December 2025 Morganton City Council Meeting.

Recap of the December 1, 2025 Morganton City Council Meeting

The Morganton City Council convened its regular meeting on December 1, 2025, marking a significant transition with the official swearing-in of newly elected council members Wendy Cato and Molly McKay. The meeting began with traditional formalities, including the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, setting a tone of both continuity and fresh perspectives for the council’s work.

A key focus of the meeting was addressing downtown parking challenges and implementing solutions aimed at improving accessibility for residents, visitors, and businesses. After considerable discussion, the council unanimously approved a series of changes to downtown parking regulations. These include expanding free parking in Courthouse Square (with an exception for East Union Street), extending time limits on designated two-hour parking areas, and offering all-day free parking in several previously restricted lots. To encourage compliance, a 30-day warning period will precede full enforcement, with the goal of January 5th as the official start date. A new online permitting system for downtown residents will also be implemented, streamlining parking management and providing greater convenience.

Beyond parking, the council addressed several other important matters. Wendy Cato was elected as Mayor Pro Tem for the upcoming term, and appointments were made to various standing committees (Finance, Personnel, Streets, Utilities, Legislative) as well as external organizations like the Western Piedmont Council of Governments and the Community Development Block Grant program. In recognition of her decade-long service, the council unanimously approved a resolution honoring retiring Assistant City Manager Sanja Marston, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for her colleagues and the city. The council also approved amendments to reduce fees for subdivision plat reviews and historic preservation certificates, aligning with Burke County's evolving responsibilities.

Several notable exchanges highlighted the council’s priorities and commitment to community well-being. Mayor Ronnie Thompson emphasized the importance of collaboration between the city and county, while Councilwoman Cato stressed the need for consistent enforcement of parking regulations to ensure convenient access. New council member Molly McKay acknowledged the support of city staff and expressed a willingness to learn in her new role. City Manager Sally Sandy clarified that the downtown parking changes are designed to address issues with employee parking and improve customer access.

Looking ahead, several action items will be implemented to put these decisions into practice. City staff are tasked with installing new signage reflecting the updated parking regulations, and work is underway to transition to a fully online permitting system for downtown residents. Jesse Paris will also prepare and submit a corrective action plan to the Local Government Commission (LGC) regarding accumulated depreciation of city assets. Residents interested in learning more about these changes and other city initiatives are encouraged to visit the City of Morganton website or contact the City Manager’s office.