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Cleveland County‍ Secures⁢ $89 Million Loan⁤ for Justice​ Center​ and Solid Waste Improvements -​ No tax increase Expected

SHELBY, NC – November 30, 2025 – Cleveland County Commissioners have approved‍ an‍ $89 million loan to ⁤fund⁣ the construction of a new⁣ Justice Center ⁤and improvements to‌ the ⁤county’s solid⁤ waste management system. ⁢Finance Director⁢ Philip Steffen outlined the need for the ‌new⁤ facility in a recent memo, stating the current courthouse, built ⁢in the early 1970s with additions⁢ in the⁢ 1990s, ⁤is aging ⁢and requires ‍replacement to “consolidate critical ⁣justice ⁢functions​ into a modern, ​secure facility designed for ​efficiency, safety​ and long-term service.”

The $75 ⁣million portion​ of​ the⁢ loan will specifically finance the Justice Center, including construction, equipping, and demolition of the existing courthouse.⁣ Steffen‌ assured ​the county that ​this financing was ⁤anticipated ‍and⁢ integrated into the long-term capital‌ plan. “This‌ financing allows the county to proceed with construction and ⁤equipping of the new‌ facility, and ⁢demolition of the existing courthouse,” he said. “Debt service⁢ on the‍ Justice Center portion is included in⁣ the county’s long-term capital plan and will‍ be supported by existing and⁣ new revenue ‍streams. Ther⁢ is no ‍immediate impact on fund balance.”

The county has ‍already ‍secured ‌over $100 ‍million in state⁢ funding for the ⁤project and ⁣has $19 million​ in⁢ capital reserves allocated. ⁤Mitch brigulio, Senior Vice​ President of​ Davenport, explained the loan represents the final component of the ‌total project⁣ cost. “We’ve been ⁢working with staff to structure the ‍financing,” Brigulio said, describing it as “essentially, a mortgage on the justice center.” The financing received ⁢approval from the‍ Local Government Commission on november 13th, releasing⁣ the funds for both projects.

The remaining $14‌ million‍ of the loan⁣ will be dedicated to​ solid waste improvements,​ including expanding the ⁣landfill, ⁢adding a new cell,⁤ and‌ purchasing necesary equipment,‌ according to‌ steffen.

Crucially, county officials have stated the loan will not result in ‌a ⁣tax increase ⁤for Cleveland County residents. Steffen confirmed, “The $89 million loan will not affect taxpayers, and ⁤there will not⁢ be a tax increase.”

Commissioner Doug bridges, ‍who has served on the board for eight years, emphasized the⁢ urgent need for the new jail. “The ‌one at ⁤the current courthouse⁢ upstairs, it was very close⁤ to being condemned so we had to⁢ do‌ somthing,” he stated. “We talked about ⁢doing a little construction and kicked it down ‍the ⁣road, but we really ‌need a ​new jail, new courthouse.” He anticipates the ​new ​facility will ⁢serve the county for at least 75 years.

While the⁤ main jail annex⁤ on McBrayer Street ⁣in shelby is⁢ slated for closure, some concerns remain about the capacity of the new‍ Justice Center. Commissioner Johnny Hutchins expressed doubt that the new facility will⁤ be sufficient to house‍ all inmates,suggesting the⁤ annex​ may need‌ to remain ⁣in​ use for a​ short period. “We might have to use the‍ annex for a short ⁢period of time,” ⁤he said.

Construction of the⁣ Justice Center is ‌expected ​to be substantially completed ⁢by fall 2026,‌ with full project completion anticipated by mid-2027. The project will be⁤ completed in two phases: the initial​ construction and staff move-in, followed by the demolition of the existing courthouse and construction ⁤of the⁤ front plaza and parking⁤ areas.