# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Materials **Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners **Date:** May 21, 2024 12:00 AM EDT (2024-05-21T00:00:00-04:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149 ## Summary On May 21st, the Burke County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting, focusing on a blend of budget discussions, recognizing community achievements, and planning for the future. The meeting was well-attended, featuring presentations from various county departments, community organizations, and public comments addressing important local issues. **Key Decisions & Financial Matters:** A significant portion of the meeting centered around financial planning and approvals. The Board unanimously approved a detailed budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25, emphasizing responsible spending and a focus on long-term financial stability. This budget prioritizes performance metrics, talent retention through a pay classification study, and supports initiatives like broadband expansion and addressing housing challenges. Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing on June 18th to provide input before the final budget is adopted. The Board also approved a contract with Destination by Design for trail design and engineering services, signifying progress on recreational development projects. To streamline solid waste operations, they approved lease agreements for semi-trucks and the purchase of refuse trailers, aiming to save taxpayer dollars by bringing these services in-house. **Discussion Highlights & Community Recognition:** The meeting wasn't just about budgets; it was also a celebration of community. A heartwarming segment honored Robert Hewitt, a 100-year-old resident and veteran who has called Burke County home for over six decades. The Board presented him with a walking stick and formally recognized his contributions, demonstrating the county’s appreciation for its long-standing residents. Updates were also received from Burke County Animal Services, highlighting successful adoption rates and fundraising efforts through events like Wolfstock. The Chamber of Commerce presented a report on the Spring Litter Sweep, showcasing impressive volunteer efforts and significant trash collection – with Gary Jennings recognized for his outstanding participation. Brighter House, a local mental health organization, received approval for a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month, raising awareness and support for mental well-being within the community. **Community Input & Addressing Concerns:** The public comment period provided a platform for residents to voice their perspectives on important issues. Discussions centered around Confederate memorials, emphasizing the need for understanding and civil dialogue regarding historical perspectives and community reconciliation. Carla Kincaid raised concerns about signage issues related to Juneteenth, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and addressing historical gaps within the county. These comments underscored a desire for open communication and thoughtful consideration of community values. **Action Items & What’s Next:** Following the meeting, several key action items are underway. The Board will continue to review and finalize the FY 2024-25 budget, culminating in a public hearing on June 18th. The America 250th committee will continue planning for the upcoming anniversary celebration, a significant event marking American history. The County Manager is tasked with investigating the current state of Meals on Wheels and potential for expansion, addressing a vital service for vulnerable residents. Finally, the Board will continue to manage vacancies on various county boards and committees, ensuring effective governance across all areas of Burke County. This meeting demonstrated the Board's commitment to responsible financial management, recognizing community contributions, and addressing important local concerns. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming meetings and budget discussions to actively participate in shaping the future of Burke County. ## Agenda - [February 20, 2024, BOC Regular Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27065) - [MINUTES BURKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7218) - [March 5, 2024, BOC Pre-Agenda Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27066) - [APPROVAL OF AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7219) - [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7220) - [BOC - Proclamation Celebrating Robert Hewat on his 100[th] Birthday - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27067) - [PRESENTATIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7221) - [AS - Pet of the Month - Presented by Kaitlin Settlemyre, Animal Services Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27068) - [BCCOC - Recognition of Winners from the Chamber's Spring Litter Sweep - Presented by Tonia Stephenson, President & CEO, Burke County Chamber of Commerce](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7223) - [BH - Brighter House - Proclamation Declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month - Stephen Savarimuthu, Executive Director, Brighter House, and Sherri & Eddie McGimsey Brighter House Co-Founders](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7224) - [TDA - Financial Update for the Period Ending March 31, 2024 - Presented by Ed Phillips, CEO, Tourism Development Authority](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7225) - [BCPS - Financial Data for the Period Ending March 31, 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7229) - [Clerk - Appointment to LEPC - Seat No. 16](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7230) - [Clerk - Residency Waiver America 250 NC Committee](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7231) - [Clerk - Removal from the Planning Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7232) - [CONSENT AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7228) - [Clerk - Appointments to the Adult Care & Nursing Home Committee](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7233) - [Clerk - Board of Adjustment Removal](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27069) - [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 13 - $302,000 for SCIF Projects](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7234) - [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 12 - $360,000 for Scale Server Upgrades](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7235) - [Comm. Dev. - Locally Administered Project Program Canal Bridge Sidewalk](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27070) - [DSS - Approval of Northwoods Consulting Partners, Inc. Contract](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27071) - [Finance - USDA Lease Renewal](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27072) - [JCPC - Removal of Member for Seat No. 15](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7236) - [JCPC - Approval of County Plan for Burke County & Funding Allocation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7237) - [Tax Dept. - Tax Collection Report for April 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7238) - [Tax Dept. - Release Refund Report for April 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7239) - [WPCC – Financial Data for the Period Ending March 31, 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/7240) - [Comm. Dev. - Award Contract for Trail Design and Engineering - Presented by Sarah Chabaane, Trails Specialist](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27073) - [GS - Approval of Lease for Semi-Trucks, Contract for Refuse Trailers & Related Budget Amendment No. 14 - Presented by Mark Delehant, General Services Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27074) - [Health / Opioid - RFQ / Vendor Selection for Strategic Plan - Presented by Katie Varnadoe, Human Services Planner](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27075) - [Health - Revised Resolution Directing Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds for Multiple Uses - Presented by Katie Varnadoe, Human Services Planner](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27076) - [Co. Mgr. - Presentation of Recommended Budget for FY 24-25 and Scheduling of Public Hearing (Place Holder) - Presented by Brian Epley, County Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27077) - [BOC - Reports & Comments - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27078) - [Clerk - Boards and Committees Vacancy Report - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27079) - [BOC - Closed Session to Prevent the Disclosure of Privileged or Confidential Information, and if Needed to Discuss Threatened or Pending Litigation, to Preserve the Attorney-Client Privilege, to Discuss Economic Development Matters, to Discuss Contractual Matters and to Discuss Personnel Matters - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149/item/27080) ## Votes - To approve the agenda as presented. — Passed, 3-0 - To approve the meeting minutes of February 20, 2024 (regular) and March - 5, 2024 (pre agenda) as written. — Passed, 3-0 - To approve Proclamation No. 2024-07. — Passed, 3-0 - To accept the report as presented — Passed, 3-0 - To approve Proclamation No. 2024-08. — Passed, 3-0 - To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 3-0 - CONSENT AGENDA — Passed, 3-0 - To remove Steve Jenkins’ name from the LEPC roster and thank him for his service to the community. To appoint Beth Anderson to the LEPC, Seat No. 16, representing SAFT America, to complete the remainder of a term ending January 31, 2026. — Passed, 3-0 - To adopt Budget Amendment No. 13 as presented. — Passed, 3-0 - To remove Brandi Tolbert’s name from the official roster for the JCPC and thank her for her service to the community. — Passed, 3-0 - To approve the JCPC FY 24 - 25 County Plan for Burke County as presented as well as the annual County Funding Plan. Further, authorize the County Manager and / or the County Finance Director to process revisions to the JCPC FY 24 - 25 Plan administratively and to authorize the Chairman to execute the allocation on behalf of the Board. — Passed, 3-0 - To accept the Tax Collection Report for April 2024 as presented. — Passed, 3-0 - To approve the Tax Releases and Refunds for April 2024 as presented. — Passed, 3-0 - To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 3-0 - To grant an exception to Section 2-88, membership requirements of the Burke County Code of Ordinances for Kevin Hancock. — Passed, 3-0 - To remove Dorian Palmer’s name from the official roster for the Planning Board and thank him for his service to the community. — Passed, 3-0 - To appoint Karen Robinson and Diane Patterson to the Adult Care & Nursing Home Committee, Seats No. 1 and No. 3 respectively, to complete 1-year terms ending May 31, 2025. To reappoint Ann Holland to the Adult Care & Nursing Home CAC for a 3-year term ending May 31, 2027. — Passed, 3-0 - To authorize the County Manager to negotiate and execute a lease with the USDA. — Passed, 3-0 - To accept the report as presented. — Passed, 3-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://youtu.be/s_8qwpv5iH0?si=910QGTMw-ZMVMhGU - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1627/segments ## Documents - [agenda_2024-05-21.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149?document=4682) - [minutes_2024-05-21.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149?document=4684) - [agenda_packet_2024-05-21.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2149?document=4683) ## Sources - [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/796)