Community News

Union County Board of Commissioners Approves Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

The Union County Board of Commissioners approved the operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2026 at its regular meeting on June 16, 2025. The FY26 budget includes a bifurcated model for the county's tax structure with a total tax rate of 43.42, down from 58.80. The budget includes strategic investments in key areas including education, economic development, public safety, and essential services for residents. Read the full story here.

A Father's Day Surprise to Remember

Union County is a proud employer of veterans and supporter of military families. One of our longtime Building Code Enforcement employees, Steven Stack, had been counting the days since he last saw his daughter Summer, currently serving in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. With a little help from her dad's coworkers, Summer was able to pull off the perfect surprise homecoming, just a few days after Father’s Day. Watch the heartwarming moment this proud dad and his brave daughter were reunited at the Government Center on Facebook or YouTube.

Deputies Honored with Lifesaver Award

Five Union County Sheriff’s Office deputies were awarded the Lifesaver Award for saving a 78-year-old man who was choking at Stack’s Restaurant in Waxhaw on May 4, 2025. Sgt. Corey Williams, Deputy Sarah Tucker, Deputy Luke McWhorter, Deputy Nicholas La Sala, and Deputy Ian Barclay quickly jumped into action, performing the Heimlich and coordinating emergency response. Their teamwork and calm response helped the man recover without hospitalization. The deputies were recognized at this week's Board of Commissioners meeting for their courageous, life-saving actions.

Finance Department Earns Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Union County Government's Finance department recently received the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024.  Read more about the accomplishment.

Give Input on Metro Transportation Projects

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization is accepting public comments on the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan through July 19, 2025. Review the project recommendations and provide your feedback through the interactive online project map and survey. For more details, visit: 2055mtp.org.

Healthy Living

Beat the Heat: Stay Safe This Summer

As temperatures rise, it’s important to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your pets from the dangers of extreme heat.

• Never leave children in a parked car, not even for a minute.
• Drink water before you’re thirsty, aiming for at least 8 cups a day.
• Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wear a hat.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, and reapply every couple of hours.
• Seniors are more vulnerable to heat stroke. Check on older neighbors or relatives.
• Watch for dizziness, headache or confusion as these could be signs of heat illness.

For Pets

• Keep walks short and avoid hot pavement that can burn paws.
• Make sure your pet has shade and fresh water at all times.
• Never leave pets in vehicles, even with windows cracked.

Community Events

Waxhaw Juneteenth Celebration

Cars and Coffee at Marvin Efird Park

Bring your classic, luxury, or exotic car to Marvin Efird Park on Saturday, June 21, from 8-11 a.m. for a morning of cars, coffee and family fun with vendors and giveaways.

Woodland Bird Walk at Dogwood Park

Join North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the Union County Wildlife Chapter for a guided bird walk on Saturday, June 21, from 9-11 a.m. at Dogwood Park. Spot and identify woodland birds by sight and sound as you explore the trail and pond area. Open to ages 12 and up. Registration required.

National Skate Day Celebration

Celebrate National Skate Day at "Sk8 Light" in Waxhaw on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Downtown Park! Join the Town of Waxhaw and Textile Skate Shop for a morning of skateboarding fun, competitions, and demos. Helmets are required!

Regency Tea

You are cordially invited to the Union County Library's Regency Tea! Drop in for various Regency inspired games, crafts, tea, and activities, including a Regency Era Rundown with author Regina Jeffers on Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. to noon at the Main Library. Adults are welcome and costumes  are encouraged!

Musculoskeletal Marvels

The Lois Morgan Edwards Memorial Library in Marshville is hosting a hands-on science event all about muscles and bones on Saturday, June 28, from 11 a.m. to noon. Designed for grades K-5, kids will explore real bones, tissues and artificial joints while learning how the body moves and protects itself.