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CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — The Chimney Rock Village Council unanimously adopted its 2025 fiscal year budget on Tuesday evening following a lengthy presentation and public hearing that focused on storm recovery, infrastructure upgrades, and the pursuit of $5.5 million in state grants to support small businesses and downtown revitalization.
Facing a significant drop in property tax revenue after last year's devastating flood, village leaders voted to raise both the general fund tax rate and the municipal service district tax. Officials also approved rate hikes for water and sewer services to help support the newly rebuilt utility infrastructure.
What happened in that room wasn’t just another town meeting—it was a defining moment for the future of Chimney Rock. I sat through hours of meetings on Tuesday to report the facts (ICYMI: Watch the planning board meeting here.) I was the only journalist there to witness and document the full scope of what took place, from the high-stakes debate over development to the quiet tensions that will shape decisions for years to come. Because of the time, access, and original reporting involved, this story is available exclusively to paid subscribers. If you're already a subscriber, just make sure you're signed in to read. If you're not, and $15/month isn't feasible right now, I understand—please take advantage of the 7-day free trial. Substack allows you to cancel anytime. Your support makes this kind of independent, on-the-ground journalism possible.
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