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Sunday, November 15, 2026
North Carolina / Union County

Union County

OverviewMeetingsDataOfficials
Population
250,9582024
Higher than communities in North Carolina
Household income
$102,9002024
More favorable than communities in North Carolina
Home value
$417,3002024
More favorable than communities in North Carolina
Unemployment
3.4%2026
Similar to communities in North Carolina
Violent crime
2312023
Similar to communities in North Carolina
Work from home
19.5%2024
Higher than communities in North Carolina
Source: Polco GPAL, using data from the original source shown for each indicator.Data from Polco

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  1. 1 Flock Safety Cameras
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© 2026 Citizen Portal. Meeting records and summaries sourced from the public record.
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20 meetings
13
Nov

How To Do Business with Union County, NC

North Carolina/Union County

Union County's Doing Business with the County event connected local businesses with county staff and provided information about vendor registration, bidding and contract opportunities.

Discussion Points

  • •Attendees discussed the vendor process, available county contacts, bidding requirements and how contracts are awarded.

Directions

  • •Prospective vendors were directed to review upcoming projects and current bid opportunities on the procurement and contract management website and submit proposals according to the posted guidelines.
5
Nov

Union County Manager Receives Excellence in Government Leadership Award (Highlights)

North Carolina/Union County

Central Line Regional Council presented the 2026 James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award to Brian Matthews, Union County manager. Matthews thanked county employees and colleagues during brief remarks praising his 25-plus years in local government.

Discussion Points

  • •Presentation of the James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award to Brian Matthews and short remarks from colleagues and the recipient.
5
Nov

Union County Manager Receives Excellence in Government Leadership Award (Full Presentation)

North Carolina/Union County

Central Line Regional Council presented the James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award to Union County Manager Brian Matthews during a board meeting; presenters and commissioners praised his leadership on regional infrastructure, economic development and employee-focused initiatives.

Discussion Points

  • •Board members’ remarks of congratulations and appreciation for Matthews' leadership and staff support.
  • •Presentation of the James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award to Brian Matthews and summary of his career and projects.
3
Nov

Board of County Commissioners | Regular Meeting | November 2, 2026

North Carolina/Union County

Union County Board of Commissioners met Nov. 2, 2026. The board held public hearings and adopted text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance covering data centers/crypto mining and minor-subdivision rules, adjusted a proposed decommissioning period to 12 months, delayed the countywide reappraisal from 2029 to 2031, and approved routine appointments and recognitions.

Discussion Points

  • •Awards emphasized regional projects and investments under the manager's leadership (GADCON water project, regional autopsy center, FY26 investment figures).
  • •Clarified that an 8‑lot maximum applies cumulatively to the tract as it existed on 02/14/1978.
  • •Commissioners noted properties with multiple roads could otherwise generate more lots than intended.
  • •Consent agenda approved by motion; appointment to nursing home advisory committee made by motion.
  • •Definition of data centers expanded to include AI processing, cooling and battery storage; concerns raised about sweeping in small broadband installations.
  • •Distance choices (300 ft/230 ft) based on stopping distance at posted speeds.
  • •Manager announced personnel changes and service recognitions; board offered condolences for a staff death.
  • •Measurement to be from edge of pavement; rule applies to newly created lots only.
  • •Noise mitigation to be based on a predevelopment sound study; lighting must be fully shielded and limited at property line.
  • •Reappraisal cycle is staff‑recommended to shift so the effective reappraisal is 2031.
  • •Setbacks increased to 200 ft (property line) and 700 ft (from residential/dwellings).
  • •State statutory triggers (115%/85%) still require reappraisal if reached, even if board delays local schedule.
  • •Susan Furr recognized for two North Carolina Justice Academy honors.

Decisions

  • •Awards presented on record.
  • •Consent agenda approved; appointment made; meeting adjourned.
  • •No final vote recorded on spacing at this point; item heard at public hearing with planning board recommendation for approval.
  • •Ordinance adopted.
  • •Ordinance adopted with decommissioning period reduced to 12 months.
  • •Resolution adopted to delay reappraisal to 2031.

