Community News

Property Owners: File Changes for Tax Listings

All personal property, both business and individual, must be listed with the Union County Tax Administrator during the listing period from Jan. 1, 2024-Jan. 31, 2024. This is also the time to report changes to real property.   Personal property can be listed online, in person at the Union County Government Center, or by mail. Listings done via mail should be addressed to:  Union County Tax Administrator  P.O. Box 97  Monroe, NC 28111-0097 Owners of real estate are not required to file an annual tax listing form. However, if you have made improvements or deletions to your real estate in 2023, you are required by law to notify the Union County Tax Administrator's Office of these changes. For more information, click here or call the Union County Tax Administrator's Office at 704.283.3746.

Election Officials Needed

Earn Money for Working the Primary Election

Union County Board of Elections is seeking registered voters who are interested and available to work during early voting and/or on the day of the primary election, which is March 5, 2024. Dedicated precinct and early voting officials ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the democratic process. Early voting runs from February 15 through March 2. Election officials must attend a training class and are paid for their service. Click here for more details including responsibilities, time commitment and pay.

Helpful Tips for Leftover Holiday Items

Is your home still full of boxes, gift wrap, and other items leftover from the holidays? Here are some helpful tips for disposing of unwanted items:  Our Solid Waste Facility and Landfill (2125 Austin Chaney Rd., Wingate) accepts live Christmas trees from county residents for free. Live trees will be composted and used as mulch at county facilities. Please remove all lights, ornaments and other decorations from the tree. If your artificial tree has reached the end of its useful life, it must be disposed of as trash. Artificial trees are not recyclable or compostable. Bulky items are accepted for a fee at the Solid Waste Facility and Landfill (2125 Austin Chaney Rd., Wingate).   Wrapping paper, bows, tinsel, ornaments, and strings of holiday lights should be disposed of as trash and cannot be recycled. Please consider donating usable items to a local charity, rather than sending them to the landfill. Clean cardboard boxes, greeting cards, glass bottles, and other items can be recycled for free at all Union County waste & recycling centers.  Click here to find the closest waste and recycling center near you, as well as hours of operation, policies, and any costs for disposal services.

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Request for Proposals

Calling all organizations that serve at-risk young people with services that include, but are not limited to, treatment, counseling, mentoring, and vocational learning. Union County's Juvenile Crime Prevention Council is seeking a request for proposals for the upcoming 24-25 fiscal year to serve court involved and at-risk youth. View more details on the request for proposals and funding available.

Community Events

Spark Your Creativity in 2024

Let's Get Crafty Series for Teens and Adults

Try a different craft or art project each month! Three sessions are offered monthly at 5:30 p.m. at the Union County Library locations below:

• Edwards Memorial Library: 2nd Monday of each month, Jan. 8
• Main Library: 3rd Tuesday of each month, Jan. 16
• Union West Library: 4th Thursday of each month, Jan. 25

Stay tuned to the Library’s social media and uclnc.org for details.

MLK Trivia

The City of Monroe is hosting MLK Trivia games on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 4-5 p.m. at Monroe's Old Armory Community Center. This event will test your knowledge on the history of Martin Luther King Jr. and why he is celebrated.

Blood Drive

The Town of Weddington is hosting a blood drive at the Wesley Chapel Fire Station at 5025 Hemby Road on Thursday, Jan. 11. Sign up to save a life today.

Bonfire on the Lake

Join the Town of Marshville for a Bonfire on the Lake! Enjoy the sound of music, smores and hot chocolate, and learn more about the lake’s progress. The event will take place on Saturday, January 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at Marshville Lake. 

.

Healthy Living

New Year, New "U"

The start of a new year is a great time to set personal goals for yourself. Union County provides several services that may align with those goals. Here are 24 suggested ideas for your 2024 New Year's resolutions. 

Health Officials Urge Testing and Treatment at Outpatient Settings as Hospital Admissions Spike

As seasonal respiratory illnesses surge, the state's Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is urging people to get tested and seek treatment early to prevent severe illness. The latest data show high numbers of people being seen in hospital emergency departments with respiratory illness symptoms across North Carolina. People with mild symptoms should seek testing and treatment from their regular health care provider, urgent care or a telehealth provider, rather than going to the emergency room during this spike in COVID-19, flu, RSV and other respiratory illnesses.

Click here to read more from NCDHHS.

Winter Safety Month

Embrace the winter season with confidence! Stay prepared as the winter's chill settles in and ensure your safety with these vital tips:

• Ensure your vehicle is winter ready by checking tire pressure, brakes and fluid levels.
• Prioritize safety at home by keeping flammable materials away from heating appliances.
• Remember to unplug your space heater before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Check on your neighbors to foster a resilient community.

Click here to read more helpful preparation tips.

Need Help With Your Heating Bill?

Low Income Energy Assistance Program

The North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded program that provides a one-time payment to help eligible households pay their heating bill. Households may apply between Jan. 1-March 31, or until funds are exhausted. Pick up an application from Human Services located at 2330 Concord Ave., or visit NC ePass online by March 31, 2024.

For more details, visit the LIEAP webpage.

Inaugural Food Safety Forum

Union County Environmental Health will host its first Food Safety Forum on Thursday, Jan.18, from 9-11:30 a.m. 

Whether you're a restaurant operator, food facility employee, or simply a curious foodie eager to learn how the food industry is regulated, this forum is for you! Learn how to protect food and reduce foodborne illnesses after a power or water outage and during recovery from an emergency event. Click here for more details.