Morganton and Valdese’s New Year goals highlight infrastructure updates and ongoing projects

The infamous National Quitter’s Day was Friday, Jan. 10, when people cast aside their New Year’s resolutions. That is not happening with Burke County officials.

MORGANTON

City Public Information Officer Jonelle Sigmon said department heads and elected officials have outlined the following areas of focus.

Helene recovery

The City will continue to work on recovering from Hurricane Helene’s damages, including rebuilding infrastructure in parks, water and sewer system, electric system, and CoMPAS system.

When the hurricane tore through Morganton on Sept. 27, many of the City’s systems were devastated and the recovery is ongoing.

Additionally, many of the recreational facilities and parks will need extensive renovations.

City officials are working with a FEMA representative as they navigate the financial aspect of hurricane-related issues. In time, the City will be reimbursed for hurricane-related costs.

Morganton projects

The North Green Street streetscape project will soon begin its makeover in the new year.

This project focuses on street improvements like the sidewalks, traffic signal mast arms, bike lanes, utility infrastructure, and ADA-compliant improvements for pedestrian safety.

In the recent ADA-compliance study, Morganton’s North Green Street was identified as the second-top street, behind Lenoir Street, needing repairs.

In December 2024, the council approved a resolution accepting $450,000 for the North Green Street Streetscape Project from the N.C. Department of Commerce Rural Transformation Grant.

The City also is continuing its work on the Bost Road sewer line project. Morganton is extending its sewer service on Bost Road off U.S. 181, an area inside the city with large-scale development potential.

Renovations at Bethel Park continue to resolve the historical flooding that has occurred there for years during downpours. New amenities are also in the works, including a half-acre dog park and a Futsal court. The $3.1 million project began last spring with the hope of wrapping up this summer.

VALDESE

Interim Town Manager Bo Weichel detailed Valdese’s goals for the new year. Many of their 2025 priorities derive from the 2023 Valdese Strategic Plan that was developed from public input.

Town manager

Their top priority is the hiring of a permanent town manager, which has been vacant for over a year.

Former Town Manager Seth Eckard was dismissed on Dec. 1, 2023. Valdese resident Eddie Perrou served as interim manager for the rest of December.

On Jan. 2, former Burke County manager Bryan Steen was named interim manager and he held that post until Aug. 23. The interim role is now in the hands of Weichel until they hire a town manager.

Mayor Charlie Watts reported that the town has received over 100 applications, however, the town does not have a full-time manager.

Ongoing projects

Listed as the top second priority in their strategic plan, Valdese will continue to tackle the public safety facilities project by hiring a general contractor to analyze the costs.

The Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan carries into the new year, as the department gathers more information to shape its 10-year plan.

The plan will provide goals & recommendations, a needs assessment of facilities, trends & projections, and other additional information.

Gathering additional priorities, the town is conducting a 2025 Citizens Priorities survey in January and February. These priorities from the Valdese community will help facilitate the budget and goals of the town.