Directions

  • •Board adopted resolution delaying local schedule; staff to monitor triggers and General Assembly actions.
  • •Change will be incorporated into UDO text and consistency/reasonableness statement.
  • •Staff to include spacing language in UDO amendment materials and proceed through the UDO/public hearing process.
  • •Staff to incorporate the 12‑month decommissioning period into the ordinance text and finalize consistency/reasonableness documentation.
3
Nov

Veteran Poll Workers

North Carolina/Union County

A single speaker—identified in the transcript as a chief judge at local polling places—offered brief public remarks praising civic participation, described volunteering at the polls with their spouse, and urged neighbors to vote.

Discussion Points

  • •Speaker described volunteering at polls and encouraged turnout.
28
Oct

Waxhaw's Board of Commissioners Meeting - October 27, 2026 6:30PM

North Carolina//Waxhaw Town

Waxhaw Board of Commissioners held a work session on Oct. 27, 2026, adopting several resolutions including an abandonment of 1.09 acres of right-of-way, approving grant applications, awarding a downtown paving contract tied to a county water-main project, accepting a CSX license, and receiving a multi-scenario briefing on tax-rate and budget sustainability ahead of November decisions.

Discussion Points

  • •Board asked about timeline (6–9 months) and likelihood of success; staff said prior studies strengthened future applications.
  • •Board members asked whether location/design are fixed, liability, and the amount of the bond.
  • •Board members emphasized pedestrian safety and asked about speed limit (noted as 35 mph).
  • •Board members expressed the desire to avoid removal of the memorial wall and other downtown character elements and supported accepting the agreement.
  • •Board members thanked county engineering staff for coordination.
  • •Briefing explained weighted vs unweighted rates, four scenario paths (baseline, stress test, historical run rate, development‑calibrated) and consequences for fund balance.
  • •CSX requested compensation for items in their right of way downtown; staff negotiated terms to preserve existing amenities.
  • •Kelly said the openings showed three bids and Troll Contracting was the lowest responsible bidder; work is to be expedited due to approaching winter temperatures.
  • •No public speakers signed up at the public hearing; staff noted prior discussion at multiple meetings.
  • •Robinson explained the culvert is undersized and the wetland area in the last 200–300 feet of the 1,200‑foot extension is the permitting focus.
  • •Staff described prior success using feasibility studies to secure later grants and explained the study would include hydraulic and cost estimates, maps, wetlands and intersection crossings.
  • •Staff noted approximately $20.7M in undesignated fund balance and showed how fund balance and rate needs change under each scenario.
  • •Staff presented project scope and estimated cost ($90,000) and said match could be found from fund balance or outside partners.

Decisions

  • •Adopted Resolution 20‑26‑023 to file for the Safe Routes to School grant.
  • •Adopted Resolution 20‑26‑026 to abandon 1.09 acres of right of way.
  • •Board adopted Resolution 20‑26‑024 to endorse application.
  • •Board adopted Resolution 20‑26‑025 accepting the license agreement.
  • •Board agreed staff should move the item to the regular meeting for action if documentation supports it.
  • •Board approved awarding contract to Troll Contracting; work anticipated Nov. 2 to Nov. 24.
  • •No rate change decided tonight; briefing provided information for future decisions.

Directions

  • •Davenport to return Nov. 17 with final analysis and recommended guardrails for operations vs. debt/capital.
  • •Execute contract, notify contractor immediately, begin pre‑construction activities.
  • •Execute license agreement and ensure liability language preserves town infrastructure.
  • •File grant application and seek support letters; if awarded, bring appropriation/amendment to board.
  • •Return item to regular Board meeting in two weeks for next procedural steps.
  • •Staff to continue internal savings initiatives (fixed asset and purchasing programs) and prepare materials for public discussion in December.
  • •Staff to return with maps, finalized design details, and documentation (USACE packet and developer agreement/bond) for formal action at the regular meeting.
  • •Staff to submit application and obtain support letters from CRTPO and others as required; if awarded, return for match appropriation.
22
Oct

Deputy Receives Lifesaver Award for Saving Woman in Cardiac Arrest

North Carolina/Union County

At a Union County meeting, a presenter recognized Officer Carmen Jenkins with a life-saving award after she used an AED and performed CPR on a cardiac arrest patient in Indian Trail; the patient survived and recovery was attributed to county-funded training.

