Though the 12 days of Christmas aren’t even halfway over, practicality (and an ever-increasing shower of dry pine needles on the floor) sometimes calls for taking down the tree before the pipers start piping or drummers start drumming.

The Mountain Island Lake and Lake Wylie Marine Commissions will hold strategic planning workshops for the upcoming year in early January. Dates are as follows:

Mecklenburg County government offices and agencies will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012 for the Christmas holiday and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 for the New Year’s holiday.

A joint effort between the Sheriff’s Office and Office of the Tax Collector has resulted in $74,000 in taxes being paid that had been delinquent.

The State of North Carolina is seeing its highest amount of flu activity in a decade and your Mecklenburg County Health Department wants residents to know that a flu shot for you or your family is the very best gift to give this holiday season.

James N. “Jim” Bartl, director of Code Enforcement for Mecklenburg County, has been named recipient of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Dietrick Service Medal.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners approved a work plan for the 2011 revaluation review at the Dec. 18 Board meeting.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners received an update on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Quality of Life Study at its December 11, 2012 budget and public policy meeting.

Mecklenburg County General Manager Bobbie Shields has been sworn-in as the new County Tax Assessor

County Manager Harry Jones, Finance Director Dena Diorio and other Finance Department staff will be in New York City this week to meet with the three major rating services.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners will receive an update on the 2012 Quality of Life Study during a budget and public policy meeting set for Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has approved adding 18 new positions in Code Enforcement to handle increased demand for services from the design and construction industry.

Former Commissioners Harold Cogdell and Jennifer Roberts were honored December 4 by being inducted into the Order of the Hornet.

The new and returning members of the Board of County Commissioners will be sworn into office Monday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m.

Ebenezer Gujjarlapudi, a proven leader in management and engineering for more than a decade, has been selected to lead Mecklenburg County’s LUESA (Land Use and Environmental Services Agency), County Manager Harry Jones announced today.

Every year the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards funding to communities to assist homeless and disabled citizens with housing.

It's easy to use the holidays as an excuse to not care about what you eat and drink. The holidays are a time to have fun, enjoy friends and family, and get away from work.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills in Mecklenburg County.

The Board of County Commissioners has adopted an eight-point plan in response to the findings about the 2011 Revaluation.

Flu activity in North Carolina is higher than normal for this time of year, prompting state health officials to remind North Carolinians that now is the best time to get vaccinated for flu.

Mecklenburg County government offices and agencies will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23, 2012 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Audit Review Committee (ARC) of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners met Tuesday, November 20 to receive a report from the County's outside auditor, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, as well as receive a report on DSS Medicaid Transportation.

The Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Advocacy Council is inviting the public to participate in the 8th Annual Domestic Violence Memorial Tree ceremony in uptown Charlotte.

The Historic West End Neighborhood Association celebrates its history and culture.

MeckLINK Behavioral Healthcare (formerly Area Mental Health) has been awarded accreditation by the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) through November 2015.

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement’s Commercial Technical Assistance Center is making it easier for its customers to do business.

The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners today officially renamed the 700 East 4th Street building as the Judge Clifton E. Johnson Building.

Due to shrinking budgets and expanding technology, Mecklenburg County’s Land Use & Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) will close the LUESA North office in Huntersville on Nov. 30.

Supporters gather for a candlelight vigil as a way to remember individuals in the homeless community who have died during the year.

In the new era where protecting personal information and the environment are equally important, there is a much better solution to getting rid of dangerous stuff.

Pearson's Appraisal Service has released its preliminary findings of the 2011 revaluation and recommendations to make future revaluations better.

Maps have come a long way since Rand McNally was folded in the glove box. Now computer-generated maps are used to guide medics in an emergency, help police officers determine crime trends and produce maps for flood assessment after hurricanes.

The winter 2012-2013 issue of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Get Going Guide is now available online at parkandrec.com.

Pearson’s Appraisal Services has announced the dates and places for a series of meetings to discuss with property owners the findings and recommendations from its review of the 2011 Mecklenburg County property revaluation.

