Buncombe County Passes New Budget That Increases Property Taxes
At its June 2, 2026, meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners adopted a new budget for fiscal year 2027. The budget totals $484 million, and the Commissioners say it provides long-term financial stability while continuing to provide service delivery and strategic investments.
“This budget is a statement of County leadership's belief that our best days are ahead of us and belief that we can weather our short-term and long-term crises while providing effective, efficient services to our residents," said Chair Amanda Edwards.
The FY27 adopted budget sets a rate for a single Buncombe County Fire District, consolidating 20 taxing districts and increases investment in fire service by $14 million. The budget also establishes 17 capital projects to include construction of two additional EMS bases, design of an Emergency Operations Center, and renovations and investments in three libraries.
Notably, the Board voted to increase the property tax burden to 43.20 cent per $100 assessed value, bringing the increase to 3.98 cents above revenue-neutral. For a home valued at $500,000, the Buncombe County property tax equates to $2,161. Originally, County staff recommend an increase of property tax rate of 43.52 cents.
Here are some highlights from the new budget:
The FY27 budget includes 28 new positions, refined from earlier requests, to help staff meet those needs while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Education – Significant increases for K-12 schools through the education funding formula, including $11 million over FY26 in local current expense funding for Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools.
Public Safety & Preparedness – Ongoing personnel investments and capital improvements to strengthen emergency response and community protection.
Public Health – Continued support for core health services and community well-being initiatives, and the incorporation of the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency into the County as a department, continuing its mission to improve air quality despite reductions in federal funding and reduced fee revenues.
Community Investments – Over $11.7 million in discretionary community investments supporting early childhood education, affordable housing, behavioral health, conservation, arts, and youth programs.
The FY27 budget sets the Asheville City Schools tax rate at 8.64 cents per $100 of assessed value and the Unified Fire Tax District at 11.96 cents per $100 of assessed value.
