Board of County Commissioners | Regular Meeting | April 20, 2026

001I now call the April 20th, 2026 regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners to order. At this time, I'd like to recognize Commissioner Merrill for the invocation. if you are so inclined to join me. Dear heavenly father, thank you for this um beautiful spring weather. Um we ask for you to please be with um the Gary Sides family, be with his wife, all of his sisters, his children, and please um help this board to um continue with strength, courage, and wisdom as we carry on without our board member. Um thank you for your many, many blessings. And um with that, we just thank you, Lord, and all that you do for us, seen and unseen. In your name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Please join us for the pledge of allegiance. I

002pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. At this time, we're going to we're going to take a few minutes here to uh honor and remember Commissioner Gary Sides. And uh and I would ask um that you uh all join us in a moment of silence for Gary. Thank you. So, I I want to take a few minutes. Um, one of Gary's last requests, um, was that his, um, his resignation letter be read aloud at our very next meeting. Um, and I will say that out of profound respect for Commissioner Sides, his wife Myra, and his entire family that our board will not be entertaining any nominations for appointment this evening. Um, so

003Gary's last request as a member of this board was to have his resignation letter read aloud during comments. And um, at Gary's request and to honor that request, I will read his letter in its entirety. And I ask that our clerk please capture this for the purpose of the meeting minutes. The following letter was sent March 31st, 2026 at approximately 10 10:28 p.m. and I received it the morning of April 1st. Commissioner Sides writes, and I quote, "From an early age, I always wanted to be involved in some way to work with others to make the community I lived in a better place for all." Being elected to the Union County Board of Commissioners is one of the highlights of my community involvement efforts and I had such high hopes and I was ready and

004willing to put the time in to learn all that I could about county government, research those areas I was less familiar with and physically observe the actual day-to-day operations so I could make the best informed decisions on matters that came before me during my time on the council. I knew that is what the citizens of Union County deserved and had entrusted me to do. I was appalled to learn there were so many senior citizens on a waiting list for assistance with the basic human need for food. On day one of being sworn into office, I began trying to address that need. And although I was not entirely successful in advocating for them and probably approached the issue a bit too zealously, my colleagues on the board and I were able to find some assistance for

005them and many of the town's churches and nonprofits in the county stepped up to help. Based on my time on the Union County Public Schools Board of Education, I wanted to work towards higher pay for our teachers, classroom support staff, and the non-eing personnel that make a school system excel at providing the best possible educational environment and opportunities for all students. I should have done better. There's a lot of work that needs to be done on this. I became aware of the need for a county jail, not only to increase the capacity to house detainees and inmates, but equally, if not more importantly, for the safety of the personnel that work in the jail. This issue has been kicked down the road for over 20 years. The last jail built in this county was done

006under under court order and I have no doubt corners were cut to quickly build the current jail which has resulted in additional millions being spent over the years to maintain the facility. There will be a referendum on the ballot in November for the registered voters to decide the fate of this issue. I hope citizens will support the referendum to build a new jail and that the ultimate design of that jail makes expansion if needed in the future years a more easily addressed issue. I have been humbled and amazed at the commitment of the personnel in the Union County Sheriff's Office. We are also fortunate to have this caliber of law enforcement in Union County. My hat goes off to Sheriff Eddie Kathy and the entire department under his leadership. What an honor to have, although

007briefly spent time in the presence of these fine officers. I believe there is work needed to improve, maintaining, and adequately supporting financially those working to keep our county safe. There is outstanding work being done every day by the employees of Union County in all other in all the other departments I have not mentioned. My thanks and appreciation go to Brian Matthews and the staff on a job well done. Four months after taking office as a county commissioner, I was diagnosed with brain cancer. glyobblasto stage four. My treatment plan has included brain surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, an intensive 3-week round of high dosage radiation and chemotherapy and continues with infusions every two weeks to fight this disease. I am thankfully stable and have held out hope that I could remain

008productive in my work. on the board of commissioners. After much prayer and upon the advice of my care team, I am submitting my resignation from the board effective March 31 or March 31st, 2026. He goes on to say, I ask that the that my letter of resignation be read into the minutes during commissioner comments in its entirety. at the next board meeting. Finally, I want to thank my colleagues for your prayers, offers of support, and patience. I wish you all the best. May God bless you all. Gary Marshall sites, Union County Board of Commissioners. End quote. Um, I I'd like to open the meeting up for comments from our board. Um, if any of the board members would like to um provide comments about Gary, condolences, the floor's open. >> Chairman Helms. >> Yes, ma'am.

009>> Um, I'll start off. Um, I was fortunate enough to meet Gary Sides in 2012 when I was first appointed or elected to the um, board of education. Uh, we met for lunch one afternoon in Indian Trail and he said, "You'll be able to recognize who I am. I'll have on a cowboy hat." And I I have to give Gary a a lot of um props because um he loved his cowboy hat, but he also removed his cover when he was inside a building. So he was raised well. Um Gary was passionate and like he said, you know, he's zealous and um you know, that's something that we can all use going forward. Um make sure our passion is directed at something that we all care about. Gary cared about special needs children and he

010really fought for a lot of students on a personal level. Um, we are praying for peace and comfort for Myra, for Gage, for Logan and Cheyenne. Um, but most importantly, if you're a Christian, which Gary was, he believed in Jesus, and that is something that we all can be very thankful for is his faith. And the last thing that I will say, it is very difficult to lose a board member. And Commissioner Helms and Commissioner Merrill just a few short years ago lost somebody else that they loved. And so it has reopened feelings for them. But Gary, well done. good and faithful servant. >> Commissioner Balkan. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. Thank you, Brian. Um, I would just like to say about Gary, he always conducted himself as a gentleman. Even when we disagreed,

011there was never a hard word toward one another. Nothing was ever personal or taken personally. Um, I would I would say that Gary had a servant's heart. Um, and I would totally agree with Christina. He always had his own style from the cowboy hat to the red Corvette, you know, and and I and and he held his beliefs strong and he wasn't afraid to voice his beliefs and speak up and I admire that. Um, so I just want to offer my condolences to all his family members. Um, just just say that it truly was an honor and a pleasure to serve with to serve here with Gary. And last time I spoke with Gary, um, I had actually called to ask him for something for myself and ask him a question politically and and he

012was telling me about his illness and he said this this doesn't end well is what he said. But but he was so upbeat and uplifting to me, you know, I mean, he just said, "Thank you so much for calling me. You know, I'm enjoying serving with you." He was just so upbeat that he lifted me up. So I I just really applaud the life he lived and would reiterate Christina's words. Well done. Thank you. >> If you want to let >> I'm going to see if I can pull this together. Um, like Christina, Christina was already on the board of education when Gary and I ran in 2014. And I remember the first time I went to a meeting, um, Gary scared me a little bit. This um this giant um with, you know, the

013hat and the boots and everything. And he was just so ready to go. and I hadn't really figured out exactly what I had done done to myself um to join this non-member board on the board of education. I just knew I wanted to help teachers and children. Um but Gary Gary before we even got sworn in, he had a checklist of everything he was going to do and I just sat there in awe like, "Wow, that's awesome." um you know he had served on the town of um Stallings. I live in Stallings and um and I just he is a person bigger than life and he he did love Jesus and he was a solid Christian. and he was always positive and full of hope and and I think that's the one thing that's broken

014my heart because he wanted to work on this board so badly and he only got like four or five months in before he had to call and let me know about the diagnosis. And so I just want everyone to honor him. I know for myself, he did have goals and objectives, things he wanted to take care of for the county. And some of you may or may not know this, but when he found out that some of our senior citizens were sitting on a on a wait list, the very first thing he did is he got in that little red Corvette and he went down to the human services building and signed up so he could start delivering meals to um to our senior citizens. And um he would just make you so proud if

015you got to see him behind closed doors. He would make you so proud. And um and I think I think his life is definitely I I never dreamed we'd lose him. I still find it hard to believe that I can't pick up the phone and call him or but now I get to enjoy talking to Myra more. So Myra and I have had a lot of really good conversations um since Gary went home. And um so I just ask everyone, you know, if there's if there's something that needs to be done, I would just encourage everyone to jump in your little red Corvette and just go do it because that's what Gary would would have done. And um and that that's going to be something that I take away from this experience is to be

016you know to be like Gary if there you know it's one thing to um sit here on the board and deal with policy and budgets and you know stuff like that but um he was very impulsive and he just wanted to get things done quickly whether it was right or wrong just get it done and um but I think there's a lot to be said for his spirit it. Um, if you know it's right, figure out a way to get it done. And, um, even if that means you have to go do it yourself. So, um, I'm going to say it again. Job well done, Gary Marshall sides. We will so miss you. And um and we'll we'll make sure that Myra and the children are doing okay and and we'll make you proud, Gary.

017You know, today's a today's a tough day. It's a tough day for our board. Um April 7th was a was a tough day for for all of us. It was a tough day for our county. Um, you know, when I learned about Gary's resignation, I was um I was truly heartbroken. And I wasn't heartbroken simply because we were losing a colleague on this board, but I was heartbroken because I knew what it meant. And, you know, it's no secret that uh that Gary's been dealing with some significant health concerns. Um, however, you know, out of respect for Gary's privacy on that matter, it really wasn't publicly discussed and um, you see, it wasn't really my place or anybody else's place um, to reveal his own personal battles and uh, all that he had been fighting.

018And the only person that could do that was Gary. And I think through his letter, he was able to tell you in his own words about the fight that he was fighting before Gary was um commissioner sides. He was actually my represent my representative on the board of education in district three. And Gary represented not only me um but he represented my children. and during some of the most difficult times that our county and our school system and our families um have probably ever faced, he fought for my kids and he fought for your kids. Thing about Gary is he always fought for what he felt was right no matter what. And I have no doubt that Gary fought cancer with that same intensity, refusing to give up. Whether you agreed with him or not,

019Gary lived a life of service. And many people will never fully know or understand the depths of his involvement within our community. You could often find Gary working um at the coffee nut or attending high school football games. But he was always present. He was present. He was there. He was willing to put in the work. I mean, so many times he'd be at uh at schools reading to children and so many other events around our county. And you know, as a commissioner, Gary was always passionate about serving the people of our county and he was always intense about the issues that he thought were important. And Gary could be fiery at times. I think everybody's seen him kick over some chairs. Um, but he was truly a cowboy. He really was. And few people

020will ever be able to match his passion, his intensity, and his love for the people. And you know, Commissioner Merrill hit on this, but Gary wanted to be a commissioner. It truly meant so much to him to represent you and serve you in that capacity. I think that Gary understood that serving in this office wasn't about authority because it's the people that have that authority. It's about being a servant to the people. and for him to resign. Gary knew that he could no longer serve and that his time was short. And that's why I was truly heartbroken. So on April 7th, Union County lost a good man. And I want to offer my condolences to Myra and the Sides family. Gary was my friend, but to you, he was a husband and a father. I

021just want you to know I share in your grief, and I pray for God's blessings on you and yours. Any other comments from the board? You guys want to take a fiveminut recess? >> Yes. >> Okay. The board's going to take a fivem minute recess and then we'll come back with public comments. comments from the community. And it looks as though we've got uh speakers that have signed up here in person um as well as online. So before I recognize speakers, um each speaker must address the board from the lectern and begin their remarks by giving their name, stating whether they are residents of Union County, indicating the municipality within which they reside, if any. Each speaker will have three minutes to make remarks. A tone may sound. At the conclusion of your remarks, the

022speaker may not yield any of his or her time to another speaker. Speakers may not discuss matters which are subject to public hearings and they must be courteous in their language and presentation. Restatements or repetitive comments by the same speaker whether at the same or separate meetings may be ruled out of order and terminated by the chair. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. Speakers may leave written comments and or supporting documents if any with the clerk to the board. And our first speaker tonight is Michael Ivola. >> Hi, good evening commissioners. My name is Michael Eve. I'm a resident of Union County and I live in the town of Indian Trail. Uh I am actually also the community engagement manager for the community shelter of Union County. And as I go throughout the community to

023let folks know about the services that we offer here in Union County, um, one of the services that folks don't typically know that we offer is our, uh, senior food box drive-thru pantry, and that's a program that I'm looking to promote out more. It's for uh, seniors over the age of 60. Uh, this program provides supplemental food boxes each month to income eligible adults age 60 and over here in the community. Uh this program is designed to support the health and well-being of seniors by helping stretch food budgets and improve access to healthy foods. Uh and this program is possible um it is a partnership with Second Harvest metroina food bank and it uh we administer this uh through uh our partners also with the department of agriculture. Um, if folks are interested in learning

024more about this program, either have any questions or eligibility requirement questions also about enrollment, um, I would encourage them to call 98-220-9488 with any questions. Again, I'm just looking to go out here in the community, let know, let folks know that this is available out there for them. Um, and I also have some flyers as well. So, I I would love to leave this with y'all. If you know anyone that may benefit or may be able to benefit from this program or if anyone in the public knows anyone that may uh be able to benefit from this program, I would love to share that information with y'all. >> U Mr. Ivola, if you would also contact the Union County Council on Aging, Andrew Friend is um over that right now. Um, so if you would

025contact him, he can direct you to a lot a lot of people that are in need of help. >> Awesome. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> Thanks, sir. Our next speaker is Alicia Deberry. >> Good evening, chairman, commissioners, and distinguished guests. I am Alicia Deberry. I'm a local realtor, a broker in charge, and a real estate educator, and a proud advocate for fair housing opportunities within our community. I stand before you tonight to respectfully request your consideration in adopting a fair housing month resolution for April uh in alignment with the National Association of Realtors and the principles that were established under the federal fair housing act in 1968. Um fair housing month is more than a symbolic recognition. It is an opportunity for us as a community to reaffirm our commitment to equal access,

026opportunity, and dignity in housing for all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, their national origin, familiar status or disability. Housing is foundational and it impacts education, economic mobility, public health, and the overall strength of our community. And when we promote fair housing, we promote stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and stronger um county. As professionals in housing, we firsthand see how education, awareness, and intentional policy can help remove barriers and create pathways to home ownership and housing stability for more families. And so by adopting this resolution, the board sends a clear message that our county values fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity, not in words, but in actions. So, I earlier in the month I emailed and I'm not sure if you guys received it, but I knew that I had signed up to come here, but

027the proclamation is a template from the National Association of Realtors and it just simply officially uh proclaims April as fair housing month. Wanted to ask for your consideration. Okay. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> Okay. Our next speaker tonight is Deb Helms. >> Good evening. My name is Deb Helms and I live in unincorporated Union County. Um, I wanted to step forward and I wanted to offer prayers and condolences to the sides to Gary's wife and his children and his entire family and not just to his family who lost their husband and their father and brother to his colleagues here on the board of commissioners, his former colleagues on the board of education, and not just to his colleagues, to the entire community in Union County. There are very few people that I've ever met that

