# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

**Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners
**Date:** February 16, 2026 6:00 PM EST (2026-02-16T18:00:00-05:00)
**Location:** COMMISSIONERS' MEETING ROOM, 110 N. Green Street, Entrance E, Morganton, NC, 28655

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443

## Summary

On February 16, 2026, the Burke County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular meeting, a session marked by recognitions of local achievements and significant decisions impacting the county's future. The meeting began with a heartwarming celebration of sportsmanship, acknowledging the East Burke Royals and Oak Hill Bulldogs (9 & 10-year-old basketball teams) for a remarkable display of kindness and teamwork that garnered national attention. The East Burke High School Varsity Cheer Team was also recognized for their state championship victory, and Representative Hugh Blackwell was acknowledged for his presence.

A major portion of the meeting centered on discussions surrounding water resources and economic development. Anthony Star, Executive Director of the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCG), presented an update on Charlotte Water’s request for an Interbasin Transfer (IBT) of water from the Catawba River Basin. The presentation raised concerns about potential negative impacts on Burke County and the broader region, prompting a discussion encouraging engagement with state legislators and the North Carolina Collaboratory.  Simultaneously, Carrie Petit and Talisha Goossens from the Valdez Economic Development Investment Corporation (VEDIC) delivered their annual report, highlighting VEDIC’s crucial role in supporting local businesses and creating jobs—over 1,100 in Burke County alone. Their commitment to minority lending was also emphasized.

Beyond these key presentations, the Board approved several important ordinances and appointments. A modernized zoning ordinance (Ordinance 2026-01) was approved, streamlining regulations for accessory structures, tiny homes, manufactured housing parks, and solar farms. This update aims to provide clarity for property owners and developers while ensuring responsible development practices.  A zoning text amendment (ZTA 2025-02) was also approved, designed to simplify the community master planning process. Finally, appointments and reappointments were made to the Opioid Advisory Committee, ensuring diverse representation from educators, employers, and community stakeholders. The Board also unanimously approved a comprehensive consent agenda encompassing financial reports from various county entities, including schools and the Tourism Development Authority.

The meeting concluded with a focus on community engagement and supporting local businesses, reflecting the Board’s commitment to fostering a thriving Burke County.  Citizens should stay informed about the ongoing Interbasin Transfer discussions and consider supporting local businesses through initiatives like VEDIC.  The updated zoning ordinance will also be of interest to property owners and developers, so reviewing the details is encouraged. The next regular Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on [Date] at [Time].

## Agenda

- [CALL TO ORDER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1530)
- [INVOCATION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1531)
- [PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & SPECIAL RECOGNITION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1532)
- [APPROVAL OF AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1533)
- [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1534)
- [PRESENTATIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1535)
- [SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1536)
- [INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1537)
- [CONSENT AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1538)
- [ITEMS FOR DECISION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1539)
- [REPORTS AND COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1540)
- [VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1541)
- [CLOSED SESSION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1542)
- [ADJOURN](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443/item/1543)

## Votes

- To adopt Budget Amendment No. 13. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Budget Amendment No. 14. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve property sales for the nine (9) listed properties that met or exceeded reserve amounts. — Passed, 5-0
- Approve the agreement between the Town of Rutherford College and Burke County as presented and authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board, subject to review and/or revision by the County Attorney. — Passed, 5-0
- To remove Dr. Welch's name from the Opioid Advisory Committee roster and thank him for his service to the community. — Passed, 5-0
- To appoint Ava Yamouti to the Opioid Advisory Committee, Seat No. 4, - educators, for a 3 year term ending February 14, 2029. — Passed, 5-0
- To appoint Katie Olsen to the Opioid Advisory Committee, Seat No. 7, - employers/business leaders, for a 3 year term ending February 14, 2029. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the agenda as amended, including the addition of Items for Decision No. 6, Resolution Authorizing Private Sale to a Nonprofit, and moving the Recognition of the East Burke High School Cheer Team from Presentation Item No. 2 to Presentation Item No. 1. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the minutes of the November 3, 2025 (pre-agenda), November 17, 2025 (special / quasi-judicial), November 17, 2025 (regular), and December 1, 2025 (pre-agenda) meetings as written. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the report as presented and open the application portal. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Ordinance No. 2026-01, amending Chapter 10, Buildings and Building Regulations, of the Burke County Code, as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-01 reads as follows: AN ORDINANCE MAKING REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 10 OF THE BURKE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS — Passed, 5-0
- Upon the adoption of this ordinance finding that dwelling conditions of the character described in - section 10 75 exist, the Burke County Board of Commissioners is authorizing the enforcement of ordinances relating to dwellings within the planning and development regulation jurisdiction that are unfit for human habitation. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-02 (for ZTA 2025-02) Amending Articles 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 of the Burke County Zoning Ordinance — Passed, 5-0
- To reappoint Hannah Houston to the Opioid Advisory Committee, Seat No. 10, - stakeholders with diversity, for a 3 year term ending February 14, 2029. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Ordinance No. 2026-02 as it relates to Zoning Text Amendment 2025-02, Zoning Ordinance Articles 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 to (1) modernize development procedures; (2) expand residential accessory structure allowances; and (3) reorganize, clarify, and streamline zoning regulations as presented. The Board of Commissioners finds this amendment to be reasonable and in the public interest and consistent with the goals of the Blueprint Burke Strategic Land Use Plan because: 1. it promotes efficient land use regulations and diverse housing options, 2. reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens on property owners, and 3. supports community advancement by facilitating the ability of residents to live, work, and play in Burke County. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-14 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units — Passed, 5-0
- Resolution 2026-XX to adopt regulations for manufactured home parks — Passed, 5-0
- To appoint Bradley Kirkley to the WPRTA (Seat No. 1) to complete the remainder of a 3-year term ending June 30, 2028, and to appoint Linwood 'Patrick' Dickinson to the WPRTA (Seat No. 2 - alternate) to complete the remainder of a 3- year term ending June 30, 2028. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Budget Amendment No. 8. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to appoint Linwood "Patrick" Dickinson to the WPRTA (Seat No. 2 - alternate) to complete the remainder of a 3- year term ending June 30, 2028. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion: To adopt Budget Amendment No. 8. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion: To adopt Budget Amendment No. 9. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion: To adopt Budget Amendment No. 10. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion: To adopt Budget Amendment No. 11. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion: To adopt Budget Amendment No. 12. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion: To adopt Budget Amendment No. 13. — Passed, 5-0
- To decline the high bids received for REID# 12638 (Rockyford Street) in the amount of $3,250; REID# 38040 (Kirksey Drive) in the amount of $15,201; and REID# 38041 (Kirksey Drive) in the amount of $17,000, and to direct staff to repost the properties for sale with reserve amounts as currently listed. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the Tax Collection Report as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the Tax Release and Refund Report as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Resolution No. 2026-04. — Passed, 5-0
- The County Manager and/or the Library Director are each authorized to convey by private sale to the Library Foundation any personal property owned by the County meeting the following description: Books, magazines, journals, periodicals, and other similar library materials acquired by the County for use by the Burke County Public Library that are not in regular circulation in the Library as of the date of this resolution (the “Used Library Materials”). — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arGBAZirTco&t=20s
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1094/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2026-02-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443?document=9604)
- [agenda_2026-02-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443?document=2862)
- [agenda_packet_2026-02-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1443?document=2874)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/977)