# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Materials

**Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners
**Date:** December 16, 2024 12:00 AM EST (2024-12-16T00:00:00-05:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792

## Summary

The Burke County Board of Commissioners (BOC) held their regular meeting on December 16th, addressing a wide range of topics from ongoing hurricane recovery to recognizing local achievements and making key appointments. This recap highlights the most important aspects of the meeting for Burke County residents.

**Significant Decisions & Approvals:**

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda, streamlining several routine matters. This included confirming appointments for 2025 to numerous county boards and committees, setting the meeting schedule for next year, and modernizing Human Resources policies. A particularly notable approval was the contract with Wilson, Lackey, Rohr & Hall, P.C., ensuring continued legal support for the county. The Board also approved monthly tax collection reports and released/refunded taxes as needed, demonstrating their commitment to responsible financial management.

**Hurricane Helene Recovery: A Top Priority**

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, presented by County Manager DePley. The Board received detailed information about the ongoing debris collection process (utilizing contractors Debritech and SDR across three sites, including the landfill and fairgrounds), FEMA assistance programs (Individual Assistance and Public Assistance), waterway debris management, and the Home Mitigation Block Grant program. The Board acknowledged the substantial costs associated with debris removal – estimated at over $10 million – and discussed strategies for assisting homeowners, potentially including property acquisition to create green spaces in high-risk areas. Approximately 12,800 households have already filed for Individual Assistance, highlighting the widespread impact of the storm.

**Recognizing Excellence & Filling Key Roles:**

The Board took time to recognize several important achievements and appointments. The Finance Department received national recognition for their financial reporting, a testament to their dedication and professionalism. A heartfelt ceremony honored K-9 Macho, Lieutenant Tim Branch’s loyal partner of eight and a half years, who is now enjoying retirement. The Board also made appointments to the Tourism Development Authority (Samantha Reed, Diane Ryle, and Mitch Kers) and the Public Health Advisory Board (Jesse Stout, Ken Bonfield, and Joseph Taylor), ensuring these vital advisory bodies are well-equipped to serve the community.

**Community Voices & Future Outlook:**

Alderman Jim Frady from Glen Alpine offered his thanks for the County’s support during Hurricane Helene recovery and expressed interest in future growth initiatives, signaling a collaborative spirit between the County and local municipalities. Board members shared holiday greetings and expressed appreciation for county staff, acknowledging their hard work throughout the year. 

**What's Next?**

The Board has several important dates on the horizon: The Morganton Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 17th, and County offices will be closed during the holiday season (December 24-26 and January 1st). The Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet is planned for January 18th, and the next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for January 21st at 6 p.m.

**Get Involved:**

Burke County residents interested in serving on county boards and committees can find vacancy announcements and application information on the Burke County website. Your participation helps shape our community!

## Agenda

- [APPROVAL OF AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6445)
- [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6446)
- [CM - GFOA'S CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6447)
- [SHERIFF - RECOGNITION OF RETIREMENT FOR MACHO - K9 OFFICER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6448)
- [CM - STORM UPDATE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6449)
- [RECOGNITION OF MIKE WILLIS’ RETIREMENT](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6450)
- [SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS – NONE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6451)
- [INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6452)
- [CONSENT AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6453)
- [BOC - 2025 COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6454)
- [CLERK - RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE BOC 2025 MEETING SCHEDULE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6455)
- [CLERK - ADOPTION OF RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6456)
- [CLERK - CHILD FATALITY PREVENTION TEAM RE-STRUCTURING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6457)
- [CLERK - REAPPOINTMENTS TO BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY ACTION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6458)
- [CLERK - REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE BURKE CO. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION & REVIEW](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6459)
- [CLERK - EMS PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6460)
- [CLERK - APPOINTMENT TO JCPC - SEAT NO. 15](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6461)
- [CLERK - APPOINTMENT TO MORGANTON PLANNING BOARD ETJ](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6462)
- [CLERK - RESOLUTION AMENDING PLAT REVIEW OFFICERS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6463)
- [CLERK - REALIGNMENT OF TERMS FOR THE SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6464)
- [HR - POLICY MODERNIZATION PRESENTATION](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6465)
- [SHERIFF - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF COUNTY-ISSUED K9 MACHO](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6466)
- [TAX DEPT. - TAX COLLECTION REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6467)
- [TAX DEPT. - RELEASE REFUND REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792/item/6468)

## Votes

- To approve the minutes of September 3, 2024 (pre-agenda) and September 17, 2024 (regular) meetings as written. — Passed, 5-0
- To recognize and congratulate the Finance Department for being awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the agenda as amended. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the slate of Commission appointments for 2025 as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Resolution No. 2024-27. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt the 2025 Rules of Procedure for the Burke County Board of Commissioners as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To confirm the designation of the Burke Child Fatality Prevention Team / Community Child Protection Team as a single county team. — Passed, 5-0
- To remove Michael Cloy’s name from the official roster for Blue Ridge Community Action and thank him for his service to the community. To appoint Rickie Shaun Cline (Seat No. 1) to the Blue Ridge Community Action Board of Directors for 2-year terms ending December 15, 2026. To reappoint Barbara Myers (Seat No. 2) and James Smith (Seat No. 3) to the Blue Ridge Community Action Board of Directors for 2-year terms ending December 15, 2026. — Passed, 5-0
- To reappoint James Gordon to Seat No. 2 on the Burke County Board of Equalization & Review for a 3-year term ending December 31, 2027. To reappoint Doris Smith to Seat No. 4 on the Burke County Board of Equalization & Review for a 3-year term ending December 31, 2027. — Passed, 5-0
- To remove Nicole Hudson’s name from the official roster for the EMS Peer Review Committee and thank her for her service to the community. To appoint Kaylee Pittman to the EMS Peer Review Committee, Seat No. 2 (Nurse) for the remainder of a 2-year term ending November 15, 2026; to appoint Zack Williams to the EMS Peer Review Committee, Seat No. 3 (EMS Personnel) to complete the remainder of a term ending November 15, 2025; to appoint Robert Bishop to Seat No. 5 (E.M.) on EMS PRC for the remainder of a 2-year term ending November 15, 2026; and, to appoint Joey Burleson to the EMS Peer Review Committee, Seat No. 7, First Responder East, to complete the remainder of a term ending November 15, 2025. To reappoint Allen Hudson to the EMS Peer Review Committee, Seat No. 8 (First Responder South) and April Traxler, Seat No. 4 (Medical Facility) to complete the remainder of terms ending November 15, 2026. — Passed, 5-0
- To remove Brandi Tolbert's name from the JCPC roster and appoint Judge Scott Conrad to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Seat No. 15, Chief District Court Judge or Designee, to complete the remainder of a 2-year term ending June 30, 2026. — Passed, 5-0
- To appoint Louis Vinay to the Morganton Planning Board for the ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) to complete the remainder of a term ending June 3, 2027. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Resolution No. 2024-28. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the new slate of terms for the Social Services Advisory Board members as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To adopt Resolution No. 2024-29. — Passed, 5-0
- To accept the Tax Collection Report for November 2024 as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the Tax Releases and Refunds for November 2024 as presented. — Passed, 5-0
- To approve the agenda as amended: with the addition of Presentation No. 3, Storm Update & Decision Item No. 4, Approval of Contract for the County Attorney. — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://youtu.be/etJmrrXD8sg?si=_2IWhg7nnaNBreRt
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1290/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2024-12-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792?document=4255)
- [agenda_2024-12-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792?document=4251)
- [agenda_packet_2024-12-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1792?document=4253)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/842)