# Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting **Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners **Date:** March 2, 2026 3:00 PM EST (2026-03-02T15:00:00-05:00) **Location:** COMMISSIONERS' MEETING ROOM, 110 N. Green Street, Entrance E, Morganton, NC, 28655 **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426 ## Summary On March 2, 2026, the Burke County Board of Commissioners held a pre-agenda meeting to review items slated for discussion at their upcoming regular board meeting. This meeting, which was live-streamed on the Burke County NC YouTube channel, focused heavily on recognizing community partners and laying the groundwork for key funding decisions impacting residents across Burke County. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing outstanding contributions from various individuals and groups. The Board will formally acknowledge the Draughn High School Cheer Team, Jainny Estrada (from NCSSM for her work with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day service program), local linemen (for their vital storm response efforts), and winners of the North Carolina One Community and Recovery awards. A ceremonial check presentation will also take place at the regular meeting to celebrate the Fauna Flora grant match, a project connecting trails in Lake James State Park thanks to contributions from the Friends of Fauna Flora and Over Mountain Victory. Finally, a formal recognition for retiring Clerk Kay Draughn is planned for a later date. Beyond recognitions, the Board approved several items on the consent agenda unanimously. These included proclaiming April as both Social Worker Appreciation Month and Burke Impact Group Challenge Month (expanding its focus beyond just litter cleanup), removing Allen Glines and Kathleen Andrews from their respective advisory roles, and making several appointments and reappointments to various boards and committees. Notably, the Town of Valdes’ representation on the Recreation Commission was removed due to insufficient participation. The Board also approved budget amendments allocating grant funding from the Department of Public Instruction and DHHS to schools, social services (foster care), senior services, and the library. A key discussion point centered around addressing substance use and mental health challenges in Burke County. The Board approved the purchase of property at 722 East Union Street, paving the way for a facility-based crisis center. This initiative will leverage a $6.5 million grant from Partners Behavioral Health Management, creating what County Manager described as a "comprehensive recovery ecosystem." Corey Fisher-Law, Director of the Burke County Health Department, delivered a quarterly report highlighting successes in environmental health and clinic services. He addressed the recent measles case, praising his team's response and noting their national recognition for their efforts. **What Happens Next?** The Board will continue deliberations on several items at the upcoming regular board meeting, including finalizing appointments for the Spring Citizens Academy and reviewing a Tax Collection Report. Residents can expect further discussion on these topics, along with the formal recognitions mentioned above. The Primary Election is scheduled for March 3rd, and residents are encouraged to participate. This pre-agenda meeting demonstrated the Board’s commitment to supporting local organizations, addressing critical community needs like substance use and mental health, and ensuring responsible allocation of public funds. Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming regular board meeting for a complete update on these and other important matters. ## Agenda - [CALL TO ORDER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1368) - [APPROVAL OF AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1369) - [PRESENTATIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1370) - [BOC - Recognition of the Draughn High School Cheer Team](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1371) - [CD - Friends of Fonta Flora Presentation of Grant Match Funds](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1372) - [CD - Recognition of Jainny Estrada, NCSSM's Assistant Director of Student Services](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1373) - [BOC - Proclamation Declaring April 18[th] as Linemen Appreciation Day](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1374) - [BR - Recognition of 2026 NC1 Community in Recovery Adult & Youth Award Winners (Place Holder)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1375) - [BOC - Recognition of Danny Scalise, Local Health Director, for His Service to Burke County](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1376) - [BOC - Recognition of Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board, on Her Retirement](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1377) - [SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1378) - [CONSENT AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1379) - [BOC - Proclamation for Social Worker Appreciation Month 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1380) - [Chamber - Proclamation Declaring April 2026 as Burke Impact Group (B.I.G.) Challenge Month](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1381) - [Clerk - Removal of Alan Glines as Plat Review Officer for Burke County](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1382) - [Clerk - Adult Care & Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Removal](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1383) - [Clerk- SS Advisory Board Removal & Appointment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1384) - [Clerk - Appointments and Reappointments to the Recreation Commission](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1385) - [Clerk - Appointment to the Library Board of Trustees](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1386) - [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 15](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1387) - [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 16](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1388) - [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 17](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1389) - [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 18](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1390) - [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 19](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1391) - [ITEMS FOR DECISION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1392) - [Clerk - Removal & Appointment - Veterans Service Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1393) - [CM - Appointment of Members to the 2026 Spring Citizens Academy](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1394) - [Tax - Tax Collection Report for Period Ending February 28, 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1395) - [Tax - Tax Release and Refund Report for Period Ending February 28, 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1396) - [Tax - Order to Advertise 2025 Delinquent Real Property Taxes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1397) - [REPORTS AND COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1398) - [CM - Presentation of the FY 25-26 Mid-Year Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1399) - [OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1400) - [ACTION ITEMS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1401) - [DSS - Departmental Update for the Period Ending January 31, 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1402) - [Health - Quarterly Report for the Period Ending Dec. 31, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1403) - [CM - Request to Approve Property Purchase, Contracts with Partners Health Management & Project Ordinance - Facility-Based Crisis Center](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1404) - [CLOSED SESSION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1405) - [BOC - Closed Session](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1406) - [ADJOURN](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426/item/1407) ## Votes - To select 20 participants for the Spring Citizens Academy. — Passed, 5-0 - To advertise the delinquent taxes as required by law. — Passed, 5-0 - To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the agenda as amended, with the addition of Items for Decision No. 6, Application for Public School Building Repair and Renovation Funds — Passed, 5-0 - Moved without objection to the following meeting on March 16, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. — Passed, 5-0 - Moved without objection to the following meeting. — Passed, 5-0 - To recognize a $36,550 donation from the Library Foundation to support additional activities throughout the County. No County funds are required. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the purchase of real property (REID # 6606) located at 722 E. Union Street in Morganton for use as a facility-based treatment center in the amount of $870,000. Further, to authorize the Chairman, County Manager and Finance Director to execute closing documentation on behalf of the Board. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve contracts between Partners Health Management and Burke County totaling $6,503,541 as presented, and to authorize the County Manager to execute the contracts on behalf of the Board. — Passed, 5-0 - To adopt Capital Project Budget Ordinance No. 2026-03 in the amount of $6,503,541. — Passed, 5-0 - To come out of closed session. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the purchase of real property (REID # 6606) located at 722 E. Union Street in Morganton for use as a facility-based treatment center with total costs not to exceed the amount of $870,000. Further, to authorize the Chairman, County Manager and Finance Director to execute closing documentation on behalf of the Board. — Passed, 5-0 - To remove Mr. Curtis Hildebran and consider applications for the Veterans Services Board. — Passed, 5-0 - To move to the next meeting on March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. — Passed, 5-0 - To declare March as Social Worker Appreciation Month — Passed, 5-0 - Moved to the following meeting without objection. — Passed, 5-0 - To recognize $26,760 in funds allocated by NC DHHS for Family Reunification services to support safe and stable families. No Countyfunds are required. — Passed, 5-0 - To recognize $5,600 in funds allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide shredding services for senior citizens to help prevent Medicaid and other identity fraud. Services will be offered at the East Burke and Morganton Senior Centers. No County funds are required. — Passed, 5-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivukVvCSKKA&t=519s - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1096/segments ## Documents - [agenda_2026-03-02.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426?document=3209) - [agenda_packet_2026-03-02.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426?document=3210) - [minutes_2026-03-02.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1426?document=9603) ## Sources - [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/965)