Discussion Points

  • •Presenter credited county-funded training for the successful recovery.
  • •Presenter recounted Jenkins' on-duty response to a cardiac arrest in Indian Trail, including AED use and CPR.
20
Oct

South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center Groundbreaking

North Carolina/Union County

Groundbreaking ceremony announced the South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center in Union County, a new regional forensic pathology facility serving nine counties and intended to reduce long autopsy and death-certificate delays.

Discussion Points

  • •Announcement of facility and regional service area
  • •Approximately 600 autopsies performed to date
  • •Backlog length (7–8 months) for death certificates
  • •Design allows future expansion
  • •No timeline or funding details provided
  • •No timeline or quantitative target for backlog reductions
20
Oct

Land Use Board | October 20, 2026

North Carolina/Union County

At its Oct. 20, 2026 meeting the Union County Land Use Board recommended approval of two proposed text amendments: one to close a minor-subdivision “road split” loophole (treatment of tracts as they existed on 02/14/1978) and a second to set minimum driveway setbacks from high-speed state roads (300 ft at 55 mph; 230 ft at 45 mph). The board also approved the 2027 meeting schedule and heard staff updates, including notice that Mr. York’s rezoning was approved and that the county will pursue a cost-of-services consultant.

Discussion Points

  • •Board members asked whether the change would affect other ordinance sections; Jensen said deleting the lot definition would have broad effects, so the chosen insertion is more targeted.
  • •Board members queried whether existing small parcels would be forced to build long driveways; staff clarified existing lots are grandfathered.
  • •Jensen explained that counting lots 'as it existed on 02/14/1978' will prevent a public or private street from being used to create multiple parent tracts for minor‑subdivision eligibility.
  • •Jensen said the rule ties minimum driveway spacing to the speed limit to improve safety at intersections.
  • •Staff reported that Mr. York's rezoning was approved and that staff were authorized to negotiate with a consultant for a cost‑of‑services study.

Decisions

  • •Board approved the 2027 meeting schedule by voice vote.
  • •Board recommended approval of the driveway‑spacing amendment.
  • •Board recommended approval of the UDO text amendment and adopted the advisory consistency and reasonableness statement.

Directions

  • •Staff to begin consultant negotiations and to bring any required agreements back for final approval.
  • •Staff to forward the board's recommendation and the advisory consistency and reasonableness statement for final consideration.
  • •Staff to forward the recommendation and advisory statements for final consideration.
20
Oct

Board of County Commissioners | Regular Meeting | October 19, 2026

North Carolina/Union County

The Union County Board of Commissioners met on Oct. 19, 2026. The board approved consent items, amended the FY2027 building fee schedule to incorporate a new state-mandated regulatory fund fee, approved a rezoning to light industrial, and directed staff to negotiate a cost-of-community-services study; public commenters urged investment in reentry services and discussed a jail bond on the ballot.

Discussion Points

  • •Applicant intends to build a small equipment shop.
  • •Deputy Jenkins responded alone to a cardiac arrest, applied an AED and performed CPR until the fire department arrived; patient later recovered.
  • •Estimated costs: ~ $900 million first phase to Matthews, additional ~$300 million to Monroe; projected ridership ~28,000 trips/day.
  • •HR presented a video recognizing 54 employees across multiple milestone categories.
  • •If not collected, county would have owed about $158,000 based on prior year volumes.
  • •Parcel located north of Hargett Road adjacent to a small truck stop and gas station.
  • •Primary scope covers countywide cost-to-serve and breakeven analysis; an alternate computational-model deliverable was excluded for cost reasons.
  • •Proposal suggests using CSX right-of-way, nine stops and double-tracking with hourly commuter service.
  • •Public comment urged pairing jail construction with reentry programming to reduce recidivism and long-term costs.
  • •Request to present the proposal as an agenda item and to coordinate with CSX, CRTPO and MPTA.
  • •Rezoning is a straight rezoning with no site plan or conditions.
  • •RFP released Sept. 24 and closed Oct. 7; staff received a proposal from Creative Economic Development Consulting.
  • •RFP timeline allowed six months for study completion.
  • •Speakers cited estimates of incarceration costs and program return-on-investment.
  • •State law created a fund requiring per-permit fees: $100 commercial, $25 residential, $10 other.
  • •State transferred building code enforcement to Dept. of Labor effective 01/01/2027.

