ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County commissioners on Tuesday advanced plans for two voter-approved bond proposals, approved engineering work aimed at reducing landslide risks in Fairview and adopted an updated regional hazard mitigation plan shaped in part by lessons learned from Tropical Storm Helene.
The actions came during the Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting June 16.
Bond measures move toward voter referendum
Commissioners held public hearings on proposed general obligation bonds that would provide $30 million for open space conservation projects and $40 million for affordable housing initiatives.
Following the hearings, the board approved bond orders for both measures and adopted a resolution setting a special bond referendum, allowing voters to decide whether to authorize the borrowing.
Commissioner Terri Wells said the bonds could help the county maximize recovery and investment opportunities.
“As it relates to recovery, these bonds allow us to leverage millions more for our community,” Wells said.
County approves engineering contract for Garren Creek landslide mitigation
The board approved a $1.83 million contract with ECS Southeast LLC to study potential landslide mitigation options in the Garren Creek community of Fairview.
The area was among the hardest hit by Tropical Storm Helene, which triggered multiple landslides in the Garren Creek and Craigtown communities and claimed 13 lives.
County officials said 55 landslides across Buncombe County were initially identified as affecting two or more properties. Of those, 25 met Federal Emergency Management Agency criteria for engineering and design work.
The Garren Creek project is the second of three county landslide mitigation projects. FEMA and North Carolina Emergency Management will cover the cost through Public Assistance funding.
Hazard mitigation plan updated
Commissioners also adopted the 2026 Buncombe and Madison County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a document required to maintain eligibility for certain state and federal disaster assistance programs.
The plan outlines strategies to reduce risks from natural disasters and has been reviewed by both FEMA and North Carolina Emergency Management.
Among the updates are lessons learned from Helene recovery efforts, expanded resilience planning, enhanced assessments of vulnerable populations, updated risk data and new mitigation priorities.
County officials described the plan as a living document that may be updated during its five-year lifespan.
Volunteer award recipients recognized
The board recognized Buncombe County recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, honoring residents for their contributions to the community.
This year’s honorees are:
- Lyndall Noyes-Brownwell, Friends of Black Mountain Public Library
- Betsy White, Alliance on Mental Illness Western Carolina
- Kris Medic, Sand Hill Community Garden
- Anne Vilen, Pisgah Legal Services
New intergovernmental affairs director introduced
County Manager Avril Pinder introduced Josh Hallingse as Buncombe County’s new intergovernmental affairs director.
Overtime policy changes approved
Commissioners approved updates to several county policies, including overtime pay, sustainable fleet management and payment card industry compliance.
The most significant change affects overtime compensation. Beginning with the pay period starting June 27, non-exempt county employees will receive time-and-a-half pay for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. The revised policy eliminates compensatory time as an alternative form of overtime compensation.
Updates to the sustainable fleet policy primarily clarify language and move operational details into procedures. Changes to the payment card industry compliance policy are designed to maintain security standards and reflect industry updates.
Budget amendments approved
The board approved several budget amendments required for year-end accounting compliance under Governmental Accounting Standards Board rules. Officials said the adjustments involve lease and subscription financing expenses and will be offset by corresponding revenues, requiring no additional spending.
Commissioners also approved budget amendments related to debt service and issuance costs associated with the county’s 2026A and 2026B Limited Obligation Bonds.
County officials said costs tied to school capital projects, county capital projects and solid waste capital projects will be covered by debt proceeds, while general fund costs will be offset through a combination of debt proceeds and existing budgeted funds.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet again July 21.
