ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday reviewed a fourth-quarter financial update, appointed the county’s first hurricane recovery officer,and adopted a 2030 Strategic Plan to guide operations over the next five years.
During the Nov. 4 meeting, commissioners also approved funding for new conservation easements, a contract for rebuilding Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa and upgrades at Buncombe County Sports Park. Jennifer Pike was reappointed to a five-year term as county tax collector.
Hurricane recovery and food access
Commissioners met Kevin Madsen, the county’s new hurricane recovery officer, and received an update on efforts to address impacts from the ongoing federal government shutdown. The county’s Incident Management Team has been coordinating food donation sites and ensuring continuity of operations.
A countywide food drive, which runs through Nov. 25, has collected an average of 2,300 pounds of food per day to assist residents affected by disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Owen Park restoration
The board approved a $448,980 contract with Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architecture of Chicago for phase one of rebuilding Charles D. Owen Park, which was heavily damaged during Tropical Storm Helene when the Swannanoa River changed course into the park…