Decisions

  • •Board adopted rezoning ordinance and consistency/reasonableness statement.
  • •Board approved amending the FY2027 building fee schedule to incorporate the state regulatory fund fees.
  • •Board directed staff to negotiate with Creative Economic Development Consulting for the study.
  • •No formal board action recorded on the presentation request.
  • •No formal board action taken during public comment.
  • •Recognitions were included on the consent agenda and approved with consent.

Directions

  • •Amend FY2027 fee schedule to collect state-mandated fees and remit quarterly to Department of Labor.
  • •Planning staff to update zoning map and proceed with standard permitting processes.
  • •Staff to consider scheduling the group's presentation at a future meeting and to coordinate with regional partners if appropriate.
  • •Staff to enter negotiations with the recommended vendor for the primary scope and return with negotiated contract terms.
  • •Staff to update fee schedule and internal permitting processes.
19
Oct

Waxhaw's Skate Park Action Plan - October 19, 2026 5PM

North Carolina//Waxhaw Town

A public presentation introduced three design concepts and phasing options for a local skate park; consultants explained costs, drainage and demolition trade-offs and asked attendees to complete feedback surveys.

Discussion Points

  • •Attendees were asked to complete surveys to document preferences on concepts and to indicate what should happen to the existing park if a new site is chosen.
  • •Concept B would demolish the entire existing park and rebuild with more skatable features and stormwater curb-and-gutter.
  • •Consultant intentionally used conservative (higher) estimates to reduce the risk of underbudgeting.
  • •Hybrid option preserves major parts of the park while targeting demolition for drainage and parking improvements.
  • •New-site option avoids demolition/remediation costs but requires amenities and parking to be provided at the new location.
  • •No votes or formal actions were taken; next steps include documenting feedback and refining cost estimates.
  • •Phase 2 could gain roughly 20 feet along the property line and add a secondary entry.
  • •Presented figures are estimates based on material takeoffs and current costs; final amounts will be determined through public bidding.
  • •Project team requested input on what should happen to the existing park if a new site is selected.
  • •This option has higher demolition and remediation costs and would be phased to keep some park access during construction.

Directions

  • •Collect and document survey responses
16
Oct

Town Creek Park to MillBridge Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, October 16, 2026

North Carolina//Waxhaw Town

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Town Creek Park–Millbridge segment of the Carolina Thread Trail in Waxhaw, featuring remarks from Parks and Recreation Director Dina Zabinski, Mayor Robert Murray and Carolina Thread Trail director Brett Baranac.

Discussion Points

  • •Funding came from Waxhaw Connectivity Fund, town CIP, and grants from Carolina Thread Trail/state partners.
  • •Project described as a community connectivity and recreation priority; partners and funding acknowledged.
  • •Town will coordinate with NCDOT on a new bridge at Waxhaw and Marvin with an undershelf for the greenway; future Prescott pedestrian connection to Highway 16 cited.

Decisions

  • •No formal appropriation or vote recorded at the ceremony.
  • •No formal approvals or funding commitments announced at the event.
  • •Official ribbon-cutting to open the trail segment; no formal policy vote recorded.

Directions

  • •Town to work with NCDOT and pursue state trail grants and CIP funding.
  • •Town will pursue additional trail connections with NCDOT and through grant funding.
13
Oct

Waxhaw's Board of Commissioners Meeting - October 13, 2026 6:30PM

North Carolina//Waxhaw Town

Town of Waxhaw Board of Commissioners met October 13 for presentations on underground fiber and a resurfacing program, approved applications for two CRTPO grants, appointed a slate to the Waxhaw Youth Council, endorsed an arts grant application, received quarterly finance, development and parks updates, and adjourned to closed session to consult the town attorney.

