Gratitude and appreciation draped the last Union County Commission Meeting of the commission elected in 2014. The new Commission will have eight new members. Many commissioners expressed their gratitude for the honor of serving the citizens of Union County. Others mentioned their appreciation for the chance to work with people from all over the county to do some positive things. The citizens erupted in applause for the return of Commissioner J. M. Bailey who has been struggling with a serious illness. Incoming Mayor Jason Bailey aided his father's return and appreciated the crowd's response.

The financial monthly business was quickly completed. Finance Director Ann Dyer presented the monthly report as well as budget amendments and transfers. Union County 's finances are strong. The budget is being appropriately administered. Ms. Dyer had prepared a budget amendment to give Imagination Library $4000. The amendment was unanimously approved on a motion by Commissioners Hill and Holloway. Most of the other budget amendments were to add grant monies for the school system and the county to the budget. Independent auditors Gail Corum and Jennifer Garren reported that county finances are meeting all fiscal requirements. Chairman Gary England read a letter from the State Comptroller that the 2019 Budget was approved. Four notaries were approved.

The Commission withdrew the offer of $180,000 to purchase the Byrd Mortuary Property at 203 and 205 Monroe Street. The property if purchased would have provided parking for citizens to do business at the courthouse.

The Library Board recommended Sara McClain be appointed to the Union County Library Board and Micheal Williams, who is currently a member, be reappointed to the Regional Library Board. The Commission approved Ms. McClain. However, the Commission voted to delay the approval of the appointment of Mr. Williams until the September meeting. Incoming County Mayor Jason Bailey stated to this reporter as well as the Maynardville Librarian that he had no problem with Mr. Williams serving on the Regional Library Board. Two commissioners, Lynn Beeler and Stan Dail, voted against the delay.

The Commission approved September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and postponed a resolution to accept an ARC Grant for a sewer system at Sharps Chapel Elementary School. The ARC Grant will return in September's agenda which will give the school system time to review the grant.

In old business, Commission approved on second reading to allow active firefighters and rescue squad members to get one license plate that is exempt from the wheel tax. Also on the September agenda will be the leasing of the Rush Strong property as a fire substation pending completion of the property survey.

Sheriff Billy Breeding that all schools now have SRO's. He reported for July: 723 calls, 8 accidents with injury, 26 accidents without injury, 3 burglaries, 126 booked into the jail, and current jail population 102.

The Union County Commissioners and all newly elected county officials will be sworn in on Saturday, August 25, in the Union County High School Commons at 6:00. The public is invited. The ceremony was moved to the high school to have adequate parking for all who may attend.

Photo Caption above: Commissioner Holloway welcomes Commissioner J. M. Bailey