Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting Materials

Burke County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting Recap Date: March 7, 2025

The Burke County Board of Commissioners convened for a budget meeting focused on laying the groundwork for the upcoming fiscal year’s financial planning. The primary objective of the session was to gather information and economic forecasts to inform future decisions regarding county fund allocation. The Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda at the start of the session. The meeting featured presentations from external consultants and county staff, including Crystal Morpheus of Creative Economic Development Consulting, County Manager Brian Epley, and representatives regarding solid waste management. These sessions provided data on economic trends, tax base analysis, and operational reviews to guide the Board’s strategic prioritization for the 2025-2026 budget.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on economic development, led by Crystal Morpheus, who presented a comprehensive overview of local economic trends. She highlighted the importance of attracting businesses while ensuring economic mobility for residents, noting that companies now prioritize workforce quality and community amenities over simple tax incentives. The Board examined key economic indicators, including job growth, tax base expansion, and the county’s recent move to Tier 2 status. County Manager Brian Epley emphasized the critical need to connect actions to a clear purpose, specifically pointing out that Burke County has struggled to compete with neighboring counties due to a lack of available, "ready-to-go" industrial sites. He stressed the importance of product development, such as speculative buildings, to attract business investment.

The meeting also addressed several operational and community-focused topics. Discussions included the management of municipal solid waste, with a review of current infrastructure and potential improvements presented by Hugh Sandoe and Vance Moore. The Board explored the feasibility of constructing a speculative building at the Burke Business Park to attract businesses. Additionally, the Commissioners discussed public safety performance, the potential launch of a "citizen academy" to enhance engagement, and modifications to the county’s development code to streamline housing investments. The Board also focused on workforce challenges, including Medicaid eligibility, food insecurity, and the engagement of "opportunity youth" (young adults not in school or employment).

Public comments were limited, but the Board actively engaged with community concerns raised during the session. Commissioners expressed a strong desire to develop and retain local talent, ensuring that economic opportunities benefit current residents. There was also significant discussion regarding the need to balance economic development with preserving the rural character and quality of life in Burke County. The Board reiterated its interest in supporting local businesses and ensuring that development initiatives do not compromise the community’s existing identity.

Regarding next steps, the Board determined that the information gathered during this fact-finding session will be used to develop the formal budget for their consideration. Specific action items identified for further exploration include the feasibility of constructing a speculative building, continuing workforce development programs, and reviewing potential modifications to the development code. The Board was also encouraged to track economic development data to monitor the impact of county initiatives. No formal votes on budget allocations were taken at this meeting, as the session served as a preparatory phase for the strategic prioritization exercise and final budget decisions.