Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

Burke County Commissioners Address Foster Care, Finances, and Community Concerns at January 20th Meeting

The Burke County Board of Commissioners convened on January 20, 2026, for their regular meeting, addressing a wide range of issues impacting the community. The session included presentations, routine approvals, and opportunities for public comment, providing a snapshot of the county's current priorities.

Key Decisions & Approvals: The Board approved a busy agenda, including the minutes from previous meetings and several key resolutions. Notably, they adopted a resolution awarding county-issued service side arms and badges to designated personnel, reflecting ongoing efforts to support law enforcement. A consent agenda was also approved, streamlining approvals for administrative tasks like removing individuals from the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and Library Board of Trustees, as well as adopting the 2024 Local Water Supply Plan. A lease agreement with Congressman Moore's office was also approved, adding a new item to the consent agenda.

Discussion Highlights: Supporting Foster Families & Examining County Finances: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Judge Robert Mullenax Jr. regarding the foster care system in Burke County. He highlighted challenges including high caseloads and emotional toll on social workers and foster families, emphasizing the vital need for continued community support. The Board acknowledged this need and expressed appreciation for the dedication of foster families. County Manager Epley presented a comprehensive overview of the FY25 audit, showcasing the county's financial stability with a strong unassigned fund balance. Discussions centered on diversifying revenue streams to reduce reliance on property taxes, with EMS billing revenue showing positive growth. Hugh Sandow provided an update on the ongoing community beautification project, emphasizing the importance of litter prevention and encouraging citizen participation through reporting issues on the county website.

Community Input: Addressing Healthcare Access Concerns: A key moment in the public comment period came from Christie Gepton, who addressed the Board regarding Burke County's exclusion from Rural Health Transformation Funds. She passionately argued that the county meets the criteria for rural designation and deserves access to these funds, particularly given ongoing challenges related to healthcare access, the opioid crisis, and hurricane recovery. She requested clarification and reconsideration of Burke County’s exclusion from these funds.

Action Items & Next Steps: The Board responded to Gepton’s concerns by committing to encourage Governor Cooper to review the criteria and reconsider Burke County's eligibility for Rural Health Transformation Funds. They also acknowledged the ongoing need to support foster families and continue community beautification efforts, urging residents to report litter and participate in cleanup initiatives. The Board will also review the tax release and refund reports, taking appropriate action as needed.

Why This Matters to You: The decisions made during this meeting directly impact the quality of life for Burke County residents. Supporting foster families ensures vulnerable children receive care and stability. The county's financial health, as highlighted in the audit, ensures essential services continue to be provided. Addressing healthcare access concerns is crucial for improving overall well-being, and the community beautification project contributes to a more vibrant and welcoming county. The Board’s commitment to follow up on the Rural Health Transformation Funds demonstrates a willingness to advocate for resources that benefit our community.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates: Residents can stay informed about upcoming events and initiatives by noting the following: Congressman Moore will present a check for renovations at the HRC on January 27th. The Board of Commissioners will hold a pre-agenda meeting on February 2nd, and their next regular meeting is scheduled for February 16th. Finally, the Emergency Services Headquarters Ribbon Cutting will take place on February 20th.