Union County commissioners introduce three ordinances for first reading and adopt package of resolutions; one abstention

The Union County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 18 introduced three ordinances for first reading and voted to adopt a package of resolutions, with one commissioner abstaining on resolution 2024‑926. During the public-comment period resident Bruce Patterson of Garwood questioned several procurement and property items on the agenda and asked county officials for clarifications.

The most significant ordinance introduced is Ordinance No. 850‑2024, a bond ordinance to finance various public improvements and equipment. The ordinance, read by the clerk, proposes appropriations totaling $37,783,130 and authorizes the issuance of $23,805,044 in bonds and $23,805,044 in bond anticipation notes. Fiscal Committee Chairwoman Commissioner Williams moved Ordinance 850‑2024 for first reading and asked the clerk to advertise it; Commissioner Kowalski seconded the motion. The clerk called the roll and recorded seven affirmative votes to place the ordinance on first reading; the public hearing and final reading were scheduled for Dec. 18, 2024.

Two additional ordinances were introduced for first reading with unanimous roll-call support. Ordinance 851‑2024 would fix salaries for members of the board of county commissioners, the county manager, county counsel and department heads for 2025; Commissioner Williams moved the ordinance and Commissioner…