March Regular Meeting

Burke County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – March 16, 2026

On March 16, 2026, the Burke County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular meeting, focusing on recognizing community achievements, addressing financial matters, and tackling ongoing county business. Vice Chair Smith was unfortunately absent due to illness. The meeting began with a patriotic opening, featuring an invocation by Brother David Bridges and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scout Troop 197.

Recognizing Excellence & Approving Finances: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing outstanding contributions within Burke County. The Board enthusiastically congratulated the Drowning High School cheer team for their state championship victory, presenting them with a well-deserved award. They also formally acknowledged the vital work of Brandi Greer and Emily Hall in opioid recovery efforts, and extended heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Health Director Danny Scalise for his years of dedicated service, presenting him with a symbolic walking stick. Clerk Kay Moore was also recognized for her long tenure and retirement, with a celebration planned for March 31st. The Board approved the amended agenda (4-0), including approving meeting minutes and a tentative bid award to Brushy Mountain Builders for the sewer master meter project (4-0). Dawn Hutchins reported strong tax collection figures, and County Manager Brian Epley delivered a positive mid-year financial report highlighting robust revenue performance and proactive economic development efforts.

Addressing Community Concerns & Future Initiatives: Beyond recognizing achievements, the Board engaged in discussions regarding important community matters. Sarah Shabane provided an update on the canal bridge sidewalk project, with a commitment of $150,000 from Friends of Fauna Flora to match grant funding. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comments, with Steve Starnes raising concerns about potential impacts from cryptocurrency mining data centers. He urged the Board to implement strong zoning regulations and prioritize transparency regarding these facilities, providing a handout outlining his proposals. Christy Gocthon advocated for increased focus on resistance training to improve musculoskeletal health, particularly as the county's population ages. The Board also approved appointments to both the Veterans Service Board (Dylan Smith) and the Spring Citizens Academy, with provisions for additional applications to be considered later.

What's Next & Why It Matters: Following the meeting, several key action items were identified. County Manager Epley and the County Attorney will finalize the contract with Brushy Mountain Builders for the sewer master meter project, ensuring a smooth implementation. The Board will need to adjust budget allocations in response to the loss of Medicaid hold harmless revenue, a challenge that requires careful financial planning. They will also continue to monitor and address rising costs within the employee wellness fund, demonstrating a commitment to supporting county employees. Finally, the Board will review Mr. Starnes’ handout outlining his proposals for addressing concerns about cryptocurrency mining facilities, a crucial step in ensuring responsible development within Burke County. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in future discussions surrounding these important issues, as the Board continues its work to enhance the quality of life for all Burke County citizens.