028loved Union County the way Gary did. And he didn't keep it quiet. He did it boldly. He did it loudly. I I came familiar with Gary before my children even entered school. I would listen to the board of education meetings online and I would hear this loud voice coming across on, you know, on the on the live stream and I was very proud to find out that that was my district representative. It made me feel confident about sending my children to UCPS. And anytime I had a question, a concern, a problem, I could pick up the phone and I would call Gary and I know that he would take my call. He would help out. And if he couldn't help, he would not stop until the issue was resolved. And though the entire community lost

029a very wonderful man on Friday mornings, he would be in various elementary schools reading to the children. Friday nights he would be at one of the high schools watching the football games and he would be constantly posting the scores of the other games. That's how I kept up with the Friday night light scores was by watching Gary's social media and I knew what was happening. And it is not one surprise to me that as he transitioned from the board of education right over to the board of commissioner, the heart of passion that he provided to the youngest to our children in schools, he immediately started fighting for our senior citizens in this community. And he he fought with love and passion and courage and he was bold. There's no way to say that he was

030not bold. And one of the pictures that was scrolling across just he was smiling right after he got I could just hear the laughter that was coming out because his laughter was was infectious. It was you you could hear it across the room. So I just want to you know pray for his family, pray for the community and everybody strive to be a little more bold and loving and courageous like Gary Sides was. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Susanna Wedra. Good evening. Uh my name is Susanna Wedra and I'm live in Waxaw. I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gary Sides. Gary exemplified what a dedicated public service should be. Always accessible, responsive, and committing to doing what was right for our community. He was a passionate champion for our

031exceptional children, ensuring that their voices were heard and that their needs were met. Most memorably, during the 2021 school lockdowns and mask mandates, Gary showed real courage by standing against the authorit authoritarian overreach. When I emailed the school board expressing my concerns for our children, Gary personally replied with a message full of encouragement and hope, affirming that these measures would not stand. His willingness to speak truth gave strength to the fam families at this very difficult time. Gary's integrity, compassion, and bravery leave a lasting legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew him. Thank you, Gary, for your service. >> Our next speaker is Richard Dont. Good evening. I'm Richard Daunt. I live in Waxaw. I just wanted to say a few words of appreciation for Gary Sides. Uh he

032was a sincere and courageous man. Um I first met him back in uh 2021 during the crazy days of co and uh he really stood strong for our kids. He was uh one of the majority of board of education members who uh extended medical freedom to our kids and I'll always remember him and appreciate him for that. Um, fast forward a couple of years when uh Sue and Robert and I ran in Waxaw uh successfully, he was a encouraging voice and uh he really, you know, he cared so much about Union County. He paid attention to all the meetings. Uh he was paying attention and to Waxaw. um you know uh truth be told we weren't too welcome as newcomers on the board and so it got pretty contentious and uh I remember one time

033he called me after a really contentious meeting with his typical sense of humor he says you guys are the best show in town but of course we didn't want to be the best show in town But uh it is it it was what it was. But uh I I will miss him and um but I do take comfort in uh knowing that he was a fellow man of faith and uh that I'll see him again one day. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Mark Pitman. Good evening. My name is Mark Pitman of Waxaw. With great sadness and the deepest respect to the sides family, it is my honor as chairman of the Union County Republican Party to today remember and honor the life of Gary Sides, a man whose service to Union

034County was defined by commitment, integrity, and a deep belief in strengthening our communities and protecting the greatest treasure, the students of Union County. Gary dedicated many years to public service, most notably through the work on the Union County Board of Education and here as well. In both roles, he approached every decision with a focus on what would be what would best serve families, students, and taxpayers. His leadership was steady, thoughtful, and always rooted in doing what he believed was the right thing for the people of this county. Beyond titles or positions, Gary was someone who cared deeply about Union County's future. He invested his time, his energy, and his heart into making this community stronger. Those who worked alongside him know how seriously he took that responsibility and how tirelessly he defended the rights of

035each citizen without bias. We continue to extend our prayers and heartfelt heartfelt condolences to this family. Union County is better because of Gary's service and sacrificial service, and his impact will be felt for many years to come. Miss Myra, I can only imagine your pain. I know this event would absolutely crush me. I pray that our father in heaven grant you peace and understanding that you be strengthened and comforted by the presence of the Holy Spirit and receive the healing that only comes from the hand of Jesus. Thank you. Sorry, let me repeat that. I just realized my mic was off. Um, that is the end of our speakers for tonight. Is there anyone in the audience that would like to speak or make any kind of comments? Okay, seeing none, um the next item

036on our agenda is item 26-203 and that is public hearing for reszoning petition RZ-2026-004 Mallister. I'll now open the public hearing and recognize John Wear. Did I get it right this time, John? >> You did. >> Okay, you did. >> Senior planner for brief comments from county staff. Thank you, John. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, commissioners. Uh, so this is a reasonzoning case uh requested by uh the applicant Tommy Mallister Jr. and the owner Winding Creek LLC. It's a request to reszone one parcel totaling 10.84 acres appearing on the tax map as tax parcel 0436007 uh located on Page Page Highway. Uh the request is to reszone it from highway corridor with conditions to light industrial. Uh the resoning request is a straight resoning and uh there are no uh conditions associated with the request.

037Uh the property is located uh at the location of the red star on the vicinity map. It's located on the west side of Pageland Highway south of Claude Austin Road um in the southeastern portion of the county. So, uh, the property was originally reszoned in 2016 with the following restrictions. Off-Rise signs, uh, campground/ RV park, flea market, or type 3 mini storage. Type three mini storage out involves any outdoor storage. Um, let's see. Uh, it's approximately 3 miles south of the city of Monroe. These are the existing conditions on the site. um along Pageland uh Highway. Uh this is the site in the top left corner. This is north uh going down Pageland Highway, south on Pageland Highway, and then the opposite side of the street on the bottom right. Uh this is the site

038plan uh associated with that parcel um and and and currently what's on the parcel um associated with the conditional reasonzoning. Uh the again the the parcel is currently zoned highway corridor with conditions. It's been used for office and contractor equipment storage. Uh again it was t it was rezoned in 2016. Um and so what they are currently wanting to do is reszone it back to light industrial so that when they um can open the property up to anything that is allowed in the light industrial district. >> John. >> Yes. If if I can jump in with a question. So you just said that it was re this property was reszoned in 2020 I'm sorry 2016. >> Yes. >> Was it originally light industrial before or before the resoning in 2016? >> I believe it was.

039Yes. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. There are no streams or wetlands on or flood plane on the site. Uh this is the current uh zoning on the site. So, uh, north of the parcel, you see that there is a already a light industrial, uh, zoning for that parcel. And then above that is a light industrial with, uh, that's conditionally zoned. Everything else around it is RA40 residential agricultural. Um, it's been used as a gun shop and most recently an office and equipment storage facility. A telecommunications tower has been located on the site, but was removed within the last several years. uh properties immediately to the north again um were light industrial and light industrial with conditions. So the new zoning would in effect match what's what's north of it. Uh transportation the site is

040zone US 601 which is NC DOT maintained facility. The section uh carries approximately 14,000 vehicles per day. Uh there are no funded road improvements projects in the immediate vicinity of the resoning. A TIA or traffic impact analysis not was not required. Um because there are no proposed uses with the res resoning staff um aren't able to uh properly assess the impacts on the corridor because we don't know what will be going on the parcel. The Union County 2050 comprehensive plan identifies this area as an employment corridor overlaid upon rural residential. The proposed zoning district is therefore considered appropriate, although a lack utilities may mean that the site cannot be fully utilized uh with a significant number of employees or customers. Again, I might should have mentioned there is no water or sewer on the property.

041Uh cause because this resoning request is commercial in nature. uh Union County Public Schools was not consulted and um again uh City of Monroe wasn't consulted because it wasn't close to them. A community meeting was not required because it wasn't a conditional zoning. And uh finally uh negatives of uh the proposal uh the future allowed uses on the property under certain uses allowed in light industrial districts could result in increased congestion on the roads and streets adjacent and nearby to the property. Traffic congestion is a noted concern in the plan. Certain uses allowed in a light industrial zoning district or non-employment uses that are contemplated uses in an employment corridor is identified in the plan. The proposed resoning will facilitate ongoing and potential future industrial uses in close proximity to existing residential uses, including residential

042uses in areas identified as real residential. Positives of the proposal. Uh the proposed use is consistent with the plan. The plan's land use map identifies this area uh as an employment corridor overlay. The plan provides a variety of employment uses that may be appropriate along an employment corridor. The par parcel of land is a larger parcel over 10 acres and is reasonable in size for the proposed zoning district. An immediately adjacent property is already zoned as light industrial with a subject property also having a direct access to US 601. The property is also located within approximately a 3/4 mile radius of an existing commercial use. The benefits to the community at large with neighbors and the property owners of the proposed resoning outweigh any detriments to the neighbors and other caused by the resoning. The

043benefits of this resoning include potentially allowing for increased employment or business uses for the surrounding community to utilize as well as developing an area designated in the plan for development along a significant transportation corridor in the county. Uh the staff recommendation for this was approval. The planning board recommendation uh the plan lane use board evaluated this resoning request at its March 17, 2026 meeting and recommended approval on a 70 vote citing consistently consistency with the land use map. Are there any questions? >> Any questions for John? >> John, >> I just wanted to to give you a little bit of context. Um, I believe this used to be the old Whitley Power Company um site. >> So, just just for reference, that was zoned light industrial years ago. U, they wanted to have a retail

044component on that site. In order to do that, they had to reszone the property to highway commercial because retail wasn't really allowed at that time in light industrial. Uh so my understanding is now they'd like to go back to what it was before light industrial um in order to just match number one kind of what's beside it and what it was before because they're no longer doing the retail function on the property. So I just want to give you some context for that. >> Thank you Brian. Um is the applicant here John? Yes sir. If you'd like to make some comments, you're more than welcome to approach the lectern. >> Um, don't really have a whole lot to say about it, I guess. But, uh, I think it's the right thing to do after talking

045to planning group. Um, I didn't want the retail component there anymore and that was a special use we had trying to be a little more for the community, but I think it wasn't really the right thing to do and I think it needs to go back to light industrial, you know, where it should be. It doesn't need to be heavy industrial. That's not what you want in that area, but you do want light industrial based on everything. And uh that's the reason um nothing, you know, other than needs to be light industrial probably to match what it should be. >> Thank you. I'm Tommy Mallister. Sorry. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Mallister. Um any questions for the applicant? >> All right. Um is there anyone signed up to speak on this public hearing? >>

046All right. Um, since there's no one signed up to speak on this public hearing, I'll open it up for the public if anyone would like to make some comments regarding this public hearing. Um, please come forward. Seeing none, I will now close the public hearing. Next item on uh our agenda is item 26-182 and that's proclamation of national public health week 2026. I will now recognize Tracy Kohley, public health director for brief comments concerning this item. Thank you Tracy. >> Good evening Chairman Helms, board of county commissioners. I appreciate your time this evening. Before I start, I want to express condolences on behalf of the human services agency and public health department to uh Commissioner Sai's family, friends, colleagues. He was on our board, served with passion and distinction and will be very much remembered

047for his service uh on that board and to our community. So, um so, thank you for your time this evening. I'm just going to provide a summary of uh the proclamation uh that we're asking for. appreciate your support. Um, the proclamation recognizes April 6 through 12th, 2026 as National Public Health Week in Union County and affirms the importance of protecting the health, safety, and well-being of of our community. It acknowledges the Union County Public Health Department's comprehensive efforts across prevention, education, clinical services, environmental health, and emergency preparedness. The proclamation underscores core services including women's and child health, communicable disease prevention, immunizations, wit nutrition services, health education, dental services, environmental health, public health, veterary services, vital records, and emergency preparedness. Each contributing to a healthier, more resilient community. It also recognizes the value of a strong

048community partnerships, prudent planning, and addressing current and emerging health concerns. Finally, it honors our public health workforce, which are amazing, and I am so grateful and proud to be their leader, and encourages residents to support efforts to safeguard community health and promote long-term well-being in Union County. Thank you. Any questions about the proclamation? Okay. Then I will make the motion that we adopt the proclamation recognizing um April um 6 through 12th, 2026 is National Public Health Week in Union County. All those in favor of the motion I All right. I would like to add one of our manager. Motions approve our consent agenda. >> I make a motion that we approve the consent agenda as amended. Okay. So, we have a motion. All those in favor? >> So, we're now at the business portion of

049our agenda. The first item of business is item 26-205, resoning petition RZ-20226-00002, Augustine Properties. I will now recognize John Wear. Welcome back, John senior planner for brief comments concerning this item. >> Uh, this was a request from Augustine Properties LLC to reszone a parcel totaling a half acre appearing on the tax map as tax parcel 04198014A on Richardson Road. Uh, the request was to reszone it from RA40 to R15 to accommodate the smaller size of the lot. um they would need to have a small lot to be able to uh do a um a subdivision of the property. Uh it was originally uh subdivided by deed. So to do a proper subdivision, they would need to change the zoning to that smaller lot size. It was a straight resoning. Um the staff uh the staff

050uh recommended denial based on the consistency was a comp plan and the land use board evaluated this reszoning request at its February 24th meeting. Um the board recommended approval on a 61 vote. Um and then at the last meeting um of the commissioners we had the public hearing. >> So any questions? Any questions for John? All right. Thank you, John. >> You want want to make a motion on this item? >> Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion, please. I'd like to make a motion that we deny reszoning petition RZ-2026-00002 the Augustine properties. >> Oh, Commander Matthews. >> Yes. Um, there should be your statement of reason consistency. >> Thank you. It's in the pile of stuff. >> Perfect. No, no worries. Um, I make a motion that we deny uh reszoning petition RZ-2026-002

051from Augustine Properties LLC and the adoptive consensity and reasonability statement for denial. >> Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. >> Commissioner Balkam, >> can I can I ask a question or are we too late for me to pose a question? >> No, we have a motion, but it doesn't mean we can't have a discussion. I'm just out of curiosity, how long has it been since the there was a mobile home set up on that property? >> So, I was able to pull together a little research maybe in anticip anticipation for some questions like that. Um, so the the original um there was an environmental health permit issued for a mobile home originally back in uh 1984. Um so seems like sometime 1984 is when a mobile home was sort of placed on that property. um zoning

052around that time um allowed two houses on a on a piece of property as long as the density was okay. So it was still one house per per acre in that zoning district. You just didn't have the restriction of one house per perc. Um so so this was a legal conforming use in in 1984. There there was because there was already a house. I think the house that was there was built in sometime in the 1960s. Um, I went back on Google Earth just to kind of see, you know, how long that I could see a mobile home on that. I can't promise you it's the same one, but there was a mobile home on that property. I could go back to see the 1993 aerials on on Google Earth. It was there then. It

