Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

Burke County Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap: May 18, 2026

The Burke County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on May 18, 2026, in the Commissioners' Meeting Room at 110 N. Green Street. The session began with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting, both of which passed. The Board also adopted the consent agenda, a package of routine items that included financial reports from the Burke County Public School System, the Technical Development Authority, and the Western Piedmont Community College, as well as various committee appointments and budget amendments.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to economic development and housing. The Board unanimously (5-0) approved a development agreement with Valdez Bus, a bus manufacturing company. County Manager Brian Epley presented the agreement, which offers financial incentives tied to job creation and capital investment, projecting 150 new jobs and $2 million in annual payroll. Commissioner Huffman described the agreement as a "great opportunity" for economic diversification, while Commissioner Berryer noted its potential to attract other businesses. Following the approval, staff will finalize the agreement and monitor the company’s progress against agreed-upon milestones.

The Board also addressed the Valdese Bluffs housing development, a joint project between Burke County and the Town of Valdese involving 140 homes on a 100-acre parcel near Drawn High School. The Board tentatively approved moving forward with the project, which will be constructed in phases starting with 27 homes. A key discussion point was the cost of upgrading the sewer lift station, which has risen from an initial estimate of $800,000 to $1.6 million. The county is being asked to cover the remaining $400,000 from state-directed grant funding for water and sewer infrastructure. The Board’s approval is contingent on final revisions by the county attorney, a title search, and a property appraisal to ensure a clean title.

In other business, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing the sale of a county-issued service side arm and badge and presented an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate to Sheriff Banks Hinceman. The Board also recognized the United Way of Burke County on its 70-year anniversary and presented awards to winners of the "BIG Challenge" from the Burke County Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the Board accepted an economic development update from Brandon Ruppe, CEO and President of Burke Development Inc., and received the recommended budget for FY 26-27, scheduling a public hearing for June 15, 2026.

The Board handled several items for decision, including the adoption of a Zero-Based Budgeting policy and the approval of Budget Amendment No. 32 for $75,000 to cover necessary repairs to county ambulances. The Board also accepted the Tax Collection Report and the Tax Release and Refund Report for the period ending April 30, 2026. Regarding appointments, the Board made several changes to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), removing five members, reappointing three, and appointing three new members. An item regarding the Partners Health Management Board of Directors was removed from the agenda.

The meeting concluded with reports from Chairman Jeffrey C. Brittain and a vacancy report from the Clerk, who encouraged public participation in various boards and committees. The Board announced upcoming events, including the Burke County Annual Recovery Summit on May 19, a pre-agenda meeting on June 1, and the next regular board meeting on June 15. The County Manager will determine the schedule for county offices over Memorial Day weekend, with the landfill closed on Saturday and Monday. No closed session was held, and the meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.