Commissioners vote on FY 2026-27 budget, residents and local leaders speak in support
- Chuck Thompson
- 24 minutes ago
- 8 min read
By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent
It was a packed room at the Cleveland County Commissioner public meeting earlier this week as the board voted on the budget package for the upcoming fiscal year.
There was the usual business to attend to, which included the consent agenda of budget amendments and resolutions. Budget amendments included the sheriff’s office, finance department, cooperative extension and health department.
Planning Director Chris Martin presented rezoning requests and a closing of an unused right-of-way in East Shelby for future private development.
County Manager David Cotton presented the FY26-27 recommended budget. The total of all funds: $263.9 million. The total General Fund stands at $117.1 million and the total Enterprise Fund stands at $17.7 million.
During the public hearing of the budget, several spoke out in support of the upcoming fiscal year budget plan.
Robert Farrow of the American Legion World Series, offering his sincere gratitude for the county’s support of ALWS. The ALWS has been located in Shelby since 2011 and draws thousands of people to Cleveland County every year.
“As you look ahead, we want you to emphasize continued support for the travel and tourism budget,” said Farrow. “Those funds help Cleveland County, strengthen local business and support economic growth..” Farrow noted that ALWS brings in several million annually to the economy of Shelby and Cleveland County, stating it has accumulated to 45-90 million dollars, estimated, in the last 15 years.
Gary Spangler, also of the American Legion World Series, spoke, adding he was there to echo what Farrow said. He thanked the commissioner for their support over the years.
Millie Keeter Holbrook took to the podium next. She thanked the board of commissioners for their continued support of the American Legion World Series in Cleveland County.
“It is a distinct honor to host this special event in our community,” Holbrook said. “Shelby and Cleveland County stand among three other nationally recognized little league sites.”
Holbrook named the other locations, Williamsport, P.A., Oklahoma, O.K., and Omaha, Nebraska.
“To earn that kind of national attention and be counted among those storied locations is a testament to what this community and this board helped us build,” noted Holbrook. “The event would not be held here without the tremendous support of Cleveland County, The City of Shelby, the State of North Carolina and sponsors whose generosity made it all possible.”
She lauded commissioners Johnny Hutchins, Doug Bridges, Tony Berry and Chairman Gordon for their support, adding, “What began as a dream has grown into something remarkable… It has proven to be a powerful economic development project with a positive return on investment. It has gained national and world-wide attention and grown every single year.”
Cotton presented a brief overview of the budget for consideration to the board of commissioners, which was followed by more public comments before the vote was made.
“The single most important planning document that any local government puts together on an annual basis,” stated Cotton.
He recommended maintaining the current county tax rate at .405 cents, per $100. Public schools at .14 cents per $100 and fire district at .07 cents per $100.
Cotton said what was really important was the general fund, stating, “What it represents is almost a three million dollar decrease under our current fiscal year.”
The Enterprise Fund is also less than the previous budget but that is due to the expansion and construction of the solid waste landfill.
Commissioner Berry commented, “We actually had cuts in departments for this budget, which in my time here hasn’t been the case,” noted Berry. “I know there’s been a lot of hard work put into this and thank you for that and looking how we can cut back without affecting the services our county and citizens deserve.”
Allen Langley, a CCC Board of Trustee Member, first wished Berry a happy birthday, speaking on the college’s continued growth.
“CCC has become much more than a place for affordable higher education," said Langley. “It has become a driving force for economic development in Cleveland County. More importantly, the college has ranked above the highest performing community colleges in North Carolina and was recognized as top performing community college in the state in 2023.”
Langley talked about the number of programs added over the last decade in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, skilled trade, public safety, transportation and technology.
“All designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of local business and industry,” he said.
Langley added, “I want you to know that the college you fund remains laser-focused on the insuring community and industry partners have the skilled workforce they need to succeed.”
“Cleveland Community college continues to expand its footprint,” as Langley mentioned the North Campus, made possible by the commissioners that provides truck driving and animal science programs, including a new diesel mechanic program being in the Fall 2026.
“An investment in Cleveland Community College is truly an investment in the future of our students, workforce and local economy,” Langley concluded as he thanked the commissioners for their dedication to CCC.
Wayne King, Republican primary winner for County Commissioner, and a CCC Board of Trustee member, spoke in favor of this year’s budget proposal, lauding its careful consideration for every dollar.
