Burke County, NC

Pre-Agenda

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

General

Pre-Agenda

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct public hearings regarding two zoning map amendments and the C-PACE program. The board is also considering tax-exempt debt obligations for two fire and rescue associations and the 2027 Schedule of Value.

• Zoning Map Amendment ZMA 2026-04 for 2763 US 64 Morganton, NC
• Zoning Map Amendment ZMA 2026-05 for 7857 Old NC HWY 10, Hickory, NC
• Tax-exempt debt obligations for Oak Hill Fire and Rescue Protection Association, Inc and Lake James Fire and Rescue, Inc.
• Approval of 2027 Schedule of Value and Present Use Schedule of Value
• Community Development Block Grant for infrastructure improvements

Council on Aging

Pre-Agenda

The Burke County Board of Commissioners holds a pre-agenda meeting on October 5, 2026 to review items for its upcoming regular meeting, plus a few action items. Scheduled public hearings cover C-PACE program participation, two zoning map amendments (2763 US 64 in Morganton and 7857 Old NC HWY 10 in Hickory), a resolution of support for Piedmont Affordable Senior Housing Foundation & The Berkeley, the Clover Ridge Subdivision development agreement and MOU, and a Community Development Block Grant for infrastructure improvements. The consent agenda includes budget amendments, board appointments, and tax reports, while decision items cover tax-exempt debt approvals for two fire and rescue associations and the 2027 Schedule of Value. No dollar amounts are stated in the agenda text.

• Public hearing on C-PACE program participation
• Zoning map amendment ZMA 2026-04 at 2763 US 64, Morganton
• Zoning map amendment ZMA 2026-05 at 7857 Old NC HWY 10, Hickory
• Resolution of support for Piedmont Affordable Senior Housing Foundation & The Berkeley
• Clover Ridge Subdivision development agreement and MOU

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hear a public hearing regarding the Project Ice Bear economic development incentive. The meeting includes presentations on the 2027 revaluation and several budget amendments. The board will also review tax collection and settlement reports.

• Public hearing for Economic Development Incentive - Project Ice Bear
• 2027 Revaluation: Reappraisal and Schedule of Values Update presentation
• Budget Amendment No. 4 - Grant Awards
• Budget Amendment No. 5 - Capital Improvements
• Budget Amendment No. 6 - NC DHHS Funds

Board of Commissioners

General

Pre-Agenda

The Burke County Board of Commissioners will hold a pre-agenda meeting to review items for the upcoming regular meeting, including presentations, public hearings, consent agenda items, and action items. Key topics include the 2027 property revaluation, an economic development incentive for Ice Bear, a Community Development Block Grant, and several budget amendments. The meeting is primarily a review session, with action items to be considered separately.

• 2027 Revaluation: Reappraisal and Schedule of Values Update
• Economic Development Incentive for Ice Bear (placeholder)
• Community Development Block Grant for Infrastructure Improvements
• Budget Amendments No. 4, 5, and 6 for grant awards, capital improvements, and NC DHHS funds
• Appointment of Interim Finance Director and Designation of Deputy Finance Officer

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on an economic development incentive and consider several routine items including a budget amendment, a collaboration with Black Mountain, and appointments to the Fall 2026 Citizens Academy. The meeting also includes proclamations for Recovery Month and Litter Sweep Week, and a presentation on property revaluation and tax rates.

• Public hearing on an economic development incentive
• FY 2026-2027 Budget Amendment No. 3
• Proclamation for NCDOT Litter Sweep Week
• Recognizing September as Recovery Month
• Real property revaluation and tax rate presentation

General

The Burke County Board of Commissioners, sitting as the Board of Health, will meet to discuss health department policies and meeting schedules. The session includes required annual training for board members and updates from the Interim Health Director.

• Decision on changing Board of Health meetings from annual to semi-annual
• Approval of Health Department Policies
• Required annual training for Board of Health members presented by Ann Absher
• Board vacancy announcement presented by Clerk Morgan Buchanan

Council on Aging

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The Board will consider several items, including a public hearing on a zoning map amendment for 1458 US 70 W, a lease for the Fonta Flora Access Area, and contracts for a crisis‑center design. It will also vote on an interlocal agreement with Caldwell County for adult treatment court services and approve two budget amendments, one for $20,000 and another for a $1,630,000 grant to the Streaflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program. Additional agenda items cover routine reappointments, tax collection and refund reports, and departmental updates.

