10-06-2025- Meeting Minutes FINAL FINALMeetingMinutesOctober 6, 2025
Union County, NC Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
Union County Government Center
500 North Main Street Monroe, North Carolina www.unioncountync.gov
October 6, 20266:00 PMBoard Room, First Floor
Present:Chair Melissa M. Merrell; Vice Chair Brian W. Helms; Commissioner Clancy C. Baucom; and Commissioner Christina B. Helms
Absent: Commissioner Gary Sides
Also Present:Brian W. Matthews, County Manager; Patrick Niland, Deputy County Manager; Clayton Voignier, Assistant County Manager; Lynn G. West, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners;
and Jason Kay, County Attorney
At approximately 5:17 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)(1), to prevent the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to G.S. sections 132-1.1(a) and 132-6(d);
(a)(3), for attorney-client privilege;
(a)(4), to discuss matters relating to location or expansion of industries or other businesses;
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 zero 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 6:00 p.m., Chair Merrell moved that the Board take a recess to reconvene at 6:10 p.m. in the Board’s Meeting Chamber. The motion passed by a vote of four to zero as
follows:
Chair Melissa MerrellAye
Vice Chair Brian W. HelmsAye
Commissioner Clancy BaucomAye
Commissioner Christina HelmsAye
Commissioner Gary Sides was not present.
Opening of Meeting - 6:00 PM
Chair Melissa M. Merrell opened the regular meeting at approximately 6:09 p.m. and welcomed everyone present.Invocation – Chair Merrell 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 reviewed the guidelines for speakers making comments during the informal comments. She recognized Melanie Miller as the first speaker.
Melanie Miller stated that she is a resident of Waxhaw and Executive Director of the Union County Community Arts Council, addressed the Board. Ms. Miller shared that October is National
Arts and Humanities Month and spoke on the role of the arts in strengthening communities and the quality of life. She stated that the Arts Council's mission is to cultivate and celebrate
the arts so that all community members have the opportunity to experience their benefits and emphasized that the arts are essential not extra to the local economy and education system.
Ms. Miller noted that across North Carolina, the nonprofit arts and culture sector generates over $2 billion each year in economic activity, supports 38,000 full-time jobs, and returns
over $439 million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal government. She added that when combined with the for-profit sector, the arts and culture industry generates over $22 billion
in economic activity, more than the transportation or utility sectors.
Ms. Miller reported that locally the Arts Council invests in arts education by bringing professional artists into classrooms, hosting the county's largest and longest-running student
art show, and infuses approximately $20,000 yearly to Union County Public Schools and charter school teachers through its Arts in Bloom educator grant program. She stated this program
gives thousands of student’s hands-on creative experiences that build confidence, critical thinking skills, and collaboration.
Ms. Miller stated that research shows that children engaged in the arts are five times more likely to graduate from high school and twice as likely to graduate college and noted that
creative and arts-related jobs in North Carolina counties are associated with increased visitor spending, resident retention and attraction, and rising household incomes. She referred
to local arts events including student art showcases, a veterans art exhibit, and concerts in the park.
Ms. Miller encouraged the Board, as it continues to make decisions that shape the county's future, to view the arts as not a luxury but as an investment in economic vitality, education,
and well-being rather than a luxury. She expressed gratitude for the County's support, noting that the Arts Council has been a recipient of grant dollars and that many Commissioners
and staff attend Arts Council programs and support students in arts education and activities. She thanked the Board, then added that the Arts Council is proud to partner with the county
and its municipalities in supporting students.
Chair Merrell stated that the next three items on the agenda are public hearings two for proposed rezonings and one for a proposed economic development incentive. She reviewed the guidelines
for the speakers commenting during the public hearings.
Public Hearing(s)
25-593 Public Hearing - Rezoning Petition CZ-2025-007 Rodriguez
Chair Merrell announced the first public hearing as item 25-593, Rezoning Petition CZ-2025-007 Rodriguez. She opened the public hearing at approximately 6:08 p.m., and recognized Bjorn
Hansen, Senior Transportation Planner, for comments from county staff.
Mr. Hansen presented the staff report on conditional rezoning petition 2025-CZ-007, submitted by applicant Rodriguez, for a 2-acre parcel on Highway 601 requesting rezoning from RA-40
to Light Industrial, limited to office and warehouse uses. He stated that the applicant owns a telecommunications company involved in the installation of fiber optic and other communication
infrastructure and needs a larger site based on the success of his business. He noted the site plan had gone through the site plan review process and could meet county standards, and
the applicant was requesting five-year vesting of his development rights.
Mr. Hansen reviewed the site plan, describing the entrance, parking, building, and storage areas, along with buffering around the perimeter and stormwater controls to the back of the
site. He described existing conditions as undeveloped and largely forested, with Highway 601 which is a multi-lane road to the north and south, and large-lot residential development
across the street. He saidthe surrounding area consists of large-lot residential surrounding the site.
Mr. Hansen addressed the environmental features of the property and stated there is a creek to the south but no wetlands, floodplains, or creeks on the site itself. He noted the zoning
is entirely RA-40, with the edge of the City of Monroe visible to the north.
Mr. Hansen stated that Highway 601 carries approximately 12,000 vehicles per day, that there are no funded projects in the vicinity of proposed rezoning, and that no improvements are
required as a result of the proposed project.
He said the future land use map designates the area as part of the employment corridor along U.S. Highway 601, an overlay over rural residential, and stated the proposed use is consistent
with the land use map.
Mr. Hansen stated that because the proposed use is commercial in nature, UCPS was not consulted and that water and sewer service are not available to the site.
Mr. Hansen reported that a community meeting was held in late August, with one member of the public in attendance: a neighbor who raised questions about road access and expressed concern
that the site would use his driveway, as well as concern about impacts on property values. He stated no changes were made to the plan based on that feedback. He said due to the lack
of proximity, Monroe was not consulted.
Mr. Hansen summarized the negatives of the proposed rezoning stating there is continued development along U.S. Highway 601, which could eventually be viewed as adding too much traffic
to the corridor, and the transition from residential to industrial use, which could have potential conflicts similar to the concern raised by the neighbor.
He summarized the positives of the proposed rezoning citing cosnsistency with the land use plan, the site's ability to meet development standards, and that the proposed use is what the
employment corridor overlay was intended. He stated that staff recommends approval, and that the Planning Board at its September meeting unanimously recommended approval.
Chair Merrell stated that if the applicant wished to provide comments, he would have 15 minutes to do so.
David Rodriguez introduced himself, stating that he has lived in Indian Trail since 2021. He said that he founded his telecommunications company in 2017, that the company is minority-certified
with the State of North Carolina as a Hispanic-owned business, and that it is also certified as a Small Business Enterprise with the State of North Carolina. He stated the company provides
services in structured cabling and fiber optic network installation.
He stated that over the past seven years, the company has grown in both clients and employees. Mr. Rodriguez said that last year the company acquired this property and has been working
with Mr. Hansen to determine whether it would be a suitable location for an office. He explained that the space would be used for office space, and indoor and outdoor storage. He stated
that fiber optic cable is stored on large spools that require a secure storage area and that items that can be damaged by weather would be stored indoors.
Vice Chair Brian W. Helms asked Mr. Rodriguez how many people his company currently employs.
Mr. Rodriguez stated the company currently has over 50 employees and provides services in North Carolina. He stated that the company occasionally has to travel out of state to provide
services elsewhere, referencing South Carolina and Virginia and has a travel crew for that out-of-state work.
Chair Merrell announced that no one had registered to speak during the public hearing.
The Chair closed the public hearing at approximately 6:23 p.m.
25-595 Public Hearing - Rezoning Petition CZ-2025-008 Union Power
Chair Merrell announced the next public hearing was item 25-595, Rezoning Petition CZ-2025-008 Union Power. She opened the public hearing at approximately 6:24 p.m. and recognized Bjorn
Hansen, Senior Planner, for comments from County staff.
