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Minutes of September 15, 2025, FINAL APPROVED BWM000Union County, NC Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes Union County Government Center 500 North Main Street Monroe, North Carolina www.unioncountync.gov September 15, 20256:00 PMBoard Room, First Floor ____________________________________________________________ 25-390Closed Session – 5:15 P.M. Present:Chair Melissa Merrell; Vice Chair Brian W. Helms, Commissioner Clancy Baucom; and Commissioner Christina Helms Absent: Commissioner Gary Sides Also Present:Brian W. Matthews, County Manager; Patrick Niland, Deputy County Manager; Clayton Viognier, Assistant County Manager; Lynn G. West, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners; and Jason Kay, County Attorney At approximately 5:22 p.m., in the open session, in the Stony D. Rushing Conference Meeting Room, Chair Melissa Merrell called the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order. Chair Merrell moved that the Board enter closed session pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11: (a)(3), for attorney-client privilege; (a)(4), to discuss matters relating to location or expansion of industries or other businesses; (a)(5), to establish, or instruct the Board’s negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the Board in negotiating the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property; as such purposes are fully stated in the agenda for this meeting, which has been made publicly available. The motion passed by a vote of four to one as follows: Chair Melissa M. MerrellAye Vice Chair Brian W. HelmsAye Commissioner Clancy BaucomAye Commissioner Christina B. HelmsAye Commissioner Gary Sides was not present. At approximately 6:03 p.m., Chair Merrell moved that the Board take a recess to reconvene at 6:00 p.m. in the Board’s Meeting Chamber. The motion passed by a vote of four to zero as follows: Chair Melissa MerrellAyeVice Chair Brian W. HelmsAyeCommissioner Clancy BaucomAyeCommissioner Christina HelmsAyeCommissioner Gary Sides was not present. Opening of Meeting – 6:00 p.m. Invocation –Commissioner Christina B. Helms offered the invocation. Pledge of Allegiance –Chair Melissa M. Merrell led the body and audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States, of America. Informal Comments Chair Merrell announced that the next item on the agenda was Informal Comments. She reviewed the guidelines to be followed by the speakers while making their informal comments. The Chair stated that one person had registered to speak during the informal comments and recognized Jen Sanders for her comments. Ms. Sanders’ comments were related to the City of Monroe’s Mayor, Robert Burns and a request for his removal from office of Mayor. Public Hearing(s)Staff Recognition 25-562NCACC Heroic Hands Honoree Chair Melissa Merrell recognized Patrick Niland, Deputy County Manager, for his comments. Mr. Niland said tonight he has the privilege of recognizing Jared Steele, Parks and Recreation Superintendent, for being recognized as a local hero by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC). Mr. Niland explained that this recognition is part of Heroic Hands initiative which highlights the often unseen but deeply impactful work of county employees across the state. He shared that Mr. Steele has served Union County for 25 years with dedication, leadership, and vision. He said as Park Superintendent, he has guided the goals and strategies for the county’s parks overseeing programs and services that touch thousands of residents and visitors every year. He stated that Mr. Steele’s leadership is defined not only by what happens inside the County’s parks but also by the way he collaborates across the departments and the community. Mr. Niland shared that Mr. Steele was recently recognized at the 118thAnnual North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ Conference in Pitt County, North Carolina. He said that county leaders across North Carolina celebrated Mr. Steele’s extraordinary contributions. He shared that Mr. Steele embodies what public service is all about: commitment, teamwork, and a passion for making his community better. Mr. Niland stated since the beginning of his employment with Union County, he has known Mr. Steele, because Parks and Recreation is one of the departments. He said Mr. Steele is one of the most humble men that one would want to meet. He invited Mr. Steele to come to the front of the meeting room to receive his framed Certificate of Recognition.Consent Agenda Vice Chair Brian W. Helms moved to adopt the Consent Agenda and business agenda as published.Jason Kay, County Attorney, asked Vice Chair Brian W. Helms if his motion was to approve the items listed on the Consent Agenda. The Vice Chair stated that was correct. The motion passed by a vote of four to zero as follows:Chair Melissa M. MerrellAyeVice Chair Brian W. HelmsAyeCommissioner Christina B. HelmsAyeCommissioner Clancy C. BaucomAyeCommissioner Gary Sides was not present. 