“I believe County Manager David Cotton has presented an excellent budget that reflects sound fiscal management, prioritizes the needs of our citizens, and continues investing in the future of Cleveland County,” King said to the board of commissioners Monday night.
King highlighted several areas that he was impressed by which included, no tax increase, prioritizing public safety by investing in the Sheriff's Office. It adds positions in EMS, which will help reduce response times for citizens who need emergency medical services, and provides a pay increase for county employees serving the residents of Cleveland County.
King continued, “As County Manager Cotton stated during the budget presentation at the last meeting, county employees are the county's greatest asset, and I couldn't agree more. It reduces spending in several county departments, demonstrating responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
“As a longtime Trustee of Cleveland Community College and Chairman of the College's Finance Committee, I especially applaud the proposed increase in funding for the college,” King noted. “The college has experienced tremendous growth, setting graduation records during each of the last four years.”
King also mentioned how Cleveland Community College is the fastest-growing college in North Carolina among the state's 58 institutions over the past five years. King then pivoted to economic viability and community impact.
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“The continued success of Cleveland County's economic development efforts and workforce needs depends heavily on the college's ability to prepare skilled workers for existing industries and future economic opportunities,” noted King.
“This budget also recognizes the importance of community impact organizations by providing support for collaborative projects such as Washington Outreach Ministry, the Earl Scruggs Center, the American Legion World Series, and many others. These organizations enhance the quality of life for residents throughout Cleveland County and contribute significantly to the strength of our community.
King offered his full support, with not a single criticism mentioned during his time to address the board.
“For these reasons, and many more, I encourage the Board to adopt the proposed budget,” King said, in closing. “Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to Cleveland County.”
Fire Chief of Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department and president of the Cleveland County Firefighters Association, Clint Beam also spoke in support of the new budget.
“This budget demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a high-level of fire protection, emergency medical response and community service that our citizens expect and deserve.”
Craig DeBrew also spoke in support of CCC and thanked the board for their willingness to serve and placing their confidence on the CCC Board of Trustees. He spoke of the Electrical Lineworker Academy at CCC where almost 600 linemen have graduated since its inception in 2017.
The Reverend Frances Webber, executive director of Washington Outreach Ministry took to the podium to address the commissioners, thanking them for their continued support of programs to benefit those in need.
“A lot of good things are going on in Cleveland County,” Webber said. “But we still have a lot of work to do even with all the good things going on around us.”
Webber mentioned Washington Outreach has worked hard to change the distressed labeling of Cleveland County. “Your help has made a difference,” she noted. “We’re in the trenches, we see it.” She spoke of those in need and how close so many families are at risk of hunger by one major car repair or loss of employment. She thanked the commissioners for their continued support.
The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners then voted on the FY 2026-27 budget, with Commissioner Berry making the motion to approve the budget and Hutchins seconded the motion.
Commissioner Bridges thanked the staff for their long hours in putting together the budget. He also was impressed with what Cleveland County was able to do without cutting staff as other counties have had to do.
Hutchins was happy with the EMS funding to offer faster response times to the residents of Cleveland County. “We’re improving services throughout the whole county,” noted Hutchins.
Commissioner Deb Hardin said she would like to have seen the tax rate go down, but was content with how hard the county staff has done for the budget and mentioned several nonprofits for their work.
Chairman Gordon asked Cotton to explain to everyone in attendance about the Capital Improvement Plan, stating, “The county has been trying to get to this place for years, and this first year it has dedicated funding for future county projects,” stated Gordon. “This is a watershed moment for the county and the citizens of the county.
Cotton explained that the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) identifies funding sources for capital project needs such as through placing funds, little by little, in a fund to use without having to raise taxes for most new capital projects in the future as described, in summary, by Cotton.
Berry noted that this meeting has been the most uplifting positive meeting he’s attended. “I’m proud of what the board has been able to do,” he concluded.
The board voted unanimously in favor of the FY 2026-27 budget.
Chairman Gordon then recognized various firefighters in attendance, sitting in the back of the room, adding, “Your fire tax would be five times what it is now if it wasn’t for those guys the dedication and time that they spend.”
Gordon closed by mentioning the dedication and ribbon cutting for the new 911 center will be Friday, June 12 10 a.m., 1333 Fallston Rd.
The next Cleveland County Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16, at 6 p.m. in chambers.
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Chuck Thompson is the founder, reporter and a columnist for The Shelby Independent.
The Shelby Independent.
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