Burke County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
EMS Cardiac Monitor Replacement
The new animal services/EMS buildings came in $1.3 million under budget, and the county wants to use $925,000 of that to replace 18 aging Zoll cardiac monitors on ambulances — a top EMS priority.
Sheriff's Office BearCat Armored Vehicle
The sheriff's office is getting $450,000 in state money to buy its first armored vehicle, which the sheriff says will protect deputies during standoffs and high-risk warrants. There's a two-year lead time on delivery.
DSS Workforce and Caseload Pressures
DSS reported eight emergency child-removal petitions in a single week — the most its director has ever seen — with substance use involved in every case, and kids having to sleep at the office while placements were found. Caseloads are trending down overall, but the system is stretched.