053was there in March of 98. Um, and it was it was there in October of 2005. Um then sometime between uh 2013 and 2016 you can start to see some deterioration of of a mobile home starting in in 13 and then in 16 it's gone. >> Um and then it's it's not been there's not been one that has been replaced since 2016. So almost I think that was October of 2016. not quite 10 years, but but there's not been one that that we can see that's been on site for about 10 years. Um there was a time when when the ordinance allowed you if if there was a a mobile home there that was nonconforming, which is what this would have been. Um if you if it's gone and you replace it within 6 months,

054um you could kind of reestablish that that that nonconformity, but as long as you did it within the six-month window. but it's been it's been well past that because we're almost at 10 years at this point. Um so that non-conforming status is gone. Um it's not you can't replace it. Um the the lot um that that John was speaking about earlier, the reason they're wanting to to reszone that is because it's not it's not big enough. It doesn't meet the minimum lot size requirement in RA40. It's a half acre. Um but that also includes rightway. So there's a good bit. It's It's actually less than 20,000 square feet if you take out the ride ofway. That's why they're asking for R15. Um that that lot was was created, we think, um based on some research

055that that we were able to pull together today. Um sometime around 2004, but it was not created. They didn't submit. Usually to create a lot, you submit a plat to the planning department. the plan department reviews it, make sure it meets all the minimum, you know, size requirements, dimensional requirements, road frontage, things like that. When we're talking about minor subdivisions, that's what this would have been. Um, it did not go through planning. It it was done, it was done some other way, either either either by a deed or or some other method. It kind of skipped over and that's that happens. Um, but it's not that doesn't make it a legal lot. Uh, so that's the issue that we're kind of dealing with here. So, so there there was a mobile home there for a

056long time, but now it's it's it's also been gone for a long time, and then we're dealing with trying to reestablish it on a lot that wasn't created legally. If you were to reszone the property, then they could go through a minor subdivision process to sort of create the lot legally, even though it's already there. You create the lot legally and then you could establish the mobile home again. >> Yes, sir. So, when was the halfacre lot purchased by Augustine Properties? >> It was last year, uh, June of 2025. >> Okay. >> When was it surveyed out? >> That's the part we're not 100% sure about. The best we can see is that something happened in January of 2004, whether that was a deed that was recorded or there was some other mechanism by which

057that halfacre lot was was created, but it didn't go through the right kind of process. Otherwise, if if if that would have been submitted to the planning department for a minor subdivision review, it it would have honestly been turned down because it it it didn't meet it didn't meet the minimum lot size requirement for that zoning district. So, we would have said, "No, this is not a it's not a legal lot. You need to add some more property to it." >> And the the property owner that sold it owned the property that surrounds the halfacre, correct? >> Yes. Yes, sir. Okay. All right. So, has not been a house there in over well, close to 10 years. >> That's what it appears to be. Yes, sir. Based on some of the Google Earth images I

058was able to view. Yes, sir. >> Okay. Thank you, Le. Okay. So, um any other questions for Lee or for John? All right. Well, if not, we've got a motion on the table for denial. Um, all those in favor of that motion say I. >> I. >> Thank you. Thank you, Lee. Thank you, John. The next item on our agenda is item 26-187 of South Pedmont Community College Long-Term Capital Planning. I'll now recognize Dr. Stacy Waters Bailey. I saw Beverly and I was like, well, okay, maybe I'm recognizing Beverly. They're about the same. >> I am not Beverly, >> president of SPCC concerning this. >> Uh, yes. Good evening and thank you for having me tonight. I also want to take a moment and um recognize uh the loss of Gary sides to to you

059and your um his family. So, South Peont is certainly thinking of the entire family and the commissioners. Uh my name is Stacy Waters Bailey. I do reside in Union County and I am the president of South Pedmont Community College. I stand before you tonight not asking for anything but providing you with an update of what we have going on at the college and what our future uh needs will be as uh we continue to grow. And I'm going to give you possible possible solutions. don't just come with uh saying here's the problems. So just to give you some perspective, the college is on a huge upward growth trend since 2020 2021 academic year. We have grown substantially. Last year we were the second fastest growing North Carolina community college. So we were the first or

060sorry the second out of 58 community colleges located in this state. Um since 2016 2017 academic year, we have seen a 24% enrollment growth jump. Um and right now we're serving approximately approximately 12,216 students annually. And as you can see just by the the line, most of our big jumps have been really since uh 2223. And we're in an upward tw trend. I'll even just tell you right now, uh, summer enrollment is up over 30%. Um, so if you have people or know people who taking summer classes, tell them to get there and enroll quickly because we are filling up. Uh, we do value the partnership with Union County. Obviously, we cannot do the work we do without um our partners here in this community. Uh, we have beautiful buildings. We are currently building two

061buildings right now. uh one is our aseptic training facility that will work with our biotech programs or employers in the community to support that workforce pipeline. So that is a very very specialized building and we have our ascend 704 building being built as we speak and that is going to support the um economic community here in Union County. It will support new businesses, current businesses, small businesses. Um, in terms of a place to operate, shared workspace, uh, as well as whole having a 500 person conference center that can be used by the community as well. Even with all the investments that are being made, we also believe we are good stewards of the money. We have been very uh, cautious and careful. We have been very diligent to ensure that what we have done with

062taxpayer dollars is done um in a smart and efficient way so that we are capitalizing on every dollar that is afforded to us. As you heard before, we're serving more students than ever. Uh 50% increase in online. We're seeing a lot of that from our younger students who are in the high school and dual enrollment programs as well as our adult students who are working full-time during the day and trying to take some classes online. Um we've seen 37% increase in course sections. These are in-person sections as well as labs. That is huge because that is what is really serving again our early college in Union County but also the individuals who are seeking to transfer and or are in technical programs that require hands-on learning. Uh right now we uh account for 13% of

063the high school students who are in dual enrollment programs are actually participating. I would love to see that number higher, but right now we're at 13% um in getting our high schoolers with some college education before they actually graduate high school. And so that equates to over 2,000 students right now of high schoolers we're serving annually. Um and so this is I don't even have to tell you how great that is for our local uh students, but also their families to know that they're getting free college credit before they ever walk out the door of high school. And so, um, you can see there we are, um, doing great things. But not only are we getting the students out the door, we're getting student or getting students in the door, we're getting them out the

064door. This year, we were awarded and recognized an as an Aspen top 200 community college. That means we're one of the top 200 community colleges in the entire nation. There are over a thousand community colleges across our great nation. Our graduation rate has increased from 35% to 53%. Again, they're actually finishing their degree. We're not bringing them in and taking their money and putting them them in a worse off situation. We're actually getting them out the door with a credential in hand. Um, we've seen an increase in associate degrees. That's students going directly into a 4-year university. many of them coming back right here to this county to to serve as as teachers and and um accountants and other um great jobs that we have here. Our course success rate has gone from 84% to

06590%. That means 90% of our students are getting a C or better in their course. Um so they are actually getting the credit and our course retention rate has gone from 90 to 94%. That means students are not withdrawing or dropping from the course. They're completing the course with a successful grade. Um, so if you really think about that, we have increased our graduation rate by 17%. So double digits. Obviously, we partner very closely with our employers here in this county. Um actually 81% of our students once they graduate with a credential they are leaving South Peont and then employed within one year. We're also seeing an average wage of just over $56,000. So we're talking about a family sustaining wage for these students that are going to be paying the bills and and and

066paying taxes here locally. Um we have strong employer demand. I have employers right now asking me to add additional programming to our college and and expanding what we have. And so we really do partner right here in our community in terms of challenges. Capacity is our biggest challenge because our growth has really taken off in the past few years. Um in-person demand courses have really increased. A lot of that is high school driven as well as the number of students who are realizing they can graduate from high school and come to South Peont and get their first two years um at a much lower cost to them and their family than going straight into a 4-year university. And we have many uh agreements with four-year universities that allow direct transfer where students do not lose

067any of their credit. Um, so we have limited classroom capacity because of the increased demand for inerson classes. We do have parking constraints because obviously if we've got more students coming, we have more students driving to campus. And we have limited space for workforce programs at this time. And by that I mean the lab spaces, large lab spaces for industrial manufacturing, uh welding, things along that um automotive, things along that line where you need very specialized spaces to learn. And then we have honestly exhausted our office spaces and we are looking at other ways to um make that work. And so in the short term what we are doing to make this h um work for our community is we have asked some of our employees to work remotely so that we can free up

068spaces. So if they are not a studentf facing if they are more of a data centered um job they are working remotely. Full-time employees are sharing offices where offices are large enough to add an additional employee. Uh we also have employees working in a a 20 plus year old modular unit with no restrooms. It's obviously not ideal, but it's what we're doing to make sure we can um serve those students who are coming to us. And we're relying very heavily on high flex classes. And high flex classes mean students can either attend virtually or in person. And so that gives we can have larger classes um with one instructor so that those students can choose what works for them but also works for us for space um to be able to hold as many uh

069students in classes as possible. Um, one of the other things I do want to um, bring up and it's a discussion I've had with uh, Union County Public Schools is that our early college is located in what we call the A building. This is a building where we have a conference center. So, I'm just people come in and out of that building from the community all day every day. We do not know who goes in and out of that building because it is a conference center space. Um that means they are in a building with high schoolers and because of the design of that building we are not really able to lock down the early college in a way that is keeps those high schoolers safe like you would any true high school setting. Um

070and I don't know if you've driven by lately but the high schoolers those early college students are playing at the road. They're playing soccer and and other activities at the road, which is also not ideal, but it's right outside of the building in which they call their high school. So, in the future, this is your your in the future. Um, we would love to build an education building. It's um the specs we have put together is it's about a 58,000 square foot building costing a little over 34 million. Uh but this would be both a classroom building and a early college building meaning it would be built in such a way that we could lock down the high school students to keep them safe. We could also keep part of the building open so students

071could eb and flow into general classroom spaces in that building. This is also the idea would be to put it further back onto the campus so that the students again are not playing at the road. They're not hanging out at the road, but they're also safe and secure. The other benefit is where we would hope to put this building in the future. It would empty out on to Rogers Road. That means new drivers as well as buses could then take advantage of the light at Rogers Road and Old Charlotte Highway, which um as we know, new drivers and buses, we all want to keep everybody safe, and that light would be much u better than having to uh turn out onto the old Charlotte Highway without a a light. The other piece that would help

072us with our expansion is a public safety training facility. And this would be a 50 55,000 square foot building. Um just under, you know, 31 million, so 30.6 million. This would house our BL programs, basic law enforcement training, as well as emergency medical training. It would include uh public safety training. we would have a a fitness facility so that we could do our um their their training for um uh their mat room so their hand combat being able to to fight um and also learning how to do their PT uh on site without having to go to one facility then shower change and then drive uh back to the campus. So it cuts down on that driving back and forth for our students. This also by building this building allows us to use the what

073is the Brazwell building which is currently shared by public safety programs as well as our health programs. It would turn Brazwell into a dedicated health building, health sciences building, so we can expand our health programs, which I am being asked to do to add more to help fill the pipeline for our um p our atrium and and Novant. So, those two projects that would help ease some of the congestion that we have at our college um would total about 65 million and would add about 113,000 square ft. With that, we can spread out a little more, but also more importantly for me, it also means we keep those high schoolers that we were are responsible for on the campus safe and that is a a big um concern for me. This not only benefits the

074college, it also benefits the county. It increases the classroom capacity so we can absorb more of our growing student population. It improves the safety for our early college students. It's going to expand our ability to continue and enhance our offerings for safety training for our county. also expand health program capacity which is being asked of us and then support workforce development a direct pipeline into work here in the county and we will then as our number of residents are growing we'll be able to continue to support them and other classes as well. You know we are growing rapidly um which is a good thing and we're producing strong outcomes. Students are actually going to work. getting jobs and they're getting a good paycheck and we are helping to fill the pipeline for our employers locally

075and we're reaching facility capacity. We are but we are doing things we can right now to support that. Um and that's why I say this is not an ask. It's more of here's what's on the horizon and so you can begin to think about what needs would be uh needed in the in the future to support our learning beyond the K12 environment. So any questions I'd be happy to entertain. >> Um I've actually got a couple questions. So uh you mentioned that I think it was maybe the first slide, maybe a second. Um, but SPCC is the second fastest growing in the North Carolina community college system. Correct. >> Yes, sir. >> And how many total community colleges are there in our state? >> 58. >> Yeah. So, we're number two out of 58. That's

076pretty impressive. >> That is impressive. >> And you showed a stat too in your u in your slides about 12,216 students I believe. >> Yes. Now, is that is that just in Union County or is that also >> That's Union County. >> Okay. >> Um, one other question for you when you were talking about preparing the county's workforce. Do we have any number? And I know that you had a percentage there, >> but my guess my question is is that do we know what percentage of the graduates are employed in Union County? >> That that's harder to get. We can get from the state that 81% are employed um from labor the labor statistics. Um getting exactly what county that they are employed in is a little harder. >> Sure. Unfortunately, I wish we could.

