Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting Materials
March 4, 2024 at 7:00 PM
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Event Recap
Burke County Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting Recap - March 5, 2024
On March 5th, the Burke County Board of Commissioners held a pre-agenda meeting to prepare for their upcoming regular session. While no formal votes were taken during this preliminary discussion, several important topics were raised that will impact residents in the coming weeks and months. The meeting included presentations from various departments, a discussion about community needs, and the appointment of individuals to key advisory boards. Commissioner Phil Smith was absent from this meeting.
A significant portion of the discussion centered around the Burke County Meals on Wheels program. Lana Louder, Nutrition Coordinator, presented an update highlighting the program’s vital role in addressing food insecurity and social isolation for over 170 seniors in the county. Commissioners expressed concern about a growing waiting list and explored options for expanding services, potentially revisiting funding for the frozen meal program. A resident shared personal experiences and emphasized the critical need to support this valuable resource, prompting a request from Commissioner Carswell for an investigation into how the program came to be managed by Burke County. The Board will explore options, including potentially re-engaging and funding the frozen meal program through County resources.
Beyond Meals on Wheels, Tax Administrator John Bridges provided an update on the Burke County tax office, outlining property sales ratios and deed certification processes. A discussion arose regarding how to better inform seniors about available tax deferment programs, with a suggestion to partner with the Tax Office to provide outreach and information. This initiative aims to ensure that eligible seniors are aware of options that can ease their financial burden.
The Board also approved the appointment of Linda Shamblin to the Council on Aging and Than Hodge to the Smart Start Board, filling vacant seats on these important advisory bodies. They also approved hiring The Fletcher Group as consultants for a regional substance use disorder evaluation, demonstrating the County’s commitment to addressing community challenges. Finally, they discussed recognizing East Burke High School's Varsity Co-ed Cheerleading team for their recent state championship win and formally proclaiming March as National Social Work Month.
What's Next? Several key action items emerged from this meeting: the County Manager will investigate the history and expansion possibilities of Meals on Wheels, the Board will consider funding options for the frozen meal program, and a partnership with the Tax Office will be explored to improve awareness of tax deferment programs for seniors. The Social Work Month Proclamation will be formally presented at the next meeting, and a presentation on substance use disorder evaluation is expected.
Why This Matters to You: The discussions surrounding Meals on Wheels directly impact the well-being of vulnerable seniors in our community. Efforts to improve tax deferment awareness can provide crucial financial relief for those who need it most. The Board's commitment to addressing substance use disorder and supporting local schools reflects a broader focus on improving the quality of life for all Burke County residents. The next Board of Commissioners meeting, scheduled for March 19th at 6:00 p.m., will see these discussions move forward, and residents are encouraged to attend or view the livestream on the Burke County NC YouTube channel.