The new 2026 budget and urban camping ordinance was passed during the Blue Ridge City Council’s regular meeting May 19.
“This was an entire rewrite of the initial 2026 budget,” Mayor Andy Rhodes explained while noting the budget was workshopped the week prior and the council spent “hours in reviewing and understanding this proposal.”
There was no public comment made when the hearing for the budget was opened.
Councilman Bubba Gibbs added that the budget provides the framework for monthly financial updates that will be made at each regular meeting in the future.
Additionally, the “urban camping” ordinance was passed following its second reading.
It is “aimed at protecting public spaces while providing clear enforcement standards,” Rhodes explained.
More specifically, it restricts individuals from camping out on public or private property without permission. There were no public comments made on the ordinance.
An ordinance stipulating how the city approves purchases was passed. There were no public comments made.
Major changes stem from the city no longer having a city administrator. The policy complies with state law and regulations, Rhodes said.
Another ordinance removing “outdated provision” was passed. There were again no comments made during the public hearing.
The council also approved
A special exception variance for a rear setback from 15 feet to 10.4 feet from Marketplace Investments regarding 4223 Appalachian Highway, Waffle House, was approved.
They plan to demolish the existing building and rebuild.
Zoning Administrator and City Clerk Jennifer Bates said there had been questions as to why it is a special exception versus hardship variance to which she said the code explains the “minimum building setback is a qualifier for that.”
Suzanne Hail spoke on behalf of the company.
Councilman Jack Taylor asked City Attorney Chuck Conerly if the previous council had changed the code allowing for such projects to be completed as long as its reconstructed in the existing footprint.
Conerly said upon the staff’s inspection, they determined the variance was necessary.
Councilwoman Christy Kay asked if a condition can be added to require dimensional landscaping and no “LED harsh lights.”
Bates said the company has not yet submitted site plans or a building permit, so they’ve not reviewed any landscaping plans, but will have to adhere to the city’s current standards.
Rhodes suggested they workshop concerns with the city’s landscaping and appearance standards.
Council members Bubba Gibbs and Jacqueline Kiker agreed to have those concerns workshopped.
Council members Jack Taylor and Kiker agreed they were only voting to allow for the new building to be constructed and not on design plans.
Kiker added that the general public has expressed to them concerns with design and landscaping, “so we’re just wanting to protect, you know, the beautiful spaces that we have here.”
Kay joined the meeting by phone call.