[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6515694,"mediaKeyId","3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6","parentId",3847719,"title","Votes at a glance: key actions from Burke County commissioners’ June 16 meeting","audioSeconds",1339,"startMs",4126000,"endMs",5465000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6&start=4126&end=5465","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6/thumbnail_4126000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6515694/Burke-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-key-actions-from-Burke-County-commissioners-June-16-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515694-ad3d4e8c0509f82a1e5a6a577b93f945/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430908&Signature=MdKTQPqsLCPIAj1Qo1rPlUpHgTjkvigCrFCCPBnlCzCbB6SjAdGkWzaM~VzCfMr2k2mwn1DvPokbPI~XE6LMmz-AaJMWNJaO-Y6rAR6Sg7jJbvHuKxUv~1tfRDJ5XA1TL9fQq324GYD2RgmnqPcbvDzM~UiYdJ-W6Poc2k401xrDb1swuVuecMnJH0LX4clBoEEZss6qesdUqLpSJg8cRNijSixHB4up5oW9b9HDYgGkLQSmBGEP1kA6kT6wuNfAKFIig9TJ0~Y4EIyg4eMvnloAPc0uoE~uBt7~5ydrNDFq-SC5sR79MrFS-jnOCOgcj-MAJMREr-0EVytnt0rxTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Burke County, NC","date","2025-06-17T11:38:15Z","article","The Burke County Board of Commissioners took several formal actions on June 16. This roundup lists each recorded motion, its mover (when recorded), and the outcome as noted in the meeting record.

Adopted
- Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Ordinance No. 2025-07 — Motion to adopt moved by Commissioner Stroud; vote: 4-0; effective July 1, 2025.
- Memorandum of Agreement between Burke County and the Burke County Board of Education for FY 2025-26 — Motion moved by Commissioner Burns; vote: 4-0.
- Motion to approve funding for nonprofits as set forth in FY 2025-26 budget (all organizations except BDI and VETIC/VIDIC) — Motion moved by Commissioner Burns; vote: 4-0. The board took up the remainder of the nonprofits funding separately because two commissioners had potential conflicts of interest on specific agencies.
- Consent agenda (appointments, year-end budget amendment, project ordinance for school central office, tax collection agreement for Drexel, contract extensions, collection reports and monthly tax releases/refunds) — Motion to approve consent items as presented moved by Commissioner Burns; vote: 4-0.

Postponed/Rescheduled
- Funding votes for two nonprofit items (BDI and VETIC/VETIC-like entity referenced in the record) — Commissioners recused from those specific votes; county attorney advised waiting for quorum; the item was deferred to a future meeting.
- Resolution supporting substantial equivalency and updated HR policies — Staff requested more time while the county attorney reviews final policy language; board rescheduled consideration for July.

Other actions
- Authorized the county manager to negotiate and execute a contract for HRC renovation design services with Holland & Hemric Architects, P.A.; fallback to Sizemore Group if negotiations fail — Motion moved by Commissioner Barry; vote: 4-0.

Why it matters: The motions above include the county’s annual budget adoption, key contractual authority for a major capital project, and administrative votes that set county operations and appointments for the coming year. Several items involving nonprofit funding were deferred because of recusal and quorum concerns.