25-555Contract – Waxhaw South Sanitary Sewer Replacement & Rehabilitation Final DesignACTION: Authorized the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute an agreement with WK Dickson & Co., LLC. d/b/a Ardurra Group North Carolina substantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal or extension term options set forth in the Agreement, and 3) terminate the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each at the County Manager’s discretion. The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes an annual allocation in the Wastewater Rehabilitation & Replacement Program to assess, prioritize, and rehabilitate/replace sanitary sewer collection system infrastructure. This project is Year 2 of a two-year rehabilitation project to replace the aged STEG wastewater collection system in Waxhaw. It will consist of the replacement of approximately 7,700 linear feet of 4-inch and 6-inch sewer pipe with 8-inch sewer mains on the south side of Highway 75 in downtown Waxhaw. WK Dickson & Co., LLC. d/b/a Ardurra Group North Carolina has been selected to provide engineering services for Task Order 8678-05 - Waxhaw South Sanitary Sewer Replacement & Rehabilitation Final Design. WK Dickson & Co., LLC. d/b/a Ardurra Group North Carolina was chosen from a list of vendors previously selected from RFQ 2024-024 – Engineering Services for Water/Wastewater System Improvements to provide these services for Union County projects. The total cost of the contract with WK Dickson & Co., LLC. d/b/a Ardurra Group North Carolina is $196,000.00. Sufficient funds are available within the adopted capital account 60185535 - Waxhaw Sanitary Sewer Replacement & Rehabilitation Year 2. 25-571Budget Amendment – Contributions to East Fork Twelve Mile Creek ask Order – Sewer Repair & Rehabilitation Excavation Repairs ACTION: Adopted Budget Amendment #2 to recognize, receive, and appropriate contributions from Indian Trail and Wesley Chapel to perform limited area East Fork Twelve Mile Creek Flood Analysis Design and Cost Estimate study.Union County will receive $20,000 from Indian Trail & Wesley Chapel for contributing to a stormwater study. The County is using $10,000 of our funding toward this, which is already budgeted. 25-556Grant Application – Transportation FY 2027 Combined Capital Grant. FU2-28 5311 Administrative (Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program) and Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 23, 24 & 25 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Funding Application ACTION: Adopted Public Transportation Program Resolution – FY27 Resolution – Section 5311 (including ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 and applicable State funding, or combination thereof which authorized the County Manager to submit the associated grant applications and make necessary assurances and certifications associated with the grant applications as substantially consistent with this agenda item, which includes the authorization to execute documents, or delegate electronic execution of documents when use of the federal award management system is required, related to award of the grants and budget funds as appropriate. Union County is seeking funding through three federal grant programs—Combined Capital, 5311 Administrative, and 5307 Urbanized Area Formula—to support the continued provision of public transportation services that are accessible to the general public on a regular and ongoing basis. These grants support both rural and urban transit operations and infrastructure, ensuring the County can maintain, operate, and expand its transportation services to meet current and future needs. Combined Capital Program (FY2027) The Combined Capital Grant provides financial assistance for the replacement of public transportation vehicles and other capital needs. This program utilizes federal funds from Sections 5311, 5307, and 5339, enabling community transportation systems like Union County Transportation to consolidate their capital needs into one application. The funding will reimburse costs for replacement vehicles that have met NCDOT’s useful life threshold of 100,000 miles, including conversion vans, lift vans, minivans, and Light Transit Vehicles (LTVs). It also covers other capital expenditures such as required NCDOT vehicle lettering, radio equipment, and bi-fuel conversions. For FY2027, Union County is requesting funding for the replacement of three (3) 22’ LTVs with wheelchair lifts, totaling $427,701. The breakdown includes: •Federal Share (80%): $342,160 •Local Share (up to 20%): $85,541 oIf State funding (10%) of $42,770 is awarded, the local share would be reduced to $42,771. The application is due October 6, 2025, and covers the performance period from July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Vehicles will be procured via North Carolina State contracts or in accordance with applicable procurement laws. 5311 Administrative Grant (FY2027) The 5311 Administrative Grant, under the Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program, supports administrative costs related to public transportation in rural areas. Funds are used for planning activities, administrative personnel, compliance, and coordination with other transit services. Union County's application does not include operational funding and is solely for administrative expenses. For FY2027, Union County is requesting $276,529, with the following cost share: •Federal Share (80%): $221,223 •State Share (estimated 5%): $13,826 •Local Share (15%): $41,480 oIf State funds are unavailable, the local share would increase to 20% ($55,306). The grant performance period is July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, and the application will be reviewed and recommended for funding by the County’s NCDOT Mobility Specialist and the NC Board of Transportation. 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program (FFY23–FFY25) The 5307 Program provides capital and operating assistance for transit services in urbanized areas. Eligible expenses include operations, planning, preventive maintenance, paratransit services, security and safety upgrades, and facility improvements. Union County, as part of the Charlotte urbanized area, receives 5307 funding through a regional formula established by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and approved by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO). Based on the current distribution formula Union County will receive up to: •$2,041,740 in Federal 5307 funds from FFY23. •$2,353,090 in Federal 5307 funds from FFY24. •$2,402,267 in Federal 5307 funds from FFY25. This funding will be used for both operating expenses, which require a 50% local match, and capital expenses, which require a 20% local match. The 5307 Grant will result in an award of Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023, (FFY) 2024, and (FFY) 2025 Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) funds to Union County. Funds awarded during a given fiscal year are initially allocated for a one-year period of performance, but this may be extended if necessary to enable them to be drawn down over a five-year period after the start of the federal fiscal year of the award. Thus, funds awarded for the: •FFY23 5307 applications can be drawn down through June 30, 2028. •FFY24 5307 applications can be drawn down through June 30, 2029. •FFY25 5307 applications can be drawn down through June 30, 2030. In Union County, 5307 operational-related services are currently provided using demand response, subscription, and contracted fixed-route service. These services are rendered by Union County Transportation, or its subcontractors, and CATS. Union County’s Transportation and Planning staff have developed a list of activities for these funds, which include paying 50 percent of the cost of the existing Union County 74X Express bus service and provision of demand-response service in the urbanized portions of the County. The funding allocated for capital-related items will be utilized for the purchase of security-related items as required by the 1% security minimum requirement, safety-related items as required by the 0.75% safety minimum, and for facility renovations. RESOLUTION WHEREAS,Article 2BofChapter136oftheNorth Carolina General Statutes andtheGovernorof North Carolinahavedesignated theNorth Carolina DepartmentofTransportation(NCDOT)astheagency responsiblefor administeringfederal andstatepublic transportationfunds; and WHEREAS,theNorthCarolinaDepartmentofTransportationwill apply for agrant fromtheUSDepartment ofTransportation,Federal Transit Administrationandreceives fundsfrom the North Carolina General Assemblytoprovide assistancefor ruralpublictransportation projects;and WHEREAS,thepurposeofthesetransportationfundsisto providegrantmonies tolocalagenciesfortheprovisionofrural,small urban,and urbanpublic transportationservicesconsistentwiththepolicyrequirementsofeach fundingsource for planning,communityandagencyinvolvement,service design,servicealternatives,training andconferenceparticipation,reporting and otherrequirements(drug and alcohol testing policyandprogram,disadvantagedbusinessenterpriseprogram,andfullyallocatedcostsanalysis);and WHEREAS,thefunds applied for may beAdministrative, Operating,Planning,or Capitalfunds andwillhave different percentagesoffederal,state,and local funds. WHEREAS,non-CommunityTransportation applicants may apply for funding for"purchase-of-service" projects under theCapital Purchase of Service budget, Section5310 program. WHEREAS, (Legal Name ofApplicant)Union Countyherebyassures andcertifies thatitwillprovidetherequiredlocal matchingfunds; that itsstaff hasthetechnicalcapacitytoimplementandmanage the project(s),preparerequired reports,obtain required training,attendmeetingsandconferences;andagrees tocomplywiththefederalandstatestatutes,regulations,executiveorders, Section5333(b)Warranty,andalladministrative requirements related to the applications made to and grants received from the FederalTransit Administration, as well as the provisionsof Section 1001 of Title 18, U. S. C. WHEREAS,the applicant has or will provide all annual certifications and assurancesto the State of North Carolina required forthe project; NOW, THEREFORE, be itresolved that the(Authorized Official's Title)* CountyManagerof(Name of Applicant's GoverningBody)Union County isherebyauthorizedto submitgrant application(s) for federalandstate fundinginresponsetoNCDOT's callsfor projects,makethenecessaryassurancesandcertificationsandbeempoweredtoenter into an agreementwith theNCDOT to provide rural,small urban, and urban publictransportationservices. 