Asheville

The Asheville City Council has approved a new budget totaling $256.1 million, which includes a property tax increase of 3.26 cents per $100 of assessed value. This increase will take effect on July 1, 2025, leading to an average additional tax burden of $114 for residents.

The budget reflects a 2.1% increase compared to the previous fiscal year and includes various allocation strategies to enhance city services and employee compensation. Alongside the property tax increase, city employees earning $58,000 or more will receive a 3% pay raise, while those making less than this amount will benefit from a flat salary increase of $1,740.

Funding Allocations

Significant funds from the budget are earmarked for new hiring, particularly for three firefighter positions and their salaries and equipment, expected to cost $155,000. Additionally, the Asheville Police Department will receive $1.1 million to address salary compression issues, ensuring that police staff are fairly compensated.

Budget Adjustments

In order to balance the budget effectively, Asheville will utilize one-time revenue sources, including $600,000 from the Street Cut Fund and $900,000 from the Transit Fund. However, to accommodate budget deficits, the city will also need to cut $5 million from overall expenditures.

Community Impact

The property tax hike of 7.9% from the previous year will significantly affect local homeowners. For instance, those with properties valued at $350,000 will pay an additional $114 annually due to the tax increase. This move has raised concerns among some council members regarding its impact on residents, particularly in the current economic climate.

Public Engagement

As part of the budget deliberation process, the Council held community engagement sessions to gather input from residents, ensuring their perspectives were considered in financial decisions. Council member Kim Roney highlighted the critical nature of supporting city employees who provided services during recent emergencies like Tropical Storm Helene.

Additional Initiatives

Furthermore, the budget implementation includes strategic plans aimed at achieving 100% renewable energy for municipal operations by 2030. This environmental initiative aligns with the city’s long-term sustainability goals while maintaining a commitment to enhance city services.

Fire Department Improvements

In addition to financial adjustments for city staff, fire department personnel will benefit from the implementation of a fourth shift system, which is intended to shorten average workweeks from 56 hours to 42 hours. Firefighters will also receive a 3% pay increase as part of the budget’s focus on improving employee morale and retention.

Conclusion

The Asheville City Council’s decision highlights a comprehensive approach to budget management aimed at enhancing public safety, government employee welfare, and community recovery efforts while addressing the challenges posed by rising operational costs and tax implications for residents.