Buncombe County Committee finalizes aging funds allocation amid budget discussions

In the heart of Buncombe County, the Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) Advisory Committee convened on June 25, 2025, to address pressing funding issues affecting local aging services. The meeting, marked by a sense of urgency, focused on finalizing allocations of supplemental aging funds provided by the county, as well as addressing the challenges faced by various service providers.

As the meeting commenced, the committee quickly moved through housekeeping items, approving the agenda and previous minutes without revisions. The atmosphere shifted as discussions turned to the allocation of funds for the remainder of the fiscal year. Zach, a key member of the committee, expressed the complexities of reallocating funds, particularly in light of the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on service delivery.

One significant point of discussion was the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, which has been heavily affected by the pandemic. Their Black Mountain site remains closed, and they have been utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to adapt their services. This includes offering "grab and go" meals, a shift that has resulted in lower participation in congregate nutrition programs. The committee expressed hope for a return to normal operations in the near future.

The conversation then shifted to the reallocation of funds from the United Community Development, which had only completed one project. The committee decided to distribute these funds among three providers: Jewish Family Services, Mountain Care, and Meals on Wheels, all of which have reported overspending. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the revelation that Meals on Wheels is currently 125% overspent, while Jewish Family Services is facing similar challenges.

In a positive turn, the committee learned of an additional $50,000 in funding that could be allocated to these providers. This funding, however, comes with stipulations; it can only be used to cover overspending and cannot be treated as a surplus. The committee debated whether to distribute the funds solely among the three identified providers or to consider additional agencies in need.

The meeting also highlighted the broader regional context, with discussions about the needs of neighboring counties. Haywood County, for instance, has a waiting list of 80 people for Meals on Wheels, indicating a significant demand for services that extends beyond Buncombe County. The committee acknowledged the importance of addressing these needs while ensuring that local agencies are adequately funded.

As the meeting drew to a close, the committee recognized the critical role of these funds in supporting the aging population in Buncombe County. With the fiscal year coming to an end, the urgency to allocate resources effectively was palpable. The discussions underscored a commitment to ensuring that local agencies can continue to provide essential services, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic and shifting funding landscapes. The committee left the meeting with a renewed focus on collaboration and resource allocation, aiming to meet the growing needs of their community.