Union County commissioners introduce ordinance to amend hospital fee program

The Union County Board of County Commissioners introduced Ordinance No. 867-2026, which would amend the county administrative code to modify the County Option Hospital Fee Program. Vice Chair Williams moved the ordinance for first reading and Commissioner Leon seconded the motion; the clerk recorded eight affirmative votes to authorize the clerk to advertise the ordinance in accordance with law.

The ordinance was read by title by the clerk. No substantive debate followed the introduction; the board moved next to the public comment period. The first-reading vote authorizes required public notice and starts the formal timetable for subsequent hearings and final adoption if the ordinance proceeds.

The ordinance was identified in the meeting as "Ordinance number 867-2026, an ordinance to amend the laws of Union County administrative code and policies and general legislation by amending part 2, policies and general legislation, chapter 41, Union County option hospital fee program." No further details about expected fiscal impact or effective dates were provided during the introduction. The clerk will advertise the ordinance per statutory requirements and bring future readings back to the board as required.