Discussion Points

  • •11 new detached home permits (about $1.32M) and 121 permits year‑to‑date.
  • •22 applications received; interview panel included Youth Commission chair and two board members.
  • •37 residential COs this quarter; 1,466 residential units in the pipeline (approved/under construction).
  • •Cash and investments ~ $33.7M; undesignated fund balance ~$17.5M.
  • •Early voting to be held in Building A at the rec barn beginning tomorrow.
  • •Expenditures ~26.8% (includes one‑time debt payment of $1.66M).
  • •First quarter fuel use ~13,000 gallons; blended cost reported at ~$71,000.
  • •Funding plan: roughly $1.5M proposed from Powell fund split across maintenance and rehab categories.
  • •Funds intended to offset costs for artists and demonstrations at the kaleidoscope event.
  • •FY27 capital program appropriation ~$5.97M from designated funds.
  • •Grant is from NC Arts Council via Union County Arts Council; staff will provide matching funds.
  • •Kensington Drive MUP design-only application aims to maximize future construction competitiveness.
  • •Learning center and rec barn program offerings and participation increased year‑over‑year.
  • •NC‑16 planning grant estimated town cost ~$60,000; total project ~$300,000.
  • •Residents should document property condition and contact providers; town staff will escalate concerns via Linda Farnham.
  • •Staff pursuing a fuel supply contract and separate ethanol‑free tank for small‑engine needs.
  • •Staff recommends 50% town match for higher CRTPO score.
  • •Terms vary by appointee grade level.
  • •Town can regulate work methods (traffic, safety, restoration) but not provider entry into rights‑of‑way.
  • •Town staff briefed board on multiple providers installing underground fiber in town rights‑of‑way.
  • •Town uses third‑party Good Roads grading and staff review to select resurfacing candidates.
  • •Treatment palette includes crack sealing, microsurfacing, pressure pave, chip seal, mill‑and‑overlay and full‑depth reclamation.
  • •Upcoming events include Town Creek Park ribbon cutting (Saturday 10 a.m.), Fright Night, Veterans Day ceremonies, and tree lighting at Community Corner.
  • •Year‑over‑year price increase ~33–34%.
  • •Year‑to‑date construction value ~ $23.6M.

Decisions

  • •Board adopted resolution 2026019 to support application submittal.
  • •Board approved appointments.
  • •Board endorsed grant application.

Directions

  • •Parks & Rec to continue public outreach, post event road closure and parking details on social channels.
  • •Staff to address board questions and provide updated monthly report with audit closeout details.
  • •Staff to appoint and onboard slate.
  • •Staff to continue monitoring installations and post updates on town channels.
  • •Staff to continue monitoring pipeline and report updates at future meetings.
  • •Staff to pursue site visit to Lexington to evaluate Pressure Pave and return with findings.
  • •Staff to report any vacancies.
  • •Staff to return with draft fuel supply contract in November and continue fuel‑grade testing.
  • •Staff to submit application and, if awarded, use funds to expand programming.
  • •Staff to submit applications by end of month and return if awarded to negotiate agreements.
13
Oct

Consolidated Human Services Board Meeting | October 12, 2026

North Carolina/Union County

Union County Consolidated Human Services Board received a UNC School of Government training on CHSA powers, duties, fees, and accreditation; the meeting did not take votes because there was not a quorum.

Discussion Points

  • •Announcements about the adoption celebration, Christmas Bureau volunteer needs, and a pet‑clinic exposure were shared.
  • •Presenter described accreditation timing, the recent overhaul, and the board's role in accreditation oversight.
  • •Presenter described the 2024 statutory change and its effects on who exercises health‑director powers in CHSAs.
  • •Presenter explained statutory roles and responsibilities of CHSAs, local health directors, boards of county commissioners, and CHS boards.
  • •Presenter listed services that must be provided free by statute and explained where cost‑related fees may be allowed.
  • •Presenter offered resources and invited follow‑up contact.
  • •Staff to circulate training materials and signature page for accreditation documentation.
12
Oct

Meet Sprout and Hydro the Helpful Chat Bots

North Carolina/Union County

Union County staff announced Sprout, an AI search chatbot available on multiple county websites and a water-site variant called Hydro, saying Sprout supports more than 70 languages and can return links to official pages.

Discussion Points

  • •Announcement of Sprout as an AI search tool for Union County websites.
  • •Claim that Sprout supports more than 70 languages.
  • •Hydro can answer account access, conservation, and water quality questions.
  • •Instruction on how to access Sprout via site icon or chat prompt.
  • •Water site uses the same AI tech under the name Hydro.
12
Oct

Board of Equalization and Review | October 12, 2026

North Carolina/Union County

A Union County tax appeal hearing and related exemption requests where the board accepted multiple untimely applications, including a disabled-veteran exclusion for Lane McCray, and approved several other late exemption appeals and administrative items.