What’s next: Deferred nonprofit funding items and the HR policy substantial-equivalency resolution are scheduled to return to the board in a future meeting; staff will report on negotiations and implementation steps for the HRC renovation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A quick roundup of motions and votes taken at the June 16 Burke County Board of Commissioners meeting, including approvals for a budget ordinance, a memorandum of agreement with the Board of Education, nonprofit funding (partial), the consent agenda and a rescheduling of an HR policy decision.","taxTitle","Burke County, North Carolina","taxId",51046,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515699,"Burke County recognizes local volunteers with Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards",763,689000,1452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6&start=689&end=1452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6/thumbnail_689000.jpg","/articles/6515699/Burke-County/North-Carolina/Burke-County-recognizes-local-volunteers-with-Governors-Volunteer-Service-Awards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515699-8b831df2df24189953781e869590d16a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430908&Signature=CZvurTNBnL~0HnrD4jE6z-~9YtfzF3JyGQwYYqb5KakcX5G-QT2YyW56x3URoGnN6KokzEYQXAktFKtBoIfvk-bVJr6AHHLQmn9K4yWDV2e1D9k~jLcHbMHSO0XMrXxA3a1RCz-fmvlp7RffYzMEDEVQ0N0f73-x5aJUveZr7wfBHSiPPwKejlibynZN9fvTn139ZDwHyOUdoWzmnpr~7EnVPphBLKOF7l0XUAQIjGKhHuWa1Pgm-kK4bfbfNDAgPmob-kM3PU4yUKAkP9hacyHEdYFlYJpnv9xEuRRdFLppWcRsSOj6jkhHZOGoW6bbS7x3JABL8Snhic8EuklCbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Burke County Board of Commissioners recognized local volunteers and groups on June 16 as recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards; the county’s Volunteer Burke organization coordinates nominations for the state awards.

Alicia Wilson and representatives from Volunteer Burke introduced the 2025 recipients and described their work. Honorees included Doug White (outreach volunteer who delivers food and assists seniors), Jasper Hemphill (Red Cross and community responder), Joyce Petit (office volunteer with Amoram), Julie Dickinson (volunteer at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center) and Salem United Methodist Church volunteers, among others. One recipient, Caroline Avery from Burke United Christian Ministries, was noted as missing from the meeting.

Presenters outlined specific volunteer activities: delivering food, building ramps, responding to disasters, supporting veterans, assisting with patient records and sponsoring residents at a developmental center. County leadership publicly thanked the recipients and presented certificates during the meeting.

Why it matters: Local volunteer organizations provide direct services that supplement county programs and support vulnerable residents, including seniors, veterans and residents of developmental centers.

What’s next: The board presented certificates and encouraged continued community recognition; no board action or funding was required or taken in connection with the awards.","Burke County honored multiple volunteers and groups at the June 16 meeting with local presentations tied to the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, recognizing long-term service across nonprofits and county programs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515704,"County meeting hosts '1 More 1 Less' founder to discuss fostering and church partnerships",745,1453000,2198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6&start=1453&end=2198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6/thumbnail_1453000.jpg","/articles/6515704/Burke-County/North-Carolina/County-meeting-hosts-1-More-1-Less-founder-to-discuss-fostering-and-church-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515704-aabb963ed6b5676e560bafae14d16537/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430908&Signature=DCLcOY8LGRRAR7BhqWBXx91qjTU3Ub3wgO8H7YO82i0F6X0wMZzBtqWrxvxkjxsdNahcuocH24cq~AFUOhz8GYnMgmMZh9SKqy5-GKVq4FcLnE4LAGILoYnAaNUoy~Runy8DQqGVUhr7I1sLw2n6n2iIkaR2ys07PAaZj~FMpZNEehladDBip0H6brdEg~FU7nCjLxSbatG8Af73rgy3MT8EEIz2JB7UV~CHB8kZEdft7Ve~jVJI~mcIA2zZ0E7HCQ9AVhHDxPkld2w5FOBzH9wNYEV~Nfr3Zbf7gI8Meu2v2PbCcVP2Bb7EUMVz4t2lJRkT6o8PbSKMW10Co0ZI0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the June 16 meeting, the Burke County manager invited Jeff Marburger of the nonprofit 1 More 1 Less to introduce the organization’s work to recruit and support foster families by partnering local churches with child welfare agencies.

Marburger said 1 More 1 Less works to “inform, inspire, and intertwine the local church with foster care, reunification, and adoption.” He described models used in Cleveland County — including champion churches, volunteer support systems and a Not Far From Home transitional program — as examples the group hopes to replicate with local partners in Burke County.

Marburger and the manager told commissioners that, based on an April report cited during the presentation, about 188 children were in the county’s custody; a commissioner later referenced a figure of about 181 children in county care. Marburger described local church parsonages and retired households as possible resources and said the group aims to have two “champion” churches per county to encourage best practices and peer learning.