25-588Grant Application – North Carolina Agricultural Manufacturing Processing Initiative ACTION :Authorized the County Manager to submit the associated grant application and make necessary assurances and certifications associated with the grant application as substantially consistent with this agenda item, which includes the authorization to execute documents related to award of the grant and budget funds as appropriate. The North Carolina General Assembly established the North Carolina Agricultural Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (“NCAMPI”) as part of the state’s FY 2023-24 budget legislation and amended by S.L. 2024-1 and further amended by S.L. 2025-26i. The Initiative is to be administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (“Department”). The purposes of the program include: 1. Provide support for agricultural manufacturing and food processing opportunities that increase jobs and local property tax bases across the state and/or reduce costs and increase profit options for North Carolina farmers and growers. 2. Identify and assess opportunities to increase value-added processing of commodities produced in the state and fill geographic and commodity gaps across the state. 3. Market and recruit facilities to fill such gaps and meet such opportunities. 4. Support eligible entities with funding for eligible costs necessary to create or expand agricultural manufacturing facilities and projects related to increased demand for agricultural products. FINANCIAL IMPACT: $1.5 million to support the Union County Food Innovation Center site development. 25-568Purchase – UCSO Vehicles Equipment ACTION: Authorized the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute an agreement substantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal or extension term options set forth in the Agreement, and 3) terminate the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in the County Manager's discretion.Union County Sheriff’s Office is requesting Equipment for the (28) Chevrolet Tahoe’s. Union County Sheriff’s Office chose to use Dana Safety because this vendor has contract pricing with the State of North Carolina. N.C.G.S 143-129(e)(3) and N.C.G.S 143-129(e)(9) allow local governments to make purchases through a competitively bid North Carolina Statewide Term Contract or a Group Purchasing Program. The purchase of the equipment for new Union County Sheriff’s vehicles will be made using North Carolina State Contract #680D as quoted by Dana SafetyThe anticipated cost for the Vehicle Upfit Equipment is $259,748.35 and is budgeted accordingly for FY2026. 25-559Purchase – USCO Vehicle Warning Device ACTION: Authorized the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute an agreement substantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal or extension term options set forth in the Agreement, and 3) terminate the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in the County Manager's discretion. : Union County Sheriff’s Office is requesting Equipment for the (28) Chevrolet Tahoe’s. Union County Sheriff’s Office chose to use West Chatham Warning Devices because this vendor has contract pricing for Whelen Parts with Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing. N.C.G.S 143-129(e)(3) and N.C.G.S 143-129(e)(9) allow local governments to make purchases through a competitively bid North Carolina Statewide Term Contract or a Group Purchasing Program. The purchase of the equipment for new Union County Sheriff’s vehicles will be made using Group Purchasing Program Sourcewell Contract #090122-WHL as quoted by West Chatham Warning Devices. The anticipated cost for the Vehicle Warning Device Equipment is $168,360.92 and is budgeted accordingly for FY2026. 25-553July 2026 NCVTS Motor Vehicle Tax Report ACTION: Approvedthe July 2025 NCVTS Motor Vehicle Tax Refund Report in the amount of $2,362.41. The refunds included in this report represent adjustments made to tax bills that resulted in refunds of motor vehicle taxes paid under the Tax and Tag Together program operated jointly between the Counties and the State. 