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Burke County manager calls FY2024–25 an “incredibly successful” year despite disaster costs; FEMA reimbursements expected
Summary
County Manager Brian Epley presented the fiscal year‑end report Sept. 15, saying total revenues were about $13.8 million, the county realized major savings by bringing MSW hauling in‑house and expanding EMS billing, and that FEMA public assistance of roughly $11 million will help restore fund balance drawn for disaster recovery.
County Manager Brian Epley told the Burke County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 15 that the 2024–25 fiscal year was “an incredibly successful fiscal year” even after responding to prolonged disaster recovery needs. Epley summarized revenues, cost‑saving measures and capital priorities and said the county expects federal reimbursements to restore a temporary drawdown of reserves.
Epley reported total county revenue for the year of about $13.8 million, with property taxes representing about 53.6 percent of that total. He said moving municipal solid waste hauling in‑house produced roughly $1.1 million in savings and that bringing EMS billing in‑house grew collections from about $5.1 million to $7.5 million, increasing unrestricted revenue that can be reinvested in public safety.
The manager highlighted operational improvements that he said reduced backlogs and improved service: environmental health septic turnaround fell from 12 weeks to under 30 days, child welfare caseloads were reduced from about 30:1 to roughly 10–11:1, and several capital projects (EMS, animal services, courthouse) remain on time and under budget.
Epley also briefed the board on one‑time disaster‑related activity. He said the county submitted a public assistance application to FEMA for roughly $11 million in recovery‑related costs and, because funds have been used in the interim, the county’s general fund balance fell to about 19.5 percent of budget; he said that reimbursement would restore the county’s reserve level later.
On debt and long‑term finances Epley said Burke County’s total debt is about $28.4 million, with roughly $12.6 million attributable to the county and the remainder to the school system; he noted the county’s 10‑year amortization profile and said debt service will fall significantly after a large payoff in March 2026.
The board accepted the year‑end report by unanimous vote. Epley said staff will continue to monitor FEMA reimbursement timing, revenue trends and capital delivery to maintain fiscal stewardship.
