The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on April 16 to review updated property values, consider education funding requests, and discuss other fiscal matters as part of preparations for the fiscal year 2027 budget. No decisions were made on the property tax rate or specific programs during this session.
The discussion is significant as it shapes how county resources will be allocated in the coming year, with a focus on ensuring fair taxation and supporting public services like education. Commissioners are tasked with balancing increased property values against community needs while considering feedback from residents before adopting the final budget.
County staff reported that after a required reappraisal in 2026, estimated assessed real property value for fiscal year 2027 is $68.6 billion, up from $45.6 billion in the current year. Total estimated property tax value across all categories is projected at $76.8 billion, compared to $53.6 billion previously. The revenue-neutral tax rate would be set at 39.22 cents per $100 of assessed value if adopted, but commissioners have not yet determined what rate they will propose.
Education remains the largest expenditure in Buncombe County’s proposed budget, with an overall request of $137.3 million—an increase of $11.4 million over last year—to support Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools, and A-B Tech Community College. For context on student readiness within local schools: Of senior students taking the science portion of the ACT in Buncombe County school districts during the 2022-23 school year, about 28.5% were considered ready for college according to state data. Among juniors taking science that same year, about 30.1% met college readiness benchmarks according to state data. In reading proficiency among seniors taking the ACT reading portion, approximately 41.1% were deemed ready for college according to state data, while juniors scored slightly higher at about 43.2% according to state data. Math readiness was lower: only around 25.6% of seniors and about 32.7% of juniors met college-ready standards on their respective ACT math tests according to state data.
Other topics included potential changes to solid waste fees and consideration of modifying or discontinuing the Homeowner Grant program in favor of transferring funds toward broader assistance through Health and Human Services programs.
Commissioners plan another work session on April 28 before presenting a recommended budget May 5; final adoption is scheduled for June 2 following a public hearing set for May 19.