077They would be a great data point to have. >> Okay, any other questions? >> And I would put that's in North Carolina, we know 81%. So, if they're going into um South Carolina, we wouldn't know. >> Right. >> Thank you. >> Um more of a comment. um the dual enrollment program that you partner with UCPS with. Um my son took part in that because he refused AP classes and um highly highly recommend it even though all of his uh credits did not transfer over at the time. This was several years ago before your tenure. Um it it was a great thing. it really knocked um a lot of time off for him and um if he decides to go back to get his master's degree um because of all the dual uh enrollment credit um

078it would only take him one semester. So kudos to you and to UCPS for this program. I hope more people take advantage of it because it's an awesome awesome program. >> It's such a it's such a important piece of education and it's so such a valuable asset to the county. It really is. and to the families here. >> I had a just a curiosity question. Um I haven't been to the campus recently, but I drive past it a lot. Good to have you. >> I do see some of the young people out there enjoying the nice spring grass and playing playing ball. Um I wanted to ask because with the growth and um the enrollment increasing so much. I know that there was a lot of training in the parking lot. >> Um and I

079and it seems like there was a need that came to us a couple of years ago. Is that training still occurring in that parking lot or have you found a place for that? >> We have found a place for that. believe you're referring to the um CDL driving >> and the motorcycles >> and motorcycles is still taking place there. It largely takes place on the weekends like on Saturdays. Um CDL is now at our Pulton campus in Hansen County. Uh quite frankly, it's a slower pace uh in terms of new drivers getting out on the road than Old Charlotte Highway. So, we moved it out there and I think it's um good for the safety of new >> drivers of a of an 18-wheeler. >> Yeah. When when you were talking about the numbers and

080needing more space, I just the first thing I thought about was, you know, are do you have enough parking? Um because I know that you have training training out there in the parking lot and we had talked about that two or three years ago. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And if you've just been to an event there, Yeah. you better get there early. you better if you come in. I mean, we have had days where we they are parking on the grass. It's just what we've had to do and and that's and we like I said, we'll work that out and work through that. Um but no, and also to free up parking space, we have moved the CDL program. >> Okay. Very good. Thank you for answering that. Thank you. >> All right. Well, thank

081you very much. Really appreciate it. All right, the next item of business is item 26-186, Union County Public Schools 2026 bond referendum request. I will now recognize chairman Jimmy Benshin for this item. >> Welcome my friend. God bless you my friend. And I want you to know that as you all gave your comments, my heart was heavy with you all and we stand with you all and the loss of our great friend. And to Dr. Bailey, our daughter is a graduate of South Pedmont Community College. That's one of the degrees she have. Um Colin Moore and and the team, they're going to come and do the heavy lifting. But I just wanted to come and to say tonight that we appreciate our Union County Board of Commissioners. We appreciate all the work that you all

082have done down through the years in supporting us and all of the referendums that we have had for the students and the faculty here in the great county of Union County, North Carolina. So, I just wanted to come and personally just let you know that we we stand with you. We know that we'll have our, you know, these and that, but we are a true true friend and buddy of the Union County Board of County Commissioners. And with that, uh, Colin Moore and the team, they're going to come, uh, with the presentation for tonight. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> You're welcome. >> Good evening, chairman and board of commissioners. I'm Coen Moore. I'm the assistant superintendent of operations for administration and operations for Union County Public Schools. I also have with me tonight our director

083of construction, Sarah EML. Uh she's our director of construction and planning and also our chief finance officer, Shauna Mclam, if you have questions that I that may cannot answer. So, in March, the Union County Public Schools Board of Education adopted a resolution, approved a resolution uh requesting that the board of county commissioners place a bond referendum on the on the November 2026 general election ballot. I'm here tonight just to give you a little bit more information about the projects that are that are included on that resolution. You can see here the summary of the of the four well four items. There's really three projects, but four items. Uh we are requesting funding for a construction at Parkwood High School and I will get into each of these projects a little bit more specifically in a

084few moments and a design for the Pedmont Middle School edition. We typically call that phase one. Uh we typ call phase one a design piece and phase two a construction piece. We uh have requesting funding for the design and construction of Wolf the Wolf School. And then we we typically include about 3% contingency and management as part of the line items when we typically ask for bond projects at um Parkwood High School. If you remember in 2024, voters approved a a bond request then that allowed for us to do pre-construction at Parkwood High School. Uh we are in the design phase of that now. We're going through programming, anticipate having some schematics toward the middle middle to the end of summer. We are requesting as part of this 2026 bond that we receive funding for

085the construction of that work at Parkwood High School. We are looking to we're designing between a 1500 and 1600 capacity school. Uh have an anticipation of expanding some of our CTE opportunities at that school. We are going to utilize the existing stadium and some of the um baseball fields, softball, tennis court areas. Uh our plan is to save most of those and so we won't have that typical cost of where you're having to um buy or construct new new athletic facilities. Um we're anticipating about a 36-month timeline after we finish completion after we get permitting. The second project that we are uh look asking for funding on is as I said the design and pre-construction of Piedmont Middle School. So, we have three our three of our middle schools have a floor plan that's that's

086very similar. Um, Pedmont Middle School, Parkwood Middle School, Sun Valley Middle School. We have plans in our long range plan to reconfigure some of those areas. They have what we call pods. Each each of those rooms has three different pods or pieshaped rooms. So, our proposal is to modify those. at Parkwood, we would only do two of the three pods because we've already done one and we've seen how successful we can be with doing that and how we can not still manage to utilize the space. Um, as part of those renovations in the long range plan at those three middle schools, we would also do um a cafeteria renovation and expansion. We would add an auxiliary gym to each one of those schools. We would uh do some upgrades to the plumbing, mechanical, electrical ceiling

087systems and the ceilings in the in the buildings um and do some overall um improvements throughout the school at Pedmont Middle School in anticipation of some upcoming capacity and some growth in that area. We would also propose um constructing approximately 9,000 foot classroom addition. It would be classroom addition and support space and then about a thousand square foot addition to the to the cafeteria to the dining area. So again, the funding for that for that for this project would be just for the design and pre-construction. We're not we're not um requesting any construction funding at this time. So when the Wolf School was built, originally built, it was designed to be expanded. We've actually had a have a side of drawings that shows a sketch of where the expansion would be to the gymnasium. So

088the money requested for the wolf school is for addition to the caf to the cafeteria and addition to the gymnasium and also about a four classroom uh addition to the classroom wing. This is going to increase the capacity there by about 40 students. Um apologize I forgot to move my slide. Uh and then our last request again is for the con contingency and management uh just to deal with unforeseen conditions that may come along during construction, cover the cost of overruns and then um just changes in scope and other items if we need to. So we as I said we typically put about 3% in there for these. And that's my presentation. I'm open to any questions you may have. >> Any questions from the board? I do. >> I do. I do. Quick question.

089Um, can you tell us what the current capacity is at Parkwood High School, middle, uh, Pemont Middle and Wolf, do you have those numbers, sir? >> I do have Sir, you remember those top? >> I have two of them. I'll have to That's a lot. So, so Pedmont Middle School is currently roughly 971. The expansion with Oh, sorry. The expansion would get us similar in nature to Sunbelly. So, around 11.88 88 would be the model that we would be following there. Wolf School's design capacity and construction capacity as it exists is 140. We currently have about 110 students there utilizing all of that space. We have to modify those capacities based on the student needs and equipment. So that's a little different. >> It is a hard one to kind of say how many are

090we really going to gain. So we can say safely 24 to 40 students based on those needs. Um, Parkwood High School, the current Parkwood High School is 1376 as a seating capacity. >> Okay. >> Did I get all the ones you were looking for? I'm sorry. >> And what's it going up to? >> It's going to a 15-600 capacity. Okay. >> We don't have that cleanly defined because some of those CTE opportunities we're talking about will skew that finalized number. And so we hope to be finished with that programming next week to have a cleaner number of where that falls. Okay, just for clarity, the Parkwood you said is 1376. Is that the current number of students are enrolled or is that the capacity? >> That's the capacity. I'm sorry. >> Okay. How many do

091we have enrolled in those schools? Do we know that? >> I do. If you can just let me grab that report. >> Thank you. >> While she's doing that, are there other questions? >> My questions are kind of what she was asking. So, I'm sorry. >> No, no, no, no, no. You're you're good. You're good. Thought I had it on my phone, but I keep >> Okay, so my numbers are reflective of the 40th day number if that's okay. Thank you. >> So, Wolf School had a total of 110 students on the 40th day. >> Okay. Piedmont Middle School had 899 students on day 40 and Parkwood High School had it's right smack in the middle, 166. Okay, I have more questions. Okay, >> can I continue? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Um, >> thank you

092Sarah. I appreciate that. Um, Mr. Moore, I've got a couple more questions. Um, looking into the future. Uh, UCPS is going to ask for bonds every two years for the next eight years. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> Can you tell us what's on on the plate for 28, 30, and then 32? >> I do you I think you have you should have the long range plan in your button. >> Okay. Sorry, you missed it. Okay. All right. And total it's going to be approximately 643 million over the eight years. Correct. >> That sounds correct. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And our intention with these bond with with this bond in particular is not addressing capacity issues. It's dealing with aging structures. Um the Parkwood building is is going on almost 70 60

093to 70 years old. >> Yeah. Yeah. No. Um Fremont um middle and high school. My husband went there. I went there. My our son went there. So, we're familiar with the layout of the old schools, the old pie shapes and the school itself. Yeah. >> And Parkwood and Sun Valley were very similar. >> The interesting thing about Sun Valley Middle though, and correct me if my memory's wrong, but I just recalled there was a cafeteria expansion. It is larger at Sun Valley >> and Piedmont Middle's Cafeteria never got that expansion. >> And so when my son was there, that was a challenge um with a smaller um cafeteria and having to move so many different um you know, three levels of grades through at one time or over several lunch periods that almost lasted half

094the day. Yeah, start lunch early and then finish lunch late. >> So, last time I was on the board of education, uh Jerome McKibben, Dr. McKibben came in and did projections. What is his projections for these areas? Do we have that? >> We don't we don't have specifically he is we have another demographer that's doing our reports, but Sarah is working very closely with him. >> All right. Thank you. So, is there a particular year that you were looking? >> Well, just just the ones for um >> the through 32. Um, so Pedmont Middle in the 3233 school year is at 9:08. Parkwood High School is at 989 and the Wolf School we do not create a capacity number for our attendance. >> It's a different >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Well, Mr. Mr. Moore,

095I'm glad that you clarified because that was going to be my question is what is what exactly is driving, you know, the bond request for for a new parkwood, whether that would be capacity or conditions. Um, and so it sounds as though it's conditions. >> A lot of it is conditions. Yes. But we are also also mindful of the growth in the Waxaw area. So we want to be mindful of that as we as we project capacities. And when you're talking about the growth in Waxaw, are you I'm just assuming the Cuthson plays into this as well. Correct. >> It would. Yes. >> What are our numbers like in Cuthson? And do we have any projections there? >> We do. Um Cuthbertson, I'm going to go with the high school. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Is

096that fair? So Cuthbertson High School is currently at 100.6% capacity. Um, if I go out to that 20 uh 32 2033 year, they do start to see a plateaued decline in enrollment just with the build out of the area to 1596, which would be more of that comfortable building optimization level. >> When would just uh for our knowledge um when was Cuthson built? What year do we do we know? >> I think it was 2008. 2008, 2007, 2008. >> Okay. Okay. Um, one other question for me. Do we have do we have a loose plan for I'm assuming that, you know, Parkwood would sort of follow that model like what Forest Hills cluster did? Correct. Where where we're going to um eventually build a new high school there and then we're going to remodel the

097the existing high school currently. Is that is that sort of the loose plan here? >> There are a lot of lot of plans on the table. We really haven't dove deep into that just yet. >> Right. >> Uh I don't I think it's safe to say Parkwood Middle School is not as probably as bad a shape as as East Union because East Union school the East Union school is very old. Um so that was our intentions and to get them on the same in on the same campus. But there are a lot of several options on the table that we're considering but we don't have an answer for that at this time. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Any other questions? >> I'd like to make one comment just to put parents mind at ease.

098These schools are safe. >> Your kids are safe. Yes. Because hearing that something's aging out, they they think that it equates to something else. No, those children are safe. They're very expensive to maintain. >> That is very much UCP radar to make sure that those babies are safe. >> Yeah. Those kid kids are in no no unsafe way at any this just dealing with dealing with uh >> very hard very hard to maintain. >> Yes. >> Expensive. >> Very expensive to maintain. >> Yes sir. Commissioner Ber >> and you may have already touched on this and if you have I apologize. What's the capacity level of Pedmont? >> High school or middle sir? >> Give me both please. >> Sure. The capacity of Pedmont Middle School is 988. The capacity of Piedmont High School is

0991,600. >> Wow. And do you feel like it is at 100% capacity? Like >> both of those facilities. So, as I mentioned, we have about 917 students. um when you get to that greater than 85% capacity, you do have to make decisions as a building administrator regarding some of those elective programs versus them having that traditional space. Now, it's not that they're over capacity, but it does make it a little bit more difficult for them to have that flexibility in the building. >> Okay? >> And we are seeing a very slow incremental increase in the Piedmont area that will continue over time. And I'm looking for a percentage number. >> Oh, I'm sorry. So the percent that it is the capacity today with you is um 91% sir. >> 91% for Pedmont Middle. >> That

100was Pedmont Middle. Yes, sir. And Pedmont High School is at 78.4. >> 78.4. >> How about Parkwood? >> Parkwood High School as it currently is is 77.5. Okay. >> I wanted to ask a question. So when you go to uh your website under facilities, department facilities, are the current capacity numbers for this school year it are is this current information that you've been providing us tonight. Is that spreadsheet on your website? >> This one is not. No, >> I would really like it posted >> to get that updated because I went there a couple of weeks ago just to see how the 40-day numbers had gone this year. >> Yes. >> And um and it looked like a very old spreadsheet. So, I I would really encourage you to get this year's data on the

101website. >> Yes, ma'am. >> It would it would help us a lot. >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> I'll make sure that's done tomorrow. >> Thank you so much. Another document that I think is very helpful for the schools, there's a document that shows what year all 53 schools were built and what year there were additions made or you know any res um renovations and I think as the community really needs to know um the age of these schools >> um because a lot of people may think that you know the Pedmont edition is new, but it could be 25 or 30 years old. Um, so those two documents were are something I like to see and I think it would help the community a lot too. Great. >> All right. Any Commissioner Balk, >>

102I have one more question that may be a little bit random. Um, but like Pedmont, when I went to Pedmont, the campus was sort of sprawling. Do y'all intend to keep at those high schools sort of a sprawling type campus or do you bring everything under one roof and go up? >> Yeah, that our intentions would be to keep everything under one roof as much as we possibly can. Yeah, >> it's very difficult to effectively maintain temperature humidity control when you have all of those outlay buildings. So yes, we would the under one roof is your facilities maintaining. So, you may go three stories high. Would it be something like that? >> We're really not that far along here on this one yet, but um I I >> Parkwood, is that the same plan for

103Parkwood? >> I'm sorry. Is that the same plan for Parkwood >> to keep it under one roof? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes. >> Yep. >> So, you But I think it would be it would go up, not out. >> Correct. It would be a multi-story building much like Forest Hills and New Forest Hills and East Elementary for that matter. Yeah, I'm looking at the website right now and I think um right now the data does go through 2032 to 33 and it and it shows um a lot of the schools that are, you know, projected capacity concerns and um Weddington middle and high continue to be, you know, a consistent challenge. So, I'm I'm almost concerned that we're not talking about >> Weddington, >> but just something we can talk about later off, you know,

104other than tonight. But I know when I looked at this a couple of weeks ago, I was concerned about Weddington Middle and Weddington High, especially with the 10-year projections. Any other questions? All right. Thank you very much. Thank Thank you all for coming. >> Thanks, sir. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, the next item on our agenda is item 26-227. That's Union County Jail Construction Options. I'll now recognize our county manager, Brian Matthews, for comments concerning this item. >> Certainly. And so I I did have a slide, but to be perfectly honest, I think that, you know, Beverly's presentation is going to actually have a lot more detail when she gets into that. So I would certainly ask the board that when we get to that portion for her presentation, we can talk about

105the options and then the board can give us some direction from that. So in the interest of time, I'll turn it to the expert. >> Great. Well, well, in that case, I mean, that's the next item. So, we're just going to All right. >> We're going to roll right into um item 26-212. That's the November 2026 bond referendum request and find financing debt modeling. I'll now recogni finally recognize Beverly LS, finance director, for comments on this item. >> Thank you. Good evening, commissioners. Um, as you are aware, each year we go through a capital planning process and we also include our outside partners such as South Peont and the schools. And so you've heard from both of them tonight and as you're aware, you've already given us direction to put a jail and a bond

106referendum with several options from for you to pick from. Um, and so when we look at the long-term financing strategies for the county, we look at all types of debt. And um the general obligation bond debt of course is the cheapest debt that we can issue in the state of North Carolina with our AAA bond rating. Um so it's ideal to use that as a funding source um if it is so chosen by the commissioners. So tonight we will walk through what that bond referendum process looks like, where we're at in the time frame, what the required legislative language is to go on the actual ballot in November. and we'll go through our debt model assumptions only for Union County Public Schools debt and the county debt for the jail. Um we did not include

107any debt modeling for South Pedmont because they are not actually requesting a bond referendum request this year. And then we will look at um the jail tax rate impacts as well. So to begin with, this is the bond referendum process. We're here at the April 20th meeting where you've received the formal request for bond referendums from both our education partners and as well as county staff for a jail. Um we went through this um actual timeline with you all at the board retreat, but just to remind you, we are in the home stretch and this is the meeting we will be asking for direction to start preparing all of the documents that are required to get to the board of elections by their deadline to actually place the bond referendum on the November ballot. So

108when we show our debt modeling, we show you all two different rates. And the reason for that is because of the required session law bond referendum language that was put into place in 2022. And what that requires us to do is show our citizens transparency as what the total estimated cumulative cost of that debt will be over the life of the bond. For us, we use 20-year debt, general obligation bonds, and the language requires us to use the highest interest rate that we have seen on a similar bond issued in North Carolina for the same time period. So, that's why we show you the highest rate and then we show you our true planning rate for debt modeling for what we actually expect to see in the market when we go to issue that debt.

