Public Funds
Is it appropriate for citizens to hold UNCA accountable to its stated values?
Asheville’s citizens are stakeholders in the future of the UNCA urban forest for multiple reasons, not least of which are financial. For the fiscal year ending June 2024, UNCA received roughly 45% of its funding from “State Appropriation & Aid”, which is comprised of taxpayer dollars (designated by the NC General Assembly). In addition, UNCA received 3.88% of their revenue from State and Federal operating grants and contracts. Added together, nearly half of UNCA’s funding comes from North Carolina taxpayers (and a small additional amount comes from US taxpayers).
In UNCA’s 2024 Financial Statement Audit Report, an independent auditor stated that UNCA’s state appropriation “is higher than total operating revenues each year [i.e., more than the institution raised on its own]...thus, illustrating the University’s dependence on strong state support.”
We believe it is appropriate and responsible for Asheville and all state citizens to hold UNCA accountable for how it spends this state money in carrying out its stated mission according to its stated values.
OPINION: Taxpayers pay billions a year for NC universities. They deserve transparency. Jenna A. Robinson Opinion,The Carolina Journal
Original UNCA North Asheville Campus and Buildings Funded by Public Bond Issues
"The purchase of the land for the new campus, and construction of the two buildings had been funded through a 1958 bond issue of $500,000, which had originally been intended to improve and expand the Sunset Mountain (Seely’s Castle) campus. However, when the opportunity arose for the college to obtain land in North Asheville, the funds were used to move the college to its present location."
"Subsequently, in February 1961, a special county-wide election was held, with voters being asked to decide on two issues:
A $750,000 bond issue (with matching state funds) to construct five additional buildings
A tax levy to pay the college operating costs, again with matching funds from the state"
"The other financial carrot (or possibly stick), was the $250,000 being offered by the state if Asheville-Biltmore could match that amount by March 1, 1961. If they didn’t, the state funds would go to either Charlotte or Wilmington College, or both.
The campaign was a success, and the result was an overwhelming endorsement of Asheville-Biltmore. There were 7200 votes for the bond issue, and only 2713 against, whilst 6345 voted for the additional tax levy, with 2820 opposed."
from A Giant Step Forward, UNCA Special Collections & University Archives