Discussion Points

  • •Applicant is a 100% disabled veteran and purchased property in 2025; two denials were issued for not occupying on Jan. 1 and for a missed application deadline.
  • •Church received a change of assessment after rezoning to commercial; church representatives asked for late filing consideration.
  • •County packet shows an application receipt stamp outside the June 1 deadline (June 25).
  • •County staff noted the file receipt stamp appears to be September 29, which is after the June 1 deadline.
  • •County staff will inspect parcel and determine exemption scope.
  • •Powell said he intended to file by April 15 but missed the county deadline; he turned taxes in in March.
  • •State staff recommended items via spreadsheet; county staff indicated no outstanding issues.

Decisions

  • •Accepted Addendum B; meeting adjourned.
  • •Board voted to accept the late application for staff review.
  • •Board voted to accept the untimely application and move it forward for processing.
  • •Board voted to accept the untimely recommendation to proceed with staff review.

Directions

  • •Board approved accepting the late application and referred it to staff.
  • •Staff to inspect parcel and complete exemption review if eligible.
  • •Staff to inspect parcel and determine full versus partial exemption.
  • •Staff to inspect parcel, verify church use and recommend full or partial exemption.
  • •Staff to proceed with the county's approval process if eligibility confirmed.
29
Sep

Managing Growth in Union County | Panel Discussion on Sept. 24, 2026

North Carolina/Union County

Union County leaders and local officials convened after a screening of the documentary A Moment of Change to discuss rapid residential growth, farmland loss, and local tools such as system development fees and a farmland preservation program. Commissioners emphasized the county is 90% residential, outlined fiscal pressures from growth, and described local efforts — including a Food Innovation Center and an easement program — to preserve agriculture and diversify the tax base.

Discussion Points

  • •Adjournment motion passed by voice vote
  • •AgTech and CTE programs have grown in local schools; Wingate University started an AgTech degree
  • •April unanimous resolution supporting local control referenced
  • •Board intends to prioritize existing residents and preserve agricultural land
  • •Commissioners said SB 382 included a provision removing the ability to downzone locally
  • •County grew ~50,000 people from 2015–2024; 73% growth inside municipalities
  • •County is predominantly residential (~90%) and that mix is fiscally unsustainable
  • •Education supports local workforce and retention for agricultural and food businesses
  • •Food Innovation Center in Wingate aims to help producers diversify and retain processing dollars locally
  • •Local bills (HB170, SB165) were cited as attempts to restore downzoning authority for Union County
  • •Municipal approvals create county service demand and costs
  • •Nine projects in progress with ~$2.5M in PUD rollback funds committed
  • •Officials estimated a tentative opening "summer 2027-ish"
  • •Program established ~3 years ago, administered by conservation district and Ag Advisory Board

Decisions

  • •Resolution affirmed; meeting adjourned
25
Sep

Waxhaw's Planning Board Meeting - September 24 2026, 6:00pm

North Carolina//Waxhaw Town

The Town of Waxhaw Board of Adjustment approved a setback variance for 3510 Providence Road South to accommodate an NCDOT easement; the Planning Board then held a UNC School of Government workshop on land-use planning and discussed ordinance changes to address easement-related development constraints.

Discussion Points

  • •Board members indicated support for addressing the issue administratively to reduce variances.
  • •Board members questioned the maximum front setback range (0–20 ft), sidewalk/walkability implications, and whether the easement location could change; staff said the NCDOT plan includes pedestrian accommodations and easement lines generally remain stable for road widening projects.
  • •Explanation of Chapter 160D requirement that jurisdictions maintain a comprehensive or land‑use plan to enforce zoning.
  • •Staff confirmed ordinance amendments to create an exemption or administrative approach for easement‑caused hardships are on the town’s work list.
  • •Staff explained that NCDOT DUE and PUE occupy the allowable front setback area and presented exhibits showing a schematic building location roughly 39 ft from the DOT right of way and 70 ft from current pavement.
  • •Types of plans (comprehensive, land‑use, small area, functional) and implementation options.

