Emotions high as Asheville City Council raises specter of sharp service cuts

To hear Asheville City Council and city staff tell it, a manageable budget gap is now a potential crisis, thanks to proposed state legislation affecting areas from the water system to business licenses. To close the $5.9 million gap, staff have proposed sharp cuts in everything from public safety to transit to parks and recreation. At a special town hall meeting today, city residents exhorted Council against certain cuts and criticized state legislators (and occasionally the city too).

CarePartners announces plans to merge with Mission Health

CarePartners and Mission Health went public with the future of their working relationship today when leaders from the two health care organizations announced that CarePartners will seek an affiliation with Mission Health. Above, Mission Health President and CEO Ron Paulus talks about the merger. (Photo by Caitlin Byrd)

Crunch time: City holds special budget town hall this afternoon, considering major cuts

A tax revaluation, rising expenses, and a barrage of state legislation are all creating a chaotic budget year for the city of Asheville. This afternoon, Asheville City Council and city staff will discuss the issues and invite the public’s input at a special 2 p.m. town hall meeting in the U.S. Cellular Center banquet hall.

Old disputes at heart of bill that transfers water system to MSD

About seven years ago, the Regional Water Authority of Asheville, Buncombe and Henderson County fell apart. The creation of what had been an historic agreement involving the three governments, ongoing disputes and frustrations led Asheville officials to end the partnership in 2005. Fast-forward to the March 28 filing of House Bill 488, which transfers the Asheville water system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District.

On second thought: Commissioners approve discrimination ban, will need additional vote

After hearing more than 40 minutes of public comment on the matter, commissioners voted 4-3 to add language that protects Buncombe County workers from harassment based on sexual orientation to the personnel ordinance. Above, Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality Jasmine Beach-Ferrara smiles after speaking in favor of the expansion of the county’s nondiscrimination statement.  (Photo by Caitlin Byrd)

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