# February Pre-Agenda Meeting **Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners **Date:** February 6, 2024 2:55 PM EST (2024-02-06T14:55:28-05:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947 ## Summary The Burke County Board of Commissioners held a pre-agenda meeting on February 6, 2024, setting the stage for their main meeting later that day. This session served as a crucial opportunity for board members to review upcoming agenda items, ask clarifying questions, and prepare for formal decisions. Here’s a breakdown of what transpired and why it matters to you, the residents of Burke County. **Preparing for Decisions: Key Items on the Horizon** Several significant items are slated for discussion and potential votes at the February 20th Board of Commissioners meeting, thanks to the groundwork laid during this pre-agenda session. Notably, a zoning map amendment (ZMA 2023-11) is on the table, concerning a 5.37-acre parcel on Snipes Street currently zoned for industrial use. The Planning Board has already endorsed the change to residential zoning, which would allow the property owner to sell it. This decision will directly impact land use and development in that area of the county, so residents are encouraged to attend the February 20th meeting. Additionally, a resolution regarding opioid settlement funds will be considered, outlining how the county plans to allocate these resources. Katie Barnardo presented a plan focusing on collaborative strategic planning, peer support networking, qualitative research (video project), consulting services for a long-term spending plan, and funding for overdose fatality review. Commissioner Baker commended Dr. Barnardo for her leadership and the positive impact she is having on Burke County and North Carolina. **Financial Matters & Community Initiatives Under Review** The meeting also included important discussions regarding the county's financial health and ongoing community initiatives. The Board received an update from the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) regarding their occupancy tax revenue, which is slightly lower than last year due to shifts related to the hospital transition. While a concern, they remain on track overall and highlighted the renovated TDA building as a valuable resource for visitors. A presentation from County Manager Brian Brown focused on the impact of the recent property revaluation, emphasizing the Board’s decision to lower the tax rate from 69.5 cents to 56 cents – a significant achievement that positions Burke County as having one of the lowest tax rates in North Carolina. Brown underscored a commitment to "a culture of high performance" through data-driven decision making and managed spending. Finally, the Board reviewed financial reports from Burke County Public Schools and Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC), noting WPCC’s increased enrollment and progress on the Emergency Service Training Center. **Community Engagement & Litter Sweep Support** The Board showed strong support for a community-led initiative. Tanya Steveson from the Chamber of Commerce requested a proclamation declaring March 20-27, 2024 as "Burke County Chamber of Commerce Litter Sweep Week." The event encourages community cleanup with cash prizes. Board members indicated their support for this effort, which aims to beautify the county and foster community pride. **What Happens Next?** The February 20th Board of Commissioners meeting will be the venue for formal votes and decisions on these discussed items. The agenda, along with supporting documents, can be found on the Burke County website: [www.burkenc.org](http://www.burkenc.org). Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in shaping the future of Burke County. **Why This Matters to You:** The decisions made by the Board of Commissioners directly impact your daily lives. From property taxes and land use to community programs and financial stability, the Board's actions shape the character and well-being of Burke County. Staying informed about these discussions ensures that your voice is heard and that the decisions made reflect the needs and priorities of our community. ## Agenda - [AS - Pet of the Month - Presented by Kaitlin Settlemyre, Animal Services Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/27408) - [APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8043) - [TDA - Financial Update for the Period Ending Dec. 31, 2023 - Presented by Ed Phillips, CEO Tourism Development Authority](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/27409) - [AS - PET OF THE MONTH](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8044) - [BCCOC - Proclamation Declaring March 20 - 27, 2024, as Spring Litter Sweep - Presented by Tonia Stephenson, President Burke County Chamber of Commerce](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8046) - [TDA - FINANCIAL UPDATE FOR THE PERIOD ENDING DEC. 31, 2023](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8045) - [CM - Post Revaluation Tax Rate Analysis (Place Holder) - Presented by Brian Epley, County Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8047) - [S&W - Departmental Update (Place Holder) - Presented by Lea Ann Branch, Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8048) - [Comm. Dev. - Zoning Map Amendment ZMA 2023-11 & Public Hearing - 6:00 P.M. - Presented by Alan Glines, Deputy Co. Manager / Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8049) - [Sheriff - Resolution Authorizing Sale of County-Issued Service Side Arm and Badge - Presented by Robert Hinceman, Sheriff](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8050) - [BCPS - Presentation of Financial Data for the Period Ending December 31, 2023 - Presented by Keith Lawson, BCPS Finance Officer](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8051) - [WPCC - Presentation of Financial Data for the Period Ending December 31, 2023 - Presented by Sandy Hoilman, WPCC Chief Financial Officer](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8052) - [CM - Budget Amendment No. 7 - Library - Presented by Brian Epley, County Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/27410) - [Tax Dept. - Tax Collection Report for January 2024 - Presented by John Bridgers, Tax Administrator](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/27411) - [Tax Dept. - Release Refund Report for January 2024 - Presented by John Bridgers, Tax Administrator](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/27412) - [CM - Approval of Auditor & Contract for Audit Services (Place Holder) - Presented by Brian Epley, County Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8053) - [Health - Resolution Directing Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds for Multiple Uses - Presented by Katie Varnadoe, Human Services Planner](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947/item/8054) ## Votes - To approve the agenda as presented. — Passed, 4-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N7E5JFPHDQ - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1730/segments ## Documents - [agenda_2024-02-06.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947?document=4649) - [agenda_packet_2024-02-06.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947?document=4650) - [minutes_2024-02-06.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1947?document=4651) ## Sources - [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N7E5JFPHDQ)