25-563 Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) FY2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program ACTION: Authorized the County Manager to submit the associated grant application and make necessary assurances and certifications associated with the grant application as substantially consistent with this agenda item, which includes the authorization to execute documents related to award of the grant and budget funds as appropriate. The EDA FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program supports economic recovery activities in areas that received major disaster declarations in calendar years 2023-2024. The Readiness Path of this grant program provides funding through capacity building and strategic planning projects that set the stage for future investment. Recently, Union County established an independent, county-level economic development authority. This was a major transition from the previous joint economic development structure with the City of Monroe. This strategic shift creates a timely opportunity to define a clear vision and actionable direction for the county’s economic future. The proposed project deliverables include a five-year strategic economic development plan and a pre-disaster economic recovery plan. The five-year strategic economic development plan will align with the Centralina Economic Development District’s regional CEDS (Prosperity for All: 2022–2027), while focusing specifically on Union County’s unique assets, needs, and post-disaster realities. The plan will be developed through an inclusive, data-driven process and will serve as a foundation for future EDA Implementation Path or Industry Transformation Path funding, which are additional opportunities through this same grant program. The pre-disaster economic recovery plan provides a roadmap for how the County would support businesses, workers, and the overall economy following a disaster. This plan helps to ensure that the economic health of the community is resilient and safeguards the tax base and long-term prosperity of the community. Union County anticipates requesting approximately $200,000 in federal funding, with a 20% local match ($40,000) to be contributed from in-kind staff hours, general fund reserves, and ARPA recovery funds. 25-566Consolidation of Positions in Procurement and Public Communications Departments ACTION: Approvedelimination of two part-time positions and authorized an additional 0.02 FTE to create a full-time position. The Union County Procurement and Public Communications Departments have two part-time vacant positions, one as an Administrative Professional II (position 406002 at 0.50 FTE) and the other as an Administrative Professional II (position 424500 at 0.48 FTE). Both positions are helpful to each department's operations but are limited with respect to the County’s ability to recruit, train, and retain qualified individuals for these positions by virtue of their part-time status. Staff is requesting an additional 0.02 FTE to consolidate the two part-time positions into one full-time Administrative Professional II position that will provide more advanced administrative support to both departments. No additional funding required. Funding exists in the current FY2026 Procurement budget. 25-586Appointment of Commissioners to Boards and Committees – Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization ACTION: Appointed Chair Melissa Merrell as an Alternate Member to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO). On December 16, 2024, the Board of Commissioners appointed Vice Chair Brian Helms to serve as a member of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization along with Commissioner Gary Sides as an alternate member. This action would add Chair Melissa Merrell as an alternate CRTPO member. 25-583Minutes ACTION: Approved minutes of the regular meeting of January 21, 2025 Information Only 25-554Tax Collector’s Departmental Report for July 2025ACTION: There was no action requested. This item was for information only. This report reflects the totals of all tax transactions within the tax collector’s office for the month of July 2025 as required by NCGS 105-350(7). 25-561Communications Monthly Report – August 2025ACTION: There was no action requested. This item was for information only. This report provides valuable metrics and insights into communication platforms and Public Communications’ efforts to collaborate with all County departments to inform and engage residents, promote programs and services, and strengthen internal and external communications. 