109And then we're required to show you what is that tax rate impact to a property owner for every $100,000 worth of property tax value that they have. And then we give that to them in an actual tax rate impact and a dollar amount for what they would expect to see increased on their tax bill if bonds are approved. Is there any questions about this language before we move forward? So when we build our debt model, of course, we have to have assumptions that go into those based on the economic factors that we know today. And so for all of our debt models today, um this assumes that if we take a bond referendum this year and it passes, that those property tax impacts would not take place until fiscal year 2028 at the earliest. The

110interest rate that we're required to use based on the legislative required language for the highest interest rate that we've seen over a 20-year period is the 5.34%. We then model the county's planning rate at 5% based on the markets that we're seeing today for bond issuance, which is lower than what we've seen over a 20-year period. The debt models also assume all 20-year general obligation bonds with level principal amortization with the first six months of interest in the fiscal year following the issuance. Which would mean if these are approved in 2028, we would only have six months of interest payments due. You wouldn't get the full annual um impact to that until the following year in 2029. The debt models are built on the current penny value for Avalorum for FY26 is $6 million. Um,

111as you're aware, we're going through the budget process now and we are looking at that closely to determine where we will end up for 27. We build into our debt models a growth factor for that. So for FY27 and beyond, we are being very conservative with this growth factor compared to what we may come in at based on what we're seeing um for increased values. But we've built in a growth factor of 3.75%. And then we have service charges that are associated with debt cost and we have increased those annually by 3%. And I think it's important to note our debt models do not assume because we have not been given direction of staff to utilize any current unassigned fund balance that you were presented when we presented the audit to you all for what's

112actually available in the education debt fund or the education budgetary fund or any unassigned fund balance for that matter. We haven't been given any direction on how to utilize that as a funding source today. For our county model, we have only assumed a geo bond issuance for a jail. We have not factored in any other type of financing based on the previous direction we seek we received from you all back in August. The education model as you are aware we have to factor in the restricted sales tax articles um that are restricted for use for only education capital outlay or debt service. So we have factored that in at a growth level of 2.5% for each year following fiscal year 2026 as a funding source. And then we also utilize the lottery revenue for debt

113service payments for education. And we are not really seeing a growth factor in that. People really aren't buying a lot of lottery tickets. So um if you want to help that out, maybe go buy some lottery tickets. Um but we're seeing a revenue growth there of 1%. Any questions about the assumptions that we put into our debt models before we move forward? So, this is the debt model for Union County Public Schools only. As you are aware, we have a education debt fund and we split that out between the schools in South Pedmont. So, you're only going to see the Union County Public Schools portion. You also have these models printed out for you on the 11 by17 paper if that's easier for you um to follow along and actually see. I just want to

114briefly go over how the debt model works. I'm not going to go through every single one of these numbers, but on the right hand side, we take the existing debt service that we have today for all outstanding debt for Union County Public Schools and we drop in into that next column what is our proposed overall debt service cost for the bond request. And this illustrates the long-term plan for the school. So, we've dropped in that long-term plan over the next eight years that that you asked about. Um, and in the middle, this takes all the revenue sources that are available. That is your dedicated tax rate from your property taxes for education today for Union County Public Schools is 3.02. And then we factor in the lottery revenue and we factor in the sales tax

115revenue. And based on all those debt model assumptions that we just went over, um, those revenues grow each year based on the economic factors that we're seeing today. And then after we drop in the proposed debt service, it tells us from a cash flow standpoint, what are your additional needs for any additional bond request? And that um, equivalent tax rate impact you can see in column L for each one. And this particular model is the required language for for the bond referendum language that has to go on the ballot. So this is the highest interest rate at the 5.34%. And so we've layered in um as I said the the long-term plan for Union County Public Schools here that we're illustrating. And the next model that we show is at the county planning rate. So,

116of course, you would expect the equivalent tax rate to go down because this is the true planning rate at the 5% rate that we're seeing in the market today that we feel like would be a conservative number for us to issue bonds at. If there's no questions about the actual model, we'll actually go to the summary of the Okay. And and just to point out, I wanted to illustrate on this chart here. Um, this really gives a clear indication of our debt service payments today for Union County Public Schools. Today for FY26, we're at about 43 million. And if you look at this chart, you can clearly see as time goes along and we get to like 2030 and 2031, a lot of our debt service payments are falling off. And that's because a lot

117of those newer schools that were built like Weddington and Cufferson and Marvin during that huge growth factor for the county, we're now starting to see those bonds mature off. And so that debt is becoming obsolete. So when we talk about long-term planning and strategic financial planning, when we look at this, it really illustrates as we look into the future the debt affordability that could be there um as we get into those out years compared to the amount of debt service payments we're paying today. >> Can I ask a question real quick before we move this? >> So this is where we are today not showing their request. >> That is correct. This is current debt service payments that we're >> now agreed to based on the bond issuance that we have done. So you'll expect

118to see this as a budget request um each year. This is what the current outstanding debt is today. There's about $282 million of principal outstanding for Union County Public Schools. And of that, the last two issuance that we did is about 160 million of that outstanding. So the rest of it is really the older debt that we're going to start to see fall off a lot quicker. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So this is a summary. Um tonight of course we want you to focus on the 2026 bond request because that's what they have came and presented to you. Um this chart just illustrates what is the required legislative language versus our planning rate. And so for the 2026 bond request, the financing amount wasund around 173 million. And so the total estimated debt service

119for the required legislative interest rate is around 270 million, which is estimated tax rate increase of 0.25. So the voter would see on the actual bond referendum an annual increase based on $100,000 value of property of $2.50. Now, we like to show you what the average homeowner would actually see um because the average value of a home is about $400,000. So, they would see around a $10 increase um based on that higher interest rate. And then for our planning rate, of course, it drops down based on that interest rate being a little bit lower. And so, I'll stop here and see if you have any questions before we move forward. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. All right. So, um, again, what I'd like to make sure the board sees is that while the tax rate

120impact for 26 and and even some of the other years is not significantly high, uh, a quarter of a penny at the most, um, a little less than a quarter of a penny. Um, it still is a rate increase and you would be doing a tax rate increase every two years in order to accommodate this. There there isn't enough funding right now to pay for all of this without a rate increase. I will say and as Beverly has has mentioned, um the debt is starting to fall off. We're starting to see those payments reduce and it is entirely possible that you could see in 2028 if you delayed any kind of action no tax rate increase or tax rate impact. I can't promise that. I can say possibly simply because we are paying off debt.

121We're making decisions to buy down some of those expenses that we have. Again, just want you to recognize that there is an impact we'll have to deal with depending on your decision. Did you have a question? Uh Beverly, I've got some questions. Um so, and uh Brian, thank you for that. I think that's important information to have. So, if I'm understanding what you've what you were saying there, what we're looking at here would assume a quarter of a penny increase um for 2026, assuming that this goes to referendum, correct, and the voters approve it. Correct. >> If what I'm hearing you say is correct, then as we pay down debt, obviously, um we have a chance that if we look at this in 2028 that there may not be an impact to the tax rate.

122>> That is correct. Now, I want to clarify that that that doesn't count if you were to do say Pete do um Parkwood and the request for 28 together. That that's not what that would do. There would be a rate impact if you put those two together. But if you were to shift and and delay a project, you could possibly have no rate impact. Possibly. >> Okay. Thank you for that. Um, Beverly, I think you showed it on one of the uh the slides where I had to pick up my glasses to read. Um, >> this one. >> Yes. So, if I'm looking at this correctly, what we're looking at here, if we're looking at the totals, is this the total existing debt service that we have for schools currently? So the first column, column

123B, shows your existing school debt service, which includes principal and interest payments for each year. So as you can see in 26, our our total debt service payments for the school is around 43.4 million. And as time goes along and you look at 27 and you keep going down each year, that amount decreases based on the prior year's principal being paid down. And when you get to 2031, for an example, today we're paying 43 million. When you get to 2031, we're only paying 25 million. There's a significant decrease year-over-year compared to the current year. >> Right. But I mean that that very first column, this is at where it stands today. >> Yes. >> So where it stands today is we have $412 million um in debt service, existing debt service. >> Correct. >> Okay.

124>> And principal and interest. Yes. >> Yes, ma'am. Now, what column C does is drops in the total long-term plan for Union County Public Schools. So, for their entire 600 something million dollar request for principal and interest, we would be paying around 981 million. >> So, close to a billion. >> Yes. >> Okay. Any other questions for Beverly at this point? Uh Beverly, how much of the tax rate that um how how much of our how much of our tax rate just for general public uh consumption here is dedicated to say the debt service that we owe here? >> 3.02 cents. >> Okay. And how much would include um say uh just operational funding for UCPS currently? Um, so their operational funding is 26.01 cents >> and our current tax rate >> 43 >> on

125the hook here. I didn't remember that. 38 >> for I think it's 43.42 >> 43.42. Yes. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> All right. Any um further questions about the school request before we move to the jail? >> No, I think we're good. Go ahead. >> All right. So, moving forward, um, we have only chosen one debt model for the jail to show you here as an example. I didn't put all of the 13 pages in here for the debt models or you really wouldn't be able to see by the end of the night. Um, so, same concept. Current existing debt goes into column B. Proposed county debt goes into column C. This example shows a $200 million issuance at the um required legislative language. And as you can tell, we don't have as

126much debt on our side on the county. So, we're not able to free up as much capacity from a debt affordability standpoint for a $200 million request. Um, this illustrates um the proposed debt service cost for $200 million would be around $312 million and would require a 3.11cent tax rate increase um for this. This is what we have referred to as option three in your jail packages um that you've had. Um so this is just an example of one of the models. You have all of the jail models printed out in front of you in your package. If you have any questions about those, I'll be glad to go through those, but we do have a summary of all of those on the um next slide here. Again, again, this is just the 5% rate

127compared to the the higher rate. And then this chart actually illustrates our county debt and how, as I said before, it is not falling off near as fast as the school debt rate is because we really didn't issue a lot of debt in the early 2000s on the county side. Um, we've issued new debt more recently with the sheriff's office admin building and the emergency services complex, but in the early 2000s, we were not adding on a lot of county debt at that time. And so for the jail options, um, you've had four options that you've been presented. Um, and I'll let Ron speak to >> the options. >> All right. Very good. So again, you have four options there. U, I I do want to go back to and then Beverly mentioned that you

128have the the the models for all of them. She just didn't show them on the screen. We're not pushing you in any one direction. We're just showing you the impact. Um, obviously I want to stress to the public that I believe this board uh understands that a new jail is needed. A general obligation bond is a method to pay for it in the least expensive manner. That's what we're looking for. So, uh, we're hopeful obviously that the public will recognize that and make a decision to vote for it. But if for some reason it does not pass, doesn't mean we don't need a jail and we'll have to figure out how to fund that. So I I do want to stress that this is a funding mechanism, the least expensive funding mechanism. >> And and

129Brian, just to touch on that, and that's correct me if I'm wrong, but that's because we get a lower interest rate if we have a successful geo bond. >> That is correct. Yes, sir. Absolutely. So, as you as you see here, your options, um you have a option one is a is a 400 bed jail um with your um reuse of the existing facility up to 100. Option two is a 500 uh bed jail. Again, a 600 bed core um and uh reuse of the existing facility for overflow. Option three is a 500 bed jail with a 600 bed core and reuse of the sheriff's admin building, not the jail portion itself. And then option four is a 500 bed jail with 600 core um with no reuse at all. basically none of the admin,

130none of the um the actual uh jail portion in in talking with the sheriff and and I don't want to put words in his mouth, but it's my understanding that option three was their preferred um option. They certainly would continue and and enjoy continuing to use that sheriff's admin um uh admin building. there are some costs that can be removed out of the original options that would be done at some later date and don't necessarily have to be programmed into the bond. So if you see that 200 million, that 200 million is if you reduce the actual bond amount. That's the total we would ask for for option three. And there's some amount, I don't have that in front of me, but there is an amount we would put towards some renovation and some repair

131work to that admin building to continue to operate that. Um, demolition of the existing jail does not have to be done right away. the board could certainly uh make a decision to to wait. Um now what we would have to decide is do you want to continue to allow it to sort of be somewhat operational? In other words, are we going to keep the water and the lights and you know pay the bills for it and so at some point in time you might use it for some purpose. Just understand that's a cost we need to add back into the budget. If you essentially shut it down, you turn off the lights, turn off all the water, that's different. um we obviously wouldn't put any money in the budget to run it and then at

132some point in time we would tear it down and we'd budget for that. So those are all options. Uh we do kind of need to understand what you want to do depending on the which one of these options you choose. Uh but that facility does not have to be torn down immediately if if you choose you know option two option three whichever one of the options you select and and I think also probably important to understand too that this is this is just our financing amount right so >> that's correct >> that's that's not operational >> that's not that this is capital expense >> that is a very good point uh and we did uh receive receive a report from our our our consultants that did the work for us. I thought they did a

133very good job of trying to look into future costs for that and and they were very clear that your most expensive cost is operations because that doesn't go away. That's permanent. When you build the building, once it's built, it's built. But when you have to operate it, you have to add your detention officers, your staff, you have to pay for the utilities. So, um that was significant as far as the increase. I don't have that amount in front of us. We do have that study and if the board would like that information, make sure you get it. >> Um, but you're absolutely correct. This is just to build it, not to run it. >> I think we may have that on the slide that >> Okay. >> you guys did. And while Beverly's pulling that