The presentation was introductory; Marburger said he was grateful that Burke County was the first county to invite the organization to present inside a board meeting. Commissioners thanked the presenters and indicated interest in the concept; no formal action or funding decision was taken at the meeting.

Why it matters: County officials said recruiting and retaining foster parents has been a persistent problem that can force out‑of‑county placements. The presentation outlined a voluntary community-based strategy to increase local foster placements and support family reunification.

What’s next: Staff indicated they plan to invite local stakeholders and organizations to further explain programs and explore how local churches and agencies might be engaged in support of foster children and families.","Jeff Marburger of 1 More 1 Less introduced the county to an initiative that partners churches and volunteers with child welfare to recruit, support and retain foster families; county staff said about 181 children in Burke County were in DSS custody at the time of the presentation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515709,"Board authorizes negotiation with Hamrick Architects for Human Resources Center renovation",725,4675000,5400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6&start=4675&end=5400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6/thumbnail_4675000.jpg","/articles/6515709/Burke-County/North-Carolina/Board-authorizes-negotiation-with-Hamrick-Architects-for-Human-Resources-Center-renovation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515709-4b672a9df67a9c694ce4df5be30e4659/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430908&Signature=QRxEVuW7kT1pjnssTTOwuZSluhUVktDxW8wrUxA0aH3mAu-I2KJuUhCM3bYl6DDivxbJPIoY9abfNkX6zZTwmUZEyKmK2jrz42OCkWaL6FKFtOKmcpjq-60RfLGWgSShya6A30ALIrsKq-G8Xzwq--S1Kt2k3WaJIpdtZUAIt482-DBeKOB5iQIZ0hVQau~wVMngLW2i45dvAT5hk6INpECS5BUNpnulObXqsI6qq~WThMjNB8w2aaqy63kI2GXPzASG0t6a8o4n60-6ND-xwzwuEciuYK4FgQ~E9obYsfXngg2H8pgSR-WtEadW2yC3UDYzzYEErTcakWVktEm7Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Burke County Board of Commissioners on June 16 authorized the county manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Holland & Hemric Architects, P.A. (listed in the meeting as Hamrick/Hemrick) for architectural and civil engineering services to renovate the county’s Health and Human Services Building, commonly called the Human Resources Center (HRC).

County staff described the HRC as a roughly 62,000-square-foot facility more than 50 years old that houses public health and social services staff and serves a high daily volume of employees and members of the public. The manager said county planning produced four options for the building (new construction, addition and adaptive reuse, separation of departments, and phased adaptive reuse) and staff recommendation favors a phased adaptive reuse to maximize space and minimize long-term cost.

The board heard that the project will require careful logistical phasing because the building must remain in use while renovations occur. Staff estimated an 18-month design and construction timeline with substantial completion targeted for Dec. 31, 2027, if the project proceeds on the proposed schedule.

County staff outlined the procurement process: an RFQ produced five submissions; Holland & Hemric and the Sizemore Group ranked highest after interviews. Staff recommended Holland & Hemric because of its in-house construction administration capability and prior public-sector experience that staff said reduces scope gaps and change orders.

Commissioner Barry moved to authorize the county manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Holland & Hemric Architects, P.A. The motion passed 4-0. The motion included authorization for the county manager to negotiate with the Sizemore Group if an agreement could not be reached with the recommended firm. Greg Melton, the project architect present for Holland & Hemric, answered procedural questions during the presentation.

Why it matters: The renovation is a major capital project prioritized in the county’s capital improvement plan; it affects delivery of public health and social services and will be funded through a mix of capital reserves, grants if awarded, and potentially debt financing if necessary.

