Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting

Burke County Board of Commissioners Pre-Agenda Meeting Recap Date: October 5, 2026

The Burke County Board of Commissioners held a pre-agenda meeting on October 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM to review administrative, financial, and public hearing items ahead of the upcoming regular meeting. Four commissioners were present, while Commissioner Smith was absent. The County Manager, County Clerk, and various department heads and presenters attended. The primary purpose of this session was to schedule future actions and review departmental updates, with no final votes taken on substantive policy or budgetary matters. The meeting concluded with a 4-0 vote to approve the agenda, accept the August 2026 Department of Social Services (DSS) report, and adjourn.

Key discussions focused on preparing for public hearings scheduled for two weeks hence. The County Manager reported that Week 4 of the third Citizens Academy cohort was completed, with certificate presentations planned for the regular meeting. Several public hearing items were reviewed, including zoning map amendments for properties on US Highway 64 and Highway 10, which seek to rezone residential parcels to general business use. The board also reviewed a resolution of support for the Piedmont Affordable Senior Housing Foundation’s acquisition of "The Berkeley" assisted living facility, noting that the foundation seeks to use tax-exempt bonds to keep rates affordable for low-income seniors. Additionally, the board reviewed a development agreement for the 25-lot Clover Ridge Subdivision, a $15 million CDBG-DR grant application for wastewater updates, and budget amendments for EMS equipment and fire department debt issuance.

Significant debate occurred regarding the Piedmont Affordable Senior Housing Foundation’s proposal. Commissioners questioned the operational details, including the facility’s 60-bed capacity and the transition plan for current residents. The County Manager clarified that no current residents would be displaced, as the shift to 40% Medicaid recipients would occur through attrition over two to two and a half years. Commissioner concerns were raised regarding the potential loss of approximately $45,000 in annual property tax revenue, with one commissioner noting that 54% of Burke County is already non-taxable. Dr. Duke, representing the foundation, confirmed there is no financial risk to the county and agreed to provide a detailed breakdown of the $115 million bond sources and uses. The Sheriff also provided commentary supporting the purchase of a BearCat armored vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office, citing past safety incidents involving deputies.

Public input was primarily reflected through commissioner questioning of presenters rather than direct public testimony. The Sheriff emphasized the necessity of the armored vehicle for SWAT and high-risk warrant services, referencing a specific incident where the vehicle protected deputies from gunfire. A commissioner expressed appreciation for the use of local construction firms for the Animal Services project, noting that the resulting savings allowed for the reinvestment of funds into local emergency equipment. The DSS Director provided an update on personnel vacancies, Medicaid statistics, and guardianship referrals, highlighting a growing number of wards and severe case loads.

Several follow-up actions were explicitly agreed upon by presenters. Dr. Duke of the Piedmont Affordable Senior Housing Foundation agreed to provide a list of the nonprofit’s officers and directors, as well as a "sources and uses" breakdown of the bond financing, before the next meeting. Kristen from the Economic Development Commission (EDC) is scheduled to return in two weeks to present details on the C-PACE program. Chiefs from Oak Hill and Lake James Fire and Rescue are scheduled to attend the regular meeting to answer questions regarding their debt issuance requests. The Tax Administrator will present the 2027 Schedule of Values for adoption and public hearing on November 16, with printed copies to be delivered on November 19. These items remain pending and will be addressed at future scheduled meetings.