Burke County Board discusses flood recovery plan and House Bill 765 zoning concerns

During the recent Pre-Agenda Meeting held on May 5, 2025, Burke County officials took significant steps to address community needs, particularly in the wake of recent storms. The board unanimously adopted Resolution Number 2025-15, which is expected to facilitate ongoing recovery efforts and improve local emergency management processes.

One of the key discussions centered around a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with North Carolina Emergency Management aimed at expediting debris removal following Tropical Storm Lien. However, the board decided to postpone the approval of this MOA due to the absence of a final version from the state. Officials expressed concerns about the delays in receiving necessary support from the Army Corps of Engineers, indicating that Burke County may need to rely on alternative programs for effective disaster response.

In addition to emergency management discussions, the meeting also touched on House Bill 765, which has raised alarms among county commissioners. This proposed legislation could significantly alter local zoning authority by imposing strict timelines for rezoning decisions and increasing legal liabilities for counties and individual commissioners. Commissioners voiced their concerns that the bill could undermine local governance and lead to rushed decisions that do not consider community needs.

The board agreed to have staff review the implications of House Bill 765 and prepare a resolution for consideration at the next meeting. This proactive approach reflects the county's commitment to maintaining local control over zoning and land use, ensuring that decisions are made with the best interests of Burke County residents in mind.

As the meeting concluded, officials emphasized the importance of staying informed and prepared to address both immediate recovery needs and long-term legislative challenges. The next steps will involve further discussions on the MOA and continued advocacy against potentially harmful state legislation.