Passing a budget and setting a tax rate in June has now become best practice in Union County. For two consecutive years, Ann Dyer, County Finance Director, and County Mayor Mike Williams have diligently worked with County Commission led by Chairman Gary England and the Budget and Finance Committee to complete the budget process before the beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1. Their combined efforts have solidified the budget process into a transparent, accountable, and responsible fiscal practice that has set Union County on a course toward improvement and maybe even prosperity. The tax rate remains at 2.1399. The 2019 Budget includes full time resource officers for every school, a full time animal control officer for the county, funding for non-profits, a raise for employees, and money from the hotel-motel tax for the Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism and host Thunder in the Park.

Speaking of prosperity, Commissioner Stan Dail brought a resolution drafted with the help of Dr. James Riddle to “ensure public safety and pave the way for economic prosperity in Union County”. The Resolution seeks to refocus Tennessee Department of Transportation funds to include the four laning of SR 33 from the Knox County line to SR144 West and the improving of SR 61 East by rerouting dangerous curves and intersections. Both roads were omitted from the current TDOT plan. The resolution also requested that the County Clerk invite the elected legislators to attend the May and November Commission Meetings to give updates on these roads. The resolution was unanimously approved.

Continuing in the forward thinking, Debra Keck, Assistant to Mayor Mike Williams, requested approval of a resolution to apply for the Boyd Foundation Tennessee Dog Park Dash Grant. The $25,000 grant would fund a gated dog park where owners could exercise their furry friends. The resolution was approved.

A third resolution paid tribute to Robert (Bobby) Wilson Johnson, who was the benefactor of Wilson Park. Mr. Johnson was noted for his donation of the property and his continued involvement to ensure that the area remain a park with considerable green space and only the necessary buildings to administer the park.

All minutes, budget amendments, and routine reports were approved. Dr. Holland of Rutledge will serve as Medical Examiner for the salary of $12,500 for fiscal 2019 with a renewal for 2020.

The County Commission will meet in Special Called Session on Thursday, June 28, at 7:00 to finalize the budget amendments and transfers of the current budget to facilitate the filing of the Annual Financial Report. The public is encouraged to attend.