# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

**Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners
**Date:** November 17, 2025 6:00 PM EST (2025-11-17T18:00:00-05:00)
**Location:** COMMISSIONERS' MEETING ROOM, 110 N. Green Street, Morganton, Morganton, NC, 28655

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442

## Summary

On November 17, 2025, the Burke County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular meeting, a session marked by recognitions, financial reviews, and key decisions impacting the community. The meeting began with a patriotic opening featuring local youth, followed by heartfelt recognition of several successful youth sports teams – the Valdez Tigers and East Burke Royals. The atmosphere was generally positive, with a focus on celebrating community achievements and addressing important county matters.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to financial discussions and approvals. The Board unanimously approved a budget amendment totaling \$624,991 related to grant funding and authorized the DCM/Finance Director to execute those documents. The Tourism Development Authority (TDA) presented a strong report, highlighting an 11.9% increase in visitor spending and a record $1.2 million in occupancy tax collection – demonstrating the positive impact of tourism on Burke County’s economy. The Tax Department also reported a strong collection rate for property taxes, exceeding previous year's figures, signaling financial stability within the county.

Beyond finances, a key decision was made regarding Zoning Map Amendment ZMA 2025-06. Following a public hearing, the Board approved the reclassification of a property at 2893 US-70 from residential to general business. This change will allow for a broader range of commercial activities at that location, potentially stimulating economic growth in the area. A particularly impactful moment occurred during a presentation by Beverly Morton, a foster parent, who shared her personal experiences and emphasized the critical need for community support in providing safe and loving homes for children in foster care. This resonated deeply with the Board, highlighting a vital community need.

The meeting also included updates on ongoing efforts related to hurricane recovery and the FEMA Public Assistance application process. While progress is being made, County Manager’s update underscored the complexities involved in securing federal disaster relief. The Board also appointed Brian Smith and Jim Belote to the newly formed Tax Re-evaluation Task Force, a crucial step in preparing for the upcoming county-wide property revaluation. Finally, recognizing the importance of civic engagement, the Board acknowledged and celebrated graduates from the 2025 Citizens Academy.

**What's Next?** The Board will continue working through the FEMA public assistance application process, navigating its complexities to secure necessary funds for hurricane recovery efforts. The Tax Re-evaluation Task Force will now begin its work, providing valuable input on the upcoming property revaluation. Residents are encouraged to explore opportunities to fill vacancies on various county boards and committees, ensuring diverse representation in local government. The Board will also continue to collaborate with Burke County Public Schools regarding the Cops grant implementation. For more detailed information, residents can review the official meeting minutes and agenda documents available on the county website.

## Agenda

- [CALL TO ORDER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7903)
- [INVOCATION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7904)
- [PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7905)
- [APPROVAL OF AGENDA AS AMENDED](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7906)
- [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7907)
- [PRESENTATIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7908)
- [SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7909)
- [INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7910)
- [CONSENT AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7911)
- [ITEMS FOR DECISION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7912)
- [REPORTS AND COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7913)
- [VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7914)
- [CLOSED SESSION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7915)
- [RETURNED TO OPEN SESSION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7916)
- [ADJOURNED](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442/item/7917)

## Votes

- To approve the agenda as amended, with the addition of Decision Item No. 3, Appointments to the Tax Revaluation Task Force. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the minutes of the July 21, 2025 (regular) and August 18, 2025 (regular) meetings as written. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the 2025 Community Health Assessment report as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To reappoint Karen Robinson, Diane Patterson, Victoria Whitworth, and Susan Merrill to complete the remainder of a 3-year term ending May 31, 2028. — Passed, 5-0
- To reappoint Paige Pitts (Seat No. 6) to the Council on Aging to complete a term ending November 30, 2028. To appoint Pearl Jones (Seat No. 1) to the Council on Aging to complete an unexpired term ending November 30, 2027. — Passed, 5-0
- To reappoint Karin O'Donnell to the East Burke Senior Center Advisory Council, Seat No. 3, to complete the remainder of a term ending May 31, 2028. — Passed, 5-0
- To remove Marty Queen's name from the official roster for the Local Emergency Planning Committee, Seat No. 11, due to an employment change, and thank him for his service to the community. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Budget Amendment No. 4 in the amount of $18,500. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Budget Amendment No. 4 in the amount of $18,500. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve text changes to the Classification Plan (Policy Number 007) and Compensation Plan Policy (Policy Number 008) as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- Approval of Compensation Plan Policy — Passed, 5-0
- To reappoint Thomas Fraley to the Foothills Regional Airport Authority, Seat - No. 2, to complete the remainder of a 2 year term ending January 31, 2027. — Passed, 5-0
- To appoint Brian Smith to the Revaluation Task Force, Seat No. 2, active licensed general contractor, to complete the remainder of a term ending January 1, 2027. — Passed, 5-0
- To appoint Jim Belote to the Revaluation Task Force, Seat No. 6, at-large, to complete the remainder of a term ending January 1, 2027. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve Budget Amendment No. 5 in the amount of $624,991 and authorize the Deputy Co. Manager / Finance Director to execute the grant documents on behalf of the Board. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the Tax Collection Report for October 2025 as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the Tax Releases and Refunds for October 2025 as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To come out of closed session. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the release or refund for the late payment penalty to Morganton Lodging Associates for the Month of August 2025. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-12 as it relates to ZMA 2025-06 to rezone the parcel at 2893 US 70, Connelly Springs, NC (PIN 2772-35-7468) from Residential Two (R-2) to G-B (General Business) and to adjust the Future Land Use Map to General Business for this parcel. This request is reasonable and in the public interest as it aligns with the surrounding commercial and mixed-use character of US 70 and is supported by the Blueprint Burke Land Use Plan, which encourages commercial development along Burke County's highway corridors. — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXZx00JwvUk
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1042/segments
- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgzMB1hf-Ak
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/997/segments

## Documents

- [action_report_2025-11-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442?document=2696)
- [agenda_2025-11-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442?document=2798)
- [minutes_2025-11-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442?document=3180)
- [agenda_packet_2025-11-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1442?document=2695)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/899)