By Jake Frankel on 08/04/2012 06:59 AM
After taking July off, commissioners will hold a public hearing Aug. 7 on the $8.4 million in grants Buncombe County has promised to New Belgium Brewing Co.
In exchange, the Fort Collins-based brewery has agreed to invest $175 million in a new production facility on Craven Street at the edge of the River Arts District, eventually hiring 154 workers.
The county grants are in addition to the $3.5 million in incentives and infrastructure improvements being offered by the city of Asheville and a $1 million grant from the state One North Carolina Fund. All in all, the brewer has been offered roughly $13 million in incentives from city, county and state governments.
The hearing will give the public a formal opportunity to weigh in on the plans.
In other business, the board will consider setting the date for county property reappraisal to Jan. 1, 2013. The goal of the reappraisal process is to determine the fair market value of property for taxation purposes.
The meeting agenda also includes consideration of a rezoning request to allow more development on a 0.3 acre plot at 15 Tupper Road in Black Mountain. The Buncombe County Planning Board recommends approving the request but staff recommends denying it.
In addition, the board will consider several changes to county personnel policies, including longevity pay.
Commissioners also will consider dedicating the newly renovated Health and Human Service building at 40 Coxe Ave. in honor of Margaret Hall Coman, who retired as the director of the county's Department of Public Welfare in 1983 after 43 years of public service.
The board will meet at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 7, in the commissioners chambers, located at 30 Valley St. A short pre-meeting review of the agenda will begin at 4:15 p.m.
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Buncombe Commissioners preview: Economic incentives, property reappraisal, longevity pay and more
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