Buncombe County advisory panel reallocates $23,000, approves FY2026 funding recommendations and a transportation rate increase

The Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee voted Thursday to reallocate $23,000 in county supplemental aging funds, approved final fiscal year 2026 funding recommendations for aging services and authorized a $3-per-trip rate increase for Mountain Care transportation.

Committee members said the $23,000 reallocation — $5,000 to DayStay and $18,000 to OnTrack — reflected providers' differing abilities to spend down their current allocations before the end of the county fiscal year on June 30. The panel approved the reallocation unanimously after brief discussion and a motion to adopt the specific split.

The vote came as staff and committee members reviewed year-to-date “units of service” reports and Buncombe County supplemental aging fund spreadsheets. Members cited storm damage that temporarily closed congregate meal sites and mandatory water testing that delayed meal operations; congregate dining sites were reported at roughly 21% utilization in March because of those interruptions. Committee members also flagged several underused awards to newer providers as evidence they should increase technical assistance for grantees.

Why it matters: HCCBG (Home and Community Care Block Grant) funds and the county's supplemental aging dollars pay for meals, transportation, in-home aid, care navigation and other services that help older adults remain at home. The committee said underspending can create an impression that need has declined and could jeopardize future…