Briefing | Board of Commissioners | May 5, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a briefing on May 5, 2026, which included discussions on several community and public safety initiatives. Key procurement-related topics included the support for Advent Health's certificate of need request for 92 additional hospital beds, which was added to the consent agenda. The meeting also featured a detailed update on the community paramedic program, highlighting its funding sources including opioid settlement funds and a $700,000 United Healthcare grant for a new mobile integrated healthcare initiative starting July 1, 2026. Commissioners discussed potential budget requests to sustain paramedic staffing beyond the expiration of ARPA funding in December 2026. Additionally, the fire chiefs presented budget comments for FY2027, proposing a unified fire tax funding increase to support salary budgets, capital projects, and additional staffing to meet service standards. The commissioners engaged in discussions about the multi-year funding plan needed to achieve full staffing and service levels, with the proposed fire tax rate adjustments ranging from 11.73 to 14.37 cents. The meeting also covered wildfire prevention efforts, including grant-funded projects for risk assessment, community education, and enhanced coordination among fire departments. No formal votes on budget allocations were recorded during the briefing, but motions were made to add items to the agenda and consent agenda for future consideration.