# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Materials **Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners **Date:** July 16, 2024 12:00 AM EDT (2024-07-16T00:00:00-04:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757 ## Summary The Burke County Board of Commissioners convened on July 16, 2024, for their regular meeting. With several commissioners absent due to prior commitments (Commissioner Carswell at the National Association of Counties conference and Chairman Britain on a mission trip), Commissioners Smith, Burns, and the County Manager were present to address a full agenda focused on county operations, financial matters, and future planning. The meeting provided updates from key departments and addressed several important decisions impacting Burke County residents. A significant portion of the meeting centered on discussions surrounding a potential shift in county revenue generation. Following a robust discussion led by Commissioner Burns, the Board voted to place an Article 46 sales tax referendum on the ballot this November. This proposed quarter-percent increase in sales tax aims to alleviate pressure on property owners, diversifying the county’s revenue streams. The decision sparked debate about its potential impact and fairness, but ultimately Commissioners agreed that allowing voters to decide on the matter was a necessary step. Alongside this, the Board approved a resolution authorizing participation in the Kroger opioid settlement, securing approximately $713,000 for Burke County over 18 years – funds that will be crucial in addressing the ongoing impact of opioid abuse within the community. Beyond revenue discussions, several departmental updates highlighted positive progress and ongoing initiatives. Caitlin Settemeyer from Animal Services presented a remarkable success story, showcasing a significant reduction in euthanasia rates (from 335 to 97 within six months) thanks to proactive programs and a $12,500 "Life-Saving Trailblazer" award. The IT Department also received recognition for their efforts in modernizing county infrastructure, including network upgrades, Wi-Fi improvements across buildings, and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Scott Blacker highlighted the department’s management of a complex network supporting 750 employees, emphasizing their dedication to improving website accessibility and eliminating parcel mapping backlogs. The Board also approved a zoning map amendment that will allow Tyler Campbell to expand his tree business at 796 Lenoir Road, a decision supported by the community. The consent agenda was swiftly approved, encompassing routine matters like reappointments to various advisory boards (including Animal Services Advisory Board and Child Protection Team), approvals for utility easements, and a review of monthly tax reports which showed a record-high collection rate. **What Happens Next?** The most immediate impact for residents will be the upcoming opportunity to vote on the Article 46 sales tax referendum in November. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the democratic process. The Board will also consider a pre-agenda meeting in August, providing an opportunity for early discussion of future items. Finally, residents are encouraged to utilize the county website to report litter and explore opportunities for involvement in county boards and committees. The Jonas Ridge Waste and Recycling Center is set to have its grand opening on August 30th, marking a significant improvement in waste management services for the community. This recap provides a clear overview of the key events and decisions made during the Burke County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 16, 2024. ## Agenda - [MINUTES BURKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6990) - [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6991) - [PRESENTATIONS - AS - PET OF THE MONTH](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6992) - [PRESENTATIONS - IT - DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6993) - [PRESENTATIONS - IT - RECOGNITION OF BRANT MEREDITH ON COMPLETING THE CGCIO COURSE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6994) - [SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS - COMM. DEV. - ZONING MAP AMENDMENT ZMA 2024-04 & PUBLIC HEARING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6995) - [INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6996) - [CONSENT AGENDA - CLERK - REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE ANIMAL ADVISORY BOARD](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6997) - [CONSENT AGENDA - CLERK - APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE CPCFPT](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6998) - [CONSENT AGENDA - CLERK - APPOINTMENT TO LEPC](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/6999) - [CONSENT