September Pre-Agenda Meeting

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 Commissioner Burns. The meeting featured presentations from various county departments and community partners, focusing on public safety, infrastructure grants, and administrative appointments. The Board unanimously approved the agenda and proceeded to review several key operational updates and grant applications.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on public safety and infrastructure. The Sheriff’s Office provided an overview of the Flock Safety license plate reader system, clarifying that the technology captures only rear license plate data and vehicle characteristics, not video or facial recognition. The Sheriff emphasized strict internal privacy policies, noting that misuse of the system carries severe penalties, including termination and potential criminal charges. The Board also approved a public hearing for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for the Indian Hills Pump Station. The Board voted 4-0 to approve the request to apply for up to $15 million in state funding, with no local match required, and authorized the Chairman to execute the application. Additionally, the Board accepted quarterly reports from the Department of Social Services and the Health Department, noting staffing challenges in DSS and potential funding risks for health programs from the Health Department.

Community presentations highlighted local initiatives and upcoming events. Laura Meadows from the Morganton DAV Chapter 43 announced the launch of Burke County’s first women’s veterans group. Ed Phillips, Chair of the America 250 Committee, unveiled a 90-pound cherry wood time capsule built by Piedmont Community College students, which will be housed in the Register of Deeds office for 50 years. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The Board also heard updates on the 2027 Tax Revaluation, which is being conducted in-house to save costs, and the CPACE program, a voluntary commercial property financing tool. Commissioner Stroud asked how CPACE interacts with tax revaluations, and Kristen Bunn from EDP&NC clarified that the programs are separate.

The Board took several administrative actions during the meeting. They voted 4-0 to adopt resolutions appointing Chandler Baumgartner as Interim Finance Director and Ethan Bumgarner as Deputy Finance Officer. Other unanimous votes included designating Planning Director Bradley Kirkley as Zoning Administrator and approving 14 new participants for the Fall 2026 Citizens Academy. The Board also accepted budget amendments for various capital improvements and grant awards, including funding for emergency management equipment and senior services.

Looking ahead, the County Manager suggested that the CPACE resolution of intent move to a public hearing at the September 21st regular meeting, with potential adoption in October. Dr. Katie Samuels will present a recommendation for the opioid crisis center provider at the September 21st meeting. The time capsule dedication and the National Disability Employment Month proclamation presentation are both scheduled for October 21, 2026. These actions underscore the Board’s focus on securing infrastructure funding, maintaining public safety transparency, and supporting community veterans and administrative continuity.