25-582Wastewater Treatment Capacity - Monthly Update ACTION: There was no action requested. This item was for information only. Union County Water is closely monitoring the wastewater treatment capacities at our Water Reclamation Facilities. Permitting Capacity is evaluated using the Actual Plant Flows plus the Permitted/Obligated Flows (unconnected). Union County Water was asked to provide regular updates. Plant flow information through August 2025 is summarized in the attached table.Twelve Mile Creek•Percent of Actual Flows= 70.6%•Percent of Actual + Permitted Flows= 90.0%•Actual Flows (MGD)= 5.298•Actual + Permitted Obligated Flows (MGD)= 6.749Crooked Creek•Percent of Actual Flows= 60.9%•Percent of Actual + Permitted Flows= 93.0%•Actual Flows (MGD)= 1.158•Actual + Permitted Obligated Flows (MGD)= 1.767Olde Sycamore•Percent of Actual Flows= 26.7%•Percent of Actual + Permitted Flows= 26.7%•Actual Flows (MGD)= 0.040•Actual + Permitted Obligated Flows (MGD)= 0.040Tallwood•Percent of Actual Flows= 44.0%•Percent of Actual + Permitted Flows= 44.0%•Actual Flows (MGD)= 0.022•Actual + Permitted Obligated Flows (MGD)= 0.022Grassy Branch•Percent of Actual Flows= 90.0%•Percent of Actual + Permitted Flows= 92.0%•Actual Flows (MGD)= 0.045•Actual + Permitted Obligated Flows (MGD)= 0.046In addition to the wastewater treatment capacities, flow volumes associated with development projects that are in the planning and review process within the Twelve Mile Creek and Crooked Creek WRF service areas are provided for information as well. Development flow volumes through August 2025 are summarized in the tablesbelow:Business Chair Merrell stated that the next item on the agenda was Item 25-570 Opioid Settlement Update. She recognized Patrick Niland, Deputy County Manager, to introduce this item. 25-570Opioid Settlement Update Mr. Niland stated that the County is just over two years into the 18 year timeline for the opioid settlement, which is a fairly historic agreement that the State of North Carolina, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and Union County are working on. He said that staff wanted to provide the Board with an update of what has happened over the past two years and what is coming in the next strategic planning process.He said before turning the presentation over to staff, he wanted to recognize some of the team members: Janet Payne, Human Services Administrator; Jackie Morgan, Human Services Business Operations Director; Maribel Andon, County Manager’s Office, Stephanie Starr, Human Services Community Support and Outreach Director; Ana Diaz, Public Health Epidemiologist; and Traci Colley, Public Health Director. Mr. Niland said he was very proud of these six individuals. He introduced Nidhi Sachdeva, MPV, NCACC Director of Strategic Health and Opioid Initiatives. Ms. Sachdeva stated that she was representing the Opioid Settlement Technical Assistance Team. She said their goal is to improve the health of North Carolina counties. She said the issue of the day is the opioid settlements and said they are here to support local governments receiving funds to maximize resources and impact through technical assistance, outreach and training, and collaboration. She stated that their hope is by the end of the settlements that all people in North Carolina are healthy and that they have connections to supportsand services within a cultureof care.She shared that she is here tonight representing CORE-NC, the Community Opioid Resources Engine, which is a collaboration among the North Carolina Department of Justice, NCACC, the UNC Injury Prevention Research Center, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. She said that essentially CORE-NC is the infrastructure and backbone behind the opioid settlements. She stated that the Department of Justice is tasked with defending the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and enforcing the rules of it to make sure that future payments are kept safe for local governments and make sure they continue to fight litigation. She said there are a couple of settlements that are still in process and more funds are expected to be available.She added that NCACC and DHHS are focused on technical assistance. She also stated that UNC is the data repository.As a brief update, Ms. Sachdeva stated that North Carolina will be receiving over $1.6 billion over an 18-year period, which began in 2022. She described the allocation model as being unique in that North Carolina, through negotiations with the 5/5/5 committee, which was five County Commissioners, five County Attorneys, and five County Managers with the Department of Justice, created the Memorandum of Agreement, which is the court order that governs the terms of the settlements Ms. Sachdeva stated that 85 percent of the dollars in North Carolina are going straight to the local governments. She said she thought North Carolina is the only state in the country that is committed to the vast majority of the monies going to the communities. She stated that 15 percent of the monies will go to the State of North Carolina through the General Assembly, and then it will be allocated to regional or statewide projects. Ms. Sachdeva said that over the course of 18 years, Union County will be receiving over $17 million. She explained that the monies are being front loaded and local governments are receiving the monies in incremental payments, and it is a collection of many settlements, so there are hundreds of thousands of defendants. She said these are not grant monies or federal monies; it is all from private litigationMs. Sachdeva said that the drug epidemic is very complicated, and the supply is constantly changing. She stated that people do not always know what is in the supply. Ms. Sachdeva commented that