The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held its final budget work session on April 28, receiving updates on the current fiscal year’s financial outlook and discussing plans for the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The property tax rate has not yet been set, with formal adoption of the budget expected in June.
The topic is important as it outlines how county resources will be allocated for public services, education, safety, and community programs in the coming year. Decisions made during this process impact residents’ taxes and access to services.
County staff reported that as of April 20, revenues for the current fiscal year are higher than anticipated while expenditures are lower. The approved revenue was $437.5 million but is now projected at $444.6 million; spending was forecasted at $438.1 million but is now expected to reach $431.2 million. This surplus means Buncombe County could return between $10-13.5 million to its fund balance.
For fiscal year 2027, proposed spending stands at $485.1 million with education accounting for $137.3 million and public safety for $106.4 million among other allocations such as human services and economic development initiatives. Proposed revenues total $451.8 million with property taxes making up a significant portion at $303.5 million.
Commissioners have reduced more than $25 million from initial proposals by cutting expenditures since their first presentation but continue to consider further reductions before final approval in June.
Education remains a key area: Of 2,010 senior students taking the science portion of the ACT in Buncombe County school districts, 573 (28.5%) were considered ready for college in the 2022-23 school year according to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. For juniors that same year, out of 1,931 students taking science ACTs, 582 (30.1%) were deemed college-ready according to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. In reading proficiency among seniors taking the ACT’s reading section (2,010 students), 827 (41.1%) met college readiness benchmarks according to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, while among juniors (1,931 students), it was slightly higher at 835 or 43.2% according to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Math readiness rates were lower: only about one-quarter—514 seniors (25.6%)—were considered ready according to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, compared with nearly one-third—631 juniors (32.7%)—meeting benchmarks according to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Commissioners also discussed changes such as consolidating fire districts into a single unified district with an estimated revenue increase based on a proposed tax rate adjustment; modifications are planned for homeowner grant programs aimed at expanding assistance options through Health and Human Services; and approximately $14.5 million in grants targeting affordable housing projects supporting over 850 units alongside funding early childhood education initiatives.
Next steps include presenting the recommended budget on May 5 during a commissioners meeting followed by a public hearing set for May 19 before anticipated adoption on June 2.
