ASHEVILLE – Described as a “break-even budget” focused on essential government services and recovery in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, Buncombe County’s proposed spending plan will require a property tax hike to meet those priorities.
During the May 6 regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, County Manager Avril Pinder outlined next fiscal year’s recommended budget, which includes a 3.26-cent property tax increase, raising the rate by 6% to 55.02 cents per $100 of assessed value. The increase would net the county an estimated $17.1 million next fiscal year. For a home valued at $350,000, the increase would raise tax bills by $114.
Buncombe’s total proposed 2025 operational budget is $624 million, including a general fund budget of $435 million…