Commissioners ask staff and Parks & Rec advisory board to revisit charter, return recommendations within 90 days

The Union County Board of Commissioners directed staff to compile information on all county advisory boards and to solicit recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee about revising its charter and purpose.

Vice Chair Brian Helms introduced the item, noting the advisory committee’s original role evaluating local park grant applications and suggesting that the group’s day‑to‑day purpose has become less defined. County staff said the committee historically reviewed municipal grant applications and contributed to master-plan updates and that it paused meetings during the COVID years. Commissioners and staff discussed that some boards are statutorily required while others are advisory and that volunteer engagement is strongest when members have a clear, regular purpose.

Commissioners suggested the Parks and Rec Advisory Committee could focus on promoting facility use and community engagement — for example, recommending events at facilities such as the Jesse Helms Park amphitheater — and flagged parking and infrastructure as constraints to large events. Staff agreed to produce a list of all advisory boards and their formal charges and to solicit input from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee on possible charge changes. The board set a 90‑day timeline for staff to return with findings and any recommended charter updates.

A motion directing staff to gather the information, coordinate with Parks and Rec staff and the advisory committee, and report back within 90 days passed by voice vote. Commissioners emphasized that any changes should respect volunteers’ time and be shaped with staff input and community needs in mind.