Asheville City Council Proposes $80 Million Bond Package

The Asheville City Council has proposed a significant financial initiative. On July 23rd, 2024, the council voted unanimously to place four general obligation bonds, each worth $20 million, on the November 5th ballot. This proposal aims to increase funding for housing, transportation, parks and recreation, and public safety. However, Council member Sheneika Smith was absent from the vote.

Impact on Property Taxes

Tony McDowell, the City of Asheville’s Director of Finance, indicated that passing all four bonds would result in an estimated property tax increase of $110 for the owner of a property valued at the city’s average house value of $420,946. This tax hike would come in addition to a citywide increase of $25.20 for owners of property valued at $400,000 and a Buncombe County increase of $78.

Owners of property within the newly approved Business Improvement District in downtown Asheville will face an additional increase of $360 per year.

Public Support for the Bond Package

Three individuals expressed their support for the bond package before the vote. David Nutter, the chairman of Connect Buncombe’s advocacy and partnership committee, voiced his approval, stating: “We believe these investments are welcoming for all the people in our community.” Sally Grau and Brooke Heaton, members of Rebuild Malvern Hills Pools, expressed gratitude towards the Council for its commitment to utilize the general obligation funds to rebuild the historic pool in Malvern Hills.

Updates on City Projects

Public Bathroom Project

Work is ongoing on the City of Asheville’s public restroom located at the corner of College Street and Rankin Avenue. The prefabricated single-stall structure, dubbed the “Portland Loo,” measures 7 by 10 feet and is expected to arrive later this summer. It will be fully wheelchair accessible and built to withstand vandalism. All installations, including a tie-in to the city’s sewer and water lines and security cameras, are expected to be completed by September.

Road Closures and Property Construction

The closure of Hiawassee Street, which has been ongoing since May due to heavy rains that washed away the road, does not have a projected end date, according to Kim Miller, the City of Asheville’s communication specialist. However, after encountering unknown utilities during construction, the city has developed a new design that will accommodate these utilities, and construction is scheduled to resume on July 29.

Other Developments

The City Council also approved other major proposals, including the rezoning of a 27-acre project at 767 New Haw Creek Road for an 84-unit residential development and a contract for the repair and replacement of HVAC parts and equipment in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. In addition, it passed a resolution authorizing up to $2 million for ongoing improvements at McCormick Field and designated the F.W. Woolworth building in downtown Asheville as the city’s latest historical landmark.

While these developments continue to shape Asheville, the proposed bond package, if approved by voters, will provide significant funding for projects that will undoubtedly impact the city’s infrastructure and public services. All eyes are now on the November 5th ballot as Asheville voters prepare to decide the future of their city.