County Social Worker Terry Tiamd wants 1,400 umbrellas. With community help, she believes the goal to get them into the hands of persons who are homeless and in need will be met.

Mecklenburg County Manager Harry L. Jones, Sr. has been named this year’s winner of the University of North Carolina’s Master of Public Administration Alumni Association’s Donald Hayman Award.

The Citizens Revaluation Advisory Committee met November 1 to get an update on the review of the 2011 Revaluation.

Mecklenburg County will mail 97,000 additional 2012 property tax bills to business and individual property owners and mortgage companies on October 30.

The 2012 Wipe Out Waste (WOW) Ambassador Business Recognition Luncheon was held on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at the Charlotte Convention Center

Early voting will continue through Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Hal Marshall Annex and 21 other locations throughout Mecklenburg County.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Wins 2012 Gold Medal Award.

County Commissioner Neil Cooksey, who passed away last Wednesday, will be awarded posthumously the County's highest honor, the Order of the Hornet at Tuesday's Board meeting.

The 634-page Adopted Budget Book for Fiscal Year 2013 is now available online.

Shamrock Gardens Elementary School recently showed why they are the number one school in recycling and beautification in Charlotte.

District 5 County Commissioner Neil Cooksey has died after a long illness. He was 51.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners meets tonight at 6 p.m., at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.

October is nationally known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Communities across the country will hold events to honor the memory of those who lost their lives at the hands of their abusers.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department recently "cut the ribbon" on a new WIC (Women, Infants, Children) clinic on the city's Southwest side.

Mecklenburg County Government’s healthy reserve levels, improved debt profile and strong cash position have resulted in the County retaining the top possible rating from Fitch Rating Service on $112 million of General Obligation Bonds.

Ed Woods, the former head of Mecklenburg County Engineering and Building Standards is being remembered for visionary career.

The Citizens' Revaluation Advisory Committee met September 25 and got an update from the independent reviewer about the 2011 Revaluation

After more than 30 years in public service for Mecklenburg County, LUESA Director Cary Saul will retire December 1, 2012. Cary joined the County in January 1982 as a solid waste manager.

On Sept. 27, Charlotte commuters can reduce traffic-related stress, save gas money and improve air quality by trading in their solo commute to work for a cleaner commute method. They could also win donated prizes, including an iPad.

County Land Development staff will be moving the week of October 1, 2012 from Matthews to the Hal Marshall Services Center in uptown Charlotte.

The Board of County Commissioners has approved a list of county-related topics that may become part of the statewide legislative agenda in January.

Visitors at the annnual festival in Freedom Park were treated to a weekend of great weather, food, live music, art, and of course the "Mecklenburg County Wheel of Trivia."

The Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services’ Employment Transportation Services program will begin offering help with bus passes for qualified clients.

The Board's Audit Review Committee has received its quarterly report from external and internal auditors. Brief summary here.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the nation and in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Heavy rain can overwhelm the drainage system even when that system is properly functioning and maintained.

Mecklenburg County is the recipient of a $399,845 federal grant awarded by the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW).

The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, in partnership with To Serve with Love Ministries and the Domestic Violence Advocacy Council, will host Domestic Violence Awareness Day on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.

Mecklenburg County Manager Harry L. Jones Sr. announced today that the decision has been made to terminate Department of Social Services (DSS) Director Mary Wilson’s employment with Mecklenburg County.

the recent mailing of 300,000 property tax bills to property owners and mortgage companies, the Assessor’s Office has determined that among them, approximately 7,000 real estate properties were billed in error.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cabarrus County Soil & Water Conservation District and Mecklenburg Soil & Water Conservation District will be conducting a public meeting on Monday, September 10th.

Mecklenburg County Community Support Services will open the Homeless Resource Center for additional hours on Sunday, Sept. 2, through Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012

Experts from Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management have announced a series of free organic waste reduction workshops in composting and other methods of residential organic waste control.

The Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office will begin mailing 2012 property tax bills this week.

Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte offices will be open for business during the Democratic National Convention, to be held in Charlotte September 3-6. In some cases, hours and availability of certain services have been modified.

