# Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting

**Body:** Burke County Government — Pre-Agenda
**Date:** September 8, 2026 3:00 PM EDT (2026-09-08T15:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** COMMISSIONERS' MEETING ROOM, 110 N. Green Street, Entrance E, Morganton, NC, 28655

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2952

## Summary

**Burke County Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting Recap**
**Date:** September 8, 2026

The Burke County Board of Commissioners held its Pre-Agenda Meeting on September 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM. All commissioners were present except for Commissioner Burns. The primary purpose of this session was to review agenda items for upcoming regular meetings, approve the amended agenda, and take action on several immediate budgetary and personnel matters. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The Board took several definitive actions during the meeting. A motion to approve the agenda as amended passed with a 4-0 vote; this amendment removed a Public Hearing and consolidated the Consent Agenda into a Budget Amendment item. The Board unanimously approved a request to apply for a $15 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Indian Hill Pump Station, authorizing the Chairman to execute the application. Additionally, the Board approved resolutions appointing Chandler Baumgartner as Interim Finance Director and Ethan Bumgarner as Deputy Finance Officer, as well as designating Planning Director Bradley Kirkley as the Zoning Administrator. The Board also unanimously accepted reports from the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Health Department and approved the appointment of 20 advocates for the Fall 2026 Citizens Academy.

**Discussion Highlights**
A significant portion of the discussion focused on public safety and administrative updates. Sheriff Hensman presented details on the new Flock camera system, clarifying that the technology captures license plates and vehicle characteristics but does not record video of vehicle interiors or track individuals continuously. Sheriff Hensman emphasized that the system generates investigative leads by matching plates against national criminal hotlists and does not replace "good old-fashioned police work." Data is stored on AWS GovCloud and purged after 30 days.

Other key discussions included an update on the 2027 Tax Revaluation, where Tax Administrator Travis Isaacs explained that the county is conducting the revaluation in-house to save costs, with the Schedule of Values expected by October 19. The Board also reviewed the C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) program, noting it is a voluntary financing tool for commercial property owners that carries no administrative burden or liability for the county. Commissioner Stroud asked clarifying questions regarding lender incentives and county costs, to which presenter Kristen Bunn clarified that the county is reimbursed for recording fees and that the program is separate from tax assessments.

**Community Input and Public Comments**
Public comment was integrated into the presentations. Commissioner Berry asked clarifying questions regarding the Flock cameras, specifically whether they capture front plates and where data is stored. Presenters Baker and Sheriff Hensman confirmed that while rear plates are the primary target, front plates may trigger photos in certain states, and data is securely purged after 30 days. Ed Phillips, Chair of the America 250 Burke County Committee, unveiled a 90-pound cherry wood time capsule scheduled to be sealed in 2026 and opened in 2076. Phillips noted that the capsule represents life in 2026 and will be dedicated on October 2. Laura Meadows from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 43 presented on their services, including benefit assistance and a new Women Veterans Group.

**Follow-ups**
Several follow-up actions were explicitly identified for future meetings. Sheriff Hensman provided his cell phone number to the Board for follow-up questions regarding the Flock system. The DAV presentation and the National Disability Employment Awareness Month proclamation, originally scheduled for this meeting, are rescheduled for the regular meeting on September 21, when Janet Hanna will present. The Board directed that the "Resolution of Intent" for the C-PACE program be placed on the public hearing agenda for the September 21 regular meeting, with a potential "Resolution to Join" considered in October. Dr. Katie Samuels will present a recommendation for the opioid crisis center provider consultant at the September 21 meeting after a review panel scores applications.

**Impact on Residents**
These decisions directly affect Burke County’s public safety infrastructure, financial planning, and administrative structure. The approval of the CDBG grant application could secure $15 million for critical infrastructure improvements in Eastern Burke County, specifically the Indian Hill Pump Station, with no local match required. The designation of new finance and zoning leadership ensures continuity in critical county operations. Furthermore, the introduction of the Flock camera system aims to enhance investigative capabilities for law enforcement, while the 50-year time capsule initiative fosters community heritage and engagement for future generations. The in-house tax revaluation process aims to ensure equitable property values, with the Schedule of Values becoming available for public inspection in October.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzxL_QY-xxA
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2107/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_2026-09-08.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2952?document=12957)
- [agenda_packet_2026-09-08.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2952?document=12958)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/971)