ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County commissioners will tackle a mix of economic development, Helene recovery projects, infrastructure improvements and routine county business when they meet Tuesday evening in downtown Asheville.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Room 326 of the county administration building at 200 College St. Public comment will be taken at the beginning of the meeting.
One of the most closely watched items on the agenda is an economic development update that could pave the way for a major expansion by Southeastern Container in Enka.
In a social media post previewing the meeting agenda, Commissioner Jennifer Horton said Southeastern Container, which has operated in Buncombe County since 1982 and employs 96 people, plans to invest about $31 million in its Enka facility and create 12 new full-time jobs with an average wage of $32.90 per hour.
According to Horton, the state has offered the company a $100,000 Building Reuse Grant, with Buncombe County’s required local match totaling $5,000. She said Tuesday’s action would only authorize county staff to move forward with the process, while public hearings and final votes are scheduled for the Aug. 18 meeting.
Commissioners also are expected to consider a budget amendment for North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Helene recovery money. Horton said the county has been awarded $284,368 to improve boat launches at Bent Creek River Park, Glen Bridge River Park and Hominy Creek River Park. The required local match has already been budgeted, meaning no additional county funding would be needed.
Another agenda item would update a 2017 interlocal agreement with the Town of Woodfin for two greenway projects. Horton said the revised agreement clarifies that Buncombe County will construct the greenway segments while Woodfin will be responsible for long-term maintenance.
On the consent agenda, commissioners are expected to approve a $17.9 million construction manager-at-risk contract with Vannoy Construction for capital maintenance projects at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. The work includes replacing heating and cooling systems, roofs and lighting, along with restroom renovations and accessibility improvements. The project will be funded through the county’s Article 46 sales tax fund and is already included in the budget.
Commissioners also will consider approving a contract related to the county’s new Emergency Operations Center and storage facility. Horton said design work continues on converting an existing building on South Tunnel Road into the county’s emergency operations hub.
Other consent agenda items include a $40,000 Digital Opportunities interlocal agreement to help library patrons access online services through funding from Dogwood Health Trust and Land of Sky, and a $57,540 state-funded budget amendment recognizing adoption promotion funds earned after county staff helped finalize 24 adoptions during the past year.
The board also is scheduled to receive the annual property tax settlement for the fiscal year that ended June 30 and issue the annual order authorizing the county tax collector to begin collecting property taxes for the new fiscal year, a process required under North Carolina law. The June tax collection report shows Buncombe County collected 99.66% of its fiscal year 2026 property tax levy, up from 99.45% during the same period the previous year.
During the meeting’s Good News presentation, Buncombe County will recognize receiving a National Association of Counties Best in Class Achievement Award. Horton noted the county earned seven national awards this year, including its first-ever best-in-category honor.
