UNION COUNCIL CHANGES GOV'T (UPDATE)

The City of Union, South Carolina is in for a change in its form of government.

In a decision made by the Union City Council at a special called meeting late Tuesday afternoon, the city has opted to hire a full-time administrator, separating the position from the Mayor's position.

The Council also terminated city zoning director Jeff Lawson.

Lawson had been on unpaid administrative leave after being indicted under federal corruption charges.

Former Union Mayor Bruce Morgan was also charged in the corruption scandal. Morgan resigned the day the indictments were handed down.

Residents of the city had assumed, as they had been led to believe by the Council, that Union's next Mayor would handle the combined role of city administrator as well, as it had been done since 2004 when Morgan convinced the Council to combine the two positions.

But the Council nixed that plan at today's meeting and chose instead to hire a full-time city administrator. A nationwide search will ensue to find the person best suited for the job, according to the Council.

At least 6 persons have announced their candidacy for Mayor. With Tuesday's decision by the Council, the Mayor of Union will be a significantly weakened position with a reduced salary.