it was her understanding that most people are dying from polysubstance abuse, but because these are the national opioid settlements against drug manufacturers and distributors, it needs to stay within the bounds of what the national opioid settlements to focus on people who are experiencing Opioid Use Disorder or have a history of opioid use.Ms. Sachdeva shared that local governments have five broad requirements described in the Memorandum of Agreement:Learning from lessons from the past with tobacco settlements Establish and use a special revenue fund– tobacco settlements are the largest in history – do not want to mix up the monies with other funds and not know the true impact of these dollars which are really meant to save lives from opioid overdose which is the leading cause of deaths for adults under the age of 50 Local boards are to authorize spending ahead of timeUnderstand and follow Option A and Option BFollow all reporting requirementsHold annual public meetingJanet Payne, Human Services Administrator, stated that she wanted to share information with the Board about Union County’s funding and the initial strategic priorities funding and funded partners adopted by the Board during the County’s first phase of work.Ms. Payne said that Union County is slated to receive a total of $17,709.301 based on Waive 1 and 2 funding for use over 18 years from 2022-2038. She added that the County recently received notification that a 3rd wave of funding is going to be awarded that can be used during that same time in an estimated amount of $2.1 million. Ms. Payne shared that there is a possibility that future waves will come although none of them are expected to be significant. She said what they are showing is the $17.7 million and as additional funds are received, the information will be updated as appropriate.She explained that the initial settlement payments and interest received to date is $6.64 million which has been placed in an allocated budget in a special revenue fund to meet the State mandates. Ms. Payne stated as has been mentioned the North Carolina Memorandum of Agreement governs allocation, utilization, and reporting of the dollars, and everything that is spent must be used on abatement activities.She stressed that the funding for the initial allocations as well as any future allocations is completely flexible, and the Board has total flexibility in determining how the funds are used to best meet the needs of Union County residents as long as the funding is awarded and spent in accordance with the State’s guidance and adopted strategies. Ms. Payne stated that a collaborative community approach was used which included a strategic work group comprised of community partners engaged in prevention, treatment, and recovery services. She said this included the courts, Union County Public Schools system, Union County EMS, the hospital system, law enforcement, higher education academic partners as week as faith-based organizations and medical centers that provide treatment and recovery. She stated the group met approximately five times in late 2022, and the work group meetings were education oriented initially ensuring that everyone had the same baseline understanding of the situation and the settlement. Ms. Payne said that the State requires that each community develop at least one or two population level metrics to help gauge progress. She shared that as a part of the Strategic Planning Work Group’s work, the group identified a vision and mission as well as three initial high level goals and associated population level indicator measures as follows:Goal #1: Preventing opioid useGoal #2: Reducing harm due to opioid and related substance use Goal #3: Connecting affected individuals to the care and support neededShe stated that once all of the strategic planning work was done, it was presented to the Board, and the Board initially approved the use of $2.7 million out of the first round of settlement distributions to fund eight initiatives as listed below for the first three years of the County settlement. Ms. Payne said the settlement was to start in July 2023 and end June 30, 2026.Ms. Payne acknowledged the funding partners in attendance at the meeting. She stated that the settlement program includes multiple evaluation components. She said that data is collected quarterly for an opioid data dashboard that will be launched in the coming weeks. She noted that the dashboard performance data components include: population level data; core strategies data, and funded partner data. Ms. Payne stated that they work with each of the funded partners to collect data and respond to the State’s three required performance measures that ultimately tell the story of: Quantity – how much did we do?Quality – How well did we do it?Outcome – Is anyone better off?She explained that they utilize a system called “Redcap” which is a software data base that captures each of those data components. She added that “Redcap” is only available for educational institutions, and because of