The DNC Charlotte Green Team is accepting volunteers through August 30 to help with recycling efforts during the week of the Convention, September 4-6.

The Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds will issue marriage licenses September 4 through September 7, however, magistrates will not perform marriages during the Democratic National Convention.

How much trash can tens of thousands of parking-lot partiers (typically known as “tailgaters”) generate before each Carolina Panthers game, and how do you get them to stop thinking about football just long enough to recycle a bottle, can or cardboard?

Cash Cycle Solutions, the print/mailing vendor for the Assessor’s Office, is mailing almost 3,900 letters to property owners to assure that the information concerning their 2012 revaluation appeal is received.

The North Carolina Institute of Medicine has released a set of ambitious recommendations for state policies and systems change to strengthen the social-emotional and mental health foundation for the state’s young children.

The Mecklenburg County Women’s Advisory Board invites the public to attend its Women’s Equality Day Celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, at the Levine Museum of the New South.

The Mecklenburg County Tax Assessor’s Office mailed postcard receipts on August 8, 2012 to property owners who filed timely appeals for the 2012 tax year.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, in partnership with the Greater Enderly Neighborhood Association, Community Alliance and Project Safe Neighborhoods, will host a Back to School Bash to help students prepare for the upcoming school year.

The 26th Judicial District of North Carolina has declared July as Juror Appreciation Month.

A new online tool is available for anyone who wants to see Mecklenburg County budget and performance information in graphics, charts and tables that provide a visual snapshot.

Pearson’s Appraisal Services has announced the dates and places for the first series of meetings to give property owners the opportunity to discuss the review of the 2011 Mecklenburg County property revaluation.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department is encouraging universal inoculation for whooping cough, including childhood shots and adult boosters.

Charlotte, NC – The Mecklenburg County Public Information Office has received eight Awards of Excellence from the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO).

The Tax Collector’s Office and Sheriff’s Office have deployed another tool in the search for people who don’t pay their vehicle taxes on time - TaxCam.

Public meetings will be held next week to show draft floodplain maps affecting more than 7,000 individual properties on Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s west side from Cornelius to Pineville.

Mecklenburg County Manager Harry L. Jones Sr. announced today that Philip R. Endress has been appointed director of the County’s mental health department, now called Mecklenburg County MeckLINK Behavioral Healthcare.

On Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., maintenance will be performed at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center that includes cutting off the power to the building.

The latest review of Domestic Violence homicides in Mecklenburg County finds that family and friends knew beforehand that there was violence in the relationship.

Mecklenburg County’s new fiscal year will bring a new name for one of its departments.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army will open a cooling station this weekend to provide relief from the extreme heat.

Until recently you have seen contractors, architects and engineers entering the Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement offices hauling huge rolls of paper containing plans and documents for proposed buildings.

Charlotte, NC – Mecklenburg County Government offices and agencies will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 for the Independence Day holiday.

On an evening in late May, nominees, award recipients, other small business owners, government staff and elected officials gathered for the 2012 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Crowns of Enterprise Awards.

The Assessor’s Office will brief the Board of County Commissioners June 19 on the positives and negatives of conducting a revaluation in the next few years.

Most businesses in Mecklenburg County are required to have a local “privilege license,” also known as a business license.

The annual Litter Index shows Mecklenburg County has less litter today than at any time since 2003, according to Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful. The Litter Index is an annual visual assessment of the types and amount of litter present in the community.

The Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office has hired a veteran tax administrator and appraiser as the new Revaluation Manager.

Certain property owners who failed to list their personal property by the January 31 deadline will have until July 13 to reconcile the assessment to be sent to them by the Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office.

In 2009, Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement began collecting pass rates on individual architects and engineers as part of the AE Pass Rate Incentive program.

Five providers have acknowledged their intent to submit a formal proposal to conduct a review of the 2011 property revaluation.

Over the past year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg School students have collected and recycled 8,000,000 milk and juice cartons, almost a third of all cartons distributed in the schools.

Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority (DBA Carolinas HealthCare System) have settled the dispute that was the subject of a lawsuit filed by Carolinas HealthCare System on July 14, 2011.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners adopted a budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, that cuts the tax rate by 2.44 cents.

By straw vote, the Board of County Commissioners has approved an FY13 County Operating Budget. Formal adoption is set for June 5.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department and Mecklenburg Area Partnership for Primary Care Research recently completed the second phase of a research project that involved the development of a Spanish radio series called “Reeuncuentro,” or “Reunion.”

The deadline for filing 2012 property value appeals with the Board of Equalization and Review is June 4.

Certain Mecklenburg County home owners may qualify for one of three state programs offering property tax relief, but the deadline for application is drawing near.

Mecklenburg County government offices and agencies will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2012 for the Memorial Day holiday.

Mecklenburg County taxpayers will experience the lowest county tax rate in eight years if the Board of County Commissioners adopts the FY13 budget recommended by County Manager Harry Jones.

The 10th Annual Community Survey is now being conducted to get the public's perspective on Mecklenburg County Government's effectiveness.

Anyone interested in speaking to the Board of County Commissioners about the County Manager’s Recommended Budget can now sign-up to speak at the May 24 Public Hearing.

Mecklenburg County, coordinated through Community Area Resource Team for Troops (CARTT), presents the inaugural Military Awareness Week, May 13-19. Events will be held throughout the week, culminating in a large celebration on May 19 at Marshall Park.

Mecklenburg County offers information for those appealing their 2011 property revaluation.

How’s the air out there? Is the water getting better? Are we recycling as much as we could be?

A Preliminary To Pedigree Bark in the Park April 28

Early voting is under way in Mecklenburg County for the May 8 Primary Election. The primary location for early voting is the first floor of the Hal Marshall Annex at 618 North College St. and additional locations will open April 30.

The Mecklenburg County Fruit & Vegetable Coalition is hosting its 2nd Annual Can You Dig It, Charlotte Community Garden Tour on Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at five diverse community locations.

In response to concerns about the process of appealing new property valuation, Mecklenburg County is adding new customer service features to clarify the “how to” of appealing and understanding the “why” an appeal was accepted or rejected.

It’s now safe to fish in the pond at Park Road Park. And incidental contact with the water is no longer discouraged.

Mecklenburg County government offices and agencies will be closed on Friday, April 6, 2012 for the Good Friday holiday.

Businesses that received an extension to file their business property tax listings have an extra day to file their listing because the normal April 15 deadline falls on Sunday this year.

Should recycling be required by law? Are you satisfied with the state of your weekly garbage pick-up? Mecklenburg County would like to hear your views at an April 17 public meeting on how trash, recyclable material and yard waste are managed.

The Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services will hold the Fourth Annual Summer Experience Fair for youth and teens on Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Valarie Woodard Center (Chapin Hall), 3205 Freedom Drive.

Mobile users summoned for jury service will now be able to take advantage of the online Jury Management System developed by Mecklenburg County nearly a year ago.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners held a Budget/Public Policy meeting March 27 to get a briefing on the CMS budget process.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has set a public hearing to discuss a new way to fund fire protection services throughout the unincorporated areas of the region.

Summary of the March 20 BOCC regular meeting

About 30,000 Mecklenburg County property owners who have not paid their 2011 real and personal property tax bills will have their names and the amount they owe published, as required by state law, in The Charlotte Observer, on Sunday, March 25, 2012.

Heading into the spring and summer flood season, local emergency responders and flood experts are advising the public to Build an “ARK.”

Flood season is just a few weeks away, and local flood experts say it’s time for everyone to “Build an ARK.” Specifically, build your Awareness, Responsibility and Knowledge (“ARK”) about local floods.

Leadership Charlotte has named Mecklenburg County Manager Harry L. Jones, Sr. as winner of the Schley R. Lyons Circle of Excellence Award.

This year’s flood safety advice from local experts is Build an “ARK.” It may not be what you think. Find out what Build an “ARK” means:

In an order filed today, Superior Court Judge Robert C. Ervin substantially granted Mecklenburg County’s Motion to Dismiss a lawsuit filed on July 14, 2011 against the County by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority.

