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Colleagues.
I have shared my proposed budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year with our Board of Commissioners. The full recommended budget is now available on our website.
This year’s proposal continues one of my ongoing strategic priorities -- investing in our employees. I am recommending funding that reflects our continued commitment to fair and competitive compensation, including:
- Implementation of the final phase of our Classification & Compensation Study
- Continuation of the longevity bonus for all eligible employees
- A mid-year 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all employees
Over the past two fiscal years, the Board has demonstrated a shared commitment to our workforce by funding the initial phases of our compensation study. These investments supported market-based salary adjustments for many of you. My recommended budget completes this implementation by providing additional funding to ensure all adjustments are made.
In addition, the proposed mid-year COLA will help address the ongoing increases in the cost of living and reinforce Union County’s position as a preferred employer in our region.
Beyond employee investment, this proposal aims to strike the right balance between fiscal responsibility and progress. It supports key areas such as economic development, public health and safety, education partnerships, and core service delivery for our residents.
The recommended budget must be approved by the Board of Commissioners. As required by General Statute, a public hearing will be held during the Board’s June 2 meeting at 6 p.m., and a final vote is scheduled for June 16.
I want to thank our Budget, Finance, and Tax Administration teams for their hard work and thoughtful analysis in preparing the FY26 budget proposal.
Thank you for everything you do for Union County and the residents we serve.
Sincerely,
 Brian Matthews, County Manager
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