News Summary
Buncombe County has approved a $435 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year amidst a proposed property tax increase and ongoing discussions regarding education funding. The budget includes essential services and an increase for public safety, while sparking controversy over the allocation of funds to local school districts. Asheville City Schools will receive less than requested, leading to public outcry and potential funding adjustments from state authorities. Additionally, local nonprofits may experience funding cuts due to the budget constraints.
Buncombe County Finalizes $435 Million Budget Amidst Education Funding Controversy
Buncombe County has approved a $435 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which comes alongside a proposed property tax increase and ongoing debates about funding for local education. County Manager Avril Pinder suggested a property tax hike of 3.26 cents, raising the total rate to 55.02 cents per $100 of property value.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners made several modifications to the initial budget proposal after thorough discussions focused on maintaining essential services and recovering from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, which resulted in an $11.4 million revenue shortfall. To accommodate the financial challenges, the commission implemented cost reductions across various departments.
Education Funding at the Forefront of Discussions
Education funding has emerged as a significant controversy, prompting numerous public comments and rallies advocating for full funding for local school boards. Asheville City Schools (ACS) initially requested $21 million but will ultimately receive $17.3 million. Similarly, Buncombe County Schools (BCS) had requested $105 million but will receive $95.8 million.
Both school districts presented budgets described as “no cuts,” designed specifically to prevent staff layoffs. In an effort to potentially bolster their funding, the Buncombe County Commission has sought authorization from the state General Assembly to allocate Article 39 sales tax funds toward education budgets. If granted, this could increase funding to $18 million for ACS and $99.3 million for BCS.
Budget Allocations and Financial Implications
The approved budget also emphasizes the importance of continuing essential services, particularly in public safety. The public safety budget experienced an increase from $95.9 million to $98.4 million, illustrating the county’s commitment to maintaining safety programs. As a result of the property tax rate increase, residents with properties valued at $400,000 can expect an additional $116 in county taxes.
This budget reflects an overall 5.6% increase in the property tax rate, which will rise an additional 3.6% specifically for residents within the ACS district. Cuts to the county operating budgets, salaries, and discretionary community investments were necessary to navigate financial constraints resulting from the storm’s impact.
Impact on Local Nonprofits and Upcoming Votes
Local nonprofit organizations dependent on county grants, such as Pisgah Legal Services, are likely to face funding reductions that may affect their ability to provide essential services in the community. This situation highlights the widening gap in available resources for critical social services amidst budgetary constraints.
Additionally, the city of Asheville has proposed a separate $256 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which includes plans for employee raises and various spending cuts. The finalized Buncombe County budget will be voted on by the Board of Commissioners on June 3, and there is potential for additional adjustments before the budget is officially adopted.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Buncombe County Approves Budget
- Wikipedia: Buncombe County
- Mountain X: City-County Proposed Budget Highlights
- Google Search: Buncombe County Budget 2026
- WLOS: Buncombe County Faces Budget Cut
- Mountain X: Asheville School Board’s Frustration
- Google News: Buncombe County Education Funding
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
