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Commissioners split 3–2 on seating for Morganton board of adjustment; floor remarks reveal tension
Summary
The board voted 3–2 to seat Johnny Carswell as the regular member and Jean Kirby as alternate on the Morganton board of adjustment (ETJ); several commissioners expressed personal disagreement and asked for reconciliation after the vote.
The Burke County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 21 voted 3–2 to seat Johnny Carswell as the regular member and Jean Kirby as the alternate member to the Morganton Board of Adjustment (extraterritorial jurisdiction). The clerk presented two applications; Commissioner Randy Burns made the motion to assign Carswell to the regular seat and Kirby to the alternate seat.
The motion passed by voice/hand vote with a 3–2 tally. After the vote, one commissioner publicly objected to the result and cited a personal grievance (a refusal to shake hands), and other commissioners urged civility and reconciliation on the dais.
The board did not reverse the appointment; the clerk recorded the vote and indicated the matter would move on. Commissioners also reviewed other openings and encouraged public participation on advisory boards.
Next steps: Staff will notify applicants of the appointment and the clerk will publish the results and terms; the board indicated the contested seating will not be reconsidered at this meeting.