Mecklenburg County Assessor Garrett Alexander has agreed to review the data his staff used in the 2011 property revaluation to determine if adjustments are called for.

To help residents in the tornado-stricken Reedy Creek area of northeast Charlotte, Mecklenburg County has waived the yard waste and demolition fees at nearby Hickory Grove Recycling Center through March 17, 2012.

Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District will have its 41st Annual Tree Seedling Sale this Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. until noon (or until seedlings are sold out) at the Hal Marshall County Services Center at 700 North Tryon St., Charlotte.

Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful Inc. reminds you that it’s time for Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup. The event takes place annually from March 1 through May 31, involving an estimated 3.8 million volunteers and attendees.

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement reminds its customers that the North Carolina 2012 Residential Building Code will go into effect March 1, 2012, in accordance with state law.

Each year County staff produce a publication of articles, photographs and graphics to help tell the story of progress made toward the long-term goals in the Community and Corporate Scorecard.

The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections reports a total of seventeen people have filed to run as at-large candidates in the upcoming May 8 primary.

Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services is accepting applications for the remainder of Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds through March 31.

Commission Capsule: Feb. 21, 2012

2012 Strategic Planning Conference

The Reid Park Collaborative Initiative is the partnership of Mecklenburg County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Council for Children’s Rights and several other human services agencies.

The Main Library Committee held its fourth meeting February 13 and will now consider conclusions that will be given to the Library and County Boards.

Commission capsule for the Feb. 7 regular meeting.

What’s the future have in store for historic American Legion Memorial Stadium?

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste has announced its slate of programs for spring 2012. Composting, organic gardening, worm farming and more training programs are offered free of charge or at reasonable cost.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services recently partnered with the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources to identify contaminate levels in certain fish species in local lakes.

During a recent report to the BOCC, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library CEO Vick Phillips mentioned that he and County Manager Harry Jones were developing a Memorandum of Understanding to clarify the working relationship between the Library and the County.

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement Unveils Paperless Permitting

Should recycling be mandatory? What’s the plan for the local landfill 5, 10, 15 years down the road? These are the questions that may be asked during an upcoming series of public forums hosted by the Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Department.

The Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office has added new website features that dramatically improve user access to records and optimize search results.

The Citiy of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte Housing Authority are now jointly accepting proposals from developers for Supportive Housing Developments.

The Do the Write Thing Essay Challenge has officially kicked off in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in partnership with Mecklenburg County Community Support Services Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Mecklenburg County budget staff plan to hold an information session for nonprofits to learn how the Request for Proposal process works for Community Service Grants.

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement is continuing the development of new online services that will allow customers to better interact with the department without ever having to set foot in the building.

Mecklenburg County government offices and agencies will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Beginning Thursday Jan. 12, Charlotte-Mecklenburg will celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of history’s greatest champions of peace, pluralism and diversity, with a weekend of events:

Want to learn to teach swim lessons and save lives?

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners will meet Jan. 10 for the first budget and public policy workshop of 2012. The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.

Should recycling be mandatory? What’s the plan for the local landfill 5, 10, 15 years down the road? These are the questions that may be asked during an upcoming series of public forums hosted by the Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Department.

The Carolina Panthers have a lot to be smiling about after the end of the 2011 football season, and so do the folks who have worked hard all season outside the stadium to keep the recyclable stuff out of the trash on game days.

As part of the upgrade, access to many remote services will be unavailable, including telephone renewal, access to customer accounts, and portions of the library catalog.

Mecklenburg County government offices and agencies will be closed on Monday, December 26 and Tuesday, December 27, 2011 for the Christmas holiday and on Monday, January 2, 2012 for the New Year’s holiday.

It’s official. For one day last month in Mecklenburg County, a little more went into the recycling bin instead of the trash can. Why is that a big deal?

Moody’s Investors Service has notified the County that it has removed the negative outlook from Mecklenburg County’s credit rating and returned it to stable.