Commissioners approve filling a 9-1-1 vacancy and summer intern; waive rental fees for Juneteenth event

Burke County commissioners approved filling an additional vacancy at the 9-1-1 center and authorized a summer internship in the county finance office, then approved a request to waive certain rental fees for a Juneteenth scholarship fundraiser while requiring payment for staffing and noting possible technical constraints.

The 9-1-1 director, Lacey, had authority and budget to fill one vacancy but needed approval to fill a second position. The board approved filling the vacancy; the motion to add the summer intern and authorize filling the 9-1-1 vacancy was moved by Commissioner Nix and seconded by Commissioner Bridal. The meeting record indicates the motion passed by voice vote; a roll-call tally was not recorded in the transcript.

Separately, the board considered a request by the Boggs Bridal Life Center and the Juneteenth Committee for a waiver of facility rental fees for a scholarship fundraiser. County staff noted concerns about stage lighting and sound-system reliability because recent equipment issues may require contractors to work on the house lights and stage equipment. Commissioner Kelly moved and Commissioner Nicks seconded a motion to waive the fees on the condition the event pay for any staff time required and acknowledge potential technical issues; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

Both approvals included practical caveats: the 9-1-1 position approval was contingent on budget availability (staff said there is money in the budget), and the rental-fee waiver came with a requirement that the event organizers pay for staff time and be prepared for possible audiovisual limitations while contractors address lighting issues. Commissioners also discussed whether department heads should have authority to make immediate hires when funds are available or whether all hires should return to the full board for approval.