hear community feedback regarding the Schedule of Values at its Aug. 20 regular meeting.
Avian flu update
Public Health Preparedness Coordinator Nathan Greene provided an update on Avian flu. While the USDA is reporting a high animal health impact across the country and 10 reported human cases this year, there are no known avian flu cases in Buncombe County impacting birds or cattle, the news release said. Avian flu is considered low risk to humans, and Buncombe County Public Health officials and partners are taking a proactive approach to using all available resources to keep our community prepared, according to the news release.
U.S. Forest Service update
District Ranger Jen Barnhart shared a Pisgah National Forest update including details about Tropical Storm Fred impacts and repairs and the Grandfather-Appalachian-Pisgah (GAP) Restoration Project. That project proposes actions to restore fire-adapted sections of Pisgah National Forest and reduce wildfire risk to resources and nearby communities. Public comment on that project is open through Aug. 12. Click here for more information.
GO Bonds Oversight Committee report
The General Obligation Bonds Oversight Committee presented its first report to the Board of Commissioners. The committee was formed to review Affordable Housing and Open Space bond-funded projects for legal and financial compliance and to ensure transparency with the public about how the bond funds are managed and utilized, the news release said. Accomplishments include adoption of bylaws, selecting a chair and vice chair and creating a transparency dashboard that will allow the public to track and follow projects. Find more information about the 2022 Affordable Housing and Open Space bonds here.
Community Development Block Grant NR quarterly update
A neighborhood revitalization grant through the NC Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Division allows Buncombe County to support a home repair program for low-and moderate-income homeowners, the news release said. Community partner Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity manages the program. Community Development Division Manager Matt Cable provided a quarterly overview of progress and plans. Since the last report, a selection committee has met, and five sites in the county have been selected to receive repairs ranging from roof repair and replacement to flooring repairs, according to the news release.
Continuum of Care update
The Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care is the collaborative planning body responsible for developing and overseeing a comprehensive and well-coordinated system of effective services designed to prevent and quickly resolve occurrences of homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County. Homelessness Program Manager Lacy Hoyle provided an update on recent activity from the funding committee and the shelter planning work group. Following a low-barrier shelter request for proposals in July, the group plans to bring their recommendation to the Board of Commissioners in early September, the news release said. The next Continuum of Care Board meeting is Aug. 15.
County manager’s report
County Manager Avril Pinder reported that Buncombe County’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 2 has deployed to Kinston to assist with Hurricane Debby response. She also introduced Interim Human Resources Director Karen Marshall.
Annual tax settlement
In new business, the board approved the fiscal year 2024 annual tax settlement and adopted the order of collection for fiscal year 2025, the news release said. Looking at the fiscal year 2024 snapshot, as of June 30, Buncombe County’s total levy was $256,998,604.39 with a collection rate of 99.78 percent. Find more information here and residents can visit a one-stop property tax portal to see their 2024 tax notices, pay a bill, start a payment plan or inquire about tax relief. Property tax bills will be in the mail starting the week of Aug. 19.
Budget amendment: Buncombe County Schools
Following the recommendation of the School Capital Fund Commission, the Board of Commissioners approved additional funding to complete ADA and egress renovations at Erwin Middle School. Initially budgeted for $2.7 million, additional complexities will require an additional $750,000. The project includes construction of indoor and outdoor ramps, new restroom facilities, and renovation of existing classroom spaces to ensure compliance with ADA standards. Find the ordinance here.