ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A state grant supporting a new health center for the Black Mountain and Swannanoa area, changes to Buncombe County’s affordable housing program and a recycling pilot for apartment communities are on county commissioners’ agenda Tuesday.
The board also will consider using $290,000 from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office forfeiture fund for a Fusus/Axon contract and camera project.
Health center grant
Appalachian Mountain Health purchased an 8,740-square-foot facility this spring and plans to renovate it into a Federally Qualified Health Center serving Black Mountain and Swannanoa.
County documents say the project would help fill a gap in health care services left when a medical practice in the same building closed in October 2025.
The project has been awarded a $480,000 Building Reuse grant from the N.C. Department of Commerce. The program requires a 5% nonstate, nonfederal match, or $24,000.
Dogwood Health Trust has committed to providing the match, so the project would come at no cost to Buncombe County, according to the agenda packet.
Tuesday’s action does not involve approval of the health center itself. Commissioners are being asked to authorize the county manager to work with Appalachian Mountain Health and participate in the state grant program as the local government sponsor.
Affordable housing program
The board also will consider revisions to Buncombe County’s Affordable Housing Services Program.
The program supports affordable and safe housing in the county. Commissioners periodically amend and approve its guidelines.
The county’s Affordable Housing Subcommittee recommended the latest revisions Sept. 1. According to the agenda packet, the changes would modify funding requirements and provide administrative clarifications for potential applicants.
Commissioners will vote on whether to adopt the revised guidelines.
Recycling pilot
A new pilot program could expand access to recycling for people living in multifamily communities.
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality awarded Buncombe County’s Solid Waste Department $71,500 for the program, which is planned for 2027.
Including matching funds, the project would cost $78,650. Asheville’s Sanitation Division will help carry out the program and split the local grant match with Buncombe County.
The pilot will include recycling infrastructure improvements as well as an education effort for residents.
The board will consider accepting the grant and approving the accompanying budget amendment.
Sheriff’s office spending
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is seeking authorization to use $290,000 from its forfeiture fund for spending during the current fiscal year.
The money would cover an FY27 Fusus/Axon contract and a camera project, according to the agenda packet. The board action document does not specify how much would go toward each or provide additional details about the camera project.
Commissioners will consider a budget amendment appropriating the money from the forfeiture fund.
The meeting also includes separate actions involving Swannanoa sidewalk improvements and economic development incentives for East Fork Pottery. Commissioners will consider accepting state funding for the sidewalk work and hold a public hearing on additional funding, while another public hearing will focus on incentives tied to East Fork’s previously announced Asheville expansion.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meets Tuesday, Oct. 6.
