Actions and presentations at the March 24 Asheville City Council Meeting

Posted on by Kim Miller
American, North Carolina, and Asheville flag behind an empty dais inside City council chambers

At the March 24 City Council meeting, Council members took action and were presented information on multiple agenda items related to budget, Helene recovery and Transit. Each demonstrated the Council’s focus on transparency, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making.

Complete details on all agenda items and actions are available in the official meeting materials available on the City of Asheville website and a complete recording of the session is available on the City of Asheville YouTube channel.

Budget Worksession

A Budget Worksession preceded the formal City Council meeting. The focus of the worksession was to provide additional information on anticipated spending for next year, proposed budget balancing strategies, and recommendations for employee compensation strategies.
“Next year, we’re facing increasing costs just for providing existing services – and revenue isn’t growing at a pace that can cover the new costs,” said Finance Director Tony McDowell. “We continue to identify areas where we can achieve savings, trying as much as possible to minimize the impact on the community. “

View the English version of the budget presentation
View the English version of the Parking Services Proposed Rate Changes presentation

Consent Agenda

Consent Item C. APPROVED
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund 2026 in the State of North Carolina, and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents, as approved by the City Attorney, to use and manage the funds for the Walton Street Park project.

“We are thrilled that the City Council adopted the resolution to move forward with an application for a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant for historic Walton Street Park,” said Asheville Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “This is a significant step forward for the project. If awarded, this additional funding will allow the City to leverage our 2024 general obligation bond funds to enhance this cherished space even more. More importantly, it will help ensure we deliver on the community’s vision to integrate modern features while respecting the historic fabric of the park for generations to come.”

Reports/Presentations

Manager’s Report – Parks Recovery Projects
View the Parks Recovery Projects Presentation

New Business

A. Ordinance adopting the Fiscal Year 2027 Fees & Charges.  – APPROVED
View presentation for Fees & Charges

“While we are proposing some fee increases this year, we are prioritizing our community’s needs first to ensure our rates remain fair following the impacts of TS Helene and property revaluation,” stated Finance and Management Services Director Tony McDowell.

B. Resolution reserving City owned real property “Parkside” which is bounded by Marjorie Street to the north, Spruce Street to the west, Eagle street to the south and Davidson Drive to the east for up to two years for the purpose of exploring the development of an Arts & Entertainment facility within the reserved area to conduct, as part of this process, meaningful and robust public engagement with the surrounding communities, including but not limited to the Block and East End, and to reserve any final decisions on the use of this property until the City Council has received sufficient information and feedback. – APPROVED

View presentation on Parkside

“The commitment to hold this City owned property allows for further exploration by the City of Asheville, our community, and our development partners as to the feasibility of this proposed project,” said Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities Director Chris Corl. “We look forward to meaningful partnerships with stakeholders and residents as we continue to examine all elements of a proposed arts and entertainment facility for Asheville.”

C. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a four-year contract with RATP Dev for Operations and Maintenance of the Asheville Rides Transit fixed-route transit system. – APPROVED

View presentation on transit contract

“The City has incorporated new requirements into the contract to address feedback we’ve heard from riders and the community,” said Chris Whitlock, Transit Division Manager. “This includes increased performance standards, new full-time positions including a crisis counselor at the transit center, and new technology to support onboard safety as well as oversight and reporting.”