Decisions

  • •Approve four statutory variance findings (unnecessary hardship, peculiar conditions, not self–created, consistent with ordinance intent).
  • •Approve variance to allow building as close as possible behind NCDOT easement (approx. 39 ft from DOT ROW).

Directions

  • •Continue workshop series; schedule a session reviewing Waxhaw’s comprehensive plan and future land‑use map.
  • •Record variance decision and continue standard site plan and permitting review.
  • •Staff to include potential ordinance language addressing easement exceptions in upcoming amendments (discussed during workshop).
  • •Staff to prepare draft ordinance language and present it in a future meeting or workshop series.
24
Sep

Two Sheriff’s Office Deputies Receive Lifesaver Awards

North Carolina/Union County

County meeting recognized Deputies Brandy Grant and Lucas Jacobs for separate life‑saving responses: Grant performed a Heimlich maneuver that restored breathing in Indian Trail, and Jacobs provided aid at a domestic‑violence scene with stabbing victims.

Discussion Points

  • •Public praise for county recognition and applause.
  • •Recognition of two deputies for separate emergency responses: Heimlich maneuver in Indian Trail (Grant) and aid/scene management after a stabbing (Jacobs).
22
Sep

Board of County Commissioners | Regular Meeting | September 21, 2026

North Carolina/Union County

Union County Board of Commissioners considered public comments on historic recognition and a jail referendum, heard presentations on rezoning and transportation grants, reviewed EMS base station plans and a parking-lot interlocal, and voted to reaffirm support for the I‑77 South project at CRTPO.

Discussion Points

  • •A resident requested detailed information about a jail bond referendum, including bed counts (survey vs. planned capacity), bond term and contingency if it fails.
  • •Board asked about the county's historic success receiving these funds; Torres noted the county has been receiving the funds since becoming urbanized in 2018.
  • •County representatives asked about local repayment exposure and vote weight in CRTPO.
  • •DECA reported $2,000 raised and a $5,000 goal and requested county assistance promoting their campaign.
  • •DOT involvement likely for changing exit/turn patterns; legal review of the interlocal is pending.
  • •Key finance figures: $2.5M greenfield estimate; leases ~ $1,500/month; New Salem construction share ~$675,000 split in thirds.
  • •Planner described existing site conditions (material storage, small landfill feature, floodplain) and transportation context (14,000 vehicles/day).
  • •Planner noted lack of water/sewer requiring well/septic for development.
  • •Regional staff presented project history, funding gaps and delivery alternatives including P3; recent municipal rescissions triggered state budget repayment provisions.
  • •Speakers presented historical evidence, local celebration events and the absence of substantial recognition beyond a single marker.
  • •Speakers requested a proclamation for October 20 as Camp New Providence Day.
  • •Staff described hybrid model combining dynamic deployment with base stations in fire departments and lease/renovation cost estimates.
  • •Staff proposed full‑depth reclamation, lighting and island reconstruction; county share proposed at 50% for construction and utilities.
  • •Torres described two grants: FY285311 administrative grant and FY5307 urbanized‑area formula grant with stated match percentages and coverage areas.

Decisions

  • •Board reaffirmed support for the I‑77 South project by voice vote.
  • •Hearing closed with no public comment.
  • •No board action was taken during public comment; staff follow-up anticipated.
  • •No formal action; board signaled preliminary interest to proceed.
  • •No formal approval tonight; direction given to continue contract routing and legal review.
  • •No formal board action taken at the meeting; commissioners expressed appreciation and interest.
  • •Planning staff recommended approval; planning board unanimously recommended approval at its August meeting.

Directions

  • •No public speakers; hearing closed.
  • •Speakers were told they could leave materials and send follow‑up emails; staff to receive documents and respond as appropriate.
  • •Staff to consider proclamation procedures and follow up with presenters if appropriate.
  • •Staff to notify New Salem of county interest if board signals support; return with lease agreements and capital project ordinances.
  • •Staff to proceed with grant applications; no action requested from the board during the hearing.
  • •Staff to relay board position to CRTPO and seek legal counsel for repayment exposure clarification.
  • •Staff will coordinate with city attorneys and DOT as needed and return an executable interlocal in October.
Brian Helms
Commissioner — At-Large
Christina Helms
Commissioner — At-Large
Clancy Baucom
Commissioner — At-Large