ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved key initiatives ranging from a new emergency services station in Swannanoa to farmland preservation projects across the county.

New EMS facility in Swannanoa

Commissioners accepted a construction bid from Carolina Specialties Construction for the county’s EMS East project — a 12,214-square-foot facility planned for 750 Old U.S. 70 Highway in Swannanoa.

Set for completion in 2027, the station will feature three double-loaded bays for six emergency vehicles, 12 bedrooms, a day room, kitchen and dining area and medical supply storage. Officials said the new base will reduce emergency response times in the eastern part of the county.

$500K grant to expand Community Paramedic program

The board also approved a $500,000 grant from United Healthcare to expand the county’s Community Paramedic program, which provides in-home follow-up care and education for patients with chronic diseases.

The funding will support two-and-a-half new paramedic positions focused on chronic disease management, aiming to cut non-emergency hospital visits and inpatient stays.

The program’s paramedics also support post-overdose response and mobile outreach teams, providing medical and social support in crisis situations.

Eight farmland conservation projects advance

Commissioners approved funding for eight conservation easement projects, advancing Buncombe’s goal of protecting 20 percent of county land by 2030.

The projects include seven transaction cost allocations and one easement purchase:

• Wilson Farm (22 acres, Fairview): $38,500
• Morgan Branch Farms A, B, C (345 acres total, Leicester): $213,500
• Saddlebrook Farm (23 acres, Leicester): $50,500
• Brown Legacy Farm (24 acres, Leicester): $46,800
• Cedar Hill Farm (65 acres, Alexander): $53,300
• Slocumb Farm (120 acres, Leicester): $234,385 (acquisition funding)

The projects are part of the county’s Farmland Preservation Program, which works through the Soil and Water Conservation District.

Awards and recognitions

Commissioners recognized two county employees for exceptional service during Tropical Storm Helene:

• Alex McKnight, Public Safety Communications Business Administrator, received the Heroic Hands Award from the N.C. Association of County Commissioners for his role in emergency coordination during the storm.
• Drew Reisinger, Register of Deeds, earned the Outstanding Register of Deeds Award for organizing wellness checks, coordinating supplies and helping residents affected by Helene.

Proclamations

The board issued two proclamations:

• October as Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, highlighting the services available through the Buncombe Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin Ave.
• Oct. 12-18 as Disaster Case Management Week, recognizing the vital role of case managers in recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene.

911 technology upgrades

Commissioners approved two technology purchases for the county’s 911 operations.

• New radio consoles for the primary 911 center: $735,707
• Countywide fire station alerting software: $125,781

No new county funds were required for these projects.

Employee health plan updates

The board reviewed the county’s employee health plan, which is performing 8.7 percent below projected costs for 2025. For 2026, medical plan renewal costs are expected to increase 5.1 percent, but employee premiums will remain unchanged.

Officials noted the increase remains below national averages and said premium adjustments may be considered in 2027 based on claims trends.