Commissioner· Elected Nov 2024 (seated Dec 2, 2024); resigned March 31, 2026 (county release); died later in 2026
Gary Sides
Union County
No biography on file yet.
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Top issues during term (20)
Minor Subdivision and Lot Definition Standards
None directly, though changes could affect development costs for smaller property owners.
Minor Subdivision Definition and Applicability
Modifying subdivision thresholds could significantly reduce engineering and review costs for small property owners and local builders.
County Jail Referendum Information and Concerns
Estimated project financing ranges from $170.8 million to $211.5 million, with an estimated tax rate impact between 2.73 and 3.38 cents.
Marvin Intersection Project Funding Request
Requires local matching funds from municipalities and approximately $633,000 from the county.
Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 County Budget
Impacts county revenue streams and shapes the upcoming fiscal year budget allocations.
Sheriff's Office License Plate Reader Policy
Reviews prior capital allocations of $288,000 for the program.
Federal HR 1 Administrative Shift for Medicaid and FNS
Estimated local impact across North Carolina counties averages around $700,000, with Union County facing a projected impact of approximately $1.2 million.
McAlister Rezoning Petition (RZ-2026-004)
None anticipated directly by the county.
Union County Rural Land Use Plan and Growth Management
Long-term savings on infrastructure by directing dense growth away from unserviced rural basins.
Union Parkwood Battery Energy Storage System
The project is estimated to cost around $12 million, funded through cooperative capital to offset expensive peak power market purchases.
Veterans Support and Advocacy Services
Assistance connects veterans to increased federal disability compensation and charitable grants.
Public Swimming Pool Safety and Regulation
Permits cost $275 annually, with $75 revisit fees for safety deficiencies.
Winter Storm Fern Emergency Sheltering
Absorbed within existing emergency management and county personnel allocations.
Measles Outbreak and Public Health Response
None directly requested at this meeting, though regional outbreak responses utilize existing public health resources.
Union County Food Innovation Center ("The Barn") Project Advancement
Project funded through state grants, local contributions, and county capital project redirects.
Rezoning RZ-2026-002 (Augustine)
None for the county; increases property value and development potential for the applicant.
FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Reflects overall county assets of $1.8 billion, general fund unassigned fund balance of $22.5 million, and water/sewer operating revenues of $85 million.
South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center (SPRAC) Progress
Backed by a $20 million state non-recurring capital grant and $2 million in recurring annual operating funds, plus fee revenues.
election results
Election outcomes can influence future municipal spending and local tax policies depending on who wins.
public comment policy
Taxpayers likely footed the bill for the lawsuit settlement, but moving forward, the city avoids ongoing legal costs over free speech violations.
Decisions during term (86)
Recorded while Sides was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.