In its March 12, 2024 meeting, the Asheville City Council rapidly approved several high-value items under its “consent agenda.” This procedural mechanism allows multiple items to be approved without individual discussion, raising transparency and oversight concerns among local citizens.
Key Consent Agenda Approvals
- Community Engagement Software:
- Vendor: Cityzen Solutions, Inc. (d/b/a Public Input)
- Cost: $113,115 for a three-year term to enhance civic participation in decision-making.
- Annual City Audit:
- Vendor: Cherry Bekaert, LLP
- Cost: $158,600 for FY 2024 audit services, with estimated future audits potentially costing $521,900 over three years.
- Work Planning and Tracking Software:
- Vendor: Envisio Solutions, Inc.
- Cost: $134,024 for a three-year subscription to improve city operations.
- Carrier Playground Replacement:
- Vendor: Play By Design
- Cost: $420,000 for playground equipment and installation, plus a $20,000 contingency for unforeseen expenses.
- Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds:
- Lakeshore Villas: Up to $23.5 million for 120-unit affordable housing.
- Laurel Wood Apartments: Up to $12.775 million for senior housing units.
- Funding for Asheville PEAK Academy:
- Amount: $501,384 from ARPA funds to enhance educational opportunities for low to moderate-income students.
- Property Tax Refunds and Releases:
- Adjustments for January 2024: Standard monthly process to align with state statutes, no significant fiscal impact.
Exclusion of Bond Issuances from Total Fiscal Calculation:
While the total potential direct costs approved via the consent agenda items exceed $1.3 million, the multifamily housing revenue bonds issued for Lakeshore Villas and Laurel Wood Apartments, totaling up to $36.275 million, have been excluded from this calculation. These bonds are financed through the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville and do not impact the city’s budget or tax dollars directly. They are guaranteed and repaid by the developments’ revenues rather than taxpayer funds, thus making their exclusion from the total fiscal impact calculation appropriate. However, their inclusion in the listing remains crucial for transparency and public awareness of city-endorsed financial activities.
Rubber-stamping Without a Second Thought:
The consent agenda, carrying items with significant financial implications, was unanimously approved by the city council members without individual public discussion. This unanimous decision highlights a critical need for greater transparency and public engagement in the governmental processes that allocate substantial resources. Our community deserves clear and accountable decision-making, especially when it involves the public funds that we all work hard to contribute.
Call to Action:
Join us in advocating for this cause by signing our petition demanding that local government representatives ensure transparency and accountability in their fiscal decisions. Your voice can help shape a more transparent future for Asheville’s governance.
