From Staff Reports

Asheville City Council unanimously approved the city’s $239.7 million budget — a 10 percent increase from the previous fiscal year — for fiscal 2023/24 on June 13, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on June 14. 

“The number, however, represents an expenditure of approximately $8 million above what the city will receive in revenues over the same time period,” News 13 noted.

“A significant percentage of the increase in spending will go towards increases in pay for all city employees. The budget delivers an across-the-board pay raise of 5 percent for all employees, except for the Asheville Police Department, which will receive pay increases of 6 percent.”

Whats more, the budget includes $510,000 for the city’s reparations committee and another $500,000 for the city’s housing trust, which is billed as being committed to helping fund affordable housing.

News 13 reported that “rthe new budget has been received with mixed reactions from those on the receiving end.”

“The reaction has been positive for those at the Asheville Fire Department, who received a generous support package in addition to the 5 percent increase.

“‘It kinda feels like they’ve got our back this go around,’” AFD spokesperson Kelley Klope was quoted by News 13 as saying of the city’s backing. “‘We feel support and we’re super grateful.’

“The Asheville Police Department did not respond to News 13’s request for comment. However, an advocate for increases in officer pay and a member of the city’s Public Safety Coalition, David Plyler, suggested the 6 percent pay increase the department received isn’t enough.

“‘We’re not there yet,’” the former law enforcement officer said, according to News 13. “‘This really hasn’t done a lot for the officers. As housing costs go up their pay should be commensurate with that. This isn’t even a living wage.’”

Continuing, Plyler noted “that other law enforcement departments around the state often pay significantly more in locations with a lower cost of living and more affordable housing,” News 13 stated

“Asheville’s police department has recently faced significant challenges in recruiting qualified candidates, and Plyner believes it’s in the community’s interest to be competitive.

“‘They need to be the highest paid in the state in order to be competitive,’” Plyler said.

The budget also provides a 9 percent increase to the Water Resources Department, citing demands following this winter’s numerous outages. The increase will boost the department’s budget to $44 million.

“Also included is an increase of approximately $875,000 for improvements to McCormick Field. The ballpark survived a tenuous period that had many believing it wouldn’t survive into the next season,” News 13 noted.

Additionally, no change will be made to the current property tax rate of 40.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

“Though the city receives significant funds from property taxes, a sales tax and numerous fees (including for water and garbage), it’s not projected to be enough to cover expenditures,” News 13 reported. “The city will make up the shortfall by dipping into its fund balance reserve to fill the gap. According to the mayor, it’s a choice that will save residents from an increased tax burden.”