• Zoning Map Amendment & Public Hearing for 1458 US 70 W, Morganton
• Lease for Fonta Flora Access Area (Trails Specialist presentation)
• RFQ and selection of architectural/engineering firm for Burke County Facility‑Based Crisis Center
• Interlocal Agreement with Caldwell County for Regional Adult Treatment Court Coordination Services
• Approval of $1,630,000 grant and Budget Amendment No. 2 for the Streaflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on the adoption of the FY 2026-2027 budget and a zoning map amendment for 2524 Branch Drive in Valdese. The board will also decide on a year-end budget amendment, HVAC replacement at the Foothills Higher Education Center, tax reports, and various appointments. Consent agenda items include an update on the Beaver Management Assistance Program and block grant approvals.

• Public hearing on adoption of FY 2026-2027 budget
• Public hearing on ZMA 2026-02, zoning map amendment for 2524 Branch Drive, Valdese
• Year-end budget amendment and capital project closeout
• Foothills Higher Education Center HVAC replacement
• Tax collection and final settlement report for period ending May 31, 2026

Pre-Agenda

The board will hold a public hearing on a zoning map amendment for the property at 2524 Branch Drive in Valdese. They will also consider adoption of the FY 2026‑2027 budget. Several administrative items, including clerk appointments and a budget amendment for the Foothills Higher Education Center HVAC replacement, will be reviewed.

• ZMA 2026‑02: Zoning map amendment for 2524 Branch Drive, Valdese – public hearing
• Adoption of FY 2026‑2027 budget – public hearing
• Budget Amendment No. 33 for Foothills Higher Education Center HVAC replacement
• Amendment of VSB bylaws and appointment
• Tax Collection and Final Settlement Report for period ending May 31, 2026

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The board will hold two public hearings at 6:00 p.m.: a zoning map amendment for 3637 Miller Bridge Road and the Valdese Bluffs Development Agreement. They will also receive the recommended FY 26-27 budget and schedule a public hearing, consider a zero-based budgeting policy, and vote on a resolution authorizing sale of a sheriff's side arm and badge. The consent agenda includes financial reports, appointments to advisory committees, budget amendments totaling $464,328, and an audit contract.

• ZMA 2026-01, 3637 Miller Bridge Road, Connelly Springs – zoning map amendment public hearing
• Valdese Bluffs Development Agreement public hearing
• Presentation of recommended FY 26-27 budget and scheduling of public hearing
• Resolution authorizing sale of county-issued service side arm and badge for Sheriff
• Budget amendments No. 30 ($369,328), No. 31 ($20,000), and No. 32 ($75,000)

Pre-Agenda

This pre-agenda meeting reviews items for the upcoming regular meeting, including two public hearings at 6:00 p.m.: a zoning map amendment at 3637 Miller Bridge Road (ZMA 2026-01) and a development agreement for Valdese Bluffs. The consent agenda features financial updates and budget amendments totaling $389,328. Items for decision include a proposed zero-based budgeting policy and the presentation of the FY 26-27 recommended budget.

• Public hearing on ZMA 2026-01, 3637 Miller Bridge Road, Connelly Springs
• Public hearing on Valdese Bluffs Development Agreement
• Approval of Budget Amendment No. 30 - $369,328
• Approval of Budget Amendment No. 31 - $20,000
• Consideration of resolution adopting a Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) policy

Council on Aging

Board of Commissioners

The board will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Article 8 of the Burke County Zoning Ordinance. The consent agenda includes multiple budget amendments totaling over $3.9 million, appointments to boards, and a resolution creating a Veterans Services Board. Items for decision include approval of an interlocal development agreement (placeholder), an engineering services contract for the landfill, and appointments to the America 250 Committee. The board will also consider tax reports and an interim tax administrator appointment.

• Public hearing on amending Article 8 (Administration and Enforcement) of the Burke County Zoning Ordinance
• Consent agenda includes 10 budget amendments totaling $3,992,138 (Nos. 20-29)
• Approval of engineering services contract for the landfill
• Resolution authorizing participation in the Remnant Defendants National Opioid Settlement
• Appointments to the America 250 Committee and other boards

Pre-Agenda

The Board of Commissioners will review items for an upcoming regular meeting, including a public hearing on zoning ordinance administration. The body is considering several budget amendments, board appointments, and a contract for landfill engineering services.

• Public hearing to amend Article 8 of the Burke County Zoning Ordinance
• Budget Amendments No. 20-28 and No. 29, including amounts such as $1,086,095 and $870,494
• Engineering Services Contract for the Landfill
• Resolution creating the Burke County Veterans Services Board and Bylaws
• Execution of Remnant Defendants National Opioid Settlement Participation Documents

Board of Commissioners

The Burke County Board of Commissioners will meet on Monday, April 6, 2026. The agenda includes routine items: call to order, approval of the agenda, and a closed‑session presentation by Chairman Jeffrey C. Brittain. No specific contracts, ordinances, or policy proposals are listed for discussion.

