# March Regular Meeting

**Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners
**Date:** March 16, 2026 5:54 PM EDT (2026-03-16T17:54:27-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1798

## Summary

The Burke County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on March 16, 2026. The session began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of an amended agenda that moved a consent item to a decision item and added a time-sensitive resolution. The Board approved the minutes from previous meetings held on December 15, 2025; January 5 and 20, 2026; and February 2, 2026, without questions.

The Board took several significant actions regarding infrastructure and development. They approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pisgah Brothers Developments for the Chestnut Springs Development, a mixed-use housing project on Miller Bridge Road consisting of approximately 85 cross-mod homes priced between $250,000 and $300,000. A phased approach will be used to manage the impact on the sewer system’s capacity, with 12 homes potentially ready by July. Additionally, the Board approved a resolution awarding the bid for the sewer master meter project to Brushy Mountain Builders for $548,750, a project funded by a $1.1 million Clean Water Trust grant.

In other financial and administrative matters, the Board approved an application for $325,000 from Burke County Public Schools to the North Carolina Lottery Proceeds Capital Fund for HVAC control system improvements at Patton High School. The Board also approved several budget amendments and a tax lien advertisement order, accepting the Tax Collection report which noted strong financial performance for the county. Personnel changes included the removal of Curtis Hildebrand from the Veterans Service Board and the appointment of Dylan Smith to the vacant seat. Ron Blanklepfer was approved for appointment to the Social Services Advisory Board, and Marty Smith was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees.

During the discussion highlights, Sarah Shebane, Community Development Planner, provided an update on the Canal Bridge Sidewalk Project, a 480-foot pedestrian walkway connecting the Canal Bridge boat ramp to planned trailheads. She noted that the Friends of Foster Flora have committed a $150,000 match to support the project, which will be led by NCDOT. The meeting also included recognitions for the Brown High School Cheer Team for their state championship victory, representatives from power companies for a proclamation declaring April 18, 2026, as Lyman Appreciation Day, and Brandy Greer, Deputy Director of the Burke County Opioid Response Department, as the Western North Carolina Recovering Champion. Emily Hall was recognized for her work in youth recovery advocacy, and Danny Jones was presented with a walking stick upon his retirement.

Public comment was provided by Steve Starnes, who voiced concerns about the potential negative impacts of crypto mining facilities on Burke County. He advocated for stricter zoning regulations and greater transparency regarding ownership, energy usage, water consumption, noise levels, and environmental impacts. The transcript summary does not record a specific response from the Board members to his comments.

Regarding follow-ups, the County Attorney will review and revise the agreement with Pisgah Brothers Developments. The County Manager will continue working with the Chestnut Springs developers to monitor the project’s progress and will notify appointed members of their acceptance into the Spring Citizens Academy. The County Manager will also address challenges related to insurance costs, Medicaid Hold Harmless revenue loss, and employee wellness fund expenses. NCDOT will proceed with the next steps for the Canal Bridge Sidewalk Project, leveraging the $150,000 match from Friends of Foster Flora. The Board will consider Steve Starnes’ recommendations regarding zoning standards for high-energy demand data centers.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the Madam Clerk for her years of service, followed by a motion to enter closed session and adjourn. The Board also announced a special recognition event for Kay Moore scheduled for March 31st from 4 to 6 PM.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pZqtZ5tLRA
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1297/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pZqtZ5tLRA)