On Monday, July 6, 2026, those in attendance got to witness growth. It was the kind of growth that occurs between what has always been and what, perhaps, needs to be. This kind of growth is a bit messy and usually seems to be triggered by an incident. That incident was the establishment of a board by the Union County Commission to oversee the farmers market in Heritage Park.
This board had its first meeting and though the topic of growth itself was not on the agenda, several speakers commented directly or indirectly to its existence. The board elected Cheryl Walker as Chairperson, Kenny Moore as Vice Chair, and Ashley Mike as Secretary. Other board members are Danny Cooke, Jordan Campbell, and Tim Cox. One seat is vacant and will be appointed by Mayor Bailey.
The board had Kaley Walker from the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) to clarify the county's role and responsibility in this growth that has occurred in Heritage Park and at the pavilion known as the farmers market and currently managed by the Nonprofit Union County Farmers Market. Speaking for the role of the Nonprofit Farmers Market in public comments were Rick Riddle, Allen Beeler, and another member.
Currently, Heritage Park is nearing completion. The stage and the music wall are constructed. Paving and landscaping are awaiting a grant for completion. The Memorandum of Agreement with the Nonprofit Farmers Market has expired. The commercial kitchen is incomplete. The Commission has set up their own board to oversee the farmers market at Heritage Park beginning November 1, 2026.
What does the commission board want?
According to Danny Cooke, a commissioner and member of the commission farmers market board, the Commission wants a separate meter installed for the commercial kitchen and the electric bill to be paid by the Nonprofit Farmers Market or whomever uses the commercial kitchen. The electric bill is estimated to grow from $1,000 to $3,000 per month depending on the frequency of use. In addition, a kitchenette or public use kitchen separate from the commercial kitchen is needed. Also, the commission board wants the county mayor, who is responsible for all county buildings and facilities, to have keys to all of the buildings and facilities in Heritage Park including the commercial kitchen. Finally, the shed/pavilion should be available free of charge during the week because produce “does not just ripen on Saturday” was the opinion of Mr. Cooke.
What does the Nonprofit Farmers Market want?
From statements at the meeting on July 6, the Nonprofit Farmers Market wants an agreement to be in charge of and maintain the commercial kitchen and all of the equipment. The nonprofit also wants to use the pavilion on Saturdays. According to one member, Allen Beeler, the Saturday market is growing along with the membership of the market vendors and the attendance of customers. Also, the Nonprofit Farmers Market appeared to expect a priority or preference regarding use of the facilities due to the money, grants, and sweat equity already invested in the facilities.
According to CTAS, because the grants to build the structures and buildings were signed by the mayor and approved by the commission, Union County owns them and maintenance is the responsibility of the county government. Also, the equipment may ultimately belong to the county for similar reasons since the agreement with the nonprofit has expired and has not been renewed.
Most would agree that it is difficult to negotiate an agreement or find common ground while on public display. No agreements were reached or any common ground noted in the first meeting. It did seem that both sides realize the necessity and benefits of having a thriving farmers market especially in a rural community. The next meeting that was set for Monday, August 3, at 6:00 in the large courtroom has been canceled. Chairperson Walker is gathering the pertinent documents to better inform all stakeholders of the grants and scope of work that has transpired. If these documents cannot be secured before the Union County Commission Meeting, then the subject of the farmers market will most likely be on the regular meeting agenda on August 24, 2026. Kaley Walker from the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) plans to be at the meeting in person to help everyone understand the county's non negotiables and explore the possible scenarios toward a future agreement.