Union County has implemented a new software package that will streamline the creation of Board of County Commissioners meeting agendas, allow quick and easy documentation of meetings and provide residents access to live streaming videos of commissioner meetings on the County's website.

At its April 19, 2010 meeting, the Union County Board of Commissioners approved spending approximately $154,000 to replace the County's existing software systems in the County clerk's office with SIRE Technologies agenda management software. SIRE Technologies is a leading provider of document management, agenda automation, and electronic plan review solutions specifically designed for state and local government agencies.

 The County's new SIRE Agenda Plus software reduces time spent on developing agendas because it allows for the addition and approval of agenda items and supporting material and permits departments to electronically submit agenda items to the clerk, who can then publish agendas and staff reports in bundled form to the County's website with the click of a button.

"We are very grateful for the opportunity afforded to us by the board to have obtained this new software package," said Union County Clerk to the Board of Commissioners Lynn West. "The SIRE software will help to streamline the agenda and minutes process making it beneficial not only to the staff but also to the public."

Residents who can't attend commissioner meetings can now view meetings live on the County's website thanks to the SIRE Video Plus software. The software is designed to work seamlessly with Agenda Plus making it possible to stream meetings as they happen. Meeting videos will continue to be archived for viewing.

"Citizens who can't attend meetings can now watch meetings live from the comfort of their homes," said Union County Public Information Officer Brett Vines. "This is great news for citizens in the county who don't have access to our government channel and want to watch meetings as they happen."

The video software also publishes recorded meetings to the web together with the agenda and supporting material in a searchable manner. Viewers can jump directly to the portion of the video where an item of interest to them is discussed without forwarding or rewinding through the entire meeting.

"This is a great feature for someone who is only interested in a certain item on the agenda," West said. "All they have to do is visit the County's website (www.co.union.nc.us), go to the meeting and click on their item of interest. They then can view the board's discussion on the item without having to watch the entire meeting."

"The SIRE software will save staff time which ultimately saves tax-payer dollars," said County Manager Cindy Coto.  "I think citizens will be appreciative that we are improving efficiency and saving tax dollars during these tough economic times."

The Union County Board of Commissioners on Monday reappointed John Petoskey to a four-year term as Tax Administrator.

Like many larger jurisdictions, Union County has consolidated the offices of Tax Collector and Tax Assessor into a professional Tax Administrator position. According to North Carolina General Statutes, the Tax Administrator is appointed by the Board of Commissioners for a term of not less than two nor more than four years.

Petoskey has served as Union County Tax Administrator since 2003. He was named Tax Assessor of the Year in 2010 by the North Carolina Association of Assessing Officers.

Libraries in Union County will open 30 minutes later on weekdays and the Monroe Library will close one hour earlier on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning May 31. Many library fines and fees will increase on July 1.

New hours at the Monroe Library, Union West Regional Library in Indian Trail and Lois Edwards Memorial Library in Marshville are 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday; Sunday from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Monday - Thursday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The library in Waxhaw will open on Saturday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; closed on Sunday; Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Fine and fee changes occurring on July 1 are:

• Overdue fines increase to 25¢ per day up to a maximum of $10 per item. Currently 20¢ per day to a maximum of $6.
• Charge for genealogical research via mail/email increases to $5 per query or $5 for up to two obituaries.
• Charge for use of the library's Internet computers for users who do not have a current valid library card "in good standing" increases to $2 per session. "In good standing" means the user does not owe the library as much as $6.
• Book sale item increases: adult hardback book to $2, trade paperback to $1.50, mass market paperback to $1, child's hardback book to $1.50, child's paperback to $1, book on disc to $4 and music CD to $1.50.

"Staff and commissioners have had to make some difficult decisions in order to balance this year's budget," said County Manager Cindy Coto. "The changes to library hours, fees and fines will save the County thousands of dollars and also create additional revenue without sacrificing the level of service library patrons have become accustomed to."

For more information about changes to hours, fines and fees, call the library at 704-283-8184. 

May is National Foster Care Month, and the Union County Department of Social Services is thankful for foster parents in Union County who contribute to the lives of foster children. Without dedicated foster parents who make foster children feel safe and loved, many children would have no place to call home.

"We are grateful that so many families in our county open their homes and hearts to our children," said Sandra Harkness, social worker and foster parent recruiter with Union County DSS. "We are especially thankful for those who take teenagers."

According to Harkness, DSS will have a special breakfast on May 21 for foster parents. "This is our way to say thank you to our foster parents and let them know they are valued in our community and by DSS."

Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent or learning more about foster care should call DSS at 704-296-4469 or visit www.co.union.nc.us. 

The Union County Board of Commissioners has approved an application by East Coast Pyrotechnics to conduct a fireworks display at The Club of Longview on July 4.

North Carolina General Statutes require boards of county commissioners to authorize and permit fireworks displays in the state. The Union County Fire Marshal has reviewed all documentation and will conduct a site inspection on the day of the fireworks display.