Commissioners quotebook

Notable quotes from Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting:

Tourism Development Director Ed Phillips prior to his presentation about Burke’s America 250 Committee:

“Before I get started on this report, I wanted to share some really great news that I shared with Commissioner (Brian) Barrier a few minutes ago. I just was on the phone walking in the door with the National Park Service, and the Linville Falls overlooks have been opened from the Forest Service property side on (NC) 105. Linville Falls is our No. 1 most visited attraction in Burke County at over a million people a year.”

Deputy County Manager Alan Glines, who is spearheading an effort to modernize Burke’s zoning codes:

“What I’d like to have a little more time (for) is to work on some additional standards for cluster development. I believe we could support housing development in Burke County if we had better rules for cluster development.”

Ann Moncrief, during the public comments portion of the meeting, addressing the possibility of a cryptocurrency mining operation in Burke County:

“I do not like crypto mining. Crypto produces no tangible product, employs virtually no one locally, and ruins the quality of life for those who must contend with noise pollution 24/7, 365 days a year.”

County Manager Brian Epley on Burke’s recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene last fall:

“No one in Burke County is in temporary housing anymore. When I did this two weeks ago, there were still eight families (in temporary housing). So, we continue to see progress, we continue to see advancements, and I think that’s a very positive thing to point out.”

Epley on the proposed 2025-26 fiscal year budget:

“I do think that we’re delivering a product that each of us can be proud of. I want to say first, a really humble appreciation to the board of commissioners. The amount of time that each of you, both individually and collectively as a board in policy setting and direction, has put into helping develop your priorities, and also giving feedback to staff is not taken for granted.”

Commissioner Randy Burns on current legislation being considered in the General Assembly that would utilize Article 42 sales tax funds for the state’s Viper radio. Burns said 60% of Article 42 revenue goes directly to Burke’s public schools:

“The county commission association (N.C. Association of County Commissioners) is looking at this as kind of a watershed moment, when the state starts to get into our sales tax. We all understand that ad valorem taxes and sales taxes are our two primary, biggest sources of revenue. I would like for us to look at that and then decide if it’s something that we want to make sure we come out strongly against. I feel like it is.”

Commission chair Jeff Brittain, addressing Epley following the manager’s hour-plus budget presentation:

“Would you mind running through that one more time?”

A smiling Epley when asked if he had any closing comments at the end of the meeting:

“I’ve said enough.”

— MQ