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 ReadingDo you ever wonder what’s important to your government? There is an easy answer – just look at the budget.
While the federal and State governments get a lot of attention for the laws, regulations and policy decisions they make, it’s local governments that administer the programs and services that usually have the most direct, day-to-day impact on people’s lives. Mecklenburg County government is responsible for parks, health programs, operating the jails and much more.
Here are the seven steps the County goes through to determine the annual budget every year.
Written 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 ReadingWhether you realize it or not, there are many things you probably know about Mecklenburg County government. For starters, you are probably aware that the County is governed by the nine-member Board of County Commissioners. You may also know that Mecklenburg’s day-to-day operations are managed by County Manager Dena R. Diorio. Chances are you are also familiar with a few County services such as Public Health, Department of Social Services or Park and Recreation.
That doesn’t come close to being everything about us, though. There’s so much more that we do and within all of our departments there are so many programs and initiatives that it can be hard to list them all out. But, we do have a few “best kept secrets” that we think you should know!
Continue ReadingHaving a baby is an exciting time – and then the excitement starts to hit your bank account. Those diapers, wipes, and baby food really add up! But, did you know that if you’re on a limited income, there are resources available that can provide some support? The WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Program is a part of our Public Health Department and provides nutritious foods to supplement a healthy diet. Unfortunately, there are some Mecklenburg County residents who could take advantage of these benefits but don’t know it! So, let’s debunk some of the misinformation out there.
Continue ReadingAccording to Jacob Allman, his family is what inspires him to come to work every day. In fact, he got his start in his career because of his dad’s influence as a brick mason. All of that exposure to the construction industry from hanging out with his dad on jobs led him to a degree in construction management. Fast forward a few years and a few jobs to his current role with the County as a Code Enforcement Official with the Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) – he’s right where he belongs!
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).
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