134up, you know, the reason why I mention that is because, you know, to some, um, option one may look appealing because, you know, you're you're still utilizing a building that's already been built. Um, however, assuming that we build this jail facility, then now you have operational expense for two facilities instead of one. Um, and you're running two jails instead of one. So the operational funding for like CEOs, you know, that that's one thing to take into consideration. You're talking about the light bill, you're talking about, you know, gas or, you know, what have you. So there's a lot of other cost associated, you know, that you're not seeing. This is simply, you know, capital brick and mortar expense. >> That's correct. >> That that's correct. And and you make a very good point. In fact,

135that was one of the sheriff's argument uh that the the the cost as well as the management of two separate facilities would be extremely challenging. >> Yeah. >> So, this is the slide that actually has the staffing and operational costs broken down for each one of those options. Okay. Thank you, Beverly. >> Yes. So, um, we actually have an action request. Um, if you want to give action tonight for the bond referendum request. >> So, Beverly, you need to make you need us to make a decision then on on which option we like for the jail and then we need to make a decision on UCPS's bond request. >> Yes, please. >> Okay. Uh my suggestion to the Commissioner Balkam. >> Yes. And I hope I'm not being redundant, but but uh I just want

136to be sure we're clear. I mean, like we can't move into a new jail and leave the old facility just sitting there and then use it whenever we choose to go back to it. There'll be money to spend along the way on the old facility if we don't continue to use that facility. >> Yes. especially if you don't plan it for demolition. If you plan to have it uh possibly used at some point in the future, there is definitely some ongoing cost we're going to have to put into that facility. Um you did receive um we did send this out to you the a separate report done by our consultants on the the the continued use of that facility. Uh and my understanding is that um if you continue to show that the facility has

137the ability to be operated and you have it inspected on an annual basis, then you could use that facility if you had to. But you've got to actually pay all the bills, run all run it, not necessarily have um inmates in there because the way I interpret it is you didn't necessarily have to have inmates, but you had to have it inspected as if there were inmates in the facility. Now, that means somebody's got to manage that facility and keep it up and running and operational. >> Go ahead. Well, and from my understanding as well, and Sheriff Kathy, please correct me if I'm wrong, if we remove all prisoners and put one back, we have to upfit it at that time. Is that correct? >> Yes, sir. >> But this that is it. Unfortunately, that

138that's not exactly what came from the report. So I guess Meckllinmberg County has been on for and they've been doing this for a number of years according to the report is they have a facility that they don't have any inmates in but they have it regularly inspected and and they're allowed to fall under the old rules because of that. Now, I'm not recommending you do that, but according to our consultant, if you do that, if you maintain it, if you don't um you if you don't if you allow it to be inspected, you can continue it to be considered a functional jail. I don't necessarily think that's a great idea, but according to the report, you can. So, one of the things that I've been struggling with is the existing jail is 33 years old

139and each year we get a list of things that need to be done to that building to keep it open and and there are some major issues with that building. And while I have great respect for Sheriff Kathy saying that he would be willing or you know open to keeping the old jail um the admin portion. My recolle recollection is is the admin portion was the area that was structurally weakest which brought this whole jail need to the table was because there were structural issues with the admin portion not the jail portion. So, while I think it's admirable to want to, you know, hold on to a 33 year old building, it's just my professional experience that as that building continues to get older, it's going to cost more and more and more to maintain

140as opposed to a new jail. >> You're absolutely correct. So, I just wanted to share that thought with my fellow board members that, you know, please don't forget when we found out there were structural issues with the jail, it was with the admin portion that is now option three. So just keep that in mind when you're you're weighing weighing all the options with a third 33 year old building that we would have to allocate capital to each year to maintain it. If I'm not mistaken, and this is, I believe, something that we talked about in our retreat, um, if we did not try to correct the issues with the administrative portion of the ex of the current jail, then would that not eat into certain capacity or space needs that we've got with the new

141jail? >> Yeah. So the reason option four is actually higher is because you you are actually putting those functions that are currently in the administration portion of that inside the new jail. And so you you'll see that cost difference and it's about 10 million. That's the estimate right now. So you would have to move all those function and provide space for that in the new jail to do that and then move that out of the admin building. Um, so yes, and and Commissioner Merrill is is 100% correct. It will absolutely cost us more money to operate that older facility. Uh, and in fact, we're aware that there are there is work that needs to be done to that. We were suggesting that that work be done outside of a bond referendum that you not put

142that in the referendum if you choose to do that. And what do we have any clear I think we've discussed this in at our retreat as well but what was the the initial cost estimate for the existing admin building >> is the question to correct the kind of structural issues that we're dealing with. >> Um it's it's on that slide I believe it's about 1 point well I'll just let you pull it up. >> For some reason I was thinking 2 million. >> Yeah it's about 1.8.5 >> 1.5. Okay. Okay. >> And wasn't it about 2 million to demolish it? >> That's correct. Yes, ma'am. It's about >> 2 million to keep it, 2 million to get rid of it. >> And that and that and that 2 million is not the total cost to

143keep it. That's just a sort of that's that's just to fix it. We've got ongoing cost you need to build into our budget. AB: Absolutely. And and just to clarify, the demolition cost for option three is just demoing the jail, not the admin portion. The demo cost for option four would be demoing the admin and the jail and recreating those spaces in the new jail. And that's to Brian's point, it's about $10 million more in initial capital um as opposed to trying to correct the existing issues with the admin facility. Sure. Commissioner Balk. >> Um, I would love to ask our sheriff to step down here and speak just a little bit. Just share some comments and some thoughts before I raise my hand on anything in particular, but I' I'm leaning towards three pretty

144hard, but I would I would love to hear his thoughts. >> Welcome, Sheriff. >> All right. Now, you want my thoughts? >> Yes, sir. uh four or three is basically the same thing according to which end you put the cost on the admin building we're using it now it's fine it is going to have to have some building done to it where it's cracked in the back uh sunk about 6 in at the back side of it and it'll have to be raised back up. Uh the jail portion is where the problem's at. I mean, it's a it's a Right now, this Let's see. Yes. This week, we're spending $450,000 with Blackwater to come in to reprogram things. We're putting eight new heating and air conditioning on that jail as we speak this week. Is

145never ending. It's falling in the sewer system. Uh the >> health department been down there. They're not happy with us. Uh and it's a pain falling off the walls. I mean, it's it's we're having to stay on it all the time. We're 5 to8 million a year to maintain the jail. The administration, we can get by with the administration, of course. I will say this. If we broke ground on it next spring, it'll be four years, five years before we end that jail. So, there's a lot going to be spent on both of them before you get into a new facility. So, uh I would say far as I'm concerned, three is probably your best option. >> Okay. Thank you, sir. So, so the admin building, it's going to require some money going forward, but

146it's not the jail is where the truth >> the jail is. What? See, the jail, you got to maintain all the inmates in the jail. It's sinking, the floor sinking, the sewer system, everything's collapsing in that in the jail. Uh, water runs through the ceiling. You putting put trash cans out uh to catch water. I mean, it's uh it's it's not a good facility. We're sleeping them in the floor. I mean, it's it's at its limit. >> Okay. And so, the the admin does have some structural issues, but >> it's got structural issues in the back side. >> And ju just to clarify a little bit, I think um the struct the main structural issues we're dealing with is in the admin. I think what the sheriff is saying is the systems within the jail

147are what's failing. your plumbing, your electrical, your sewer, your door lock controls, all the systems. Um, from a from a foundational standpoint, we are not seeing the issues there that we are on the admin, but the things that are going wrong with the jail are very very expensive and they continue to go wrong. So, I just wanted to clarify that >> structural, but there's a lot of issues. >> Thanks, Sheriff. Thank you. So my my my suggestion is that you know we look at these one at a time. So um I think that since we've got the jail up um let's make a decision here on which option we like. >> Yes, ma'am. Well, after conversations with the sheriff and Chief Underwood, um I've spoken to both of them and I've toured the jail. Um

148at the SAVE program, uh one of Sheriff Cathy's deputies showed me pictures of that particular area of the jail and how the majority of that portion was in mud at some point in time. So, this is not a a a want, it's a need. Um, so I think we need to go ahead and eliminate one and two because I just don't think that the cost-saving options are going to be there for us. Um, I'd like to recommend that we go with option three. And like I've said, I've spoken to Sheriff Kathy and Chief Underwood in regards to this since um, you know, thankfully I've never had to visit the jail. Besides that, um, uh, one time that I went for the SAVE program, um, they live in this and they work in it and they're

149the experts in it. So, I'm going to fault to, um, their recommendation and go with option three. Does the county have an analysis um, for how much it's going to cost us to keep the admin building? one one to repair it and cuz it we're not seeing that here and we're getting ready to make a decision and clearly money is going to have to be spent if we want to um go with option three that's not on this sheet. >> Sure. I no we don't have a broken out analysis of if you just maintain the admin portion >> well maintain and repair >> right repair we do have some information that that that was about 1.5 plus another 700 so we the estimate for or maintenance and repair was roughly about 2.25 25 million >>

150referendum again >> now ongoing um uh operations. No, I I don't have any of that broken out, but the estimated repair work for now that that we know of for that building was shown at about 2.25 million. >> Okay. Thank you. That answers my question. Thank you, >> Commissioner Balk. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. Um, well, I'll make it very brief because I had already eliminated option one and two was wrestling back and forth between three and four and I really wasn't armed with the information to make a sound judgment on my own. So, I spoke with the sheriff and I there that his team that's the group that's there on a daily basis. So, I'm going to go with his recommendation and my recommendation would be option three. >> All right. So, um do

151we want to make a motion and take a vote on this then? >> Chairman Helms, I'd like to make a motion that we go for option three for the bond for the new jail. Is that sufficient Mr. K? >> It is for me. >> Okay. Thank you. What I care about. >> Okay. So, we've got a motion for option to approve option three u which is of course the new jail and then the reuse of the uh administrative portion for the sheriff's office for training and staff support spaces. Any discussion on the motion? >> No, sir. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. One down, one to go. >> Can we take a My bag is >> You want to take a >> Can we take a break? >> Yeah. >> So,

152we have a request from the vice chair for a quick recess. >> Um, so we're going to take a five minute recess, five minute break, and then we'll resume with discussion regarding UCPS bond. going to bust out my my over under on that when I was Thank you, Beverly. Thank you, U staff and everybody uh here uh in attendance for humoring us there for that little break. Um, all right. So, uh, so now that leaves us with a decision on, uh, the UCPS bond referendum request. Okay. Well, I'm I'm going to I'll throw this out there. So, um, I think that it was uh it was very good information that we've had tonight. Beverly, thank you very much. Um, and I want to thank, you know, our UCPS folks for being here and providing us

153um, information and answering all of our questions. the um the information I think that stood out to me the most is that although we're looking at a quarter of a penny increase, should this go on referendum and should it pass, I think that the telling sign to that is is that if we are fiscally responsible and we pay down some of our debt, then we could be looking at no tax rate implication. whatsoever in 28 that now that that's my takeaway and correct me if I'm wrong Beverly or Brian. >> Right. So if that's the direction you would like to give, we would probably need to model that and bring that back to you at the the next meeting to to verify that. But yes, you are correct. Any additional money you put in as

154a revenue source to pay down debt, of course, is going to lessen that tax rate impact in the future. >> Well, I don't know that we necessarily need to model it. Um, I I I feel confident that, you know, should we pay down a good portion of that of our existing debt that um I mean, we should have at least minimal impact, probably less of an impact than what we would for a quarter of a penny. >> Would that be fair? >> I think that's a fair statement. Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, um I'm of the opinion that and and listen, this is coming from somebody that, you know, believes in in the Parkwood cluster because my my kids are zone there. I honestly believe that we're better served in waiting until to to put

155this on bond referendum. And I say that because well I mean again if we have the chance to not have a tax rate implication then I think that we should take that chance. So um I'll make the motion that um that we do not and Mr. K if I need to rephrase that just please let me know. But I'll make the motion that we um uh do not put the um that we do not accept the bond referendum request for this fiscal year um and that we revisit that for the 2028 um bond referendum. Is that fair enough? Okay. And again, I I think that the the answer is it's not no, but it's a no for now. Um when we're facing so many different challenges, you know, right now, um I think that the

156responsible thing to do, pay down that debt and then see if um we can't have a zero, you know, impact to our tax rate in 2028. So that's the motion. Any discussion on the motion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Thank you, Beverly. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, the next item of business is item 26-220. Presentation on the FY2027 um FY2030 opioid settlement or strategic plan. opioid settlement strategic plan. How's that? I will now recognize Deputy County Manager Patrick Nylin concerning this item. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have given Oh, it's at the end. I have given uh two updates to this board somewhat recently. One was back in September of 2025 when we started the strategic planning process and the most recent was at the retreat just to

157kind of give you an update. Um we are in the second phase of funding for this program. The first phase was three years. We're looking at four years uh for the sec second phase and the reason we're doing that is um there's a lot of staff time that has gone into this 8 nmonth process. When the state started negotiating these settlements they basically gave counties two option. You had exhibit A and exhibit B. Exhibit A is kind of a menu of options. It said if it's on that list, it's allowed. You can do it. You don't have to do a strategic plan. Um, we decided to do exhibit B, which gives us more flexibility, but it is also a lot more labor intensive. I will say that most of what we uh fund is allowed

158on exhibit A. There's just a few programs um that because we wanted to do a certain way pushed us into that exhibit B. So part of the strategy over these next four years is looking at those uh programs that require us to do exhibit B to say can we somehow get them into exhibit A um because it's just a it's a it's a laborintensive process to go through this strategic plan. And I'd like to thank a few people before we get started. Um Stephanie Star, Anna Diaz, Tracy Tracy Collie, Marbel Andon, Jackie Morgan and Janet Payne. I think I said in the first presentation to y'all I'd put these six people up against anybody in the county and I still stand by that. They are incredible employees we have. They're dedicated, they care, um, and

159we've got a great product, uh, that we're presenting to you tonight, but, um, we do think there's a more efficient way to do it moving forward. So, with all that being said, um, I'm going to get into what our recommended funding action is for the next four years. Just a overview of um, kind of what Union County has received to this point. Um, we are just under $20 million of total funding. Um, most of the big settlements have been settled. We know when we're getting the money. There's a few that are still outstanding. Um, we know the dollar amount on some of them. We just don't know when that's going to come in. Some of them have been lump sum payments that we receive all at once. Some have been spread out over a number

160of years. Um, so there's a couple that we're still waiting on. There's one for about 2 million that'll that'll factor into not this four years, but the next the next funding cycle. We still don't entirely know when that's going to be distributed and how it's going to be distributed to us. Um, but it it's a lot of money and it can only be used um to address the opioid uh issue in Union County. Strategic planning. This is what I uh mentioned that we started back in September of 2025. Um we had a strategic plan workg group. Um we invited a number of community partners. Uh the sheriff was there, local law enforcement, the DA, um just a a number of individuals across a spectrum to bring them together to say what what are your needs?

