Ballot question
Buncombe County Open Space Bonds Referendum
- On the ballot in
- Buncombe County
- Vote
- Yes or no
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
The question, as printed on the ballot
Additional property taxes may be levied on property located in the County of Buncombe in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on bonds if approved by the following ballot question. SHALL the order authorizing $30 million of bonds plus interest to provide funds to fund the acquisition and improvement of land or interests therein for conservation purposes, including the protection of natural resources and preservation of farms and scenic landscapes, and the development of parks, greenways, trails, and other outdoor recreational opportunities, and providing that additional taxes may be levied in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds be approved, in light of the following: (1) The estimated cumulative cost over the life of the bonds, using the highest interest rate charged for similar debt over the last 20 years, would be $47,615,115 (consisting of $30 million principal amount of the bonds plus $17,615,115 of interest). (2) The estimated amount of property tax liability increase for each one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of property tax value to service the cumulative cost over the life of the bond provided above would be $4.10 per year.
A “Yes” vote means
A yes vote approves the county's order to borrow up to $30 million in bonds for conservation land, farm and landscape preservation, parks, greenways and trails, repaid with property taxes as needed.
A “No” vote means
A no vote rejects the bond order, so the county could not issue these $30 million in open space bonds.
Buncombe County estimates the average annual cost to the current median homeowner would be $18 if the open space bond is approved.
Sources
- Official Election Notice, 2026 General (Buncombe County contests and candidates) · Buncombe County Board of Elections
- 2026 General Obligation Bonds · Buncombe County
- Referendum Choices List Grouped by Referendum, all counties (November 3, 2026) · North Carolina State Board of Elections
The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.