Board of Commissioners Special Meeting

Burke County Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Recap – February 4, 2026

On Wednesday, February 4th, the Burke County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting, initially rescheduled due to hazardous road conditions. The primary focus of this session was setting the agenda for their upcoming regular meeting, alongside addressing several key issues impacting Burke County residents. While formal votes were limited during this session, significant groundwork was laid for future decisions that will shape the county's direction.

A major topic of discussion revolved around Charlotte Water’s request for an interbasin transfer – essentially, seeking to draw more water from the Catawba River. The Board received an update from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, outlining potential impacts to Burke County and exploring alternative solutions. This discussion highlighted the complexity of water resource management and the need for careful consideration of regional implications. Another significant focus was on modernizing Burke County's building codes, with a presentation outlining proposed changes to align with state law and streamline processes for property owners. A public hearing on these building code amendments is planned for a future meeting, providing an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions.

Beyond regulatory updates, the Board received valuable insights into local economic development efforts from the Valdese Economic Development Investment Corporation (VEDIC) and heard an update on the county’s opioid response initiatives, noting a decrease in overdose deaths compared to the previous year. The Board also reviewed a number of budget amendment proposals, totaling significant sums across various departments, including Burke County Public Schools and Western Piedmont Community College. These amendments will be considered for final approval at the next regular meeting, impacting county funding priorities.

While direct public comment was limited during this special session, the Board acknowledged the importance of community engagement. The County Manager presented a proposal to relaunch the Spring 2026 Citizens Academy, aiming to educate residents about local government. Applications will be opened in April, and this program promises a valuable opportunity for citizens to learn more about how their local government operates.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. The Board agreed to review and consider action on the zoning ordinance amendment (ZTA-2025-02) at their next meeting, following the public hearing. The Planning Director will schedule that hearing, and residents are encouraged to participate. The County Manager is tasked with finalizing the Spring 2026 Citizens Academy proposal, and DSS will continue to monitor opioid response efforts. Finally, the Board will address the deferred presentations from Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Eastward Class School Cheer Team recognition, and VEDIC at the next regular meeting.

This special meeting underscored several ongoing priorities for Burke County: ensuring sustainable water resources, modernizing local regulations to support economic growth and safety, supporting local businesses through initiatives like VEDIC, and addressing the ongoing challenges of opioid addiction. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by reviewing minutes on the Burke County Government website and participating in upcoming public hearings. The decisions made, both during this special session and at the subsequent regular meeting, will directly impact the quality of life for all Burke County residents.