BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Buncombe County leaders are beginning work on a proposed budget that could top half a billion dollars, as rising costs and recovery efforts continue to shape spending priorities for the year ahead.
County commissioners reviewed more than $504 million in funding requests for fiscal year 2027, a roughly 15% increase from the current budget, during a work session earlier this week. Officials say much of that increase is being driven by inflation, which has reached a five-year high of about 24.4%, along with ongoing recovery from Helene and growing demand for county services.
Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards said the current budget cycle presents significant challenges as leaders try to balance rising costs with community needs…