Buncombe County fire districts request tax increases for staffing and equipment needs

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on May 2, 2025, focusing on the upcoming fiscal year budget and various funding requests from local fire districts. The meeting highlighted significant discussions regarding tax rate increases proposed by several fire districts to address staffing, equipment needs, and operational costs.

The draft classification compensation plan was presented for review, which is typically passed alongside the budget. Commissioners received updates from local educational institutions, including AB Tech and Asheville City Schools, as well as information on supplemental funding from Health and Human Services.

A key topic was the request from six fire districts for tax rate increases. Anca Candler, representing one of the districts, requested an increase of 1.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, which would generate approximately $488,110. This funding aims to enhance personnel benefits, recruit additional firefighters, and improve overall service delivery in response to increasing call volumes.

Chief Bedingfield detailed the need for additional operational personnel and highlighted the challenges of recruitment and retention in the fire service. He emphasized the importance of competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain staff, particularly in light of rising operational demands and costs.

Other fire districts, such as French Broad and Swannanoa, also presented their cases for tax increases, citing losses in property tax revenue and the need for capital improvements. French Broad reduced its request from one cent to half a cent to remain revenue neutral during a station remodel, while Swannanoa requested a one-cent increase to address a projected loss of property tax base due to recent storms.

The Upper Hominy district requested a 1.6-cent increase to maintain staffing levels, while West Buncombe sought a 1.5-cent increase to cover operational deficits and personnel costs. Each chief underscored the critical need for funding to ensure adequate emergency services amid growing community demands.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commissioners to review the proposed tax rate increases and their implications for the overall budget. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local fire departments in maintaining service levels and addressing the financial impacts of recent economic changes. The board is expected to finalize budget recommendations in the coming weeks, with a focus on balancing community needs and fiscal responsibility.