The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has begun its work on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, with the first budget work session held on January 22. During this session, county staff presented information about capital projects, financing options, and other topics relevant to the upcoming budget cycle. No decisions were made at this meeting, and three additional work sessions are planned before a public hearing scheduled for May 19.
A key focus was the County’s capital improvement plan (CIP), which is used to prioritize and fund construction, renovation, maintenance, demolition projects, or asset acquisitions valued at $100,000 or more with a useful life of at least five years. The CIP process involves project submission and review by the Capital Review Team using criteria such as service delivery impact, feasibility, operating costs, and health and safety considerations.
As of January 2026, Buncombe County has over 60 active capital projects totaling approximately $200 million. These include public safety initiatives like courthouse improvements and EMS base developments (~$39 million), new facilities (~$15 million), facility renovations (~$14 million), major maintenance (~$14 million), infrastructure upgrades including solar installations and EV charging stations (~$19 million), technology updates (~$12 million), parks and greenways investments (~$21 million from county funds plus ~$35 million in grants), natural resource projects ($7 million in grants), and solid waste management funded through an enterprise fund (~$18 million).
Looking ahead, commissioners are considering a seven-year CIP featuring more than 80 proposed projects estimated at $405 million. Planned initiatives cover areas such as expanded EMS bases and courtroom renovations ($152M for public safety); new parks offices and libraries ($54M); major facility maintenance ($110M); transportation infrastructure ($16M); further development of recreation destinations ($20M); landfill expansions ($32M).
Vehicle management was also discussed. The county maintains a fleet of 527 vehicles supporting law enforcement, emergency services, solid waste operations, and general government functions. Replacement strategies prioritize reducing energy consumption through right-sizing the fleet and optimizing routes while shifting toward zero- or low-emission vehicles. For FY27 specifically, 67 vehicles have been identified for replacement along with three ambulances requiring remounts—a cost-effective measure extending vehicle lifespan by five years.
Projected ambulance-related expenses over the next seven years include remounts or replacements totaling several millions annually. In total over that period, up to 285 non-ambulance vehicles may be replaced alongside up to 34 ambulances.
On financing capital needs, staff explained that Buncombe County holds a Triple-A bond rating—the highest available for local governments—and uses limited obligation bonds (secured by assets without voter approval but higher interest rates), general obligation bonds (requiring voter approval but offering better rates tied to taxing power), and bank loans (mainly for equipment). As of January 2026, outstanding debt totals $460.9 million across six categories.
Major future projects under consideration for GO bond funding include library replacements ($45–55M through FY30), a new Parks & Recreation facility ($21M), two new EMS bases ($55M), affordable housing targeting around 1,850 rental units per strategic plan goals ($38–53M), open space conservation efforts aiming for preservation of about 700 acres per year ($10M). Proposed school system investments include new construction at Glen Arden Elementary School ($46M) and renovations at WD Williams Elementary School ($32M) along with broader security upgrades systemwide.
Commissioners are also evaluating whether to create a separate debt service fund aimed at improving accountability and transparency regarding how borrowed money is managed—an approach considered beneficial both for public understanding and maintaining strong credit ratings.
For further details on current performance in education within Buncombe County schools: In the most recent academic year reported by state authorities (source), just over one-quarter of senior students met college readiness benchmarks in science (28.5%) while slightly fewer did so in math (25.6%). Reading proficiency among seniors stood higher at 41.1%. Among juniors tested in these subjects during the same period (source), college readiness rates were similar: science (30.1%), math (32.7%), reading (43.2%).
The next budget work session is scheduled for March 24; presentation of the recommended budget will occur on May 5 with final adoption expected June 2 during a regular commissioners’ meeting.
Residents can follow updates on these processes via the County’s website or watch meetings live on Facebook.
