July Commission Meeting

Recap of the July 16, 2024 Burke County Board of Commissioners Meeting

The July Commission meeting was held on July 16, 2024, at the County Meeting Room. Commissioners Smith, Burns, and Carraway (Chairman) were present, while Commissioner Cassell was delayed due to a national conference and Chairman Britain was absent on a mission trip. Key county staff, including the Clerk, Finance Officer, Attorney, and Manager, were also in attendance. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and actions taken during this meeting, providing an accessible overview for Burke County residents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to approving existing business, including an amended agenda and minutes from previous meetings spanning March and April. Following these formalities, the board received several important updates and considered key proposals. A highlight was a presentation from Kaitlyn Suttemeier of Burke County Animal Services, showcasing the shelter's success in reducing euthanasia rates through proactive programs and a recent $12,500 grant. The presentation featured adoptable pets "Snoopy" and "Ketchup," encouraging community support for animal adoption. Scott Blacker from the IT Department provided a comprehensive update on the department's work, emphasizing their efforts to secure county data and maintain network infrastructure across various facilities. He also highlighted the success of cybersecurity awareness training for county staff, resulting in a low susceptibility to phishing attempts.

The board made several key decisions impacting the county's future. They unanimously approved directing the County Planning Board to recommend approval of a zoning map amendment (ZM82024-04) that would allow Tyler Campbell to expand his tree service by rezoning 8.63 acres on Lenoir Road from residential to general business. The board also approved a resolution authorizing the County Manager or Attorney to execute documents related to the Kroger opioid settlement, and most notably, approved a resolution placing a referendum on the ballot for voters to decide whether to implement a quarter-percent sales tax. This decision, championed by Commissioner Burns as a way to provide an alternative revenue source and give voters a voice in tax matters, sparked public comment.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, Kim Roth addressed the board, expressing concerns about placing the proposed sales tax on the ballot during challenging economic times. This highlights a key debate point: balancing the need for alternative revenue streams with the potential burden on residents. Commissioners Carraway emphasized the importance of attending the NCACC conference and highlighted North Carolina's success in securing a leadership position within the organization, while County Manager Epley underscored the county’s financial stability and proactive resource management.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. Animal Services will continue their efforts to find homes for adoptable pets. The IT Department is focused on strategic planning, including website improvements and field data collection tools. The county will proceed with the purchase of land for a new elementary school and administrative building. Most significantly, residents should expect to see the Article 46 sales tax referendum on their ballots for voter consideration. Commissioner Carraway will relinquish his position as president of the NCACC, marking a transition in leadership within that organization. This meeting demonstrated the ongoing efforts to improve county services and address financial challenges while actively engaging with residents on important decisions.