Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting

Burke County Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting Recap – January 5, 2026

On January 5th, 2026, the Burke County Board of Commissioners held a pre-agenda meeting to prepare for their upcoming regular meeting later in January. This session, livestreamed on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@BurkeCountyNC), focused on reviewing items slated for discussion and potential decisions at the regular meeting, providing an opportunity for staff to present information and commissioners to gain initial perspectives. The meeting was largely procedural, with a focus on ensuring readiness for the main board session.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing upcoming presentations and reports that will be addressed at the regular Commissioners' Meeting. These included a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025 audit, conducted by Thompson, Price, Scott & Adams – a partnership the County Manager praised for navigating increasingly complex audit processes. Residents can expect to hear more about this during the regular meeting, as well as a full update on the County's Community Beautification Initiative. Additionally, reports on year-end tax collection and a Local Water Supply Plan will be presented for consideration. A detailed update on the Department of Social Services (DSS) was also a key focus, with Director Corey Fisher-Wellman outlining the department's performance and challenges.

Several routine items were approved through a consent agenda, including the removal of Dayana Wilkerson from the Jewel Prime Prevention Council (due to her graduation and attendance at college) and Jenny Cook from the Library Board of Trustees (having reached the maximum term limit allowed by bylaws). The Board also agreed to move a request from Sheriff Banksman regarding the surplus of a Glock 45 pistol and badge to retired officer Lieutenant Tim Branch from the consent agenda to the decision agenda, allowing for a more formal recognition. This practice is standard in North Carolina, according to Sheriff Banksman.

During the DSS update, a notable point of discussion was the ongoing transition to Healthy Blue for foster care Medicaid coverage. While the department is meeting its Economic Services outcomes and Medicaid recipient numbers remain stable, initial challenges related to contracting and communication were acknowledged by Director Fisher-Wellman. The Board also noted a positive trend in foster care entries versus exits in 2025, marking a shift after several years of net decreases. The Board will continue to monitor these developments closely.

There were no public comments taken during this pre-agenda meeting, but residents are encouraged to attend the regular Board of Commissioners meeting on January 19th to engage directly in discussions and provide input. The key takeaway for residents is that this meeting served as a preparatory step, laying the groundwork for decisions impacting various aspects of Burke County life. Residents can anticipate further discussion and potential action on the topics covered, including budget audits, community improvements, law enforcement recognition, tax collection reports, and ongoing DSS operations.