ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County commissioners are beginning work on a fiscal year 2026-27 budget expected to top $500 million, as rising costs, economic uncertainty and growing service demands drive a significant increase in proposed spending.
During a March 24 work session, county staff presented a “first-pass” budget totaling more than $504 million in general fund spending, a more than 15 percent increase over the current $438.1 million budget.
County Manager Avril Pinder described the proposal as a starting point, including $4.4 million for 37 additional positions, which she called “a conservative ask” given the scope of needs across departments…