Buncombe County’s FY27 budget could bring higher property tax bills.

Commissioners are reviewing a proposed $485.1 million spending plan that includes a tax rate of 43.52 cents per $100 of assessed value, about 4.3 cents above the revenue-neutral rate. For a median-valued home, that would add roughly $192 per year.

The general fund is divided into eight functions, with education, public safety, and human services taking the largest pieces of the pie.

Education funding makes up the largest portion of the general fund. | Screenshot via Buncombe County

Investments on the proposed books include:

An $11.1 million increase for K-12 education
32 new county positions
2.71% cost of living adjustment for employees

Additional funding is earmarked for affordable housing programs, economic development incentives, and capital projects like new EMS bases and detention center upgrades.

If you're keeping up with the math so far, these investments are only the beginning. County Manager Pinder's presentation gives a high-level overview, and the county's budget explorer dashboard gives a detailed look.

You can join the public hearing at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at 200 College St. to share your thoughts. A final vote will be Tuesday, June 2.