Collected and spent
In 2022, Buncombe County spent about $889.0M. This is a Census of Governments estimate across all of its funds.
Spent
$889.0M
Fiscal year 2022 · Census of Governments estimate, all funds · spending
Where the money comes from
One tax.
Property tax
$0.5176 per $100 of value
Source · North Carolina Department of Revenue — 2024-2025 County and Municipal Tax Rates, Buncombe County 2024 property tax. Read on September 28, 2026.
Details
Buncombe County 2024 property tax — county levy (incl. school funding), NCDOR's printed 2024-25 rate of 5.176 mills/$1,000 AV (effective ~0.34% on market after the 0.6631 assessment ratio). Verify at NC DOR county rate table. Assessment ratio 0.6631 = NCDOR 2024-25 sales-assessment ratio for Buncombe County (last reappraisal 2021); operator ruling D14 a, 2026-09-28. Rate corrected 5.4 → 5.176 mills to NCDOR's printed 2024-25 rateWhere it goes
14 service lines.
Schools
$387.5M
Health and human services
$149.6M
Other
$70.8M
Police
$54.0M
Higher education
$49.9M
General government
$48.0M
Fire
$41.1M
Debt service · past obligation
$23.0M
Show all 14 linesShow fewer lines
Transit
$19.1M
Corrections
$18.9M
Public works
$16.0M
Library
$6.4M
Parks and recreation
$3.5M
Courts
$1.3M
Bars in both tables share one scale. Hatched lines pay for past obligations, not current services.
Source · 2022 Census of Governments - Estimated service split source. Read on October 20, 2026.
Who decides
The Board of Commissioners governs the county. State law says the board must adopt a budget ordinance by July 1. That ordinance spends money and levies taxes for the year. 7 Commissioners. Districts pick 6 and all voters pick the Chair.
Amanda Edwards
Commissioner, at large
Next election
November 7, 2028
Al Whitesides
Commissioner, District 1
Next election
November 3, 2026
Jennifer Horton
Commissioner, District 1
Next election
November 7, 2028
Terri Wells
Commissioner, District 2
Next election
November 7, 2028
Martin Moore
Commissioner, District 2
Next election
November 3, 2026
Drew Ball
Commissioner, District 3
Next election
November 3, 2026
Parker Sloan
Commissioner, District 3
Next election
November 7, 2028
Source · North Carolina General Assembly, N.C. Gen. Stat. §159-13(a), budget ordinance. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
N.C. Gen. Stat. §159-13(a), budget ordinance (read 2026-10-10)When decisions happen
The board must adopt the budget ordinance no later than July 1. The ordinance covers the year that starts on that date.
Each yearThe county fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30.
November 3, 2026Election for 3 seats
How to reach it
Source · North Carolina General Assembly, N.C. Gen. Stat. §159-8(b) and §159-13(a), fiscal year and budget deadline. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
N.C. Gen. Stat. §159-8(b) and §159-13(a), fiscal year and budget deadline (read 2026-10-10)Also on this tax bill
A Buncombe County address pays these governments too. Which cities and school districts apply depends on the address.
On every bill in Buncombe County
On some bills, depending on the address
Cities: 7
AshevilleCity
WoodfinNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Black MountainNot in Who Taxes Me yet
SwannanoaNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Fairview (Buncombe County)Not in Who Taxes Me yet
WeavervilleNot in Who Taxes Me yet
BarnardsvilleNot in Who Taxes Me yet
School districts: 2
Buncombe County SchoolsSchool district
Asheville City SchoolsNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Sources
Spent
2022 Census of Governments - Estimated service split source. Read on October 20, 2026.
Taxes
North Carolina Department of Revenue — 2024-2025 County and Municipal Tax Rates, Buncombe County 2024 property tax. Read on September 28, 2026.
Details
Buncombe County 2024 property tax — county levy (incl. school funding), NCDOR's printed 2024-25 rate of 5.176 mills/$1,000 AV (effective ~0.34% on market after the 0.6631 assessment ratio). Verify at NC DOR county rate table. Assessment ratio 0.6631 = NCDOR 2024-25 sales-assessment ratio for Buncombe County (last reappraisal 2021); operator ruling D14 a, 2026-09-28. Rate corrected 5.4 → 5.176 mills to NCDOR's printed 2024-25 rateWho decides
North Carolina General Assembly, N.C. Gen. Stat. §159-13(a), budget ordinance. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
N.C. Gen. Stat. §159-13(a), budget ordinance (read 2026-10-10)When decisions happen
North Carolina General Assembly, N.C. Gen. Stat. §159-8(b) and §159-13(a), fiscal year and budget deadline. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
N.C. Gen. Stat. §159-8(b) and §159-13(a), fiscal year and budget deadline (read 2026-10-10)How to reach it
Buncombe County, Staff Directory, Buncombe County. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
Staff Directory, Buncombe County (Clerk to the Board) (read 2026-10-10)What it does
2022 Census of Governments - Estimated service split source. Read on October 13, 2026.
To act on what you have read
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