Commissioners approve bids, staffing changes, rezoning and accept donation for thermal-imaging cameras

Burke County commissioners took routine actions that included awarding bids, approving staffing fills and hiring, and accepting a donation for emergency equipment.

Procurement: The board awarded the stone-hauling contract to Lovett Trucking (staff said it was the lowest bid and a local business) and awarded the crush-and-run contract to Vulcan (reported as the low bidder at $18 per ton). Motions to award both bids were made and seconded and carried.

Land use: The board unanimously approved rezoning Parcel 064-030A on Barrett Plantation Road from A1 (agriculture) to R1 (residential) after the planning commission gave a unanimous recommendation and no opposition was reported.

Staffing and hires: The board authorized the hiring of seven students for EMT training at EMA to replace resignations, authorized filling two part-time labor positions at collection sites, authorized filling a Heavy Equipment Operator II position (to be used as an asphalt paver operator), and authorized filling an Administrative Assistant II position in Public Works following an announced retirement.

Grants and donations: The board approved a budget amendment to recognize a donation from Southern Nuclear to purchase thermal-imaging cameras for fire apparatus; staff said the donation requires no local match and will allow a camera on each pumper.

Other business: The board tabled a proposed employee grooming/uniform policy for attorney review and tabled a resolution proposing consolidation of probate and magistrate courts pending a scheduled work session with department heads.

Each motion was moved and seconded by identified commissioners during the meeting and recorded as approved by the chair.