To their credit, members of Asheville City Council want to hold the line on taxes, or even provide tax relief. This is in spite of an anticipated $1.3 million deficit and desires to start new programs. Affordable housing and stricter building guidelines are high priorities. Instead of raising taxes, several members of council would like to take out bonds. The mayor is particularly interested in COP’s. Asheville is a magic city, but its CFO, Ben Durant, assures me the city will have to pay debt service on the bonds.