At the regular October meeting, Union County Commission voted to set aside $3,000 annually to fund the plaques on the wall at Veteran’s Place. Commissioner Sidney Jessee, Jr. stated that the idea had come from a 2nd district citizen who said that paying for the plaques was the right thing to do for our veterans who have given us so much.
The money will purchase approximately 30 plaques a year on a first come, first served basis.
The Sign Guys, an area business owned by Martin Shafer, engraves and mounts the plaques and only charges for the cost of the plaque. Anyone wishing to honor an honorably discharged veteran should contact Heather in Mayor Jason Bailey’s office to complete the paperwork.
Bailey also announced that the Veterans Service Office is being moved to the Union County Senior Center to make it more accessible, since the jail pantry is located in the Historic First Bank Building that was used by the Union County Chamber of Commerce.
The mayor is still seeking a veteran for the position. The commission also approved a total of $5,000 from the FY 24 fund balance for the American Legion to help continue their service projects through the Atchley Veteran’s Home and other services to veterans.
Commission approved several resolutions on the second reading. The Building Codes Resolution was approved after the building inspector cleared up some confusion over which building codes were actually to take effect. Union County and the state will remain with the 2009 building codes which are currently being used. The second reading of the Wheel Tax Resolution was approved to take effect on January 1, 2024. On that date the tax will increase to $50.
Bailey informed commissioners that the contract on the Stiner Building will need to be extended. An inspector is further testing for environmental issues. There may be asbestos in the floor tiles and possibly lead paint used throughout the building. Also demolition notices would need to be sent to all adjacent property owners.
He also explained that the Union County Election Commission has requested to expand the parking lot at the Paulette Community center to accommodate early voting in 2024. The excavating company estimated the cost at approximately $100,000 due to having to move and replace the sewer and water lines in addition to the excavating and paving.
Mayor Bailey continues to seek one acre of land in Big Ridge and Braden for a community center and convenience center. The mayor also noted that Highland Communications is interested in being an internet provider in the parts of Union County not covered by KUB Fiber or Powell Valley. He summarized several grants that are in process.
Commissioner Cheryl Walker, Chairman of the Budget Committee, reported that the committee is working on several items to plan for the future. The committee is formulating a five-year spending plan for capital improvements. The committee is also reviewing the building permits to align them with current building costs. The chamber has been asked to bring their financial report showing their budget and all revenue and expenses to the November Budget Committee meeting. Finally, the committee is reviewing the ARPA funds to make sure the funds will be spent by the deadline for needed projects.
Commission approved the appointment of Gordon Campbell to the Union County Planning Commission.
The next meeting of the Union County Commission will be on November 27 at 7 p.m. at the courthouse large courtroom.
The Budget Committee will meet on November 14 at 6 p.m. at the same location.