Buncombe Names Eric Cregger as Permanent Tax Assessor

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners concluded a nationwide search and formally appointed Eric Cregger as the county Tax Assessor on December 10, 2025. Cregger had led the Tax Assessor's Office in an interim capacity since last September and brings more than a decade of property assessment experience to the role.

Board Chair Amanda Edwards highlighted Cregger's experience and leadership in explaining the decision. “Eric brings a decade of experience in tax assessment and has demonstrated exceptional leadership during his tenure as Interim Tax Assessor since last September,” she said. The board also emphasized the operational changes enacted during his interim term. “Since stepping into the interim role, Eric has shown remarkable dedication to improving our operations. He has successfully built staff morale, enhanced data quality and processes, streamlined our budgeting procedures, and increased transparency throughout the Tax Assessor's Office. These improvements come at a particularly important time as we begin the property revaluation and appraisal process.

We congratulate Eric on his appointment and look forward to his continued service to our county and its residents.”

Cregger has said he is enthusiastic about continuing ongoing projects aimed at increasing efficiency and strengthening the office's public facing valuation work. His permanent appointment is intended to provide continuity as the county moves into a comprehensive property revaluation, a process that affects assessment rolls and sets the basis for tax bills in coming years.

For residents, the change in leadership matters because improved data quality and clearer processes can reduce errors and make appeals more straightforward, while stronger budgeting practices may influence office capacity during the revaluation. The administration's emphasis on transparency aims to make valuation methods and timelines easier for homeowners and businesses to follow.

With the Tax Assessor position now filled, county officials will focus on the technical work of reappraisal and on communicating timelines to the public. Stability in leadership may also help retain experienced staff and ensure the office meets statutory deadlines that govern local property tax administration.