Special Meeting

Burke County Commissioners Address Church Safety Concerns: A Recap

On April 10, 2025, the Burke County Board of Commissioners (BOC) held a special meeting focused on an appeal from the Marshallese New Beginnings Church regarding a building inspection order. The meeting, attended by Commissioners Stroud, Edwards, Sitzes, and Young (with one absence), centered on whether the church's current conditions met county safety standards, impacting both the congregation and the broader community. The proceedings were overseen by outside counsel Martha Thompson, who clarified that the hearing was a quasi-judicial process requiring decisions based on evidence and adherence to building codes, not policy preferences.

The core of the discussion revolved around a series of safety concerns identified during recent inspections. Building Inspector Holden and Fire Marshal Bishop presented detailed evidence highlighting significant issues, including exposed wiring, overloaded electrical panels, roof leaks, structural damage, plumbing problems, and blocked emergency exits. These conditions raised concerns about fire safety and the overall well-being of those using the church facility. Pastor Tommy Lewis, representing the Marshallese New Beginnings Church, acknowledged the issues but emphasized their limited awareness of the severity prior to inspections and cited financial constraints as a barrier to immediate remediation. He requested an extension of time and assistance from the county, arguing that they had been working to address concerns but felt communication regarding specific issues was lacking.

A significant portion of the meeting involved debate surrounding a potential continuance of the case, with Commissioner Stroud emphasizing the county's responsibility to uphold safety standards and avoid potential liability. While acknowledging the church’s financial challenges, the Board ultimately voted against granting a full continuance. However, they did modify the original order to give the church 30 days to provide written estimates from contractors, proof of a line of credit or grant applications. If the church can't provide these within 30 days, the order to vacate will stand. A citizen raised concerns about a lack of interpreter services during the hearing, highlighting potential barriers to equitable participation.

What Happens Next?

The church now has 30 days from the date of this decision to provide documentation demonstrating their commitment and ability to address the identified safety hazards. The Board will review this information, and if it’s deemed satisfactory, they may consider further action. If the church fails to provide adequate documentation within that timeframe, the original order requiring them to address the safety concerns will take full effect. The Board will render a written decision outlining their findings and rationale within a reasonable timeframe, ensuring transparency in the process.

Why Does This Matter to You?

This decision underscores the county’s commitment to ensuring public safety and upholding building codes. While acknowledging the challenges faced by local organizations, the Board prioritized protecting residents from potential harm associated with unsafe building conditions. This case highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and adherence to safety regulations for all properties within Burke County, impacting everyone who lives, works, or visits the area. Residents are encouraged to review the full agenda and action report documents from the meeting for complete details.