Following the conclusion of a national competitive search, Burke County Commissioners have made the announcement to appoint Brian Epley as County Manager. With
CHRISSY MURPHY
Staff Writer
In a letter sent to Burke County Commissioners on Thursday, the Morganton City Council asked for the board to facilitate a discussion about the Confederate monument that sits on the historic courthouse square.
But commissioners seemed to nix the idea of a discussion before having the letter in their hands.
The letter, which the council directed city staff to send in a unanimous motion at its meeting Monday night, cites concerns over elevated tensions surrounding the statue in the last year.
âThe Commissioners have no doubt heard voices on both sides of this issue, as well as those calling for compromise or just for calm, and the city has also heard from all sides,â the council wrote in the letter. âEmotions and feelings run deep on both sides. We are also well aware of the constraints placed by state statute on any local action concerning this monument.â