Top Stories for June 20, 2024

A box fan positioned in front of several additional stacked fans in a warehouse

Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board met on Tuesday, June 18. The agenda is available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV. The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 2 at 6 p.m. 

1. Rails and Roads: The Board of County Commissioners approved an amended agreement to coordinate transit operations across Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. For 25 years, the interlocal agreement among Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, and the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville has governed the operation of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and promoted the goals of the Metropolitan Transit Commission. The amended agreement will provide for the continued transit operations on a county-wide basis. It also includes a commitment from the City of Charlotte to fund a program from sales taxes to address orphan roads in the county that are not maintained by the City or State. 

2. ARPA at Work: Mecklenburg County has now committed the entire $215.6 million in COVID-19 recovery funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Board heard an update on investments to date. That includes $5.9 million in the FY2025 adopted budget, which will support childhood mental health services, domestic violence counseling, and programs to address homelessness. The update included details of the investment of $5.9 million in remaining uncommitted ARPA dollars. That funding will support 16 programs with track records of success in addressing affordable housing, health equity, and workforce development. To learn more about the impact of ARPA funding, visit TheMeckEffect.MeckNC.gov.  

3. Free Fans: As summertime heats up, Park and Recreation is helping seniors and disabled residents keep their cool. Free box fans are available for pickup at eight recreation centers. Mecklenburg County residents 60 years and older and adults ages 18 to 59 who receive disability income can register to pick up a fan. Registration is available online or by calling one of the eight pickup locations. Walk-ins are not accepted, and fans are limited to one per person. 

4. Saturdays on Stitt: Residents are invited out for food, fun, and fellowship—and to learn more about programs and services available at Mecklenburg County’s newest Community Resource Center. Join us for Saturdays on Stitt, this Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213. Named after the late pioneering county commissioner, the center offers residents information about multiple County services in one place. Additional Saturdays on Stitt are scheduled in the coming months. 

5. Don’t Waste Time with Hazardous Waste: Small businesses and other organizations can drop off hazardous waste for a reduced fee at a special event hosted by Mecklenburg County. Hazardous waste includes fluorescent light bulbs, pesticides, rechargeable batteries, paints, and more. Federal law restricts the County’s recycling centers to residential hazardous waste, so the County hosts special collection events for schools, businesses, and other non-residential organizations. This event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26. Organizations are accepted by appointment only and space is limited. Call 336-855-7925 or email [email protected].