Property reappraisals for tax purposes will no longer take place this year, as the county continues to address the social and economic fallout from Hurricane Helene.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Buncombe County Commissioners voted to delay property reappraisal until January 2026.
The storm has inflicted hundreds of millions of dollars in damage countywide, County Manager Avril Pinder said. That estimate might climb “closer to billions,” she added.
It’s unclear the extent to which widespread damage may impact property values.
The county needs time to make sure the county is “making appropriate adjustments on every parcel that's been affected by the storm,” Interim Property Assessor Eric Cregger said.
Cregger took over as property assessor in September after commissioners voted to fire R. Keith Miller after he purchased real estate with a direct report.
The county is legally required by the state to conduct a reappraisal every eight years. Its last reappraisal occurred in 2021. Historically, the county has done reappraisal every four years.
$29 million in FEMA aid
The county expects to receive $29 million in emergency aid from FEMA. The money will reimburse what the county uses for emergency response and storm recovery.
More than half of the funds will be used for debris removal, Budget Director John Hudson said.
If the county needs more funds, it’s possible that they can request more from FEMA in the future.
From public comment
As the meeting was virtual-only, public comment was written. Two residents submitted written comments. Vickie Becker asked about the death count and Larissa Young inquired if there was anywhere close to Arden for trash drop-off and debris collection.
Commission Chair Brownie Newman said that county staff will follow up with Becker and Young individually.
Every first and third Tuesday, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meets at 200 College St., Room 326 in downtown Asheville beginning at 5 p.m. See the full recording and agenda of the Oct. 16 meeting.
