A-B Tech Board of Trustees files records request to find out how county spent tax funds

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Leaders at A-B Tech take new steps to find out how Buncombe County has used millions in sales tax dollars that were meant for the school.

The Board of Trustees is asking for a full accounting of $15 million earmarked for new construction at A-B Tech. The board sent a letter to county commissioners asking for that information back in August, but so far there's been no response.

The board has filed a public records request to find out how the money from a quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters seven years ago is being spent.

News 13 obtained a copy of that letter the Board of Trustees sent to Brownie Newman, chairman of the county board of commissioners. The board asked Newman for details about whether the sales tax funds reserved for capital improvements were instead used to pay off any county debt or outstanding loan.

They also want itemized details on all proceeds that have been allocated or spent on items unrelated to A-B Tech.

The letter goes on to ask for copies of all official county board of commissioners action approving such expenditures.

The board chair and A-B Tech president were unavailable for comment.