Mr. Hansen presented the staff report stating this is an amended rezoning for the Sheriff's Training Facility on Mills Harris Road, which was rezoned several years ago to RA-200 with
conditions. He stated the amendment would allow the site plan to include a power substation, located on the eastern side of the site.
Mr. Hansen that staff reviewed the site plan and it can meet county development standards. He stated the applicant is requesting five-year vesting of development rights. He noted the
substation site is next to the transmission line, which he said makes sense. He stated the substation would not get access from the developed part of the sheriff's training facility
and would not comingle with it at all, because access would come from the east through an adjacent property connecting down to Monroe- Ansonville Road.
Mr. Hansen described the existing conditions noting that the entrance to the Sheriff's facility is to the north, a two-lane road is to the south, and a single-family residence is located
across the street.
He addressed the development status and located the portion of the site where the substation would be located. He noted the nearby power line was convenient and showed the site’s proximity
to the facility. He described the property as fairly large and stated that this was the portion that would be amended as result of the rezoning
Mr. Hansen commented on the environmental features stating there is a stream and floodplain through the center portion of the property, but noted that it doesnot affect this project.
He said the applicant will install stormwater controls as part of the site plan..
Mr. Hansen noted the impact of the Board's decision several years ago, stating this area was zoned to conditional zoning and the remainder is RA-40 surrounding it.
Mr. Hansen stated Mills Harris Road carries approximately 1,000 Vehicles per day. He said this project would have no impact on it, because access will be onto Ansonville Road. He stated
the impact would be limited essentially to construction and then periodic maintenance of the facility.
He said the land use map recommends rural residential for the property. He stated this use is specifically called out as requiring a special use permit because it is very site-specific.
He stated the applicant has provided all information to substantiate special use permit approval, which the Planning Board agreed with, including a real estate impact report showing
no impact to adjacent properties as a result of the use.
Mr. Hansen stated that because the request is not residential, the school system was not consulted, and water and sewer are not available to the site.
Mr. Hansen stated that a community meeting was held in late August with several members of the public in attendance. He stated the attendees had questions but did not oppose the use,
particularly access to it. He stated there were concerns about what the rezoning would allow specifically, whether an expansion or a new construction/demolition landfill could go there,
since the attendees knew it was County property. He stated staff responded that this was not the case, and that the County had to comply with the same land planning rules as everyone
else and would have to go through the same process. He stated that due to lack of proximity to the site, Wingate was not consulted for comments.
Mr. Hansen said this area is rural residential. He identified as a negative to the proposal that this use is neither agricultural nor low-density residential, and that it would result
in the removal of approximately 2 acres of trees.
He stated the positives to the proposal are that the area is rural residential and the project doesnot increase density in the area, and doesnot put stress on schools or local infrastructure.
Mr. Hansen said that major utility facilities are allowed in RA-40 or even RA-200 with a special use permit, and that the applicant provided all information to justify approval. He stated
it would not be visible from the road and can meet County development standards. He stated staff recommended approval, and the Planning Board unanimously recommended approval. He offered
to answer questions and noted the development team was also present to answer questions.
Commissioner Baucom asked Mr. Hansen to show the approximate location of the substation on the parcel.
Mr. Hansen indicated the corner of the parcel.
Chair Merrell asked if there were any other questions. She stated she believed Mr. Hansen had said the planning department was present and could speak.
Mr. Hansen clarified that it was the development team, not the planning department.
Chair Merrell stated that if the applicant wanted to speak, they would have up to 15 minutes to do so.
Joe Irvin addressed the Board stated that he is with United Grid Solutions, the engineering consultant for Union Power. He stated that to enhance what Mr. Hansen had said, the company
spends a lot of time prior to developing a site determining where it will have the least amount of impact. He stated that as shown in the site plan, the company kept the project off
the main roads. He said the company is doing its best to limit impacts and tree removal. He stated the project is not impacting any environmental features, specifically Jack's Branch,
the stream running through the middle of the property.
Mr. Irvin pointed out that another advantage, as Mr. Hansen mentioned, is that an existing transmission line and an existing distribution line abut directly to the parcel being developed.
He stated there would not be any major tree clearing needed for lines running in and out. He said that in addition to meeting all UDO requirements, the company would also obtain a stormwater
permit through DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) in Raleigh and an erosion and sediment control permit from Mooresville. He stated the company plans to meet all regulatory requirements.
He said that this is a development needed for the community and that it has been kept away from the community as much as possible. He offered to answer any questions the Board might
have and requested that if the Board found it amenable, that itconsider approval of the request at this meeting.
Commissioner Baucom asked how large an area the project would cover.
Mr. Irvin stated it is just over three acres, not including the driveway across the property, and that the driveway is entirely within an easement already negotiated with the property
owners.
Vice Chair Brian W. Helms stated his question might be better directed to Mr. Hansen, but invited Mr. Irvin to answer if he knew the answer. He asked whether the project would pose any
problems to training events or exercises at the Sheriff’s facility.
County Manager Matthews stated that the county worked through the Sheriff's Office, the Sheriff's Office is supportive of the request.
Chair Merrell stated no one had signed up to speak on this issue and closed the public hearing at approximately 6:32 p.m.
25-604Public Hearing - Step 2 Economic Development Incentive Grant
Request to Safe Fire Detection, Inc. (Project Smokey)
Chair Merrell announced the final public hearing as item 25-604, a Step Two economic development incentive grant request to Safe Fire Detection Incorporated, also known as Project Smokey.
She opened the public hearing at approximately 6:32 p.m. and recognized Ron Mahl, Economic Development Director, for brief comments from County staff.
Mr. Mahl thanked the Board for allowing him to present the economic development incentive grant request for Safe Fire Detection Incorporated, referred to as Project Smokey.
He stated that Safe Fire Detection is a second-generation manufacturer of sophisticated fire detection systems used in nuclear power generation, petrochemical refining, and space exploration,
including the International Space Station. He said the company is headquartered in Indian Trail, where it has been in business for nearly 40 years. He commented that the company currently
employs 25 people, of whom 16 are Union County residents. He stated these employees earn an average annual wage of just under $64,000.
Mr. Mahl explained that Safe Fire Detection's business has grown to a level where it has outgrown its current buildings, and the company's goal is to find a location to build a modern
efficient facility that will accommodate its growth not only for the coming few years but for the coming decades. He stated that to accomplish this goal the company is considering two
parcels in Union County: a 10-acre parcel in Piedmont Innovation Park off Goldmine Road, and a 14-acre parcel in the Monroe Corporate Center.
He said the project's anticipated capital investment is approximately $10 million, combining land, a new 40,000-square-foot facility, and new production equipment. He stated the project
is expected to retain the current 25 job positions and create 10 new jobs over the coming three to five years. He stated the company has indicated that incentives are an important factor
for the project.
He stated that staff was requesting the Board's consideration of a Step Two economic development incentive grant in an amount not to exceed $141,000, paid over five years beginning in
fiscal year 2028. He stated the grant would be based on the Union County Tax Office's appraised value each year on the company's anticipated $10 million investment in land, building
construction, and new production equipment, and would be based on retention of all existing jobs and creation of 10 new jobs over the grant period.
He said that based on this investment, and holding all other factors constant including depreciation, the company would pay estimated ad valorem taxes on the new taxable investment of
$217,000 over the same five-year grant period. He noted that actual tax revenue to Union County is based on the current tax rate applied to the assessed value each year.
Mr. Mahl stated that the Union County Economic Development Department recommends award of the Step Two performance-based economic development incentive grant to Safe Fire Detection Incorporated
in an amount not to exceed $141,000 to help secure the $10 million investment and its related jobs.
He recognized Scott Robertson, Vice President of Engineering at Safe Fire Detection, and his brother, Robert Robertson, Vice President of Production, and stated they were available to
answer questions.
Chair Merrell stated no one had signed up for public comments and closed the public hearing at approximately 6:37 p.m.
Staff Recognition
25-600 Popular Annual Financial Report Award
Chair Merrell announced the next item as 25-600, Popular Annual Financial Report Award, and recognized Beverly Liles, Finance Director.
Ms. Liles stated that the Government Finance Officers Association awarded the Union County Finance Department the GFOA Award for outstanding achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting,
referred to as the PAFR, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. She explained that PAFR is a condensed version of the County's financial and analytical data, published as an easier-to-read
document for non-accounting people and citizens to get a high-level overview of the County's financial condition. She stated this award represents a significant achievement for a local
government entity, and in order to be eligible for the award, the County must also submit its comprehensive financial report as well.
Ms. Liles said that each eligible report is reviewed by a panel of judges who evaluates the report based on the following categories: reader appeal, understandability, distribution methods,
creativity, and other elements. She expressed all County finance staff who provided data for the PAFR. She recognized Ebru Cukro, Accounting Services Supervisor, and Kiara McClendon,
Accountant. She also gave special thanks to the Public Communications team Erica Wells Bowden and Brent Ayers who helped design and publish the document this past year. She stated the
department greatly appreciates them and all finance staff present. She invited them to join her in receiving the award and to be photographed with the Commissioners.
25-603 Service Award Recognition
Chair Merrell announced the next item as 25-603, Service Award Recognition, and recognized Jennifer Davis, Human Resources Assistant Director.
Ms. Davis stated that on Thursday, September 11th, the County hosted its Q3 Service Award Ceremony to celebrate 33 employees who had met an anniversary milestone. She stated that of
those 33 employees, the ceremony recognized 10 five-year recipients, four 10-year recipients, three 15-year recipients, two 25-year recipients, and Lynn West, with 35 years of service.
She stated the county is grateful to host these events for employees and cherishes the stories behind each one. She invited the Board to view a short video of moments from the event.
Chair Merrell thanked Ms. West for her 35 years of service and congratulated Ms. Liles on 25 years of service. She stated the Board is very blessed to have everyone that was recognized
that quarter.
Consent Agenda
Chair Merrell stated the next item on the agenda was consideration of the agenda and the consent agenda. She stated that before proceeding, she wanted to make a motion to add an item
to Business regarding the Union County FY25-26 budget for Union County Public Schools teacher supplement funding. She stated that if there were no objections, she would like to add that
item to Business at the end of the meeting. She asked if there were any other additions or questions about Consent or Business.
Vice Chair Brian W. Helms stated he wanted to make a motion, pursuant to Rule 29, since there was no objection stated that evening, to add two items to Business. He stated the first
would be Item 25-593, Rezoning Petition CZ-2025-007 Rodriguez. He stated he also wanted to add Item 25-595, Rezoning Petition CZ-2025-008 Union Power.
Chair Merrell asked if there were any other additions to Business or questions about Consent.
Chair Merrell moved to approve the agenda, as amended.
The vote passed by a vote of four to zero as follows:
Chair Melissa MerrellAye
Vice Chair Brian W. HelmsAye
Commissioner Clancy BaucomAye
Commissioner Christina HelmsAye
Commissioner Gary Sides was not present.
*See Below for further clarification.
25-596 Purchase - Intercom/Door Controls
ACTION:Authorized the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute an agreement substantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal orextension term options set forth
in the Agreement, and 3) terminate theAgreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in theCounty Manager's discretion.
The Union County Detention Center contracts with Black Creek Integrated
Systems Corp. to service intercom and door control services within the
facility. This contract has been in existence since 2011 when the system
was initially installed. Since that time, there have been no
hardware/software upgrades to the system. The current system is
severely outdated and has begun to see critical failures that pose serious
safety and security concerns for the facility. Inability to utilize intercoms
and/or door controls would not allow for contact with inmates and staff in
the event of an emergency. The Union County Sheriff’s Office is
requesting $665,063.87 in funds to acquire the software/hardware
needed to update the current system, allowing it to perform to the ability
needed.
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 Intercom/Door Control Services will be made using Group
Purchasing Program OMNIA Partner IT Products and Services contract
#23-6692-03 as quoted by Insight Public Sector, Inc.
The anticipated cost for the Intercom/Door Control Services is
$665,063.87 and is budgeted accordingly for FY2026.
25-609 Contract - Landscape Restoration Services
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 Water maintains and operates over 1,000 miles of water
system infrastructure and over 700 miles of wastewater infrastructure. A
large portion of the combined 1700+ miles of piping is located near
roadway shoulders, and both residential and commercial areas. Once
water/sewer lines are repaired due to age, material, pressure, third-party
damage, etc., numerous restoration activities may be required to take
place. The activities include compaction, landscaping, and sod repairs,
among others. Due to this service requiring a very specific skill set and
potential scheduling implications, this restoration service has been
conducted by industry professionals. This effort has shown a great
improvement in customer service by reducing the time required to restore
yards, roadway areas, and commercial property.
The Procurement Department partnered with Union County Water to
issue a Request for Proposals RFP 2025-024 Landscape Restoration
Services. On June 5, 2025, one proposal was received and reviewed by
an evaluation team in accordance with applicable evaluation criteria for
this project. As a result, the team requests approval to enter into a
contract with the top scoring/ranked preferred offeror, Locust Property
Management, LLC , to provide landscape restoration services. This
contract has an initial term of three years with two one-year renewal
options at the sole discretion of the County and is subject to annual
budget appropriation.
The anticipated annual cost for this service is $300,000. Since this
contract contains an initial term of three years, with two one-year renewal
options, a total of $1,500,000 is estimated to be spent. Funding is
available in the adopted FY26 budget with future expenditures subject to
annual BOCC budget appropriation.
25-578 Public Health Clinical Service Fee Recommendations
ACTION: Approved requested fees to be added to the Human Services Agency’s Department of Public Health Fee Schedule.
In accordance with G.S. 130A-39(g), which allows local public health
departments to implement fees for services rendered, the Union County
Human Services Agency’s Department of Public Health, with the approval
of the Union County Consolidated Human Services Agency Board and
the Board of County Commissioners, may implement specific fees for
services. Medical clinic fees are established at the standard Medicaid rate
plus 30%. Any fee without a standard Medicaid rate is established at the
commercial rate plus 30%.
Approval to adoptfees the following CPT Code(s) is requested:
Local Use Tuberculosis Questionnaire (LUTBQ) - Tuberculosis Risk and
Screening Questionnaire: $10.00
Fee for nurses' evaluation and screening of patients to certify the
absence of tuberculosis risk or symptoms. Used when skin testing is
deferred due to patients' positive test history or shortage of PPD solution.
This is a new flat fee to be paid by patients. It is not a “sliding” fee.
88305 - Biopsy of tissue pathological examination: $109.43
Laboratory examination of biopsied specimens to identify abnormal
cellular changes including precancerous or cancerous lesions collected
during colposcopy procedures. This is a new fee. The current Medicaid
rate for this service is $84.15.
J0561- Penicillin G benzathine, per 100,000 units, injection (Bicillin L-A):
$38.09
Intramuscular antibiotic injection for treatment of specified infections. This
is an increase to an existing fee due to a change in the Medicaid rate.
The current Medicaid rate for this service is $29.30.
The Public Health Management team reviewed the fees and approved
recommendation of this requested BOCC action at its September 3, 2025
meeting and the Consolidated Human Services Agency Board (CHSB)
approved recommendation of this requested BOCC action at its
September 8, 2025 meeting.
The revenue generated by the requested fee(s) will assist the Human
Services Agency’s Department of Public Health in covering associated
clinical costs.
