During the recent Board of County Commissioners meeting held on April 7, 2025, significant discussions centered around the development of a new autopsy facility and enhancements to the Union County Water website aimed at improving the development process for builders and developers.
The meeting began with an update on the current autopsy services, which are presently serving Cabarrus and Stanly counties, with plans to expand to a full nine-county region as the new facility becomes operational. The timeline for the construction of this standalone facility is projected to be approximately three years, including a design phase of 9 to 15 months followed by two years of construction. The facility is expected to include a toxicology lab, which will allow for local processing of autopsy-related toxicology needs, reducing reliance on external facilities in Raleigh.
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Subscribe for Free Commissioners expressed confidence in the budget allocated for the facility, noting that it is expected to cover any potential cost increases due to inflation. The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that the facility meets the needs of all counties served, with ongoing efforts to establish relationships with law enforcement agencies as part of the planning process.
In a separate agenda item, the county manager introduced the newly updated Union County Water website, designed to streamline the development process for builders and developers. The website, which can be accessed at unioncountywater.org, provides comprehensive resources, including a detailed 10-step development review process. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency, addressing common inquiries about capacity allocation and project submissions.
The new website has already received positive feedback, with over a thousand views since its launch. It is expected to facilitate quicker navigation through the development process, ultimately benefiting both the county and its developers.
Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving public services and infrastructure, with the autopsy facility and the updated water website representing significant steps forward in meeting community needs. As these projects progress, the county anticipates further enhancements to its services and infrastructure, fostering a more efficient and responsive government.