Burke County Board denies tax penalty waiver for late property payment

During the May 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting in Burke County, a significant decision was made regarding tax penalties. Commissioner Nick proposed a motion to deny a request from Helen Thane to waive $500 in penalties and interest on late property tax payments. The board unanimously agreed, citing that they have not previously approved similar waivers for other taxpayers who also paid late.

In another key discussion, the board addressed a budget amendment for hurricane debris removal, with costs nearing $21 million. The board approved an increase of $2.5 million to the budget, bringing it to $21.5 million. This amendment is crucial as the county continues to recover from hurricane damage, with $5 million already received from FEMA.

The meeting also touched on the county's transition to electronic payments, which has seen participation rise to 22%. Officials aim to reach 50% by January 2026, streamlining payment processes for vendors and reducing costs associated with paper checks.

Additionally, a public comment raised concerns about dual office holding by a county employee, prompting discussions about legal clarifications. The county attorney confirmed that the individual in question is not an elected official but a hired employee, addressing the community's concerns about governance and transparency.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to fiscal responsibility and community engagement as they navigate recovery efforts and administrative challenges.