Special Meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners | July 14, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on July 14, 2026, primarily to address the fiscal year 2027 budget in light of recent North Carolina state legislation (State Bills 889 and 474) affecting property tax reappraisals. The board discussed two options: delaying the use of 2026 reappraisal values with a higher tax rate to maintain revenue, or adopting the reappraisal values with a revenue-neutral tax rate plus a penny, which would result in a significant revenue shortfall. The board ultimately moved to amend the FY27 budget using prior property values with adjusted tax rates to preserve funding for public schools, public safety, and community services. The meeting included detailed presentations on the impact of the legislation on property values, tax rates, and county revenues, as well as discussions on the challenges posed by state legislative actions. The board also approved a motion to enter closed session to discuss a pending lawsuit. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting.