UC Horizon: Burn Ban in Effect | Property Reappraisal Insights | Revitalize Your Indoor Garden

Union County Horizon

March 21, 2025

Community News

Outdoor Burn Ban in Effect

burn ban

Union County has enacted a local burn ban prohibiting all outdoor burning within 100 feet of an occupied home due to increased fire risk. This measure aligns with the statewide burn ban implemented by the North Carolina Forest Service on March 21, 2025, which bans all outdoor burning more than 100 feet from an occupied home and suspends all burning permits until further notice. 

What is Allowed: Use of gas or charcoal grills.

What is Prohibited: Burning in piles, barrels and other examples of open burning.

Read more details about the burn ban on our website.

Deadline for Filing Appeals for Reappraisal

Five Things to Know About Your New Property Value Following the 2025 Countywide Reappraisal

  1. The reappraisal process is mandated by the state to ensure each property reflects the market value.
  2. A higher appraisal does not automatically mean a higher tax bill. Your new value is only one component of the property taxes you pay. The Board of County Commissioners and local towns/cities determine the adopted tax rates during each jurisdiction’s annual budget process.
  3. Location (often neighborhood, school district, or town), size, quality, age, and condition of properties are some of the key components of value.
  4. Certified appraisers use recent sales data of similar properties to determine market value.
  5. If you disagree with your new value, you can appeal. We ask that you appeal within 30 days of receiving your new value. However, all appeals must be received electronically or postmarked by May 28, 2025.

For more information, view our reappraisal webpage.

Children reading books

Union County Libraries Boosted by Generous Donations

Union County Library Foundation recently celebrated generous donations, including $75,000 from the Town of Weddington and $40,000 from the Braswell Charitable Trust. The funding supports the "Literacy at Play" outdoor learning area at Southwest Regional Library and enhances the STEAM Lab Makerspace at the Main Library with new technology like a laser engraver and virtual reality headsets. These initiatives foster education and creativity for all ages, blending indoor learning with outdoor exploration and high-tech STEAM activities. For more information on the Foundation and the opportunity to invest, visit uclibraryfoundation.org.

Officials Gather for Economic Development Municipal Summit

Chair Melissa Merrell speaking with attendee

More than 30 elected officials and staff gathered earlier this week to attend the Union County Economic Development Municipal Summit. Attendees shared updates on initiatives in their communities, while County leaders expressed their commitment to collaborating with towns on their respective goals for business retention, expansion and recruitment. Read more about the summit.

Reminder: Give Feedback on Intersection Designs

Critical Intersection

Union County is partnering with the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), and several municipalities within Union County to develop designs and cost estimates to improve traffic congestion and safety at six intersections. While not yet funded for construction, the designs and cost estimates developed through this study may be used in future implementation grant applications.

Your input on these intersections is needed; the online public comment period will remain open through the end of March. The final virtual public meeting will be held next Thursday, March 27, from 6-8 pm; this meeting will focus on two intersections in the Village of Marvin: Joe Kerr Rd. at Marvin Rd. and Stacy Howie Rd. at Waxhaw-Marvin Rd. Read more and give your input at ucgov.info/intersections

Union County and Several Municipalities Receive Funds for Transportation Projects

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) Board has awarded funding for 20 transportation projects across its planning area, approving $35,332,319 in federal discretionary grant program funds at its March 19, 2025, meeting. These funds will support critical transportation needs in 14 CRTPO member jurisdictions, including Union County. Read details about the projects.

Healthy Living

Hear the beep where you sleep!

A working smoke alarm in every bedroom can save lives. Our Fire Marshal's Office recommends you test yours regularly to stay safe. View more helpful information about smoke alarms from the U.S. Fire Administration.

Think. Test. Treat TB.

March 24 is
World TB Day

Tuberculosis (TB), or TB disease, is one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers. TB can live in your body for years without symptoms but can become active anytime and make you sick. Up to 13 million people in the United States have inactive TB, also known as latent TB infection. Starting a conversation with your doctor is the first step to protecting your family, friends, and community from this highly contagious disease. Public Health offers treatment services.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Every year, millions of people suffer from traumatic brain injuries, whether from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or other causes. This month raises awareness about the importance of brain injury prevention, early detection and proper treatment.

Make Your Voice Count and Take the Community Health Assessment

By participating in our Community Health Survey, you help us identify and address the most pressing health concerns in our community. Your feedback is crucial as it informs the development of health programs and policies, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to where they are needed most. Take the survey today.

Community Events

Abilities in Action! Inclusive Field Day in Indian Trail 

Join Indian Trail Parks & Recreation on Saturday, March 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Chestnut Square Park to celebrate the abilities and achievements of individuals with special needs. This inclusive field day is all about fun, fitness and friendship in a supportive and accessible environment.

Advance Directive Workshop

Learn about Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Wills on Tuesday, March 25, at 10 a.m. at the Main Library and hear from Atrium Health representatives about materials for your Advance Directive.

Indoor Gardening Revival

Transition to spring with houseplants! At the Union West Regional Library on Thursday, March 27, at 10 a.m., learn techniques from a master gardener on revitalizing indoor plants, including repotting tips, the importance of light and watering adjustments, and how to select new plants for the spring.

South Piedmont Community College Open House Events

South Piedmont Community College will host open house events on Thursday, March 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Old Charlotte Highway campus and Tyson Family Center for Technology and Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the L.L. Polk Campus in Polkton. Both events will feature tours of campus, the ability to meet faculty and staff members, information about the admissions process and financial aid, and exciting demonstrations. Attendees who register and attend the events will be entered to win a $100 gift card (one per event). Register at events.spcc.edu.