Union County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Union County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cuthbertson Road Speed Limit Reduction
Commissioners will vote on a resolution supporting a speed limit drop on Cuthbertson Road from 45 to 35 mph. Slower speeds generally mean safer conditions for drivers, pedestrians, and nearby neighborhoods.
Jesse Helms Park Field Lighting Bid Rejection
The board will consider rejecting the bid received for field lighting at Jesse Helms Park, likely because it came in too high. The park lighting project would need to be rebid or revised.
Subdivision Ordinance Text Amendments
Two public hearings will cover changes to the county's subdivision rules — clarifying when the minor subdivision process applies and how lots get access. These rules affect how land can be split and developed across the county.
2029 Countywide Reappraisal Rescheduling
The board will consider a resolution to reschedule the 2029 countywide property reappraisal. The timing of reappraisal determines when property values — and potentially tax bills — are reset.
Data Centers and Cryptomining Regulations
The board will consider a text amendment to the Development Ordinance that would set rules for where and how data centers and cryptomining operations can operate in Union County. As these facilities look for places to build across the region, this decision could shape what kinds of large industrial tech operations are allowed near residential areas.
Road Closures
Watch out for sudden delays today because multiple roads and railroad crossings are shut down across Union County for construction work. You'll definitely want to check your GPS and leave a little extra time before heading out.
Minor Subdivision Definition and Applicability
The county is looking at tightening rules on land splits by changing how many lots you can carve out before triggering heavy county review. Right now, cutting up to eight lots is considered a minor subdivision with minimal hassle, but commissioners want to drop that to four lots to help slow down farmland loss and manage rural traffic.
Intersection Driveway Spacing Requirements
New county rules will require driveways on 45 mph and 55+ mph roads to be set back further from intersections, improving safety and reducing traffic crash points.
Proposed Commuter Rail Alternative
A public commenter proposed exploring a commuter rail line utilizing CSX right-of-way from Gateway Station through Matthews to Monroe as an alternative to capped transit funding.
State-Mandated Building Code Fee Increases
The county had to adjust building permit fees because the state moved code enforcement from insurance to the Department of Labor, requiring local fees of $100 for commercial and $25 for residential permits to fund state operations.
Cost of Community Services and Residential Break-Even Study
The county is moving forward with a study to evaluate the fiscal impact of different land uses—agricultural, commercial, and residential—to help guide future growth and land-use decisions.
County Jail Referendum Information and Concerns
Architects presented four structural and architectural options for replacing or renovating the county jail, ranging from adaptive reuse to all-new construction, with estimated project costs between $170.8 million and $211.5 million, leading up to a November 2026 bond referendum.
Church Street Parking Lot Interlocal Agreement
The board reviewed a proposed 10-year interlocal agreement with the City of Monroe to split the cost of repaving, upgrading, and lighting the Church Street parking lot used by county and city employees.
Camp New Providence Historical Recognition
Local residents and historical advocates requested that the board proclaim October 20th as Camp New Providence Day to honor the Revolutionary War encampment site in Union County.
Marvin Intersection Project Funding Request
Mineral Springs Mayor Rick Becker spoke in support of a USDOT BUILD grant application for intersection improvements along Highway 75, which would help eliminate bottlenecks between Monroe and Waxhaw.
I-77 South Toll Lanes and CRTPO Directed Vote
The board discussed the I-77 South toll lane project and voted to reaffirm support to prevent state funding penalties and avoid local liability for sunk costs.
EMS Base Station Expansion and Fire Department Partnerships
County staff presented an update on upgrading emergency medical services through partnerships with local fire departments to establish base stations and reduce response times.
Resolution of Public Censure for Board Member
The land use board voted to publicly censure one of its own members for violating rules around quasi-judicial hearings, such as having fixed opinions before a case or talking about cases outside the official meeting. This highlights the board's strict focus on fair and legal decision-making.
Variance Request for Undersized Residential Lot on Richardson Road
Augustine Properties requested a variance to build a single-family home on a half-acre lot that was previously split without going through formal subdivision approval. Neighbors and board members raised concerns that granting the variance would violate lot size rules and set a precedent for higher density or future subdivision of surrounding farmland.
Light Industrial Rezoning along U.S. 601
Randall York requested a rezoning of 26 acres along U.S. 601 from RA-40 to Light Industrial after withdrawing a previous heavy industrial proposal. The applicant intends to use the site to store equipment and build a workshop, while addressing existing code issues on the property.
Claude Austin Road Variance Request
A property owner requested a lot size variance after state road right-of-way expansions left their front parcel slightly below minimum area requirements, preventing them from replacing an aging family manufactured home.
Sunset Ridge Wedding Venue Parking Lot
The new owner of Sunset Ridge wedding venue sought approval for a gravel parking lot to prevent guests from getting stuck in the mud during rainy weather. Neighboring residents expressed frustration over past noise and lack of notification about historical permits.
Minor Subdivision and Lot Definition Standards
The county is reviewing its minor subdivision rules to help protect farmland and slow down rapid residential growth while still allowing families to divide property for relatives. Commissioners discussed loopholes like splitting lots across roads and directed staff to study potential solutions.
York Heavy Industrial Rezoning Request
An applicant requested a straight rezoning of 26 acres along US 601 from residential-agricultural to heavy industrial. Neighbors and planning staff highlighted severe code enforcement concerns, unpermitted dumping, and environmental encroachment into flood zones.
Regional Water Mutual Aid to Anson County
Union County utility crews spent multiple days helping neighboring Anson County repair a major water system failure and restore safe drinking water. Anson County leaders attended the meeting to express heartfelt gratitude for the quick response.
