Burke County secures $10M for school central office renovation project

Burke County officials are gearing up for significant budget adjustments as they approach the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2025. During the June 2 pre-agenda meeting, County Manager highlighted a series of budget reallocations aimed at streamlining financial operations without increasing overall appropriations.

A key point of discussion was the withdrawal from a $2.4 million FEMA grant for the Indian Hills pump station, a decision made after two and a half years of planning. This move will allow the county to redirect funds towards disaster recovery efforts, with an estimated $2 million earmarked for ongoing debris collection costs. The county anticipates that public assistance will cover these expenses, alleviating the financial burden on local taxpayers.

In addition to the budget amendment, the meeting also addressed the adoption of a project ordinance for the Burke County school system's new central office. The school system plans to renovate a recently acquired building, with an estimated total project cost of $11.5 million, funded entirely through its capital reserve.

Other notable discussions included a tax collection agreement with the town of Drexel, aimed at simplifying billing for residents, and the renewal of a cleaning services contract with Patton Cleaning Services, which has been in place since 2008.

As the county prepares for these changes, officials remain focused on ensuring fiscal responsibility while addressing community needs. The budget amendment and other items will remain on the consent agenda for approval in the upcoming meeting, signaling a proactive approach to managing the county's financial landscape.