AGENDA - CLERK - REAPPOINTMENT TO THE REGIONAL AGING ADVISORY COMMITTEE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7000) - [CONSENT AGENDA - CLERK - REAPPOINTMENT TO BURKE CO. SMART START](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7001) - [CONSENT AGENDA - CLERK - RESOLUTION APPOINTING & REMOVING REVIEW OFFICERS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7002) - [CONSENT AGENDA - CM - TOV – APPROVAL OF UTILITY EASEMENT FOR THE TOWN OF VALDESE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7003) - [CONSENT AGENDA - FM - REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF WRITTEN AGREEMENT BETWEEN HOME TRUST BANK AND DROWNING CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7004) - [CONSENT AGENDA - TAX DEPT. - RELEASE REFUND REPORT FOR JUNE 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7005) - [CONSENT AGENDA - TAX DEPT. - TAX COLLECTION REPORT FOR JUNE 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7006) - [ITEMS FOR DECISION - BCPS - APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7007) - [ITEMS FOR DECISION - CLERK - APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING BOARD](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7008) - [ITEMS FOR DECISION - BOC - RESOLUTION REGARDING ARTICLE 46 SALES TAX](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757/item/7009) ## Votes - To approve the meeting minutes of March 7, 2024 (recessed / budget), March 8, 2024 (recessed / budget), March 19, 2024 (regular), April 2, 2024 (preagenda), and April 16, 2024 (regular) as written. — Passed, 4-0 - To adopt Ordinance No. 2024-13 as it relates to ZMA 2024-04, a request to rezone 8.63-acres of land located at 796 Lenior Rd. Morganton, NC and corresponding to (PIN# 2705307320) from the Residential Two (R-2) to the General Business (G-B) Zoning District. — Passed, 4-0 - To reappoint Gwen Hood (Seat No. 1), Gwen Stephens (Seat No. 3), Jeff Robinson (Seat No. 5) and Denise Smith (Seat No. 7) to the Animal Advisory Board for 2-year terms ending July 31, 2026. — Passed, 4-0 - To appoint Elizabeth Dagenhart to Seat No. 6 and reappoint Damion Patton to Seat No. 8 to the CPCFPT to complete the remainder of 3-year terms ending April 30, 2027. — Passed, 4-0 - To approve the addition of Seat No. 18, at-large, to the LEPC. To grant an exception to Section 2-88, membership requirements of the Burke Co. Code of Ordinances and to appoint Patti Nelson to complete the remainder of a term ending January 31, 2026. — Passed, 4-0 - To reappoint Rosie O’Hearn (Seat No. 3) to the Regional Aging Advisory Committee for the remainder of a 2-year term ending June 30, 2026. — Passed, 4-0 - To reappoint Thadd Hodge (DSS Designee) to the Burke County Smart Start, Inc. (Burke Partnership for Children) Board of Directors for a 3-year term ending June 30, 2027. — Passed, 4-0 - To adopt Resolution No. 2024-13. — Passed, 4-0 - To approve the Deed of Easement (Permanent Access and Utility Easement and Temporary Access Easement) between Burke County and the Town of Valdese as presented. Authorize the Chairman to execute the easement on behalf of the Board, subject to review and / or revision by the County Attorney. — Passed, 4-0 - To support Drowning Creek Fire Department, Inc.’s effort to purchase the land needed for a new fire station and endorse the verification documents for the purchase and finance of real property through Home Trust Bank. — Passed, 4-0 - To approve the Tax Releases and Refunds for June 2024 as presented. — Passed, 4-0 - To accept the Tax Collection Report for June 2024 as presented. — Passed, 4-0 - To approve the Board of Education’s purchase of real property located off Huffman Avenue in Connelly Springs for $1 million and at 305 West Union Street, Morganton, NC, for $1.5 million as presented. — Passed, 4-0 - To appoint Andrew Lowdermilk to Seat No. 5, at-large, on the Planning Board to complete the remainder of a 3-year term ending September 30, 2025. — Passed, 4-0 - To adopt Resolution No. 2024 14 and authorize the County Manager or County Attorney to execute all documents necessary to enter into opioid settlement agreements with Kroger, to execute the SAAF-2, and to provide such documents to Rubris, the Implementation Administrator. — Passed, 4-0 - MINUTES BURKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING — Passed, 4-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://youtu.be/CtTas1xZ4a0?si=rkJ4GSQBHxwh-s7Q - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1282/segments ## Documents - [minutes_2024-07-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757?document=4124) - [agenda_packet_2024-07-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757?document=4122) - [agenda_2024-07-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1757?document=4120) ## Sources - [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/810)