If you’ve been following along with the steps we take to determine our annual budget, you may be aware that we’ve just completed one of the biggest ones – the recommended budget. After careful consideration of requests from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), County departments, community partners and residents, the County Manager presents her recommended budget to the BOCC each May.
Continue ReadingWritten by Kristen Haas, Environmental Educator at Park and Recreation
Don’t worry, I was doing it wrong, too. Until I went on a tour of the Mecklenburg County recycling center that processes curbside recycling bins (the MRF, which we insiders pronounce “Murph”), that is. I learned so much and left feeling empowered to make easy changes that would save money by recycling the right way.
During the tour, I kept thinking about this quote:
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
Maya Angelou
So, today I want to share my biggest take-away messages and encourage you all to “do better” too.
Continue Readinghealthy adjective:
/ ˈhel-thē also ˈhelt-\
healthier; healthiest
1 – a: enjoying good health
: free from disease
b: not displaying clinical signs of disease or infection
2 – beneficial to one’s physical, mental, or emotional state : conducive to or associated with good health or reduced risk of disease
3 – showing physical, mental, or emotional well-being : evincing good health
4 – a: prosperous, flourishing
b: not small or feeble
At least, that’s how Merriam-Webster defines it.
Continue ReadingNew to Mecklenburg County? Welcome! We’re glad to have you and hope you enjoy being here as much as we do. And for those of you who aren’t new but are instead a lifelong resident, we’re certainly glad you stuck around!
Home to more than one million residents from seven cities and towns, we cover a lot of ground – literally. That also goes for the services we provide. Chances are there’s been a time when you’ve used one of our services and didn’t even know it! And that’s what brings us here today.
Whether you’re a new resident or have been here for years, here are five things we bet you didn’t know the County does (but you should).
Continue ReadingHistoric St. Mary’s Chapel, that is, since we’re in Mecklenburg County.
Okay, we know what you’re probably thinking…“What are they getting at here?” Let us back track a little bit.
You likely know that Park and Recreation manages our parks and greenways, but truth be told, their department is responsible for so much more than that. Yes, even weddings are on the list of events they handle! If you’ve got a wedding to plan (or maybe you have a friend or family member who’s looking for a venue), may we suggest a few places to say “I do?”
Continue ReadingIf you asked a government employee what industry they’re in, you might get an answer like “I work in the public sector.” But here in Mecklenburg County, we like to say something a little different. For us, we see ourselves as being in the “people business,” meaning that everything we do revolves around finding ways to improve the lives of the people who live and work here.
One group of people that our Community Support Services (CSS) staff works with on a daily basis is the homeless population. During our annual Point-in-Time Count in 2018, we found that 1,668 people were experiencing homelessness on the night of the count. And while the number of homeless persons has decreased by 16 percent from 2010 to 2018, there’s still a lot of work to do.
Take a look at some of the programs that our Homeless Services Division is involved in.
Continue ReadingThere’s a lot to do before heading out of town for the holidays – you have to make reservations, pack, tie up loose ends at work, get all your gifts in order…
In the hustle and bustle of it all, it’s not surprising that many homeowners often leave one very important item off of their pre-travel to-do list: preparing their home for their absence. After all, you’re in and out of your house all the time, so why should this be any different? Here’s one good reason for you: crime rates tend to spike during the holidays.
If you’re traveling this holiday season, use this checklist to keep your home safe while you’re gone (and make sure you check it twice).
The holidays are special to everyone for their own reasons, but one thing we all share is the excitement that comes from getting our homes in the holiday spirit.
If you’re like us, you’re probably starting to dust off last year’s holiday boxes and are pulling out your lights, garland, and other seasonal decor. You may also be on the search for the perfect Christmas tree! But before you get to work, familiarize yourself with the following tips (courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association) so that your home lights up for all the right reasons this season and not the wrong ones (yes, we’re taking about ?).
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