Public Schools Statutory Funding Formula
Commissioners agreed to add public school funding to their legislative agenda to push back against state funding formulas. Local leaders argue the state is pushing too much financial responsibility onto counties and want to open a dialogue with lawmakers.
FY 2027 County Budget and Tax Rate
The county adopted its $664 million budget for fiscal year 2027 without raising property taxes. Commissioners emphasized fiscal responsibility while funding vital services like schools, public safety, and water infrastructure.
School Funding Transparency and Interlocal Agreements
Commissioners raised concerns over school district funding requests and voted to demand a detailed line-item budget from UCPS. They also tied certain teacher supplement funds to an interlocal agreement.
Sheriff's Office License Plate Reader Policy
A resident raised concerns that the Sheriff Office's license plate reader policy outsources state-mandated compliance and privacy rules to a private vendor contract without sufficient local oversight.
School Capital Planning and Facility Needs
UCPS requested a bond referendum for the November 2026 ballot to fund facility upgrades and expansions, including Parkwood High School, Piedmont Middle School, and the Wolf School. Commissioners voted to delay the request until 2028 to let existing school debt fall off and minimize tax impacts.
Sheriff's Office ALPR Program and Compliance
Residents urged the board to withhold funding for the Sheriff's Office automated license plate reader program until the department fully complies with state privacy laws and adopts robust written policies.
Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 County Budget
County staff presented a preview of the fiscal year 2027 budget, highlighting moderate growth in ad valorem and sales taxes. Officials discussed how property revaluations and municipal tax rate decisions affect county sales tax distributions and property tax burdens for residents.
McAteer Light Industrial Rezoning
Randall York requested rezoning 26 acres along US 601 from RA-40 to Light Industrial to allow equipment parking and a shop. The board recommended approval after noting it fits the county's employment corridor plan.
Beulah Church Road Commercial Operating Hours
A developer requested longer operating hours (6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) for an approved shopping center parcel at Beulah Church and Waxhaw Indian Trail roads. Nearby homeowners expressed worries about early morning noise, lighting, and increased traffic from potential tenants like coffee shops and clinics. The board recommended approval after adding strict rules for solid sound-barrier walls and daytime-only dumpster pickup.
Stage 2 Drought Declaration and Mandatory Water Restrictions
County management announced an upcoming Stage 1 drought declaration due to extremely dry regional conditions, urging voluntary water conservation.
House of Pearls Residential Recovery Facility Rezoning
The House of Pearls is seeking a conditional rezoning on Camden Road to build a faith-based residential drug rehabilitation campus for up to 80 women. Supporters and graduates shared powerful personal testimony about how the program saves lives from addiction, while the board evaluated land use consistency and master plan development standards.
Marshville Bypass Tolling Proposal Analysis
County staff presented findings from a recent NCDOT and Turnpike Authority study evaluating the Marshville Bypass as a tolled project tied to the Monroe Expressway. The proposal could accelerate project funding by extending existing toll bonds, while potentially generating approximately $100 million in local infrastructure rebates.
FY 2027 County Health Plan Adjustments
The county is restructuring its self-insured health plan for employees due to a $5 to $7 million funding deficit, introducing higher deductibles, co-pays, and discontinuing certain drug coverages to manage rising claims.
Union County Water Capital Program and Crooked Creek Capacity
Staff presented an $845 million 15-year capital improvement plan for water and wastewater infrastructure, highlighting major challenges and high costs associated with expanding the Crooked Creek treatment plant or managing future growth capacity.
Water Conservation
Union County and Monroe are asking folks to cut back on their water use because dry weather is sticking around. If the drought keeps up, we could be looking at official restrictions soon.
Marcham Landscaping Supply Rezoning
An application to rezone 5 acres along NC 75 to Light Industrial to allow a landscaping supply business and construction equipment storage. The applicant emphasized a clean, professional aesthetic modelled after high-end facilities rather than a typical gravel lot.
Elected Official Death
Union County is losing a leader after a commissioner passed away from brain cancer. The county board now has a sudden empty seat that officials will need to figure out how to fill soon.
McAlister Rezoning Petition (RZ-2026-004)
An applicant requested to rezone an 10.8-acre property on Pageland Highway from Highway Corridor to Light Industrial to make the property more marketable for future commercial or industrial uses.
Union Parkwood Battery Energy Storage System
RavenVolt and Union Power proposed building a battery storage facility on Lancaster Highway to help store cheaper nighttime energy and lower daytime peak costs. Neighbors and board members raised questions about fire safety, emergency response, and potential impacts on electric bills.
Union County Rural Land Use Plan and Growth Management
The county adopted a new rural land use plan to manage growth, protect open space in major subdivisions, and establish small commercial centers in rural areas.
Federal HR 1 Administrative Shift for Medicaid and FNS
Federal policy changes under HR 1 will reduce the federal administrative cost share for Medicaid and food nutrition services from 50% to 25% starting in October 2026, potentially leaving Union County with a substantial funding gap unless the state intervenes.
South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center (SPRAC) Progress
Staff and consultants provided an update on the construction and operational rollout of the South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center, which serves a nine-county region and is funded by state grants and autopsy fees.
Public Swimming Pool Safety and Regulation
Union County health officials oversee 208 public swimming pools, ensuring compliance with strict safety standards, water quality, and drain safety to prevent drownings and illness outbreaks.
Veterans Support and Advocacy Services
The county's Veterans Service Office helps local veterans navigate complex federal benefits, secure disability ratings, and connect with housing and mobility assistance.
Election Results
Keep an eye on the 2026 primary election results to see who's taking the lead in local Union County races. These outcomes will determine the candidates shaping our community's future leadership.