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Staff says EPA FY25 grant arrived short of expected amount; board reviews fund-balance implications
Summary
Ashley reported Buncombe County's air program received roughly 88% of expected EPA FY25 grant funds—about $196,000 versus $222,000 expected—and explained how the shortfall and fund-balance accounting affect budgets and drawdowns.
Ashley told the board the FY25 EPA grant award arrived late and at a reduced level compared with expectations, a disparity Region 4 is reviewing.
"This is basically 20 it's a we were expecting 230 222, thousand dollars, and we received a 196,000. So it's $26,000 short," Ashley said, noting the region acknowledged possible calculation issues and a supplemental award is possible. She explained the timing of EPA fiscal years versus county fiscal years and how the award timing affects when the department draws down funds.
Ashley also reviewed the department's recent use of fund balance: the agency drew down less than planned from reserves in FY25 and reported a modified-accrual fund balance near $713,000 with a full-accrual figure closer to $236,000; staff emphasized the differences in accounting when discussing retiree-benefit liabilities and ongoing budgeting for health and pension obligations.
