ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday reviewed a fourth-quarter financial update, appointed the county’s first hurricane recovery officer,and adopted a 2030 Strategic Plan to guide operations over the next five years.
During the Nov. 4 meeting, commissioners also approved funding for new conservation easements, a contract for rebuilding Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa and upgrades at Buncombe County Sports Park. Jennifer Pike was reappointed to a five-year term as county tax collector.
Hurricane recovery and food access
Commissioners met Kevin Madsen, the county’s new hurricane recovery officer, and received an update on efforts to address impacts from the ongoing federal government shutdown. The county’s Incident Management Team has been coordinating food donation sites and ensuring continuity of operations.
A countywide food drive, which runs through Nov. 25, has collected an average of 2,300 pounds of food per day to assist residents affected by disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Owen Park restoration
The board approved a $448,980 contract with Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architecture of Chicago for phase one of rebuilding Charles D. Owen Park, which was heavily damaged during Tropical Storm Helene when the Swannanoa River changed course into the park.
The first phase will include environmental assessments, community engagement and design work focused on resilience and stabilization. Completion is expected by August 2026.
“The community is very excited to get moving on this project,” Commissioner Terri Wells said. “And I’m very excited to see what the community’s vision will be for Owen Park.”
Sports Park upgrades
Commissioners also approved a $3.86 million contract with Astro Turf LLC for upgrades at Buncombe County Sports Park, including new turf and lighting on three fields and an accessible walking path. The improvements are part of Phase II of the Enka Recreation Destination Project and are expected to be completed by May 2026.
Additional features — including a universal playground, park ranger office and shelter — will be added under a separate contract. The project is primarily funded by grants from the Tourism Product Development Fund.
Conservation easements approved
Two major conservation projects also moved forward.
Haw Creek Headwaters Easement: The board approved $254,000 in funding to protect 63 acres of land, six streams and multiple scenic viewsheds. The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will hold the easement, which connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Warren Wilson College Easements: Four agricultural easements totaling 600 acres were approved as part of the second phase of a larger 790-acre preservation effort. The project protects farmland, wildlife corridors and educational lands in Swannanoa, with nearly 90 percent of the cost covered by private and grant funding.
Tax collector reappointed
Commissioners reappointed Jennifer Pike as Buncombe County Tax Collector for another five-year term. Pike has served in the role since 2017 and oversees collections for Asheville, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville and Woodfin. Under her leadership, the county’s collection rate has averaged 99.71 percent since fiscal year 2018.
The full meeting can be viewed here. Information on ongoing projects and public engagement opportunities is available here.