25-592 Budget Amendment - Social Services Emergency Placement Funds
ACTION: 1) Recognized, received, and appropriated $13,457 in additional funding from the NCDHHS Division of Social Services and 2) approved Budget Amendment #7.
To help address ongoing challenges in securing treatment placements for
children in DSS custody with complex behavioral health needs, NCDHHS
DSS reallocated $1,237,010 in unused Emergency Placement Funds
associated with the behavioral health investment from the 2023
Appropriations Act to the DSS Emergency Placement Fund.
Each county will receive a base amount of $10,000 and the remainder of
the funds will be allocated based on each county’s percentage of the
foster care census. Union County will receive $13,457. If county
expenditures exceed the county’s allocation, any excess payments will be
county funded.
Emergency Placement Funds are intended to temporarily assist county
departments of social services in addressing identified placement needs
for children in the custody of the agencies who are awaiting a Medicaid
leveled treatment placement. While children await the location of the
placement, these funds can be used to prevent them from staying in a
DSS office and enable local agencies to temporarily provide and arrange
for essential needs of the individual to establish or maintain a placement.
Funds may be used only for youth opened for 109 Foster Care Case
Management Services on a DSS-5027 or in the Child Welfare Information
System to cover client specific costs claimed for purposes of the
following:
1) Maintaining a crisis placement through a contract that pays a
retainer to an identified placement provider who will accept a
temporary emergency placement until the appropriate behavioral
health treatment placement is located.
2) Paying a short-term temporary enhanced rate to an identified
placement provider who is currently or will provide care and
supervision to youth who have behaviors that require an
exceptional level of supervision. For children who are awaiting a
Medicaid leveled treatment placement, these funds can be used to
pay for a placement that will aid in meeting the child’s immediate
needs. The amount above the board rate will be reimbursed by
submitting the DSS-1571 Part II.
3) Another local solution approved by DHHS as an Approved
Alternative Option, that prevents a child in DSS custody from
spending a night in the DSS office while waiting on the appropriate
treatment placement as approved by NCDSS.
The Emergency Placement Funds are available for use immediately, and
no prior approval is required except for purposes associated with a local
alternative solution.
$13,457 is allocated to the County with no additional County match
required. If County expenditures exceed the allocation, any excess
expenses / payments will be County funded.
25-608 Contract - Language Interpretation and Translation Services
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.
The Procurement Department partnered with Human Services to issue
Request for Proposals 2025-021 Language Interpretation and Translation
Services. The translation services will be utilized by both the Health and
Social Services Divisions of Human Services. Previously, each division
had its own separate agreement. On April 29, 2025, twenty-eight
proposals were received and reviewed by an evaluation team in
accordance with applicable evaluation criteria for this project. The top
ranked four firms/vendors were invited to shortlist interview/presentations.
As a result, the team requests approval to enter into a contract with the
top scoring/ranked preferred offeror, MasterWord Services Inc., to
provide language interpreting and translation services.
The anticipated annual cost for this service is $200,000. Since this
contract contains a two-year initial term with three one-year renewal
options, a total of $1,000,000 is estimated to be spent. Funding is
available in the adopted FY26 budget with future expenditures subject to
annual BOCC budget appropriation.
25-614 Budget Amendment - Environmental Health
ACTION: 1) Recognized, received, and appropriated $27,255 in additional state funding from the North Carolina Division of Public Health for
Environmental Health Division staff to address lead in water and
lead-based paint in public schools and childcare facilities and 2) adopted
Special Revenue Ordinance #92A.
Lead and asbestos are well known to be hazardous to human health and
particularly the health of children, whose bodies are still developing and
who are therefore uniquely vulnerable to the risks posed by lead and
asbestos. Although the use of certain materials containing lead and
asbestos has been banned in the United States, exposure to both lead
and asbestos hazards can still occur in the built environment through
things like deteriorating lead-based paint, lead containing pipes, plumbing
fixtures, and solder that are used to carry drinking water, asbestos ceiling
and floor tiles, asbestos insulation, and other products and materials
containing lead or asbestos. Exposure to lead and asbestos hazards can
be prevented by inspecting facilities and then restricting access to,
remediating, or abating any hazards that are identified through the
inspection process.
This Agreement Addendum (AA914 - ARPA Addressing Lead in Water
and Lead-Based Paint in Public Schools and Child Care Facilities)
provides funds for Union County Public Health to (1) conduct first draw,
post-remediation water lead samples at schools and childcare facilities
according to proposed administrative rules 10ANCAC 41C .1005; (2).
Conduct follow-up and environmental lead investigations for those
schools and facilities where lead-based paint hazards are identified and
remain unaddressed; (3) documenting all site visits in the North Carolina
Lead Surveillance System (NC LEAD); and (4) document compliance by
the schools and facilities with the inspection requirements in 10A NCAC
41C .1004 during local health department routine visits.
The County will receive $27,255 in FY26 funding from the North Carolina
Division of Public Health for the Environmental Health Division of the
Union County Public Health Department to address lead in water and
lead-based paint in public schools and childcare facilities. No County
match is required.
25-579 Tax Bill Correction Report for August 2025
ACTION:Approved Tax Bill Correction Reports for August 2025 (Refund Amount = $10,249.90).
In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes 102-312 and
105-325, the Board of County Commissioners is authorized to make and
approve certain changes to property tax records. Approval of such
changes may result in either a release, refund, or discovery of ad valorem
taxes. The attached report provides detailed information on all tax bills
that were modified. Included in the report for each correction is the parcel
number or property key, owner name, reason for the change, original
value, original tax, corrected value, corrected tax, and refund, if
applicable.
25-597 August 2025 NCVTS Motor Vehicle Tax Report
ACTION:Approved the August 2025 NCVTS Motor Vehicle Tax Refund Report in the amount of $1,387.65..
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.
25-589 Resolution - Surplus Vehicle Sale
ACTION: Adopted Resolution Authorizing Surplus Property Sale by Internet Auction which 1) declares the property itemized on Attachment A as “Surplus” to the needs of Union County, 2)
authorizes sale at electronic auction of the surplus property described in Attachment A as per the terms and conditions as specified in the online auction service provider contract,
and 3) authorizes the Procurement Director or their designee to execute any and all documents necessary to transfer title to said property on behalf of Union County.
North Carolina General Statutes allow the disposition of personal property
by local governments through a variety of means including private
negotiations and sale; advertisement for sealed bids; negotiated offer,
advertisement, and upset bid; public auction; or exchange. In 2001, the
legislature amended the Statues to provide for disposition of property
through electronic auction.
The sale will begin October 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM and end October 21,
2025, with incremental closings as indicated on Attachment A. A
summary of the vehicle information is listed below. Additional vehicle
information can be found on Attachment A.
Facilities and Fleet Management
Facilities and Fleet Management
· (1) 2007 CHEVROLET COLORADO
Union County Water
· (1) 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS
· (1) 2004 CHEVROLET C8500
· (1) 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500
· (1) 2012 DODGE CHARGER
· (1) 2012 FORD F150
Solid Waste
· (1) FORD F150 4X4
Building Code Enforcement
· (1) 2013 FORD F150
The vehicles are to be picked up at 610 Patton Avenue, Monroe, NC with
the following terms of sale:
1. Sale to the highest bidder with all sales final.
2. All items sold “as is” with no warranty, expressed or implied, which
extends beyond the description of the item.
3. Purchasers must remove vehicles(s) within ten (10) business days
from the time and date of issuance of the Buyer’s Certificate.
4. Payment must be made online through the online auction website.
Payment in full is due not later than five (5) business days from the time
and date of the Buyers Certificate. Payment will not be accepted onsite.
Estimated revenue is $50,000. The revenue will be returned to the fund
from which the asset came.
25-613Resolutions - Donation of Surplus Property to Town of Fairview &
Union County Public Schools
ACTION:Adopted Resolutions Authorizing Conveyance of Certain Surplus Property to Town of Fairview and Union County Public Schools.
Union County desires to declare surplus and donate one mower and one
truck to Town of Fairview and two trucks to Forest Hills High School’s
Automotive and Agriculture programs.
Town of Fairview:
1) Union County Hustler Mower 60" Mowing Deck
2) Union County Vehicle # 30-07: 2007 Ford F150
Union County Public Schools - Forest Hills High School:
1) Union County Vehicle # 36-02: 2002 Ford F250 4x4
2) Union County Vehicle # 04-14: 2014 Ford F250 4x4
25-601 Travel Policy Revision for International Travel
ACTION: Adopted Revised Travel Policy to include language for international travel.
The currently adopted Travel Policy does not include any parameters or
guidelines for international travel. Over the past year Union County has
hired Economic Development employees that travel internationally for
trade shows and other economic development opportunities. Based on
this need Management and Staff are recommending revising the Travel
Policy to include parameters and guidelines for international travel.
See Exhibit “A” attached to and made a part of these minutes.
25-606 Contract - Janitorial Services
ACTION:Authorized the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute an agreementsubstantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal orextension term options set forth
in the Agreement, and 3) terminate theAgreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in theCounty Manager's discretion.
Facilities and Fleet Management completed an assessment of our
Janitorial Services Contract in FY2025 and concluded that a two-contract
structure would potentially pose a lower risk to the County given the
current state of the janitorial market. A common issue that contractors
face in the market is finding, hiring and retaining quality staff. That issue
has contributed to lower quality of work and inconsistent service delivery.
This request is to approve the second of two janitorial contracts that will
service all general government and UC Water facilities. The Board
previously approved the first of the two contracts at the May 19, 2025,
meeting and the contract went into effect on July 1, 2025. This contract
will include custodial services for approximately 66% of the county’s
general government and UC Water facilities and will go into effect on
November 1, 2025.
The breakdown of the buildings serviced by each of the two custodial
contracts is below:
Contract #1 previously awarded by Board on May 19, 2025, to Citywide:
Buildings serviced include Jefferson Street (leased), Agriculture Center,
Emergency Services, Simpson Event Center, Judicial Center, UCSO
Animal Shelter, UCSO Firing Range, UCSO Administration Building, and
Old UCSO Administration Building.
Contract #2 (REQUESTED TO BE APPROVED IN THIS AGENDA ITEM)
- Recommendation to award to Integrity:
Buildings to be serviced include Adult Probation (leased), Farmers
Market, Government Center, Historic Courthouse, Historic Post Office,
Human Services, Juvenile Probation (leased), Main Library/Board of
Elections, Marshville Library, Patton Ave, Progress Building, Southwest
Regional Library, UCPS Administration, Union West Library, 12 Mile
Creek, Crooked Creek, Public Works Operations Center, and Yadkin
Water Plant.
The Procurement Department partnered with Facilities & Fleet
Management to issue Request for Proposals RFP#2025-056 Janitorial
Services. On July 1, 2025, twenty-six proposals were received and
reviewed by an evaluation team in accordance with applicable evaluation
criteria for this project. The top ranked three firms/vendors were invited to
shortlist interview/presentations. As a result, the team requests approval
to enter into a contract with the top scoring/ranked preferred offeror,
Integrity National Corporation, to provide janitorial services.
The anticipated annual cost for this service is $1,100,558. Since this
contract contains an initial term of two years with three one-year renewal
options, a total of $5,502,790 is estimated to be spent. Funding is
available in the adopted FY26 budget with future expenditures subject to
annual BOCC budget appropriation.
25-607 Contract Amendment - Landscaping Services
ACTION:Authorized the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute an agreementsubstantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal orextension term options set forth
in the Agreement, and 3) terminate theAgreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in theCounty Manager's discretion.
The Facilities & Fleet Management department has utilized the
contractual services of Lawrence Companies, LLC D/B/A Providence
Landscape Group for landscape services since November 1, 2021. The
company has been effective and efficient in meeting our service needs,
and we are requesting to continue this service for an additional one year
and adding the Union County Cemetery on Cresthaven Drive, Monroe,
NC to the service locations.
The anticipated annual cost for this service is $494,495.00 and is
budgeted accordingly for FY26.
25-610 Contract Renewal - Managed Print Services
ACTION:Authorized the County Manager to 1) negotiate and execute an agreementsubstantially consistent with this agenda item, 2) exercise any renewal orextension term options set forth
in the Agreement, and 3) terminate theAgreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in theCounty Manager's discretion.
The Information Technology Department has utilized the contractual
services of Sharp Leasing USA Corporation for Managed Print Services
since October 2022. The company has been effective and efficient in
meeting our service needs, and we are requesting to continue this service
for an additional twenty-four months.
The anticipated annual cost for this service is $235,749. Since this
contract renewal contains a two-year term, a total of $471,498 is
anticipated to be spent. Funding is available in the adopted FY26 budget
with future expenditures subject to annual BOCC budget appropriation.
25-612 Budget Amendment - Property & Casualty Internal Service Fund
ACTION:Approved Budget Amendment #8 to cover the cost to add five locations tothe Pollution Policy.
Staff recently investigated the process, policies, and procedures in the
event of spills related to county business such as fuel, chemicals from
UCW plants, or other hazardous materials.
During the investigation, it was determined that Union County has a
pollution policy issued by Chubb environmental insurance, which covers
against damages from unintended release of pollutants not normally
covered by liability and property policies. The locations currently covered
by the Chubb policy include Water Treatment Facilities, Wastewater
Treatment Facilities, over 50 wastewater lift stations, hundreds of miles of
wastewater lines, and several water booster stations. This policy offers
coverage in the event of a hazardous spill and offers 24-hour access to
an Environmental Spill Center which will be able to dispatch an
environmental contractor to assist with spill remediation.
Additionally, it was determined that eight sites housing bulk chemicals
(diesel, treatment chemicals, fluids, motor oil, etc.) were not included in
the pollution policy that was put in place July 2023. Three of the locations,
UCW Operations Center, Norwood Intake, and Yadkin WTP were added
at no cost as they were associated with the existing policy. The other five
locations are listed below:
1) Emergency Services - 2330 Concord Avenue
2) Fleet Services - 610 Patton Avenue
3) Cane Creek Park - 5213 Harkey Road
4) Jesse Helms Park - 1505 Summerlin Dairy Road
5) Sheriff’s Office - 3344 Presson Road
The cost to add the five locations through the remainder of the policy
(July 2026) is $10,619. Budget Amendment #8 appropriates funds from
the fund balance of the Property & Casualty Internal Service Fund to
cover the cost to add these five locations to the Pollution Policy.
The cost to add the five locations through the remainder of the policy
(July 2026) is $10,619. Funding is available in the fund balance of the
Property & Casualty Internal Service Fund.
25-602 Minutes for Approval
Approved minutes of minutes of regular meetings of March 17, 2025, and April 7, 2025
Information Only
25-585 Contract Report April – June 2025
ACTION:No action was requested. This item was for information only.
Per Section XVIII of the FY 2025 adopted Operating and Capital Budget
Ordinance, the contract report lists executed contracts and purchase
orders that were entered into by the County Manager or Procurement
designee from April through June 2025.
See Exhibit “B” attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.
25-591 Human Resources Reports for August 2025
ACTION:No action was requested. This item was for information only.
These reports include all new hires, separations from service, and
retirements for Union County Local Government for the month of August
2025.
25-598 Tax Refunds, Releases and Prorations Approved by Finance Officer
ACTION: No action was requested. This item was for information only.
On September 8, 2020, the Board of Commissioners adopted a
Resolution Delegating Authority for Tax Releases and Refunds of less
than $100 to Union County's Finance Officer. The resolution and NC GS
105-381(b) require such refunds to be reported to the Board regarding
actions taken on requests for releases or refunds. All such actions shall
be recorded in the Board's minutes. NC GS 105-330.6 authorizes the tax
collector to direct an order for a tax refund of prorated taxes to the county
finance officer related to surrendering of registered motor vehicle plates.
The finance officer shall issue a refund to the vehicle owner. The
attached report is for August 2025 NCVTS releases and refunds less than
$100 and prorations approved by the finance officer.
See Exhibit “C” attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.
25-599 Tax Collector’s Departmental Report for August 2025
ACTION:No action was 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 August 2025 as required by NCGS
105-350(7).
Business
25-605 Consider a Step 2 Economic Development Incentive Grant Request
to Safe Fire Detection, Inc. (Project Smokey)
Chair Merrell stated the Board was now at the Business portion of the agenda, and announced the first item as 25-605, consideration of a Step Two economic development incentive grant
request to Safe Fire Detection Incorporated, also known as Project Smokey. She recognized Ron Mahl, Economic Development Director, for comments.
Mr. Mahl stated he and Manager Matthews were available for any questions.
Commissioner Christina Helms moved to 1) Award a Step 2 Economic Development Incentive Grant to Safe Fire Detection, Inc. (Project Smokey) in an amount not-to-exceed $141,000 over a
five-year period; and 2) authorize the County Manager to i) negotiate and execute an agreement substantially consistent with this agenda item, ii) exercise any renewal or extension term
options set forth in the Agreement, and iii) terminate the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in the County Manager's discretion.
The motion passed by a vote of four to zero as follows:
Chair Melissa MerrellAye
Vice Chair Brian W. HelmsAye
Commissioner Clancy BaucomAye
Commissioner Christina HelmsAye
Commissioner Gary Sides was not present.
*See Above
*Jason Kay asked for a question of clarification, stating that Chair Merrell's previous motion to approve the agenda asking whether she was referring to the items on the consent agenda.
Chair Merrell stated it referred to both Consent and Business.
Mr. Kay restated his understanding that she was approving the items on the consent agenda as well as approving the changes to the business agenda.
Chair Merrell asked if he would like her to restate the motion.
Mr. Kay stated that it would not be necessary, that the clarification was sufficient.
25-550 Wastewater Pump Station Approval Request – Sanctuary at
Southgate Phase II Development
Chair Merrell announced the next agenda item as 25-550, a wastewater pump station approval request for the Sanctuary at Southgate Phase II development, and recognized County Manager
Brian Matthews concerning this item.
Brian Matthews, County Manager, stated the item before the Board was a request to consider a possible pump station location. He stated this pump station request had come before the Board
a little over six months ago, and the County's rules allow a request to return to the Board after that time period, which the applicant had done. He said nothing has changed as to the
location or specifics of the pump station. He stated, however, that the developer and applicant submitted information about possible costs they would help pay toward the long-term maintenance
of the pump station, which he would address.
He explained that this is Phase Two of a two-phase project. He identified the original Phase One of Southgate, which did not require a pump station because it was a gravity-fed project.
He identified the location of Phase Two, which requires a pump station for the project to work, or alternatively another solution he would describe, which would require pump station
improvements. He said the entire site is 72 acres and is within the Town of Indian Trail, and the pump station discussion pertains to the Phase Two portion of the development.
Mr. Matthews described Alternative One, stating it would create a force main to pump flow from the site to the existing force main and pump station, the Poplin Pump Station, which then
pumps to the 12 Mile Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment. He stated that regardless of whether Alternative One or Alternative Two is chosen, both are served by the 12 Mile
Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. He stated Alternative One requires a new pump station, which would be an addition to the County's existing pump station inventory, and explained this
new pump station would only serve that development and is not designed to serve a broader area.
He stated that the life cycle cost for Alternative One is estimated at a little over $2.1 million, and that the developer would be willing to contribute approximately $900,000 to cover
the 20-year maintenance cost for that pump station. He noted pump stations are generally kept online longer than 20 years, but that the estimate reflects the 20-year cost.
Mr. Matthews described Alternative Two, stating that whenever a pump station analysis is conducted, the applicant is required to evaluate what it would take to provide a gravity solution.
He stated there is not a 100 percent gravity solution available in this circumstance. He said the site would flow by gravity via a line that would connect to the existing Porter Ridge
Pump Station, which pumps flow to a point where it flows to the Fieldstone Pump Station, and is then pumped to the Poplin Road Pump Station before ultimately reaching and being treated
at 12 Mile Creek. He commented this alternative is not a gravity solution by itself and requires improvements to both the Porter Ridge and Fieldstone pump stations to handle the additional
flow from this development. He said that it has a higher life cycle cost estimated at $3.6 million.
He stated that the Board and staff evaluate the impact on the County's system, noting Alternative Two would require maintaining a gravity line in addition to pump stations. He noted
the Board had previously decided not to approve the pump station. He stated he would review the alternatives available to the Board depending on whether it chose to approve or deny the
request.
Mr. Matthews explained that if there is a utility-based rationale, there are three items that would be considered for approval:
Construction of the requested solutionwill result in a new pump station, which should be maintained with less likelihood for the need for major rehabilitation or replacement projects
in the near future; whereas, a gravity line directly serving the property without a new pump station would require capacity improvements at two older, existing pump stations. Thus,
the requested solution requires only one new pump station and does not require improvements to multiple existing, costlier to maintain pump stations.
The projected life cycle cost for the new pump station solution areless than the projected life cycle cost for an alternative solution involving a gravity line with improvements to two
existing pump stations.
The proposed development is ultimately served by the same larger pump station {Poplin Road) and treatment plant (12 Mile Creek) as a potential alternative for public sewer service.
Mr. Matthews said that if the Board were inclined to deny the request, there are two items for that utility-based rationale.
The new pump station solution 2illrequire significant investment over time in a pump station as well as future replacements, which primarily serve one development, without expanding
the service area or the opportunity for significant revenue from other customer connections that would help offset long-term costs.
Compared to a solution with improvements to two additional pump stations, the new pump station solution does not allow for as many improvements benefiting the entire utility system,
noting that improving the other two pump stations would ultimately provide some utility to the system.
Mr. Matthews offered to answer questions and said the applicant was present and had requested to speak. He stated he had informed the applicant that the Board would need to decide whether
to allow additional information to be presented. He asked if the Board had any questions for him regarding this item.Vice Chair Brian W. Helms moved to: (1) Deny the application request
concerning the Sanctuary at Southgate Phase II development for a new wastewater pump station, as such pump station solution is set forth in the application associated with the request,
in accordance with Section 34-336(b)(1) of the Union County Code; and (ii) adopt the utility-based rationale statement for denial.
Utility-Based Rationale Statement
InmanagingUnionCounty’swaterandwastewater utility,itistheresponsibilityof theUnion CountyBoardofCommissioners(the “Board”)todeterminetheparticularneedsoftheutilityat thecurrenttimeinmakingdecisionsconcerningtheutility.The
Boardshouldtakeintoaccount and weigh numerous operational, financial, and other utility-based reasonsto make decisionswhichtheBoarddeterminesarereasonable,inthepublicinterest,andrationallybasedonthebestinterestoftheoperation
of the utility.Pursuant toSection34-336(b)(1)oftheUnionCountyCode,theBoarddoesherebyfindanddeterminethatdenialof the newpumpstationapplicationrequestisreasonable, inthepublicinterest,andisrationally
based on the best interest of the operation of the utility, baseduponfollowingutility-basedrationale:
The new pump station solution will require significant investmentover time in a pump station, as well as any future replacements, which primarily serves one development, without the
opportunity for significant revenue from othercustomer connections which would assist in offsetting such long-term costs.Compared to a solution with improvements to two additional pump
stations, the new pump station solution does not allow for as many improvements that would benefit the
entire utility system.
The vote passed by a vote of four to zero as follows:
Chair Melissa MerrellAye
Vice Chair Brian W. HelmsAye
Commissioner Clancy BaucomAye
Commissioner Christina HelmsAye
Commissioner Gary Sides was not present.
25-649 Union County Budget FY25-26 and Union County Public Schools Teacher (This item was added to the agenda during the meeting.)
Chair Merrell stated the next item on the agenda was a matter related to Union County Public Schools and the county budget for FY25-26 regarding the teacher supplement. She stated she
had asked for this item to be added to the agenda following information she received last week following a Teacher Advisory Council meeting.
Chair Merrell said she would keep her remarks brief to bring everyone up to speed. She stated it was her understanding that the Teacher Advisory Council includes a representative from
the central office, and one representative from each of the 53 schools, with approximately 53 teachers, plus or minus, in attendance.
She explained that the reason she was bringing this matter to the Board was that minutes from the Teacher Advisory Council meeting, distributed to approximately 5,200 employees countywide,
stated along with three other bullet points that Union County Public School teachers would not be receiving a $2,000 increase to their County stipend because the County Commissioners
did not vote to approve it. She stated this was very alarming to her because that was not her recollection of events.
Chair Merrell shared that her recollection was that the County Manager explained at a joint meeting with the Board of Education in April, that the County had roughly $8 million above
the previous year's budget available to give the schools above what they received in FY24-25. She stated a $1,000 increase to the teacher supplement would be just under $4 million, and
if they were to ask for a $2,000 stipend increase,that would absorb all of the additional funding available to Union County Public Schools. She stated she believed the Board of Commissioners
had discussed many times, that the County regretted not having enough funds to provide a $2,000 increase, but that the intention was for teachers to receive at least a $1,000 increase
to their County supplement.
Chair Merrell said that, to her recollection, the Chairman of the Board of Education came before the Board of Commissioners before the County's budget was finalized in June or July,
and that the Board of Commissioners explained that a $2,000 supplement increase would absorb all funding for the year and prevent funding of other items on the schools’ list of requests,
She stated the County's intention was that they could and should do a $1,000 increase, as it would be a $1,000 increase two years in a row, and that the state had committed to contributing
approximately $950. She stated that if the County contributed $1,000 and the state contributed $950, that would bring teachers close to the threshold of a $2,000 stipend increase.
Chair Merrell reminded the Board that in April, the Superintendent and the Chair of the Board of Education stated at their joint meeting that their number one priority was an increase
to the teacher stipend, noting the state ranking had dropped to approximately 40th or 42nd, though she could not recall the exact number.
She stated that when she saw the minutes from last week's meeting, which she felt implied the County Commissioners did not vote to approve a stipend for teachers, she was disheartened,
and she wanted to bring the matter to the Board of Commissioners to clarify the Board's intentions. She noted she had spoken in support of the $1,000 figure and wanted to open the floor
to other Commissioners. She stated this information had been sent out in formal minutes. She stated she had reached out to Dr. Houlahan, who indicated he would have the minutes corrected,
but that she did not know whether that correction would apply only to the corrected Teacher Advisory Council minutes or whether a retraction would be issued to all 53 schools. She stated
she had not heard back what that retraction would be or the nature of the error in the minutes.
Chair Merrell then opened the discussion for comments from the other Commissioners.
Commissioner Christina Helms stated Chair Merrell had answered her question. She stated that if Dr. Houlahan and/or the Board of Education issue any statements, she hoped it would be
issued to all employees eligible for the supplement and would correct the minutes, stating that was the right thing to do. She stated she would encourage Dr. Houlahan, staff, and the
Board of Education to make that public correction.
Chair Merrell asked if there were any other comments or questions. She stated she would also share that, in her conversation with Dr. Houlahan, he indicated that they were holding on
to the money for salaries and a possible stipend increase after the state finalizes its budget. She asked the Board to confirm whether the Commissioners were comfortable with the County's
funds being used for salary increases rather than the teacher supplement that had specifically been requested as the Board of Education's number one priority.
Commissioner Christina Helms stated her recollection that when the Board discussed the budget, one of the main topics was stipends for classroom teachers specifically not central office
or supporting staff and asked staff to confirm this was correct.
Mr. Matthews confirmed this was correct and stated that statement came directly from school staff.
Commissioner Christina Helms asked whether it was Dr. Houlahan's intention to hold that money in case of possible unfunded mandates coming from the state.
Mr. Matthews stated, yes, and shared he had also spoken with Dr. Houlahan and appreciated the Chair sharing this information. He said Dr. Houlahan's concern is that without an adopted
state budget, unfunded mandates could arise that the schools would have to pay for or come to the County to fund, and that the school system has set aside funding for stipends and increases,
but that the amount is undetermined at this time because the impact of the state budget is unknown.
Commissioner Christina Helms asked Mr. Matthews if there was an estimated time on when the state budget would be approved.
Mr. Matthews stated he did not have one at this time.
Vice Chair Brian W. Helms followed up on Commissioner Christina Helms' point, asking whether, if an unfunded mandate from Raleigh did affect UCPS, the school system would have options,
such as returning to the Board for a budget amendment.
Mr. Matthews confirmed there are other ways to address that and stated his understanding was that Dr. Houlahan was concerned about having to come back and ask the County for more money.
Vice Chair Helms stated the County has a lot of needs, that education is a significant one, and that he believed the Board of Commissioners has been committed to supporting its education
partners, though there are limits to what the Board and government can do. He stated he recalled significant conversation regarding increasing pay specifically for teachers in the classroom,
not for administration, and stated this was an important point of emphasis for the Board of Education, UCPS, and this Board.
Chair Merrell stated she wanted to clarify that, between the joint meeting and other conversations, the Board had confirmed multiple times that the stipend was for classroom teachers,
only those who take attendance and assign grades on a report card and that the Board of Education was in agreement. She stated the County had told the Board of Education that if it
chose to give a $2,000 supplement increase, it would not be able to fund other items on the schools’ budget request. He added that the County encouraged and wanted them to do the $1,000
supplement increase. She stated teachers had to show up to work regardless of whether they received the supplement increase, and stated that, speaking for herself, she was shocked the
teachers did not receive it, and further shocked that the Board of Commissioners was blamed for them not receiving it.
She explained that she learned a great deal through this process, including that the Board of County Commissioners cannot instruct the Board of Education or Superintendent how to spend
money, and the County either approves and sends funding, or does not. She stated this was a lesson for her, as her first thought was to ask why the Board did not take a separate vote
mandating a $1,000 supplement increase to the classroom teachers, but she was informed the Board cannot direct the schools’ spending.
Chair Merrell noted the County has worked hard over recent years to maintain a good working relationship with the schools, staff to staff and board to board. She stated she had not heard
from the Board of Education since it approved an increase to its own stipend. She stated she had not heard from them regarding the teacher stipend. She stated she did hear from them
when they were voting to approve a Board of Education stipend. She stated the media called her. She stated it is important for the Board of Commissionersto understand it cannot mandate
how the funds are spent, but that it is also important to note the County sent the funds in good faith, and in return, a teacher supplement increase was not given.
Chair Merrell stated her recommendation was that, since the message sent to 53 schools and approximately 5,200 employees indicated the County Commissioners did not approve a teacher
supplement increase, that the Board ask the County Manager, Lynn West, and General Counsel Jason Kay to help draft a letter from the Board of Commissioners restating that the County
regretted it could not provide $8 million for a $2,000 teacher supplement, but the Board of Commissioners had many conversations indicating that sufficient funding was provided for a
$1,000 teacher supplement, and if they are currently holding that money for supplements and salaries, the Board of Commissioners want to clarify that it does not want the schools to
use those moneys for salaries but to take care of the $1,000 teacher supplement that had been discussed at length. She stated that, in an effort of maintaining a good working relationship,
she hoped that this would not happen again, noting that the minutes came from someone in the Superintendent's office.
