Union County has never had a county seal. Other counties have a seal that reflects their work, products, resources, or heritage. Believing that Union County should have a seal, Mayor Jason Bailey met with Ms. Lana Booker, who teaches graphic design at Union County High School. The Mayor challenged the students to develop several seals. He offered to personally fund the project with a $50 gift card to the student who developed the winning design. The students submitted their designs anonymously and a committee of county leaders narrowed the choices to the top three. Commissioners selected the top design at the April 22nd meeting. All members were present and voted. Mayor Bailey will reveal the winning design with perhaps some tweaks in May.

The Commission approved routine business which included the approval of the minutes and notaries, Ms. Amanda Arthur and Ms. Brandi Rouse. Finance Director Ann Dyer stated that all budgets were operating as expected and spending was on track. All budget amendments passed. The sheriff reported 782 calls, 7 wrecks with injury, 20 vehicle accidents without injury, 1 residential burglary, 137 booked into the jail, 147 released from jail, and the jail population as of March 31st was 95.

Mayor Bailey reminded everyone that the next County Commission Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 28th due to the Memorial Holiday. Budget meetings will be on April 30th, May 14th, and May 21st. The Mayor reported that the Safe Routes to School Grant has been submitted. Union County received a Materials and Waste Management Grant for $8,912. The new slogan is "Recycle Often, Recycle Right”. The Landfill is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, May 18, from 8:00 to noon. The Mayor's office is researching a Tourism Grant that could fulfill a 30-year-old promise to put a lake access across the road from Sharps Chapel Park. The hill at Wilson Park has been topsoiled and reseeded. The sign that is made from parts of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge is in place and will be dedicated on Saturday, May 25th with the time to be announced. The Veteran's Place wall will be resurfaced with stucco and VFW is donating $3000 to the project. The automatic door opener has been installed at the courthouse. The new maintenance trucks with new logos should arrive in two weeks. The phones have also been purchased.

Mayor Bailey announced that a technology company may be coming to Union County. The company is in negotiations to purchase property near a KUB substation. The Mayor will announce more as the situation develops. Also, Thomas Skibinski form the Union County Chamber of Commerce, will be posting some commercials online to market our county. Many contain the slogan; It Must Be Something in the Water. This slogan references not only Norris Lake but also the winery and other water-based activities.

County Commission approved several grant applications and surplused some equipment. Resolutions to apply for the Litter Grant and the Health Access Grant to improve the Sharps Chapel Park Playground received affirmative votes.

Commission also accepted the Southern Health Partners Contract to provide medical services for inmates.

In other action, new 2018 Building Codes for residential and commercial buildings garnered yes votes. The Mayor declared May as Union County Preservation Month and also appointed a Census Committee. Commission accepted Rick Walker's resignation from the Equalization Board and appointed James Meltabarger to take his place.