Buncombe County is experiencing extremely cold temperatures this week. To ensure the safety of those experiencing homelessness, Code Purple is in effect on Thursday, January 23. Participating shelters are increasing bed availability and reducing entry requirements to provide shelter for as many individuals as possible.
Free bus transit through Asheville Rides Transit (ART) is available to Code Purple shelters. To raise awareness, the Register of Deeds office and the Health and Human Services building at 40 Coxe Ave. will be illuminated in purple during Code Purple activations.
Traffic Advisory for Presidential Visit
On Friday, there will be a visit from the President to the area. Significant traffic impacts are anticipated midday, likely between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly. Details about road closures will be shared if they become available.
Budget Adjustments
County Manager Avril Pinder provided an update on the financial challenges stemming from Hurricane Helene and outlined steps being taken to address the projected $15-25 million in revenues that may not be realized in FY25. Because projected revenues are coming in less than budgeted, Buncombe County has enacted a $17.6-million expenditure reduction plan that includes:
- Hiring freeze affecting 89 positions with the exception of 911 staff.
- Program reductions to Public Health, Social Work Services, Justice Services, Economic Development and Economic Services.
- Reductions in IT infrastructure and software implementation, deferred scheduled maintenance of County facilities, reduction in animal shelter capacity, and reduction in library & recreation programming.
- Reductions in tax reappraisal funding and future conservation easements.
- Reduction in local education funding. The Board of Commissioners voted on its decision to reduce education appropriations by 4% for each school district. If state and federal funds are received, this funding will be returned back to schools.
Work has begun on the FY26 budget to balance recovery needs while maintaining the County’s AAA bond rating, which keeps borrowing costs low.
County Recovery Efforts
County staff has transitioned emergency response to recovery. The County’s recovery support functions include Debris Management, Economic Revitalization, Health & Social Services (including Education), Housing, Infrastructure & Access, and Natural & Cultural Resources. Staff will work to align recovery support functions with strategic priorities, recognizing that additional changes may be necessary moving forward.
Resources for Recovery Events
Buncombe County is hosting a series of drop-in sessions to connect residents to provide personalized storm recovery support. Each drop-in session will feature connection to housing assistance, mental health services, disaster case management, debris removal, roads and bridges information, permits and planning, agricultural resources, and more.
Drop-in sessions will be held at various locations throughout the County to ensure accessibility for all residents. Interpreters will be on site to assist Spanish-speaking survivors. Light refreshments will be served. These events will be at:
- Barnardsville Fire Station: Feb. 13, 5-7 p.m.
- Owen High School Cafeteria: Feb. 20, 5-7 p.m.
- Reynolds High School Cafeteria: Feb. 25, 5-7 p.m.
- Leicester Community Center: Feb. 27, 5-7 p.m.
Disaster Assistance Deadlines Approaching
Helene survivors have until February 6 to apply for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov and Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Asheville Mall remains open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Utility Assistance for Winter Months
The Disaster Energy Assistance program is available for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eligible applicants can receive help with utility bills, reconnection fees, and heating-related costs. For more information or to apply visit this webpage or apply in person at 40 Coxe Avenue.
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance
FEMA is continuing to assist Western North Carolina residents displaced by Helene through the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which provides temporary hotel stays while survivors work toward permanent housing solutions. TSA will continue through May 26, 2025, for those who meet eligibility. People who are able to stay in TSA do not have a safe permanent place to stay in.
Some important information regarding this program:
- Eligibility reviews are conducted every two weeks to ensure ongoing need.
- Ineligible survivors will now receive an extended notice of 21 days from FEMA (instead of 7) before needing to vacate.
- Transitional Sheltering Assistance will end only for families who are no longer eligible due to an inspection showing their home is habitable, declining an inspection, or not reachable by FEMA after several attempts.
- Survivors must update FEMA with their current housing and contact details to avoid delays in assistance.
If you’ve been notified about a change in your eligibility or need further help, call 800-621-3362 or visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Asheville Mall.
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) & Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)
Eligible Buncombe County farmers and forestland owners affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for USDA cost-share programs to restore land.
- ECP: For restoring farmland, including debris removal, land leveling, fence repairs, and conservation structures.
- EFRP: For restoring non-industrial private forestland, including access road repair, brush management, and timber stand improvements.
- Other programs include the Livestock Indemnity Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish, and Tree Assistance Program.
Deadline: Apply by June 2, 2025, at the Buncombe County FSA Office (828-649-2712 ext. 2). Other USDA programs include LIP, ELAP, and TAP.
Storm Debris Removal
Public-right-of-way: As of Wednesday, January 22, more than 806,000 cubic yards of debris and 68,000 tons of soil and mud have been removed from the public right of way in Buncombe County, Black Mountain, and the City of Asheville. Today, there are 29 trucks running in Buncombe County for right-of-way collection. Residents are encouraged to place debris at the public right-of-way as crews begin a second collection pass.
Vehicles and Vessels: The collection of cars, RVs, boats, and containers, known as title property, is expected to begin at the end of January 2025. This is a very complex project as it involves various entities. The County is developing a process aligned with state statute and local ordinances. Teams will work across departments to locate owners and make arrangements for removal. More information will be shared on this process as details are finalized.
Waterway Debris Removal: Waterways debris removal is expected to begin February 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released the request for proposals for removal of debris from waterways. Environmental and historic preservation review will occur alongside the procurement.
Private Property Debris Removal: Over 2,000 applications have been submitted to the program that allows crews to enter a residential or commercial property and remove storm debris. Contractor Tetra Tech is providing phone notifications to all applicants with a status update of their application.
Trash and Recycling Service Updates
Buncombe County’s new trash and recycling provider, FCC, is working to resolve delays and maintain a 98% collection rate starting February 1. Weather conditions have caused some delays; affected collections will be completed on Saturday. Residents can check schedules and report issues at buncombecounty.org/solidwaste.
Community Care Stations
Showers, laundry, bottled water, and other resources remain available at Bethel United Methodist Church, Fairview Ingles, Owen Pool, and Morgan Hill Baptist Church open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information on any of the programs and updates mentioned, visit buncombecounty.org or contact Buncombe County at 828-250-5500.
Written by Buncombe County.