Buncombe County unveils vehicle replacement plan and $38.3M slate of capital projects that raise near‑term debt

County fleet and capital staff briefed commissioners on April 8 about a multi‑year vehicle replacement plan and a slate of capital projects that are projected to increase near‑term debt service.

Jake Cloak, the county fleet manager, described a data‑driven replacement plan that identifies 51 vehicles for FY27 replacement based on class‑specific lifespan and mileage thresholds and a longer multi‑year replacement schedule thereafter. He explained ambulance remounts — replacing the chassis while reusing the ambulance box — as a strategy to stretch dollars while maintaining service.

"So for FY27 we have identified 51 vehicles for replacement," Cloak said, adding that ambulances are handled via a remount plan to reduce cost and that a set of 19 recommended new vehicles (many tied to new positions) are contingent on those positions being funded.

Staff listed major capital requests across county facilities — courthouse courtroom renovations, detention center HVAC controls replacement, Pack Library elevator upgrades, a new parks indoor recreation facility and Swan Hill Library site and design — and explained operating and ongoing costs tied to those projects.

The finance presentation showed committed debt payments of $18.3 million in the dark blue and projected that newly issued debt tied to FY26 bond projects will increase debt service to about $30.1 million; staff also showed pay‑as‑you‑go and vehicle debt layers in the projection. Commissioners asked about timing and how PAYGO decisions would appear in future years.

No formal votes were taken; staff will return with more precise capital financing options as revenue discussions proceed.