October Pre-Agenda Meeting

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

The Burke County Board of Commissioners held its pre-agenda meeting on October 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Four commissioners were present, while Commissioner Smith was absent. The meeting focused on scheduling public hearings for the upcoming regular meeting and reviewing consent agenda items. The primary agenda was approved by a voice vote, 4-0, establishing the framework for future discussions on zoning, housing, and infrastructure projects.

Key discussions centered on several major initiatives scheduled for public hearings in two weeks. The Board voted to include public hearings for the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, two Zoning Map Amendments (ZMA-2026-04 and ZMA-2026-05) converting residential parcels to general business use, and the Clover Ridge Subdivision Development Agreement. Additionally, a public hearing was scheduled for a $15 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) application to fund the Indian Hills pump station wastewater treatment update. The County Manager described the C-PACE program as a tool to "attract private capital investment" and noted that the Clover Ridge development, funded by a $300,000 state grant, addresses local housing needs.

Significant debate occurred regarding the Piedmont Affordable Senior Housing Foundation’s request to purchase the "Berkeley" assisted living facility. The foundation seeks to issue $115 million in tax-exempt bonds to expand affordable housing for low-income seniors. While the County Manager assured the Board that the transaction carries "absolutely no financial risk or exposure to Burke County government," Commissioner Burns raised concerns about the loss of approximately $45,000 in annual property tax revenue. The Board discussed the transition plan, with the County Manager and foundation representative confirming that current residents would not be displaced, as the shift to 40% Medicaid recipients would occur through attrition over two to two and a half years.

Other agenda items included updates on the Sheriff’s office, which received approval for an armored vehicle and radios to improve officer safety, and a Department of Social Services (DSS) report highlighting an 18-position staffing vacancy rate. The Board also accepted the August 2026 DSS report by a voice vote, 4-0. Consent agenda items, including budget amendments for EMS cardiac monitors and adult services, were passed by default. Public comments were minimal, with the Chair encouraging residents to attend upcoming community events and apply for board vacancies.

Several follow-up actions were explicitly agreed upon by staff and presenters. The representative for the Piedmont Affordable Senior Housing Foundation agreed to provide a list of the nonprofit’s officers and directors, as well as a detailed breakdown of the $115 million bond sources and uses, before the next meeting. The County Manager was directed to review Section 5 of the C-PACE resolution for necessary cleanup. Additionally, the Tax Administrator agreed to deliver the printed 2027 Schedule of Values and Present Use Schedule to the Commissioners by October 19. These items will be addressed at the next scheduled regular meeting.