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Buncombe County managers outline tight margins, rising long-term obligations at FY27 budget retreat
Summary
County staff told commissioners a mix of one-time disaster funds and stronger ambulance and investment revenue produced a small FY25 surplus, but structural pressures — a fund balance just below policy, growing OPEB obligations, and rising debt service — will shape FY27 choices.
Buncombe County officials outlined the financial picture shaping preparation of the fiscal year 2027 recommended budget at a Nov. 11 retreat, saying a combination of one-time disaster aid and higher ambulance and investment receipts produced a modest surplus for FY25 while long-term obligations and policy goals constrain future flexibility.
John, the county's budget presenter, told commissioners that intergovernmental disaster funding brought roughly $3.4 million into FY25 and that ambulance revenues and investment earnings exceeded expectations, contributing about $5.2 million more revenue than last projected even as property and sales taxes remained roughly $4 million under earlier forecasts. "That left us…
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