She recommended sending a letter to the Superintendent and Board of Education encouraging them not to hold the County supplement and to give that money to classroom teachers only. She
stated that if the State does whatever the State does, the Stateor the State legislators could be asked to fund it and that the Board of Education could come back to the Board of Commissioners
with any unfunded State mandates to let the Board know what had not been funded.
She stated that the Board had approved the funding and that she thought the letter should encourage the Board of Education to provide the supplement. She said she wanted the letter to
be made public so that every teacher would know that the Board of Commissioners does not have the authority to vote against their teacher supplement, as that decision is between the
Superintendent and Board of Education. She stated that the Board of Commissioners never told them to withhold the money and that the Board sent them the money. She stated that this was
her recommendation for the letter and opened the discussion to the other Commissioners.
Chair Merrell asked whether she needed to make a motion for staff to work on the letter and stated she needed to determine whether the Commissioners wanted her to sign it individually
or wanted all Commissioners to sign it.
Jason Kay stated her statement indicated she wanted to make that a motion and stated that the decision of who signs the letter is a Board decision.
Chair Merrell asked whether all Commissioners would be available to sign the letter that week, once available from Lynn West. She stated she believed it would mean a great deal to have
all Commissioners' signatures and said she would contact Commissioner Sides to find out if he is available to sign the letter, but that the Board would move forward with four signatures
once the letter was drafted and ready for review. She stated that was the motion.
Jason Kay clarified that the motion on the table was for the letter as described, along with signatures of all available Board members.
Chair Merrell confirmed this was correct.
The motion passed by a vote of four to zero with the following vote:
Chair Melissa MerrellAye
Vice Chair Brian W. HelmsAye
Commissioner Clancy BaucomAye
Commissioner Christina HelmsAye
Commissioner Gary Sides was not present.25-650 Consideration of Rezoning Petition CZ-2025-07 Rodriquez(This item was added to the agenda during the meeting.)
Chair Merrell stated the Board would begin consideration of Rezoning Petition CZ-2025-007, submitted by David Rodriguez.
Commissioner Christina Helms moved to approve the rezoning for Petition CZ-2025-007 for David Rodriguez.
Chair Merrell asked if there were any questions.
Jason Kay noted that there was a motion listed beneath the motion to approve and directed Commissioner Christina Helms to it.
Commissioner Helms then moved to: (i) Adopt the Ordinance Approving Revision to the Official Zoning Map of Union County, North Carolina, and (ii) adopt the consistency and reasonableness
statement for approval.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT (THE PROPOSAL IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CURRENT PLAN) (CZ-2025-007)
CONSISTENCY AND REASONABLENESS STATEMENT FOR APPROVAL OF THE
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 160D-605, the Union County Board of Commissioners (the “Board”) does hereby find and determine that adoption of the proposed map amendment is consistent with the
currently adopted Union County Comprehensive Plan (the “Plan”). The adoption of the proposed map amendment (i) takes into account the need to amend the zoning map to meet the needs of
the community, and (ii) is reasonable and in the public interest because:
The proposed use is consistent with the Plan. The Plan’s Land Use Map identifies this area as Rural Residential with an Employment Corridor overlay. The Plan provides that a variety
of employment uses may be appropriate along an Employment Corridor. Development uses that may be appropriate include distribution, logistics, aeronautics, industrial, and agri-business.
A rezoning to light industrial with conditions, to include warehouse and office uses, is consistent with such uses contemplated in an Employment Corridor.
2. The use set forth under the conditions would meet Union County development standards.
The motion passed by a vote of four to zero with the following vote:
Chair Melissa MerrellAye
Vice Chair Brian W. HelmsAye
Commissioner Clancy BaucomAye
Commissioner Christina HelmsAye
Commissioner Gary Sides was not present.
25-651 Consideration of Rezoning Petition CZ-2025-008 Union Power (This
item was added to the agenda during the meeting.)
Chair Merrell announced the next item as the public hearing item for the zoning map CZ-2025-008, submitted by Union Electric Membership Corporation, also known as Union Power.
Commissioner Baucom asked if he could ask one more question before proceeding.
Commissioner Baucom stated his question might need to be answered by Mr. Hansen. He stated that the agenda packet indicates this case requests rezoning of one parcel totaling 161.1 acres.
Mr. Hansen confirmed that was correct.
Commissioner Baucom stated the substation sits on a footprint of about 3 acres.
Mr. Hansen confirmed this was correct.
Commissioner Baucom asked whether the Board was rezoning the whole parcel for that 3 acres.
Mr. Hansen confirmed yes.
Mr. Matthews stated this is a conditional zoning application, and there is already an existing conditional zoning on the entire 161 acres, which is being amended. He stated the amendment
must apply to the entire 161 acres even though work is only being done on 3 acres of it, it still applies to the 161 acres. He stated this is an amendment to the original zoning, which
covered 161 acres, with a 3-acre portion within that. He clarified that the county is not expanding the substation to cover 161 acres it is adding language to the allow the substation
within the original permit.
Commissioner Baucom confirmed his understanding that this action only changes what can be done on that 3-acre parcel.
Mr. Matthews confirmed this was correct.
Vice Chair Brian W. Helms stated to clarify that this is required because it is one parcel.
Mr. Matthews confirmed this was correct.
Vice Chair Helms stated that regardless of size, it is still one parcel.
Mr. Matthews confirmed this, stating the 3 acres is not its own individual parcel at this point in time.
Vice Chair Brian Helms moved to(i) Adopt the Ordinance Approving Revision to the Official Zoning Map of Union County, North Carolina, and (ii) adopt the consistency and reasonableness
statement for approval.
The vote passed by a vote of four to zero as follows:
Chair Melissa MerrellAye
Vice Chair Brian W. HelmsAye
Commissioner Clancy BaucomAye
Commissioner Christina HelmsAye
Commissioner Gary Sides was not present.
County Managers’ Comments
Brian Matthews, County Manager, stated he had no comments.
Commissioners’ Comments
Chair Merrell recognized Vice Chair Brian Helms for any commissioner comments.
Vice Chair Brian W. Helms stated Commissioner Sides was not present tonight, and wished him nothing but the best, stating he hoped Commissioner Sides could rejoin the Board again soon.
He referenced news of a shooting in Southport, and offered his condolences to the victims, family members, and anyone affected by that tragedy.
The Vice Chair expressed appreciation to the speaker who addressed the Board that evening, stating she did a great job bringing awareness of the arts in the county. He thanked everyone
for being present and staying through the meeting.
Commissioner Christina Helms congratulated Ms. Liles and her staff for winning another prestigious award, stating they are setting the bar very high. She also congratulated Ms. Liles,
Ms. West, and Phillip from the Board of Elections for their many years of service. She stated that the comments made by employees show the great leadership in the county, and that having
employees complete so many years of service shows what a great place Union County is to work. She thanked everyone for their dedication and service.
Commissioner Baucom reiterated the comments of the other Commissioners and wished everyone a good night.
Chair Merrell stated the same, noting the county has amazing people working for the organization. She thanked Ms. Liles and her team, offering kudos for their great job and for being
recognized with another award that evening, and stated she was very proud of them and thankful for everything they do to keep the County running.
Chair Merrell thanked Ms. West, stating she was proud to work alongside her and have her on the team making sure everything is done correctly. She thanked her for everything she does
for the Board, stating it is much appreciated, and remarked she still could not believe it had been 35 years.
Adjournment
With there being no further comments or discussion, at approximately 7:29 p.m.,Chair Merrell moved to adjourn the regular meeting.
The vote passed by a vote of four to zero as follows:
Chair Melissa MerrellAye
Vice Chair Brian W. HelmsAye
Commissioner Clancy BaucomAye
Commissioner Christina HelmsAye
Commissioner Gary Sides was not present.