Home & Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee | Nov. 4, 2026

The Buncombe County Home & Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee met on November 4, 2026. The committee approved an increase to the in-home aide unit rates after discussion of program costs and administrative expenses: Level 1 rose from approximately $36.67 to $37.94, and Level 2 from approximately $34.80 to $37.90. A motion to approve was made and seconded; the transcript does not record a roll-call vote. Staff said the program currently has a waiting list and expects to continue serving current clients, while potentially prioritizing any future service reductions based on individual need. The units-of-service report reflected current rates, not the approved increases.

The committee reviewed supplemental aging funding and provider spending and invoicing, including follow-ups with Blue Ridge Pride and Amber Light and pending October billing from May Hac; Eblen Charities was reported as having spent about 80% of its funding. Members discussed the possibility of year-end funding adjustments but said formal direction had not yet been received. The next grant application cycle is scheduled to open January 4, 2027, with applications due February 5; committee review meetings are planned for January 27, February 24, March 10, and March 24, with recommendations due to the budget process by April 7. No vendor selection or contract award was discussed.