September 21, 2026 Regular Meeting

The Burke County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on September 21, 2026, which included several procurement-related discussions and decisions. Key procurement actions included the approval to negotiate a professional services agreement with Phoenix Counseling Center as the clinical advisor for a $6.5 million state-funded facility-based crisis center project aimed at improving the county's crisis continuum. The board also approved budget amendments involving grant allocations and capital reserves, including a $29,400 budget amendment to pay a contractor from court-released funds related to a code enforcement issue. Additionally, the board discussed a proposed economic development incentive for Project Ice Bear, a manufacturing company planning a $17 million investment and creation of 37 jobs, with a recommended 40% tax grant over three years totaling approximately $87,000. The meeting also covered the county's in-house tax revaluation process, with a schedule for public hearings and adoption of new property values. Public comments addressed concerns about the use of license plate reader technology and ongoing legal disputes involving property tax exemptions for tiny homes. Overall, the meeting focused on advancing capital projects, economic development incentives, and managing county finances and procurement activities.