Although the workshop between the Union County Farmers Market and the Union County Commission was canceled on May 26, 2026, the Union County Commission took action regarding the fate of the farmers market in Heritage Park at the meeting anyway. Commissioner Ashley Mike of the first district began the discussion. She stated that in her opinion, the issue should not linger, but action should be taken now. She related that she had talked to some one hundred citizens including many in the farm community and everyone was against turning the current memorandum of agreement into a contract with the nonprofit, Union County Farmers Market. Commissioner Sidney Jessee, Jr. from the second district echoed her comments and further explained that the citizens that he interviewed were concerned that no native Union Countians were on the Farmers Market Board and that no other nonprofit was allowed exclusive oversite and control over a county building. Commissioner Larry Lay voiced his agreement as did others. Another issue is that equipment for the commercial kitchen in the building at Heritage Park is owned by the nonprofit. Finally, Commissioner Mike proposed a motion to establish a new county board for the farmers market that would be appointed by Mayor Bailey and consist of 4 county commissioners and 3 citizens from the farm community. In addition the current nonprofit board would continue to run the market for the 2026 season with necessary agreements for the new board in place by the end of 2026 for 2027. Ms. Mike commented that she thought the county should also provide the pay for a manager to run the market and the new board could set qualifications and make that hire. Her motion to appoint the new board received a second and the vote in favor was unanimous.

A second concern was mentioned by Megan Crider, 911 Director. Ms. Crider noted that Maynardville City had not yet agreed to the dispatch fee of $17,234 for 3 years. The fee is for dispatching services to cities with a police department. Plainview has already agreed to its fee. She noted that Maynardville will need to negotiate an agreement by November 1, 2026, or provide its own dispatch after that date. The interlocal agreement between 911 and the county was approved.

New construction in the county is progressing. Director Greg Clay reported that the new middle school is on track to be completed in July. Mayor Bailey reported that the Big Ridge Community Center and the Speedwell Community Center are ready for construction and the bids have been received. The EMS Station at Sharps Chapel is awaiting TVA approval for the location. The CBD Grant has been approved for the Maynardville EMS and technical studies are underway.

County improvements to roads and buildings are also continuing. TDOT has delayed Highway 33 completion to February 2027. Improvements on SR 61 East and three intersections in Maynardville are in preliminary engineering. Broadband for community centers is in the contract stage. Funding for Sharps Chapel Community Center has been received. LBC and Halls-Dale Powell water upgrades are in various phases including bid, construction, and reimbursement for completion. The Senior Center remodel was featured in a story in the Ethra Finisher, a statewide publication.

According to audited financial data by the Tennessee Comptroller of the treasury, Union County consitently has audits with no findings. In addition, its finances are sound with 45% of annual expenditures able to be paid by cash and 2% the ratio of outstanding debt relative to assessed value. Currently the debt involves the school system including the new middle school, the energy saving measures, and the payment on Paulette Elementary which will retire by the next budget. State targets for annual expenditures in cash are 16% or above and for debt ratio is below 8%. Union County has exceeded both targets with expenses covered and debt well below the ratio.

Commissioners approved the Hazardous Duty Resolution which will provide additional pay from the state for retirement to emergency workers, mostly police officers with 20 or more years experience.

The amendments and transfers for the current budget were approved. Most changes were to align the budget for the end of the year. The FY 27 budget was proposed by Finance Director Missy Brown and Mayor Bailey. One penny of the property tax results in $48,000 in county revenue. Employees will receive a 2.6% raise. Insurance costs will be 13%-15% depending on the plan chosen by employees. The overall budget is a 1.2% increase over FY 26. Action on the budget is set for June 8, at 7:00.

In final action, commissioners approved the appointment of Taylor Tharpe and Leslie Alfrey to the Library Board.