the County’s relationship with Wingate University, the County is able to take advantage of that software. Ms. Payne gave a summary of the 2026 Strategic Planning next steps as shown in the slide below: Timeline: 2026 Strategic Planning Next Steps At the conclusion of the meeting, at approximately 7:34 p.m., Chair Brian W. Helms moved to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion passed by a vote of four to zero as follows: Chair Brian W. HelmsAye Vice Chair Christina B. HelmsAye Commissioner Clancy C. BaucomAye Commissioner Melissa MerrellAye Commissioner Gary Sides was not present. Mr. Niland expressed appreciation to the Board for allowing the presentation. He informed the Commissioners that they would be receiving a packet of information. He stated that the information will have some testimonies of people who have gone through the program and how they have benefited from the program. He asked that the Commissioners review the information and then complete the survey. Vice Chair Brian Helms noted that one of the allocations that the Board had previously approved in the amount of $200,000 was a partnership between the Union County Public Schools and the Sheriff’s Office regarding a youth prevention program. He asked if anyone could provide an update on that program and how many schools are involved and its current status.Ana Diaz, Public Health Epidemiologist, and a member of the Opioid StrategicPlanning Team,responded that the program kicked off in October of 2024, so they started the first semester last year. She shared that they are in two of the school clusters: Sun Valley Middle and High Schools and Porter Ridge Middle and High Schools. Ms. Diaz said that the Program is entitled “Too Good for Drugs”, and is a school based prevention pilot program and is focused on refusal skills and healthy decision making and for the fall semester for 2024 and spring semester for 2025, there are 661 students that have participated in the middle school and high school clusters, and they are looking to start the program again in October. County Manager’s CommentsBrian Matthews, County Manager, had no comments.Commissioners’ CommentsCommissioner Baucom referenced the murders of Charlie Kirk and Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year old Ukrainian refugee, killed on the mass transit in Charlotte, NC. He said would encourage everyone to lift each other up, pray for protection, and for the law enforcement. Commissioner Christina Helms said that she thought everyone would agree with Commissioner Baucom’s comments. She shared that on Friday evening she was able to attend the Union County Treatment Court graduation. Commissioner Christina Helms commended Chief District Judge Erin Hucks and her staff for the great job that they do. She said she was looking forward to Judge Hucks and her staff opening the Veterans Program, which she believes will be a great asset to the County. Vice Chair Brian Helms said he also attended the Treatment Court’s graduation event. He stated that it was a very good and uplifting event. He said it has been a very difficult couple of weeks and offered his condolences and prayers to the families of Iryna Zarutska and Charlie Kirk.The Vice Chair addressed a comment that was made during the Informal Comments portion of tonight’s meeting regarding Mayor Robert Burns. He stated that the Board of Commissioners has no authority to remove any elected official from office.He expressed appreciation for everyone attending tonight’s meeting.Chair Melissa Merrell stated that she wanted to echo what her colleagues have said that it has been a tough week and a tough month. She stated that their prayers go to Iryna Zarutska’s family in Charlotte making the decision to keep her here and not send her back to her homeland for burial. She also offered prayers to the Charlie Kirk family. She said she really does not know what society has come to not having an open debate, agree, disagree, or challenge each other, and if it truly is a melting pot, then there will be differences. She said it was her understanding when the gun went off, Charlie Kirk’s little girl was scared and started running to her daddy. She said she thought the country is worth fighting for, the State is worth fighting for, and she thought that Union County can do better. She stated she thought everyone should be honest over what was posted and what was the response. She said she thought honesty was going to be a good start. She challenged everyone to do better and be better. She stated it is okay to disagree. Chair Merrell thanked everyone for attending the meeting and expressed appreciation to staff.AdjournmentWith there being no further comments or discussion, at approximately 6:59 p.m., Chair Melissa Merrell moved to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion passed by a vote of four to one as follows:Chair Melissa MerrellAyeVice Chair Brian W. HelmsAyeCommissioner Clancy C. BaucomAyeCommissioner Christina B. HelmsAyeCommissioner Gary Sides was not present.