• Closed session – presentation by Chairman Jeffrey C. Brittain (details not provided)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to decide on the appointment of a Clerk to the Board and an Interim Health Director. The board will also consider additional applicants for the Citizens Academy.

• Appointment of Interim Clerk to the Board or Clerk to the Board
• Appointment of Interim Health Director effective April 3, 2026
• Consideration of additional Citizens Academy applicants
• Recognition of Spring Williams-Byrd on her retirement

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The Burke County Board of Commissioners will discuss a memorandum of understanding for the Chestnut Springs development. They will also vote on several budget amendment items ranging from $5,600 to $2,580,000. Additional agenda items include appointments to the Veterans Service Board and the 2026 Spring Citizens Academy, as well as tax collection and delinquent tax reports.

• CM - Chestnut Springs Development MOU (presented by County Manager)
• CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 15 – $2,580,000
• CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 16 – $14,277
• CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 17 – $26,760
• CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 19 – $36,550

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will receive updates on public safety, water and sewer assets, and capital projects. The meeting includes a budget forecast and a strategic prioritization activity. The Board will also consider cancelling the March 6, 2026, work session.

• Public Safety Strategic Plan Update
• Water & Sewer Asset & Inventory Report
• Opioid Settlement Report and Budget
• Capital Projects Update and Forecast
• Budget Forecast and Strategic Prioritization Activity

Pre-Agenda

The Burke County Board of Commissioners will consider several budget amendments totaling over $2.5 million, personnel removals and appointments, and a request to approve a property purchase and related contracts for a Facility-Based Crisis Center. Additional items include tax collection and refund reports and a mid‑year fiscal report from the County Manager. The meeting also includes recognitions and public hearings but no final decisions on those items.

• Approval of Budget Amendment No. 15 – $2,580,000
• Approval of Budget Amendment No. 16 – $14,277
• Removal of Alan Glines as Plat Review Officer
• Removal & appointment to the Veterans Service Board
• Request to approve property purchase and contracts for a Facility-Based Crisis Center

The Burke County Board of Commissioners approved the meeting agenda, including Item No. 6 for public school building repair and renovation funds, by unanimous vote. All other items—recognitions, proclamations, and staff removals—were moved without objection to the regular meeting on March 16, 2026. No additional substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda with addition of Item 6 (school repair funds) – unanimous
• Recognition of Draughn High School cheer team moved to March 16 meeting
• Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail grant match presentation moved to March 16 meeting
• Recognition of Jainny Estrada (NCSSM) moved to March 16 meeting
• Proclamation declaring April 18 2026 Linemen Appreciation Day moved to March 16 meeting
• Recognition of 2026 NC1 Community in Recovery award winners moved to March 16 meeting
• Recognition of local health director Danny Scalise moved to March 16 meeting
• Recognition of Clerk Kay Draughn’s retirement moved to March 16 meeting

Council on Aging

Board of Commissioners

The Burke County Board of Commissioners will hear two ordinances: one amending Chapter 10 of the Buildings & Building Regulations, and another amending Articles 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 of the County Zoning Ordinance for ZTA 2025-02. The meeting also includes budget amendment approvals ranging from $2,000 to $1,000,000, and a discussion of property surplus sales where reserve requirements were not met. Additional items include appointments to the Opioid Advisory Committee and updates on opioid abatement efforts.

• Ordinance (2026-01) amending Chapter 10, Buildings & Building Regulations – public hearing at 6 PM
• Ordinance No. 2026-02 (for ZTA 2025-02) amending Articles 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 of the Burke County Zoning Ordinance – public hearing at 6 PM
• Budget Amendment No. 8 – $20,000
• Budget Amendment No. 9 – $650,000 (Net Zero)
• Finance – Property Surplus Sales (Reserve Requirements Not Met)

The Board approved the meeting agenda and prior meeting minutes by unanimous vote. It accepted the interbasin transfer update, VEDIC annual update, and the Citizens Academy report, also unanimously. The Commissioners voted to open the Spring 2026 Citizens Academy application portal. No ordinance changes or other policy actions were decided.

• Approved agenda (unanimous) – mover Phil Smith
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous) – mover Brian Barrier
• Accepted interbasin transfer update report (unanimous) – mover Randy Burns
• Accepted VEDIC annual update report (unanimous) – mover Randy Burns
• Accepted Citizens Academy report and opened application portal (unanimous) – mover Randy Burns
• Recognition of East Burke High School Cheer Team – no action taken
• Recognition of Alan Glines retirement – no action taken