Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting Materials

Burke County Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting Recap: March 3, 2025

On March 3, 2025, the Burke County Board of Commissioners held a pre-agenda meeting to prepare for their upcoming full board meeting. Commissioner Burns was absent due to illness, and the session primarily focused on reviewing items for the agenda, receiving updates on ongoing disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Helena, and hearing from various county departments. This meeting provided a crucial look at the work underway to support residents and rebuild after the storm, as well as ongoing county operations.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on Hurricane Helena disaster recovery. County Manager Mr. Manager presented a comprehensive update, highlighting substantial financial assistance received through FEMA – over $350 million for affected households. The county is actively working through the public assistance process, prioritizing debris removal and transitional sheltering. To date, approximately 13,000 residents have registered for individual assistance, receiving around $14.6 million in awards, and roughly $4.2 million has been allocated for housing assistance. Notably, over 255,000 cubic yards of debris have already been collected. The state is also running a Mitigation Block Grant program to acquire, repair, or mitigate properties damaged by the hurricane. The Board will now consider options for addressing debris remaining in waterways, potentially partnering with a private contractor or utilizing the Army Corps of Engineers. They will also explore options for assisting residents with debris removal on their private property.

Beyond disaster recovery, the Board approved a revised agenda that included reappointment of Mendel Dearberry and Mo Beam to the Parks & Recreation Commission, appointment of Jordan Phillips to that commission as well, and a budget amendment allocating $11,630 for lean performance management training. Mr. Bridges presented a tax resolution that will be considered in two weeks, covering business personal property listing, present use value audits, and tax foreclosure. Discussions also took place regarding the Department of Social Services (DSS), with Director Corey Wellman outlining staffing challenges (currently operating at 10% vacancy) and ongoing foster parent recruitment efforts. Brett and Cindy Potter provided an update on Adult Services, detailing their work with programs like CAP (Community Alternatives Program), SA in-home services and APS. The Board will continue to monitor DSS staffing levels and foster parent recruitment. Finally, the board will consider a resolution extending the position of opioid coordinator.

Public comment was limited during this briefing-style meeting, although a representative from the Morganton High School Wildcat Alumni Association was present to discuss a $500 donation. Mr. Manager emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to disaster recovery, acknowledging the complexities of navigating federal funding processes. Mr. Bridges highlighted the importance of standardized procedures in tax administration to ensure fairness and consistency across the county.

What's Next? Residents can expect further discussion on waterway and private property debris removal at the upcoming full Board of Commissioners meeting. The board will also consider a resolution to extend the opioid coordinator position and finalize their review of the tax resolution. Citizens interested in learning more about these topics, or other county initiatives, are encouraged to visit the Burke County Government Website at https://www.burkecountync.gov/ and check for upcoming meeting schedules and published minutes.