161what are you seeing in the community? Uh we had five work meetings from September to December. Um and from that we generated an RFA and that's what I talked about at the retreat. We asked you know we asked for feedback. We put our strategic plan together and said okay now community partners tell us what you need from us to try to address this need. Um from that we came up with 11 strategies. I'm not going to read through them all. And um I want to go back and and just mention that we're not asking for any action tonight. This is all for information. We will bring this back at the next board meeting for action. Um there's a lot of information and in the interest of time I haven't included all of it in the

162presentation but you will receive it in a packet after the meeting. So you have time to look through it, digest it and ask any questions. But these are the 11 strategies um that came from that working group. >> We we definitely appreciate that Patrick because I don't know that we've got enough room for another packet. >> It was it was it was a heavy meeting. Um just the RFA just wanted to give you a sense. I showed this at the retreat of um when we developed it, when we put it out, and now we're here talking about what our recommended uh funding strategies are. Uh we received 18 applicants. Um each applicant was uh asked to apply for a specific strategy. A lot of these were existing partners. We did have some uh some new

163partners submitted well. So that was that was good to see. Uh we are recommending 12 entities for funding that address 10 of those strategies. Uh and these are the these are the recommended agencies. I'm not going to go through all of them. I'm going to talk um about some of our bigger partners and some of the new programs coming on. One of the things we didn't have in the first three years is peer support. So when a person is in an addiction cycle, they really need someone to be able to talk to. And um we don't have that capacity at a at a county level, but there are organizations that have people with lived experience that have been through it, that have gotten clean, that have gotten their life figured out. And that's really what

164these folks need to see that there is a light at the end of this tunnel because when they're trapped in this addiction cycle, it's hard for them to see path to tomorrow. So, um there is a organization, House, out of uh Meckllinmberg County that would provide peer support to Union County residents. It has to be for Union County residents. um they can be based in a different county, but it's only for our our citizens in this county. Um we are still working through the logistics of this partner. We're trying to find um a way that we can structure it to the where they can provide that support and they would be able to provide that support for people that are in other treatment programs too uh that don't have a peer support component. Um Mloud

165Center for Well-being, that's another uh MAT and medically assisted treatment facility. Um it's always good to have options. Um some people want evidence-based, some people want faith-based. So the more the more providers we have in the county, it just it gives more options to those folks that are dealing with addiction. Um UCPs, we um we kind of funded them late in the first cycle and what what we have worked with and this is one of the strategies that pushes us into exhibit B. Their program currently is focused on prevention and what the state wants to see is a more intervention approach. They want to they want to they want you to get involved when people are have when kids are having a problem and get them to treatment. So we can f because we went

166through the strategic planning process we can fund a prevention program for Union County Public Schools. So this would fund I believe three staff members and the goal would be that over the next four years they would train their nurses in the schools to be able to do the prevention piece and let us focus on more intervention moving forward. Right now it's only in two clusters, Porter Ridge and Sun Valley. And the goal is to expand that um beyond it is also we are also proposing to expand the behavioral health collaborative because that is a more intervention uh led approach. Um our therapists that are in the schools are not they're not there for long-term treatment, but they're there to identify kids that are in crisis that need help and get them to the right treatment.

167So, we're actually able to utilize a lot of what they're already doing and capture some of that salary with opioid funding. Um, so between the schools and our behavioral health collaborative, we have education, prevention, and intervention components in Union County Public Schools. Uh, the treatment course is another one that is a big um a big component of our our funding partners. This would continue funding those. And at the end of this, I'll talk a little bit about long-term because there's a lot of money and it goes on for a lot of years, but at some point decisions are going to be have to be made about um do we continue the program? Do we scale the program back or do we try to supplement with other funding? That could be local dollars, that could be

168state dollars. Um but these programs can't go on forever without something happening. um transportation program. One of the things we heard across every community partner is, "Okay, these people have um they've been through it, they've gotten clean, they're trying to get employment, and they can't get to a drug test. They can't get to a job interview." Um so, we are putting aside uh a pot of money that would allow for folks that are in these treatment programs to say, "Okay, I've I've been through it. I'm clean. I need to go to a job interview." And it would we're still figuring out if it'd be managed by the program or our internal folks, but it would provide up to a certain amount for these people to get to drug tests if they need to to get

169to jobs. It's not something that is going to support them forever, but it'll get them so that where they can get to where they need to go to get their life back on track. Um, and then communications. Um, there's two components. Uh, one is a lot of people don't know what resources we do have available in the county and there are a lot of resources. So, we need a more strategic communication plan on how we communicate to the community. Um, and these are for folks that are dealing with addict addiction. These are for their family members on what resources are available so they don't have to guess. And then, um, there's a a program called the POR program, a post opio post overdose response team. And that's when someone has overdosed and they are looking

170for resources. They need someone to call to say, you know, my son did this, my daughter did this, my wife, my husband. Where do I go? Um, and I think it was Chairman Helms asked, you know, what staff capacity do we have internally to do some of this? And this is one of the programs we're looking at internally to say, okay, we have social workers, we have therapists, what can we do internally? Um, and maybe expand upon it a little bit with our existing staff. So, it's not it's not adding new staff, it's looking at our existing staff to say, how can we help these folks that are in need? Um, these are some of the applicants that were not recommended and they generally generally fall into a couple categories. One is they were just

171asking for way too much money. Some of these programs were asking for $3 million a year and it's just it's it was not feasible to fund some of those and a lot of them are overlapping services with existing partners or some of what some of other things we were looking at. So unfortunately not everyone received funding but we do feel with the recommended funding strategy we have covered uh to the best of our ability what the community needs. These are the uh dollar amounts on the recommendations and this is again over a 4-year period. These it's a lot of money but this can only be used for these programs. Um so it's not like we could use the $7 million to fund parks and wreck or jail construction. has to it has to stay within

172this program and we are not going to spend a little over $7 million but this is what's appropriated. So at the end of the next fouryear cycle, whatever isn't spent goes back in to that pot for the next three-year cycle. And that becomes important in the out years when we start looking at some of what the schools are doing, some of what the collaborative is doing, uh, and what the treatment courts are doing because, as I mentioned a second ago, um, we can't fund those 100% for the next 15 years. We think we can go about eight years fully funding those program and then decisions have to be made. I'm going to pull up one other spreadsheet real quick. And this is kind of our master spreadsheet. And you don't need to necessarily understand it,

173but what goes into here is our annual revenue. And that's just basically these settlements are paying out a certain amount every year. Um, anything that is unspent is earning interest in a special revenue fund. So, that has to go back into the program. You take out what's been spent um and what's projected to be spent. And what it gets you is this kind of running total. Um this what's shaded in green gets us through fiscal year 2030. Uh beyond that we have projected out uh the treatment courts uh the schools and the collaborative and you can see at about uh 2034 is when we think um at that point we can fund those programs at 75%. Now again, that is not taking into account any interest that's been generated or anything that's been underspent over

174the next 8 to 10 years. So those numbers will look different. Like this also doesn't account for those additional settlements that may come on. Um but I I wanted to show this to at least let you all know that we are thinking about what this looks like. It's a very long one runway, but it's not forever. Um so the next four-year cycle after this I think becomes even more important to say what is our what is our strategy beyond that and what what do we do toward the end of this program because we are still in the early early phases of this. So I I just wanted to show you all that to let you know we are thinking about that component of it. So I I went over that very quickly and a lot

175of information and again not asking for anything tonight but there will be a resolution placed on the May 4th meeting um which would approve those funding strategies. So, we can answer any questions tonight or if you have any questions over the next two weeks. Um, one thing I forgot to mention, there were two partners that were funded the first three years that did not apply for funding. It was Ground 40 and Wingot University. Um, we reached out to them. They were involved in the planning process and just for whatever reason, it didn't it didn't work for for them for this next four-year cycle. So, I just wanted to mention that. >> Commissioner Merrill. So, first off, I I want to say thank you to everyone who um helped, you know, drill this down and um

176look at what our particular community um needs and um and prioritizing the 12 that were selected. Um I'm excited to see Cameron's House of Hope um to still be on that list um for funding because I do believe they're doing really really great work, >> do amazing things. So, um, thank you for that. I wanted to ask about Union County Public Schools. Um, you said it was at Porter Ridge and Sun Valley. Was that middle school or high schools or both? >> It's both, high school and middle school. >> Okay. And, um, at the end of this, I think I saw a note where it said expanded. Mhm. >> Um, have they identified are they going to expand this to all middle schools and high schools or do you know what the plan might be

177or is it too early? >> They they do have a plan. Again, this is um because what they have focused on is prevention and we have told them that if we can get them to more of an intervention approach with opioid funding um Thank you. that uh it may look a little different moving forward. they they ultimately want to expand it to every cluster, every school. Um, but what that looks like over the next four years, we'll have to work with them because what would have to happen is their existing staff would have to do the education prevention and then we could fund more of an intervention approach. But we do know their goal is to expand it to as many clusters, as many schools as possible. >> Yeah, it's really good. If you if

178you don't mind going back to that slide, I think Union County Public Schools I I just wanted to verify the one with the dollar figures. Maybe it was towards the end. >> Okay. So, $1.3 million, you know, if it's just for two middle schools and two high schools, >> it's it's really for the employees associated with that. So, there's a there's three total employees that we would be funding for that four years. >> Okay. And but from those three employees, the hope is they train their local folks. So it, you know, it's exponentially greater. What those three folks can do is expon exponentially greater than just those three. The hope is that they they train existing staff and existing clusters that can then pick up that program moving forward. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am.

179>> Any other questions? >> Thank you, Patrick. >> Yes, sir. Thank you all. >> All right. So, our uh next item uh business is uh related to the stage one uh drought declaration that was added to the agenda at the start of our meeting. I'll now recognize county manager Brian Matthews for his comments. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. See if I can pull this up. So, um, what you may not be aware of is here in Union County, we are part of actually two groups that are regionally concerned with the management of our our our water resources. On the Kataba side, um we're we're involved with a number of the agencies that actually draw water out of the Kataba. And as a as a function of our permit, we actually have to declare a drought.

180There's several stages that you based on certain criteria. We are required to actually declare a drought when the region actually makes the same declaration. um that has occurred here in the Kataba region. Uh that group has um declared a stage one drought and I'll go through a little bit of that information here in just a minute. Um but because of that, that was done I believe on the 16th of April. We must also follow suit within a certain period of time making a drought declaration. That responsibility is mine as the manager. It's my responsibility to make that. I will be officially declaring a stage one drought tomorrow, April 21st. I'm making you aware of it. There are some things that we have to do as a county, as an organization because of that. I'll talk

181a little bit about that, but I also want to make you aware that um this isn't going away and in fact, it's probably going to get worse. Um unfortunately, this is more of a nationwide issue. It's not just us. It's not just North Carolina. nationwide, we are in a drought um a drought situation. Uh and if you if you look at any of the reports out there, you'll see that we're in desperate need of rain. We need it. Um so, as I said, extremely dry uh conditions as we're part of that Kataba watery drought management group. That's what that is. We're also part of a group in the Atkin basin. Our customers are all one customer. So when we declare a drought for Kataba, it's a drought in the Yadkin as well. We because they're

182all customers in our system, we really can't distinguish between them in our system. So when we make that declaration as for both we've done the same. If we'd have made a declaration in the Yadkin, it would have applied to the Kataba as well. So I'll make that clear. Um there's some voluntary things we have to do. We try to achieve a 3 to 5% reduction our overall water use. We encourage our residents to to go out there and and try to reduce the amount of water they're using. Essentially, maybe cut down on your irrigation that you you may be doing. Again, these are not mandatory. These are things that we're encouraging to do. Uh and and and it's a way for us as a region to try and reduce the impacts. Uh here's some of

183the things that that equal the triggers that we have to to face and and why it gets us to certain stages. see that blue area there or very darker blue. Um that shows you there's there's sort of three different categories that we that trigger this and depending on where you are it it it tells you whether you're in stage one or stage two. The real important part of this is when you actually trigger it you to get out of it you have to move these items back above where they were. So, if you see number two where it's at 46.1%. It can't just go up a little bit. It has to actually go all the way up past stage one, I mean stage zero for us to get out of a stage one drought. That's

184the that's the trick to this. You can't just move up a little bit once you declare it. There's a lot that you have to do to be able to get back to, hey, I'm at stage zero or if you go from stage two to stage one. Um and and I will talk about stage two in just a minute. Um this is just information about the f federal regulatory framework. We're required to participate in this as part of our permit. Um North Carolina, South Carolina do work together on this because obviously the Kataba shares in both states. So it's important that we all work and try to manage that resource as best as possible. I'm just letting you know on uh I'm doing the drought um declaration tomorrow. We're going to update this information on our

185website and our social media. We're going to notify our employees by u by email. We'll send bill inserts to all our customers. These are things we're required to do per the plan when we say we're going to go to stage one. Uh these are some other items. We're going to issue press release. We're going to uh prepare for a potential stage two. This is what's important. I guess they want us out of here. Um, so unfortunately we're very close to what would be declared a stage two. We will find out likely either the 1st of May or the 15th of May whether it's a declaration of a stage two. Stage two is different. Stage two has some mandatory requirements. That's not that's not on here. when you go to a stage two, um it actually

186will require rate changes and other mandatory um conservation. I'm not going to go into that tonight because I'm planning to do that on May 4th. On May 4th, I will give you another update because we intend to actually have a better idea whether we're in stage two or close to being to declare for stage two. But I will give you more details about what those requirements are for stage two, what those rate changes may be and how that affects this organization. Right now, just want to make you aware of it. Most of the changes are voluntary. We do have to do some communication and some education with the public. Nothing really for the for the board to do at this point, but if stage two is declared, there are some significant changes. So, just wanted

187to make you aware of it. Are there any questions that um that you guys may have for me? >> Brian, I've I've got a question. So, um do we have any like bearing on when Union County was last under a stage two drought? I know we're not there yet, but >> I don't know the answer to that. We've been under stage one before. I want to I want to say that it was I'm sorry. Go right ahead. >> 2008 or 2009. >> 2008. 2009. Okay. So, and I was wrong. It won't be on the 4th. It'll be 18th. I'll do a presentation to you guys about it because we will know then for sure whether we're in stage two at that time. Um, but 2008 or 2009, again, that was more of a nationwide issue

188that we were dealing with. And that was severe, very severe. >> It's 2009. >> 2009. Very good. Any other questions for me? All right. Well, just want to give you a heads up on that and I will turn it over to you. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh, next item on our agenda is item 26-204, appointment of three members to the broadband committee. There are three exter expiring terms on this committee and we've received we've actually received three applications, have we not? >> Okay. All right. So we so we have received three applications. Two of those applications are for reappointment and one additional application for appointment. Is there any motions from the board uh regarding these positions? Uh, Chairman Helms, I'd like to make a recommendation that we reappoint Hank Gamber,

