Montreat Minute for November 14, 2025

November 14, 2025

Mayor’s Summary of the November 13, 2025 Town Council Meeting

An older man with short white hair smiles at the camera. He is wearing a dark blazer over a light pink collared shirt and is posed in front of a plain white background.

Greetings Montreat friends,

We’ve had an early cold snap here in the mountains. It’s been fun to pull out the sweaters and even the gloves, reminding us that winter is on its way.

My meeting summary follows below. Remember that the official minutes with far more detail will be in next month’s agenda packet. And, you can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.

Public Forum

  • Letta Jean Taylor expressed further concern about the new 3-way stop sign at Appalachian Way and Oklahoma. During slippery conditions turning onto Oklahoma after stopping could lead to dangerous situations. Town Manager Savannah Parrish said the MPD has been evaluating the situation. Although their study isn’t yet complete, it is likely they will remove the stop signs at Appalachian Way and Oklahoma. The others will remain due to heavier traffic.

To read the full summary, CLICK HERE.

Real Estate Property Reappraisals in 2026

Slide titled Reappraisal 2026 - Town of Montreat, presented by Eric Cragger, Assessor. Includes the Buncombe County logo at the top and a blue footer with mountain graphics and the text Buncombe County.

At last night’s Town Council meeting, Eric Cregger, a representative from the Buncombe County Tax Assessment office, spoke about the 2026 real estate reappraisal process. Real Estate reappraisals are typically done every four years. However, due to Hurricane Helene, the scheduled appraisal for this year was delayed until 2026.

Appraisals are based on current market value for our area and will be reappraised at 100% of market value. Mr. Cregger recommended property owners check out their property record to make sure it is described correctly. Go to www.taxbuncombenc.gov to review your property profile. Expect to hear about your new appraisal in January or February 2026. Appeals may be made. To review Mr. Cregger’s presentation, CLICK HERE.

Holiday Gate Lighting Set for December 5th

A group of people, including children and adults, gather under a large stone archway decorated with string lights. One man speaks into a microphone while others listen. Some people wear Santa hats and festive clothing.

The Montreat Holiday Gate Lighting will be held on Friday, December 5th, at approximately 5:15 pm. Sponsored by the Montreat Adult Summer Club and the Town, the event is for the entire family, especially children. Besides the “flipping of the switch” by the Mayor and children, refreshments, holiday music from the infamous Montreat Calliope, and holiday favors for kids will be offered. Invite friends and relatives for this special time of holiday fellowship. Come light the gate then head into Black Mountain for Holly Jolly.

Montreat Post Office Christmas Party Also Planned for December 9th

A red wooden building with white trim and a steep roof sits surrounded by trees. An American flag is displayed near the entrance, which is accessed by steps and a ramp. The sky is partly cloudy.

You may already have seen the festive Christmas decorations at the Post Office, a sign that Christmas is not far off. Nova and Jordan have set the date for the annual Montreat Post Office Christmas party for Friday, December 9th. A sign-up sheet is available at the PO to bring party food and beverages.

And don’t forget that Christmas stamps are still on sale. Each purchase of stamps is a demonstration that our Post Office is extremely important to our community and that we support it being here.

Updates and Reminders

A hand holding a marker writes the word REMINDERS in black uppercase letters, with a red line drawn underneath the word on a white background.
  • Did you know that you do not need to use paper compostable bags for your leaves anymore? You may place them in plastic bags as well. But just make sure the only thing going into the bags is leaves!
  • The Montreat Board of Adjustment will meet on Thursday, November 20th, at 5:00 pm in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. Everyone is welcome to attend. For the agenda and streaming instructions, CLICK HERE.
  • Do you receive Montreat CodeRedalerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane and wildfires? To learn more about CodeRed or to be added to the list, CLICK HERE.

Questions or Comments?

Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angela Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great weekend.