Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Materials

Burke County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – August 18, 2025

On August 18, 2025, the Burke County Board of Commissioners (BOC) convened their regular meeting, attended by all commissioners and key county staff. The meeting began with a moving recognition of local heroes involved in several life-saving efforts, including CPR rescues and a waterfall rescue facilitated by the quick thinking of a community member – highlighting the strength and responsiveness of Burke County’s EMS and its residents. Following standard protocol, the meeting commenced with a prayer led by Reverend Keith Barnett and the Pledge of Allegiance.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to appointments and re-appointments across various county boards and commissions. The Board unanimously approved the appointment of Holly Phillips to the Council on Aging, Patrick Dickinson as Plat Review Officer (replacing Pete Mentor), and Morgan Bollinger to the Animal Advisory Board. They also removed Kevin Hancock from the America 250 Committee, with a commitment to finding a suitable replacement. Re-appointments were made for Jason Carswell and Robert Lowman to the Volunteer Agricultural Board, ensuring continuity in these vital advisory roles. The Board also approved the removal of Cody Clark from the Parks and Recreation Commission, replacing him with Sarah Ellis. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to ensure these boards are effectively serving the community’s needs.

Beyond personnel matters, the BOC addressed several key issues impacting Burke County residents. They approved a resolution proclaiming September 2025 as National Recovery Month, demonstrating the county’s commitment to supporting substance use disorder prevention and treatment. The Board also approved a resolution supporting substantial equivalency for the Citizens Academy, a new program designed to increase community engagement and transparency in county government. The first class is scheduled to begin on September 11th, a promising step toward fostering stronger connections between residents and their local government. A significant decision was made to move forward with the Human Resources Center (HRC) renovation project, approving a temporary $1 million loan from the capital fund.

During public comment, Christie Gupton shared an inspiring story about community collaboration in building an outdoor classroom at Mole Elementary School. This positive example underscored the power of local initiative and community spirit within Burke County. County Manager Brian Epley highlighted a number of interconnected challenges facing the county, emphasizing the need to address foster care, substance use disorder, and economic development in a coordinated manner. The Board also approved a plan to utilize opioid settlement funds for programs aimed at reducing overdose rates and supporting recovery efforts, including the development of a Community Paramedic/Peer Support team. Finally, they approved the launch of an interactive map on the county website to streamline the bidding process for surplus properties, improving transparency and accessibility.

Looking ahead, the Board will continue the search to replace Kevin Hancock on the America 250 Committee. Staff are tasked with implementing the approved strategies related to opioid settlement funds, including expanding treatment programs and supporting family-centered care. The Citizens Academy will soon be underway, requiring training for both staff and community members to ensure a successful launch. These actions represent ongoing efforts to address critical needs, enhance transparency, and strengthen community engagement within Burke County.