Local Politics · Buncombe County
A proposed North Carolina constitutional amendment on the November 3 ballot would require state lawmakers to limit how much local governments can increase property tax collections, but does not specify what those limits would be. Buncombe County commissioners voted to formally oppose the amendment, warning its vagueness could jeopardize funding for schools, emergency services and Helene recovery efforts. District 3 Commissioner Parker Sloan said approving the measure would not necessarily lower residents' tax bills and could shift control over local tax decisions to the General Assembly. Supporters argue the amendment could protect property owners from rising taxes. If voters approve it, state lawmakers would still need to determine specific limits and any exceptions.
Local Politics · Asheville, NC
Asheville City Council voted 4-3 Tuesday to approve a developer's request to build a seven-story, 252-unit apartment building at 21 London Road near Sweeten Creek, despite flood-safety concerns raised after Hurricane Helene. The council also approved a $4.4 million contract to rebuild Malvern Hills Pool in West Asheville for the 2028 swimming season, after the facility closed in summer 2023 and the city's other public pool was damaged by Helene in 2024. Council members discussed but took no action on rising bear incidents, with a state Wildlife Resources Commission biologist reporting seven people injured and 143 home break-ins in Buncombe County since 2023. Additional approvals included up to $660,304 for bicycle and pedestrian paths near the I-26 Connector project in West Asheville and authorization to apply for a federal drug-trafficking task force grant.
Crime · Asheville, NC
Bruce Haddock pleaded guilty Oct. 22 in Buncombe County court to assault on a female and indecent exposure, receiving 75 days in jail with all time credited for prior custody, meaning no additional jail time. The next day, Oct. 23, he was arrested on a second-degree trespass charge for allegedly entering city property near Pack Memorial Library after being told to leave. Multiple victims described frightening encounters and expressed disappointment at the sentence, while the written judgment included no mental health treatment condition. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office had not confirmed by Oct. 28 what mental health evaluations or treatment Haddock received during his July 31–Oct. 22 jail stay.
Community News · Asheville, NC
For the second consecutive week, North Carolina has the lowest average gasoline price in the United States at $3.42 per gallon as of Tuesday, Oct. 27, following Gov. Josh Stein's signing of House Bill 3 on Friday, Oct. 9. The "Relief at the Pump Act" temporarily suspends the state's 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax through Nov. 30. The Asheville metro area—covering Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison counties—averaged $3.56 per gallon, with individual stations in Asheville ranging from $3.37 to $3.89. Pitt County posted the state's lowest average at $3.18, while the national average stood at $4.25.