189Robert Mullis, and appoint Andy, help me with his last name. >> Yeah, >> we'll just go with Andy. >> Okay. Uh, to the broadband committee. >> Uh, now, is this a motion or a recommendation? >> A motion. >> Okay. All right, >> Commissioner Balkan, did you have something? >> Yeah, I'm I'm good. Andy's out there somewhere. He knows who he is. >> Yeah. Okay, sure. >> Okay. So, uh that that would be the Andy as published in our documentation. >> Yes. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Um not not just any Andy that particular. >> Yes. Okay. All right. So, we have a motion. All those in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All right. Thank you. Okay, so we're in the home stretch here. Um, next item of business is item 26-

190233. Uh, resolution in support of county property tax flexibility. Um, well, if you got some comments, >> know if you wanted me to speak up. >> I You certainly can. >> Only if you need me to. >> All right. So, um, you know, I I think that we've all seen and you know, Commissioner Merryill, you you had emailed um some information, too, but I think we've all seen some a lot of talk and a lot of buzz right now about property tax reform u there in the general assembly. And um I feel like it's important that uh that our board um you know adopt a a resolution that that signifies the county's stance on this topic. And and I want to be very very clear um as we've you know as we look at this

191resolution that um and and I'm not trying to speak for for every member of this board, but I think I can say with general certainty that no member of this board uh would support reckless tax increases for the residents of our of our county and the people that we serve here. Um, and I also want to say too that, you know, Union County has one of the leanest governments um, in the state of North Carolina and uh, and our board and our staff are certainly committed to fiscal responsibility and and we're wise with the use of our tax dollars at every single turn. I mean, I think that you saw some of that discussion tonight. Um, we've even implemented a strategy and innovation team uh in the county that that in a lot of ways

192acts as our county doge here. And um and and I think though that we have to realize though that some local governments are not Union County. Um and as I understand it, what's being discussed in Raleigh probably wouldn't even affect the tax rate that we have here in Union County due to the fact that it's it's lower. Um, it would however affect a handful of counties that have not necessarily been responsible with tax dollars. And so I think once again we're seeing sort of that one-sizefits-all approach when it comes to legislation from Raleigh where they look to legislate for 100 counties essentially for the sins of maybe five. Um, personally, and this is included in our resolution, but personally, I feel that the property tax reform, uh, and property just property tax reform just in

193general may be warranted, but especially in specific circumstances for folks like senior citizens, um, individuals who are disabled, and also our military veterans. And I'm certainly not opposed to targeted relief. And so I want to be very very clear that this board and I am not proposing that we have the ability to just you know overtly and irresponsibly tax. Um, but I think that we all need to understand too that that at least from my perspective, I I feel strongly that tax decisions and generally a lot of decisions um that we deal with are best left to the government that's closest to the people. You see, Raleigh created, it's just my opinion, but I believe that Raleigh created many of the problems that we have with property taxes that we see today. Um, it was

194Raleigh that pushed their funding responsibilities to local governments. education funding, and we saw this tonight. Education funding is one of the biggest of these responsibilities that is being slowly funneled to local governments to pick up more and more every single year. It was Raleigh that has continuously incentivized residential growth throughout Union County and even the rest of the state. And that's residential growth that costs more in services than it brings in in tax revenue. Growth that doesn't pay for itself. It was Raleigh that told local governments to just deal with it or budget better to accommodate that growth that they incentivized that we can't pay for. It was Raleigh that ignored the police from this board. this board when we ask for the ability to reserve sewer capacity for much needed commercial growth to lessen

195the impact of taxes for the people that we serve. And it was also Raleigh that decided that impact fees for developers to assist with school funding was unconstitutional. Yet 10 miles down the road in South Carolina is perfectly fine and legal. And it was also Raleigh that refuses to explore an amendment to allow impact fees to be renewed and restored. So it's it's Raleigh that's created these problems and now Raleigh wants to offer the solution to the problem that they created. All the while vilifying some local governments who are struggling to keep up with unfunded mandates and to provide the services for the people that they serve. Um, I think this resolution is a step in the right direction. It at least puts puts pen to paper our position. Um, and you know, I would

196like to see Raleigh start prioritizing the people and not special interest. I think that impact fees would be a great start. Um, and they should be restored and I believe that they should give us the tools to support those that we serve. And so, um, I I'll make a motion that we adopt the resolution in support of the county property tax flexibility. Um, and I'll open it up for discussion for any other comments. I just appreciate um the information that you've shared just now and in all the other meetings and I will be supporting this resolution. um sitting with on on the board with Central, you know, I get to hear from many other counties that are really shocked and dismayed with the um the property tax increases that we're forced to do from Raleigh

197for the revals. Um, some of us were at a meeting um over in the Sun Valley area just last week and there are there continues to be misinformation out there that the county is the one who gave them a 60% tax increase. And these are people that want to be want to sit on this board and don't understand that we did not give a 60% um increase on their property taxes. Um you know, I I just think that the counties and maybe the municipalities too are just e easy targets to be blamed, you know, for their tax increase where we didn't want a revile. We didn't ask for a re reval um on all of our properties. Um and people who sold their homes and the realtors who listed the homes enjoyed, you know, those

198large sale, you know, prices, but the comps affect all of us, the ones that are staying here and haven't sold and moved. Um, but I don't know what it's going to take, you know, how much communication is, you know, we can do to get out there for more people to understand that this was a state mandate from Raleigh, you know, with everything that you said. Um, so it is interesting. I was um I did have to chuckle when I saw that they were working on a property tax um solution. um and no one reached out to us, you know, to to work on a committee or help solve this problem. So, um, I will be supporting this resolution and I I do hope that somehow or another we can let our Union County residents understand

199that their 60% increase on their property values and some of our areas had over an 80% increase in their property tax values. It wasn't this board. Um, a lot of it comes out of Raleigh. It's mandated. So, thank you very much for for working on this. >> Yeah, I think that you bring up a very good point because you know those triggers, it goes back to the triggers of 115% or 85% and that's not a board that's not this board's decision. That's state law. So, any other discussion? >> No, you hit the nail on the head. >> All right. All right. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. So, we've finally hit the the county manager's favorite part, right? Which is uh which is uh county manager comments. Well, I actually

200do have just a couple of things. First off, I want to congratulate Liz Cooper on communicator of the year award and also her team won four awards I believe as well um recently at that same conference. So, we have a really great u team there. They do a wonderful job in making sure that we try to get the word out to our residents and and also our staff. So, I just want to say thank you and congratulations to Liz. Uh, also, um, I I believe the board members have have heard from some of our employees about the upcoming changes for for health care and our our health costs. And so it's my intention at the May 4th meeting to kind of give you more of of an update so you can see, you know, what's

201changing, what impacts they may have, some examples of how that works. Um, we have some workshops scheduled uh for employees to be able to get some of that information starting, I believe, in May. Our open enrollment is May 1st through May 29th. Um, but I think it's important for us to be able to, you know, talk to the board and the public about why these changes are are coming and what the impact of that is. So I I look forward to giving that to the board and also my uh you know my condolences go out to the sides family and and certainly he will be missed and I worked with Gary in both stallings and here in in Union County and and unfortunately it was a it was a short time but he will be

202missed and thank you very much. >> Thank you >> Commissioner Balk. Thank you. Thank you Brian. Um I know been so much reflection tonight on commissioner sides but just one more one more thought. Um the word just came to me optimistic. He was always optimistic I thought. Um he and I didn't always agree but but he was optimistic and respectful towards each other and and I had my memory had sort of slipped me. I remember when our school board stood up to it seemed the whole world at one time when we're in the COVID battle and I was just I was remembering how Melissa told me he was so instrumental in that fight with her. You know that that had sort of slipped my mind because >> fight with me. No, not fighting with you

203along fight alongside of Mel of Melissa who shared the board at that time. So I was I remember being so proud so proud of our school board and I actually went and was supporting them. They they had >> they had the smart people on one side of sidewalk, these other people on the other side of sidewalk. And uh uh and then I spoke with someone who was actually there from Harlem, New York to try to force our decisions in Union County. I thought, "Wow, our school board standing up against the whole world." And they stood and Gary size was a big part of standing alongside our chair, Melissa. So I just I I just I just give him a big tip of the hat for that for his courage and for standing like that. And

204that's that's that's all I've got. Just encourage everybody to be careful going home. Thanks for all the hard work and all the papers I get to carry home. Good night. >> All the trees. >> Yeah. >> Thank you so much. I want to thank um our staff for doing such um an honorable and nice um way of remembering Gary um tonight at his seat. The flowers and everything are absolutely beautiful. Um, I've had a text with Myra and I think you've seen messages from one of his sisters how much it means to their family that um that we've done this tonight. And I just want to thank Mary Bell and all of our staff are always doing such a great job um at the last minute when when these things happen and we're not prepared

205for them. Um, I do want everyone to know, um, it has been listed on social media and places, but I just want to remind everyone that Gary's memorial service will be this Sunday. Um, you can get the times for visitation. Um, and the service, I think the service starts at 3:30, but visitation >> starts at two >> at two. So, um, >> so if anyone would like to, um, pay their respects to Gary and his, um, sweet family, all of his sisters, you know, have come in and, um, and his children are here. So, um, if you'd like to join on Sunday at Lee Park, um, you would be absolutely welcomed. And I know our cowboy would be he probably wouldn't like all of this mushy stuff tonight. Um and he would not be happy

206with me crying, but um he probably kicked me with his boots. But um but I can't I can't think of a better way to remember such an impactful person who has done so much for our county over the last you know 10 to 12 years beginning with Stallings. Um, I was traveling when I saw the um the announcement that our very own Liz Cooper had gotten the North Carolina 2026 communicator of the year. And um and to to you, I want to say welld deserved. Um I I just we are so blessed to have Liz Cooper and her team in Union County. So um congratulations much deserved and um congratulations to your team as well. The your entire team is very very appreciated and I just hope everyone um thank you everyone who showed up

207to remember Gary tonight and your kind words. Thank you for being here. Um, it reminded me when I saw Richard Dawn here tonight. We we um were with Gary by and and Brian, we were by Stony Side all together before he passed away. And and um and now Gary's in a much better place. We just weren't ready. But thank you for being here tonight. It means a lot. So, travel home safely and I'll pass it on to Miss Helms. >> Vice Chair Helms. >> Thank you, sir. Um, I'd like first like to start off thanking your bride, Debb Helms, for getting all the ribbons for us for um a remembrance of Gary for um his type of brain cancer that h he had. Um so, we are very grateful for her for her for getting

208that together for us. Um something that a lot of people don't realize that when you sit on a board similar to this, how much time we spend um in our own lives talking to other board members, not necessarily just this board, but outside boards as well. And you really do get a very special bond with those people. And you know there's a lot of time that and again you don't realize until you're you sit on a board that a lot of that time is taken away from your family from your spouse. Um sometimes you have to step step away from your job at work to do board business and um so you do become a family. You know kids you learn kids well and their likes and dislikes. Um so when a tragedy like this

209hits um it's very impactful to the boards personally. Um I was on the board when Mr. Crowder passed away from um on the board of education and he was just the dearest soul ever and um even though he passed and Commissioner Merrill and Commissioner Helms um had to recently I guess relive it. The band-aid was ripped off again um after Gary passed away um to kind of relive Stony again. And again, you know, we become a family up here and so it it can be difficult quite some time um to go through this. So, we appreciate patience and grace that you've shown us. Um please continue to pray for Myra and Besides family. Um you know, we lost a colleague and yes, kind of a family member. Um but they lost a dad, a husband,

210a brother, >> and so um you know, just pray for peace and grace and comfort for them. Um I do appreciate all the speakers that came in tonight. Um, unfortunately, we had the task um to find a new member to fill Gary's seat, and there's been some talk on social media about um how we made that process. Well, the GOP met on the 16th and in my opinion, we the GOP appointed somebody that has very similar ideals, outlook, and vision for this county. And I'm very happy that Errol Wedra will hopefully get appointed at our next meeting and then he will be on the ballot in November. Um to Liz and her team, congratulations. U Mr. sides passed away, I believe, when you were receiving your award, when you were at your conference, and Liz

211still came through as the champ that she is and got all the press releases out, got our quotes for the press releases, and still did all that while at conference. So, you know, Liz is just top tier. Um, please continue to pray for the troops that are in the Middle East, this ongoing conflict and closer to home, please pray pray for rain. We are obviously um coming in a dire situation. Um, many industries are relying on this. Our own consumption is relying on this. So if um if you are a praying person, please continue to pray for rain. and thank you for everyone for coming out tonight. >> Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Um, so I I'll keep my my comments brief, but I I do want to say this a couple things about Gary.

212Uh, when we were talking about um the resolution, I was uh I was sort of picturing Gary because the very first time that I saw Gary live and in person at a board meeting was board of education meeting on May 4th, 2021. And um and I know because I was there with uh Richard Dawn and the Wedras and Melissa and and Gary of course was a board member and and Melissa was chairing the board and that was a a very um turbulent time um as you all know. But uh but Gary made the comment um about and this is this was his words. He said the bozos in Raleigh and and um and so I I I had Gary sort of popping into my mind when we were talking about that. But uh but I

213I will say that I agree with Clancy that that Gary was a very optimistic person. Um and and we didn't always agree on this board and and I think that you know Gary always always lived with his heart and and so which which was great but there was points of contention and uh and I remember I corrected him one time about a rule that we have part of our rules rules of procedure here on this board and uh and I thought he was mad at me. Okay, I really did. I was I was like, "Ah, man. I made Gary mad." And uh because he left pretty abruptly that night, but the very next time I saw him, he brought it up and he's like he's like, "Rule number whatever it was." And he's like, "You

214got me." And uh and and and just slap me on the back like Gary does. And u he said he I had to go home and look that up. So, so yeah, we obviously do have fond memories of Gary and uh and it is difficult, you know, to lose a friend and and you know, it's difficult for Union County because Gary did do a lot of things for Union County that a lot of people never saw. Um uh but you know, business has to move on that the county will go on without any any one of us up here. um we have to um so uh so yeah so tough day today for our board but thank you all for being here thank you for sticking it out with us um I concur about Liz

215she's fantastic you know she uh when when Gary passed you know Liz was working on the story and and so I called her and I think I was out of town too and I I yeah I was in Virginia I think I was in Richmond but uh but I called her and and I said I said, "I know I know that you're trying to put together stuff." She goes, "It's okay. I got you. What kind of quote do you want me to run?" And uh and she was she was on it. So, she does a fantastic job. But, you know, I'll say this to all of our staff does. Um they they really do. We we are very blessed and fortunate to have the staff that we have here in Union County. Um and we

216I mean, our county manager talks about it all the time that the culture here is like a family and and that's what we do in in times like this. we pull together like a family. So, uh, so again, thank you all. Appreciate everybody being here. Uh, that is the end of my comments and, um, and I'll just say that, you know, I'll make a motion that we adjourn. All those in favor of the motion. >> Okay.