Burke County, North Carolina

General

Board of Commissioners

Pre-Agenda

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Pre-Agenda

Council on Aging

Board of Commissioners

Pre-Agenda

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

General

Pre-Agenda

Board of Commissioners

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

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Burke County Local Emergency Planning Committee will review emergency services updates, legislative and policy updates, and training opportunities. The meeting includes a presentation of proposed by‑laws, a vote on the new by‑laws, and the appointment of committee members.

• Presentation of proposed by‑laws
• Vote on the new by‑laws
• Appointments of committee members
• Emergency Services updates (major incidents, 2025 Tier II reporting)
• Legislative/Policy updates

General

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on amendments to the county's building regulations and zoning ordinance. The board will also consider several budget amendments and a property purchase related to opioid abatement.

• Public hearing for Ordinance 2026-01 amending Chapter 10, Buildings & Building Regulations
• Public hearing for Ordinance 2026-02 (ZTA 2025-02) amending the Zoning Ordinance
• Budget Amendment No. 14 for $1,000,000
• Budget Amendment No. 9 for $650,000 (Net Zero)
• Proposed property purchase approval for Opioid abatement

The Burke County Board of Commissioners approved the special meeting agenda with a unanimous vote. All other items—including the WPCOG interbasin transfer update, cheer team recognition, VEDIC annual update, Citizens Academy presentation, building‑code ordinance discussion, and zoning ordinance amendment discussion—were moved without objection to the regular meeting on February 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Moved WPCOG interbasin transfer update to Feb 16, 2026 meeting
• Moved East Burke High School cheer team recognition to Feb 16, 2026 meeting
• Moved VEDIC annual update to Feb 16, 2026 meeting
• Moved Citizens Academy presentation to Feb 16, 2026 meeting
• Moved building‑code ordinance discussion to Feb 16, 2026 meeting
• Moved zoning ordinance amendment discussion to Feb 16, 2026 meeting

Pre-Agenda

The Board of Commissioners' pre‑agenda meeting scheduled for February 2, 2026 was canceled because of hazardous road conditions caused by inclement weather. All board members, staff, and media were notified by email, and the public was informed via a Facebook post on February 1, 2026. No other agenda items were considered.

Board of Commissioners

General

The Burke County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to award a county‑issued service sidearm and badge to the sheriff. The meeting also includes routine consent‑agenda items such as removal of two board members and adoption of the 2024 Local Water Supply Plan. Tax collection and refund reports for the period ending December 31, 2025 will be presented.

• Resolution awarding county‑issued service sidearm and badge – presented by Sheriff Banks Hinceman
• Removal from the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council – clerk’s consent item
• Removal from the Library Board of Trustees – clerk’s consent item
• Resolution adopting the 2024 Local Water Supply Plan – presented by the General Services Director
• Tax collection report for period ending Dec 31 2025 – presented by Tax Administrator John Bridgers

Pre-Agenda

The pre‑agenda meeting reviews items slated for the upcoming regular session of the Burke County Board of Commissioners. Presentations will include foster care, the FY25 audit, and a community beautification initiative. A consent agenda contains resolutions to award a service sidearm, remove members from two boards, and adopt the 2024 Local Water Supply Plan. Tax officials will present collection and refund reports for the period ending December 31, 2025.

• Resolution adopting the 2024 Local Water Supply Plan – presented by Mark Delehant, General Services Director
• Resolution awarding county‑issued service sidearm and badge – presented by Banks Hincen, Sheriff
• Removal from the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council – presented by Kat Wright, Deputy Clerk
• Removal from the Library Board of Trustees – presented by Kat Wright, Deputy Clerk
• Tax Collection Report for period ending December 31, 2025 – presented by John Bridgers, Tax Administrator