Commissioners accept $11,500 Southern Nuclear donation for EMA drone and approve hospital trust-fund and indirect-cost budget amendments

Burke County commissioners accepted an $11,500 donation from Southern Nuclear (Plant Vogtle) to purchase an advanced drone for the county’s emergency operations. Chief described the donated drone as having a 4K camera, night vision and thermal imaging capability and said it will be used for search-and-rescue, hazmat incidents and plant-security support. County staff confirmed the check had already been received; the board approved a budget amendment recognizing the donation so procurement may proceed.

Separately, the board approved a budget amendment for the Hospital Trust Fund to reconcile small balances and interest distributions. County finance staff said nearly all hospital trust funds had been disbursed for prior approved projects (operating-room and entrance renovations) and this amendment cleans up remaining balances (approximately $300) without adding new funds.

The board also approved monthly indirect-cost allocations (vehicle maintenance/shop charges) totaling $167,835 and noted the amount is slightly higher this month due to three payrolls in July.

Why it matters: the drone donation enhances EMA capabilities at no direct county cost; the trust-fund amendment updates internal accounting and the indirect-cost allocation ensures department charges are recorded correctly.

Next steps: procurement for the drone will proceed, and staff will finalize budget accounting as authorized.