What’s next: County staff will finalize contract negotiations and return to the board with procurement and project timelines as required by county purchasing rules and the county attorney’s review.","The Burke County Board of Commissioners authorized the county manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Hamrick Architects (Holland & Hemric) for design and civil engineering services for the Human Resources Center (HRC) renovation; if negotiations fail, the manager may negotiate with the Sizemore Group.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515713,"Burke County adopts $116.2 million FY 2025-26 budget, property tax rate set at 55.5¢",2006,2141000,4147000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6&start=2141&end=4147","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847719-92ce50f9b03c405fc4f9326c7fc46da6/thumbnail_2141000.jpg","/articles/6515713/Burke-County/North-Carolina/Burke-County-adopts-1162-million-FY-2025-26-budget-property-tax-rate-set-at-555","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515713-0caef1d2f7e48bd6430503d65da7727e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430908&Signature=ExEP1h6Il6-COXHHrMsMdbRJ7~HJt~IqA2NrmznY9mevKwcL~QmuCShLD-5qq6IlYFpDl5616pmqDOzEF6WLW8flfZN3A2MtLGCcGkts3PVeb7L7S2uTMxEFyAZaVPnr~lHEDuITCv5L6GC0VLhDiSbqF-BdDkGLjUJaUXuiTfUMQaXjDXHBEWfGWD6NTfTdfgf0s5MO~3JAsqDHyUIh3CWqQ9Y2rtP-YJtH55o9pXHunZ93VEj0UCJiK2pPEQykvM4uvfX6ncLZyK48KkyEea7x1229tb-wQ6YKmYHzL2HgHFGqcy7Wsm5b3uflDDvT8IrLJ3wU0AJwhAwfc8m2rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Burke County adopted its fiscal year 2025-26 budget on June 16, approving a $116,200,000 general fund budget and a proposed property tax rate of 55.5 cents per $100 valuation following a public hearing and presentation by county staff.

The county manager summarized the budget and the county’s multiyear strategic plan before the board convened the public hearing. The manager told commissioners the budget is the third produced under the county’s strategic plan, emphasizes fiscal stewardship and economic development, and reflects investments in human capital, public education, public safety, capital projects and a continuing focus on stabilizing enterprise funds.

The manager outlined that the budget is balanced on a 55.5¢ tax rate and relies on a forecast that includes 1.96% property tax base growth and a conservative 98.5% collection rate. The document shows property tax revenue represents about 52.9% of total general fund revenue; restricted intergovernmental revenues and sales tax are the second- and third-largest revenue sources. Total proposed revenues and major allocations were presented in detail to the board.

The budget package includes modest fee and rate adjustments in water and sewer fees (monthly base proposed to increase from $25 to $30), incremental increases for building inspections and environmental health, and projected revenue from year-two EMS billing implementation. The manager said the budget includes a $50,000 local contribution to Meals on Wheels to begin addressing a backlog of about 500 clients on the wait list.

Commissioners asked no questions before the public hearing; no members of the public spoke during the hearing. Commissioner Stroud moved to adopt the fiscal year 2025-26 budget ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-07). The motion passed 4-0. Commissioners recorded as voting in favor were Chairman (name not specified in the transcript), Commissioner Barry, Commissioner Burns and Commissioner Stroud. Commissioner Smith was absent.

Why it matters: The budget sets the county’s spending priorities for the coming year, funds school and college allocations, supports public safety staffing and capital projects, and sets the county’s property tax burden for residents. The board’s adoption preserves the county’s stated emphasis on economic development, housing, and workforce and capital investment.

What’s next: The budget ordinance will govern county appropriations for fiscal 2025-26 unless the board later adopts amendments. Several related budget actions and appropriations (including nonprofit funding votes and a separate memorandum of agreement with the Burke County Board of Education) were considered during the same meeting.","After a public hearing and a detailed presentation by county staff, the Burke County Board of Commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2025-26 budget ordinance (No. 2025-07), approving a $116.2 million general fund budget and a proposed property tax rate of 55.5 cents per $100 valuation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key actions from Burke County commissioners’ June 16 meeting

Burke County recognizes local volunteers with Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards

County meeting hosts '1 More 1 Less' founder to discuss fostering and church partnerships

Board authorizes negotiation with Hamrick Architects for Human Resources Center renovation

Burke County adopts $116.2 million FY 2025-26 budget, property tax rate set at 55.5¢