Buncombe County Commissioners Address Property Values and Avian Flu Update

Buncombe County Commissioners Hearing on Property Values and Asheville Primary School Site Initiated

Avian Flu Update

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unveiled their extended list of presentations at the kickoff of their first regular August meeting. The Public Health Preparedness Coordinator, Nathan Greene, provided an update on the Avian Flu. Despite USDA reporting desolating effects of the disease amongst animals across the country, with 10 human cases documented this year, Greene confirmed that no known avian flu cases exist currently in Buncombe County impacting birds or cattle.

US Forest Service Update

District Ranger, Jen Barnhart, updated about the conditions of Pisgah National Forest. Barnhart’s report entailed details on Tropical Storm Fred impacts and restoration works, as well as the Grandfather-Appalachian-Pisgah (GAP) Restoration Project. The project aims to restore sections of Pisgah National Forest that were fire-adapted and curb wildfires from endangering resources and nearby communities.

GO Bonds Oversight Committee Annual Report

The General Obligation Bonds Oversight Committee took the spotlight with their first annual report to the Board of Commissioners. The committee was set up to scrutinize Affordable Housing and Open Space bond funded projects for legal and financial compliance. Its accomplishments include adopting bylaws, selecting leadership, and the creation of a transparency dashboard to allow the public to track and follow projects.

Community Development Block Grant NR Quarterly Update

A neighborhood revitalization grant through the NC Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Division allowed Buncombe County to roll out a home repair program for low and moderate-income homeowners. The scheme is run by community partner Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and Matt Cable, the Community Development Division Manager, oversaw the progress and announced future plans.

Continuum of Care Update

The Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care (CoC) is a collaborative body responsible for developing a comprehensive system of effective services designed to prevent and resolve occurrences of homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County. Lacy Hoyle, the Homelessness Program Manager, gave an update on recent activity from the funding committee and the shelter planning work group.

Annual Tax Settlement

During new business discussions, the Board approved the fiscal year 2024 annual tax settlement and adopted the order of collection for the fiscal year 2025. As of June 30, Buncombe County’s total levy was $256,998,604.39 with a collection rate of 99.78%.

Feasibility Planning Study for the Existing Asheville Primary School Site

The Board of Commissioners heard a feasibility study presentation for a regional EMS base and library for West Asheville, held at the Asheville Primary School Site. The Board approved advancing with additional due diligence to understand the operational and financial impacts of the projects.

Schedule of Values Public Hearing Set

In today’s meeting, Property Assessor Keith Miller presented the 2025 Schedule of Values to the Board. The manual outlines methodologies and procedures used to develop 2025 assessed property values for the reappraisal of all real property coming in January 2025. The Board of Commissioners decided to schedule a public hearing to hear community feedback regarding the Schedule of Values at its next meeting on Aug. 20.

Buncombe County Continues to Strive in Protecting and Enhancing Community Interests

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners continues its significant steps in addressing community issues and providing public services diligently. From handling public health challenges like the Avian Flu to making strides in housing and infrastructure development, the board is well-prepared to lead Buncombe County towards a bright and promising future.