Air board approves FY2026 budget after minor pay-and-intern adjustments; ratifies earlier truck-related FY2025 amendment

The Buncombe County Air Quality Agency board unanimously approved the agency—Y2026 budget and ratified a prior FY2025 budget amendment the board had discussed in March.

Director Ashley told the board the FY2026 ordinance in the packet reflected minor adjustments since the March presentation: removal of an intern line that earlier had not been subtracted correctly and slight county recalculations of salaries and benefits. Ashley said the intern line was roughly $3,750 and that some funds were shifted from contract/professional services to temporary employment without changing the overall total.

Unfinished business motion: Chair Joel said he had reviewed meeting recordings and realized the March discussion about a FY2025 budget amendment (to cover a higher-than-expected truck cost) had not been formalized into a motion. The board retroactively moved and approved that amendment at the May meeting so the paperwork can be signed.

Budget approval: The board then considered the FY2026 ordinance and, after Ashley explained the updates, voted unanimously to adopt the FY2026 budget that begins July 1. Members discussed ongoing concerns about long-term fund balance and asked staff to plan a retreat in the fall to explore revenue options and avoid depleting reserves.

Federal funding note: Ashley also said the agency is waiting on EPA Region 4 allocations that were late this year and that an award update is expected after the regional director meeting in June; staff factored anticipated federal funding into budget planning.

Ending: The board approved the FY2026 ordinance with updated numbers and authorized staff to execute the previously discussed FY2025 amendment paperwork.