County's First Citizens Academy ends on a high note

Burke County’s first Citizens Academy ended on a high note last week, in a room of county employees, a couple of commissioners, and the inaugural class munching on food and mingling before the session began.

Overall, the inaugural, six-week class went “exceptionally well,” said County Manager Brian Epley, and participants Chad Hildebran and Susan Butterworth said they would encourage others to sign up for the program.

The class of 19 gathered for the wrap-up session at the Foothills Higher Education Center at 2128 S. Sterling St. in Morganton.

On the southeast side of the building, green balloons marked the doors that led to the classroom where the session was held — as did the sound of Commissioner Mike Stroud’s acoustic guitar.

“We initially forecasted 10 slots, but the demand from the community was double that,” Epley said, adding that the Board of Commissioners felt strongly that all applicants should be accepted.

The Citizens Academy was designed to give participants a better understanding of how county government works. Epley proposed it to the Board of Commissioners in July and was met with unanimous approval. On Sept. 11, the first session of the inaugural academy was held.

Epley said the county has received some feedback through conversation, and some through a formal survey.

“I heard folks say that the curriculum was very, very professionally delivered in a way that they could better understand it, and their perspective of how county government operates now was very different than it was when they began,” Epley said.

Hildebran, one of the participants, said he signed up “to try to figure out why the decisions that were being made were being made and … try to get more information to better help the citizens of the whole county.”

Through this experience, Hildebran said he developed a deeper appreciation for the employees who work at the recycling center. Another participant, Butterworth, said she appreciates the sheriff’s department more now.

“With all of the immigrants and drug problems that they deal with, it’s just amazing, I respect them so much more,” Butterworth said.

There will be another Citizens Academy in April, Epley said, with 20 slots. Those interested can apply as soon as they would like.

Applying for the program is the same as applying to serve on a volunteer board, which can be done online at www.burkenc.org/FormCenter/Board-of-Commissioners-10/Burke-County-Appointment-Application-for-54.

Epley said those with questions can call the clerk’s office at 828-764-9354, or the county manager’s office at 828-764-9350.