# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Materials

**Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners
**Date:** July 21, 2025 12:00 AM EDT (2025-07-21T00:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410

## Summary

On July 21, 2025, the Burk County Board of Commissioners (BOC) convened for their regular meeting, attended by all board members and featuring presentations from several key county departments and organizations. The meeting began with standard procedures, including an invocation by Pastor David Bridges and the Pledge of Allegiance led by members of First Apostolic Church. The board proceeded despite awaiting their attorney's arrival, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the agenda items efficiently.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates from various departments and partners. Michael Bowman, Executive Director of Greenway Public Transportation, presented a positive overview of their services across four counties, highlighting high ridership numbers and plans for expansion. James Robson, EMS Director, detailed the restructuring of Emergency Management to align with strategic planning goals and addressed a notable increase in search and rescue calls, emphasizing strong partnerships with neighboring agencies. Finally, Colonel Brian Oliver and Dr. Bryant Lindsey provided an update on the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, securing approval for a $160,130 contribution to support the Canal Bridge Pedestrian Walkway Project – a key component of North Carolina’s America 250NC celebration.

The meeting also included a period for public comments, where three speakers addressed the Board regarding Hachoka Retreat Center, a non-profit equine therapy center. Speakers passionately advocated for resolving property value assessment issues and securing tax exemption status, citing the center’s vital role in providing healing services for first responders and vulnerable populations. Sheriff Huntsman underscored the importance of collaboration with neighboring law enforcement agencies, while James Robson emphasized community preparedness in light of increasing emergency service demands.

The Board took several key actions throughout the meeting, beginning with unanimous approval of both the agenda and minutes from a previous meeting. They accepted Greenway Public Transportation’s report as presented, formally approved the funding for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail project, and endorsed the establishment of a Citizens Academy. This new initiative aims to foster community engagement by providing residents with interactive learning experiences about county government operations, with a planned launch as early as September 11th.

Looking ahead, the Board will focus on addressing the tax issues surrounding Hachoka Retreat Center, a matter of significant concern to local citizens. Residents are encouraged to review the County’s strategic plan and explore opportunities for involvement in boards and commissions. The BOC's commitment to collaboration, proactive planning, and community engagement was evident throughout the meeting, promising a responsive and accessible local government for Burk County residents.

## Agenda

- [APPROVAL OF AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8473)
- [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8475)
- [PRESENTATIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8477)
- [GT - PRESENTATION ON GREENWAY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8478)
- [EM - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8479)
- [AAA - HOME & COMMUNITY CARE BLOCK GRANT FY 25-26](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8481)
- [BOC - DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE AT NCACC CONFERENCE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8482)
- [CLERK - REAPPOINTMENT TO BDI (BURKE DEVELOPMENT, INC.)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8484)
- [CLERK - APPOINTMENT TO BURKE SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COUNCIL](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8486)
- [CLERK - REAPPOINTMENTS & REMOVALS TO THE ANIMAL ADVISORY BOARD](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8487)
- [CLERK - APPOINTMENT TO THE REGIONAL AGING ADVISORY COMMITTEE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8489)
- [CLERK - RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE ON REVALUATION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8491)
- [CM - APPROVAL OF OPIOID ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S BYLAWS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8492)
- [CM - APPROVAL OF VEDIC FUNDING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8494)
- [CM - APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8496)
- [TAX DEPT. - TAX COLLECTION REPORT](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8497)
- [TAX DEPT. - RELEASE REFUND REPORT](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8499)
- [REPORTS AND COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410/item/8503)

## Votes

- To approve the agenda as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the April 7, 2025 (pre agenda) meeting minutes as written. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) funding allocations as recommended by the Burke County Council on Aging and approve the HCCBG agreement between Burke County and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging for FY 25 - 26, subject to review and / or revision by the County Attorney. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the designation of Chairman Brittain as Burke County’s voting delegate and Vice Chairman Smith as the alternate voting delegate for the NCACC Annual Conference in August 2025. — Passed, 5-0
- To appoint Mike Watts to BDI Seat No. 3, at-large, to complete the remainder of a term ending December 31, 2027. — Passed, 5-0
- To reappoint Barbara Houston to the Burke Senior Center Advisory Council, Seat No. 4, to complete the remainder of a term ending March 31, 2027. To reappoint Susan Janney to the Burke Senior Center Advisory Council, Seat No. 5, and Guinn Huffman to Seat No. 6, to complete the remainder of terms ending March 31, 2028. — Passed, 5-0
- To reappoint Dr. Jenni McGrady to the Animal Advisory Board, Seat No. 2 (vet). To reappoint Debbie Hawkins, Seat No. 4 (at-large pet owner), to the Animal Advisory Board. To remove Liz Boyd-Oliver’s name from the official roster and thank her for her service. To appoint Linda Arriga to Seat No. 6 (breeder) to the Animal Advisory Board. To remove Adam Abernethy’s name from the official roster and thank him for his service. — Passed, 5-0
- To appoint Joset Taylor to Seat No. 4 on the Regional Aging Advisory Board. — Passed, 3-0
- To adopt Resolution No. 2025-21. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the bylaws for the Opioid Advisory Committee as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To execute funding for VEDIC for FY 26. — Passed, 3-0
- To approve Budget Amendment No. 2 in the amount of $200,000 as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the Tax Collection Report for June 2025 as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the Tax Releases and Refunds for June 2025 as presented. — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://youtu.be/IYfVJa3cfrA?si=3aFmPiT2_hDtOQmj
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1039/segments
- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExLp33fdk3o
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1009/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2025-07-21.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410?document=3176)
- [agenda_2025-07-21.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410?document=2580)
- [agenda_packet_2025-07-21.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1410?document=2622)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/887)