LinkedIn

Larry B. Harris is a native of Black Mountain, North Carolina. He has bachelor's and master's degrees from Appalachian State University.

Harris: I have been a certified public accountant since 1985 and a certified financial planner for the past twenty years. I currently serve as Director of Tax with Parsec Financial, which is headquartered in Asheville with offices in Tryon, Charlotte, Winston Salem and Southern Pines.

Get to know the seven candidates in the 2022 Black Mountain election

I currently serve as Director of Tax with Parsec Financial, which is headquartered in Asheville with offices in Tryon, Charlotte, Winston Salem and Southern Pines. Prior to becoming a shareholder and employee at Parsec financial, I was co-owner of the public accounting firm of Burlingham & Harris, PA.

Larry B. Harris currently serves as director of tax at Parsec Financial. He is a certified public accountant and certified financial planner, and previously co-owned the public accounting firm Burlingham & Harris, PA.

Larry is now retired, and previously worked as director of tax services for Parsec Financial. Larry is a certified public accountant and certified financial planner and previously owned the accounting and financial planning firm Burlingham & Harris, worked as a vice president and relationship manager for Bank of America Private Bank, a tax manager for McGladrey & Pullen, and a staff tax accountant for KPMG. 

Council voted by ballot to appoint Larry Harris to the vacant seat created by Pam King’s resignation in late April. He was sworn in before taking his seat. His appointment runs through December 2026, following the November 2026 general election, when the unexpired seat will appear on the ballot. Larry previously served on the Town Council from 1987-1989, 2013-2015, 2015-2010 and as Mayor from 2021-2022.

May 11, 2026 Town Council Meeting Recap & Council Member Appointment • Black Mountain, NC

*Mr. Harris was appointed to fill the vacated seat on May 11, 2026. This appointment expires in December 2026, as the unexpired seat will be on the November 2026 election ballot for the remainder of its term which would expire in 2028.

Town Council | Black Mountain, NC

Larry was appointed to the Black Mountain Town Council in 2026 to fill a vacancy created by Pam King’s resignation. His appointment expires in December 2026, and the unexpired seat will appear on the November 2026 ballot.

Larry currently serves on the Black Mountain Town Council, having been appointed to fill a vacant seat in 2026.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Responsible financial management is always a top issue and centers on maintaining a tax rate our citizens can afford but sufficient to provide services our citizens expect. The current council maintained a revenue neutral property tax rate at the conclusion of the most recent county and state mandated property revaluation.

Supports maintaining an affordable tax rate that is sufficient to provide expected town services.

- Supports maintaining an affordable tax rate that is sufficient to provide expected town services.

Economy

As of September 2, 2026, Larry B. Harris’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Services

The incredible growth in the Town of Black Mountain and Buncombe County over the past few years calls for thoughtful planning and zoning, attention to infrastructure and attention to the environment in developing our policies.

Calls for thoughtful planning and zoning as Black Mountain and Buncombe County grow.

- Calls for thoughtful planning and zoning as Black Mountain and Buncombe County grow.

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

TVE: What would be your top priority if elected mayor?

Harris: Greenway construction is my top priority. In a public meeting on Oct. 29, 2020, council learned that a planned bridge over Flat Creek could not meet NCDOT specifications.

We had hit a dead end after years of planning work Riverwalk Greenway. In 2021 Council requested the FBRMPO to convert Riverwalk Greenway design from one into two projects which would pave the way for the design and construction of the planned route from Black Mountain Avenue to connect with current greenway at Veterans Park.

Prioritizes Riverwalk Greenway construction, including a planned connection from Black Mountain Avenue to Veterans Park.

- Prioritizes Riverwalk Greenway construction, including a planned connection from Black Mountain Avenue to Veterans Park.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Calls for environmental considerations in policies addressing growth in Black Mountain and Buncombe County.

- Calls for environmental considerations in policies addressing growth in Black Mountain and Buncombe County.

Energy & the Environment

Larry B. Harris

Pavel Tantchev

Walter Ley

Cheryl L. Milton

- Town council members serve as the governing body of the town, along with the mayor. 
- The town council members make policy decisions for the town, including creating ordinances, policies, and making agreements with other governments. 
- The town council can amend and revise town policies, as well as approve or reject the town budget. 
- The town council is also in charge of the appointment of advisory boards, commissions, task forces, committees, the town manager, and the town attorney. 
- Members of the town council are elected to staggered 4 year terms. 

Part of the governing body of your town. 