Buncombe County -- January 8, 2026: Buncombe County Approves New Funding for Schools, Navigates Post-Helene Recovery
During its first session of the new year on Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners solidified a long-term financial plan for local education, reviewed a clean annual audit, and addressed pressing public health concerns following a rare measles outbreak.
A New Era for School Funding
In a move designed to provide fiscal stability and predictability, commissioners approved a three-year funding agreement for Asheville City Schools (ACS) and Buncombe County Schools (BCS).
The new formula ties school funding directly to county revenue: education will receive 37.76% of the combined property and sales tax revenues collected from March through February preceding each fiscal year. Based on recent data, this formula is expected to inject approximately $119 million into the school systems, a significant increase from the $87 million allocated in fiscal year 2023.
Key details of the agreement include:
Distribution: Funds are split by enrollment (Average Daily Membership), with approximately 85% going to Buncombe County Schools and 15% to Asheville City Schools.
Growth Adjustments: If certified enrollment rises by more than 2%, the funding base increases by 0.5%. Conversely, a drop in enrollment of more than 2% triggers a 0.5% decrease.
Performance: Both districts reported strong metrics. BCS boasted a 91.4% graduation rate, while ACS highlighted a 93% graduation rate and third-grade reading proficiency levels (61%) that far outpace the state average (47%).
Public Health Alert: First Measles Cases in Decades
Health Director Dr. Ellis Matheson delivered a sobering update, confirming three cases of measles within a single household in Buncombe County. The siblings recently traveled to Spartanburg County, South Carolina, which is currently battling a large-scale outbreak. These are the first confirmed cases in Buncombe County in decades, prompting health officials to urge vigilance and vaccination.
Tourism and Economic Resilience
The Tourism Development Authority (TDA) reported a 23% decline in lodging sales for fiscal year 2025, a reflection of the economic impact following Hurricane Helene. However, recovery efforts are in full swing:
$12.4 million in hotel tax revenue will be invested into eight community projects.
$2.2 million has been awarded through the Always Asheville Fund to support struggling local businesses.
Officials project that 2026 conferences and sporting events will generate $12 million in direct local spending.
Excellence in Service
The board paused to recognize Cooperative Extension Director Holly Jordan, recipient of the 2025 Governor’s Award for Excellence. Jordan was honored for her tireless leadership during the Hurricane Helene recovery, specifically her work coordinating agricultural supply deliveries and supporting rural families in crisis.
Financial and Land Use Updates
An external audit of the county’s 2025 finances returned an "unmodified" (clean) opinion, the highest rating possible. The county saw a $1.6 million increase in its general fund balance and successfully reduced long-term debt to $396.5 million, maintaining its prestigious triple-A bond rating.
In final business, the board unanimously approved a rezoning request for 13.1 acres near Ferry Road. The shift from R-1 to R-3 residential status aligns with the county’s 2043 Comprehensive Plan, paving the way for more dense housing developments.
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