County commissioners wrap up year thanking staff, looking forward to 2026
- Chuck Thompson
- Dec 4, 2025
- 3 min read
By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent
The County Commissioners’ meeting was short and thoughtful, wrapping up the year by tabling a zoning request until January and the commissioners praising county staff for their dedicated efforts in 2025.
County Commissioner Kevin Gordon was reappointed by the board to serve as Chairman and Commissioner Deb Hardin was voted to be Vice-Chair.
No one signed up for public comments, and then the commissioners each made comments before going into private session.
(Commissioner comments below...)
Commissioner Tony Berry thanked everyone for attending meetings and the interest put forth by the public and law enforcement and the entire board. “It has been a productive board and would like to wish you all a happy holiday and a safe one as well,” he said.
Commissioner Doug Bridges thanked the county staff, “Everyone has worked hard this year and next year is going to be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever.”
Commissioner Johnny Hutchins wished everyone a Merry Christmas and spoke of a prosperous year, stating, “The county manager really worked hard on the budget and even though some of the taxes went up it wasn’t because of our tax rate it was because of the state mandating the appraisal of the property.”
He continued, “Thank you to David (Cotton) to him and his staff; they’ve done a great job and the new attorney has kept us straight, thank you:” He also thanked the community for coming out and attending the meetings.
Vice-Chair Deb Hardin added, “I think we have done a lot of good things this year and more to come next year.” She thanked County Manager David Cotton and echoed how the county has had one of the lowest tax rates in the state, even though property values increased. “I think we’re all moving in a good direction” she added, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
County Commissioner Chairman Kevin Gordon thanked the board and the entire county staff for the dedicated effort. “I know sometimes our discussions are not 100% in agreement and it shouldn’t be – were a board not a single person. I think we do the best we can for our citizens and that’s what we're supposed to do.” Gordon continued by thanking the county manager, noting, “David (Cotton) was baptized by fire when he got here with all the construction projects going on.” He continued by noting they will dedicate the department of elections and also dedicate the new 911 center soon. He mentioned the final phase of financing was approved for the justice center noting it comprises three buildings – not one: Detention, courthouse and Sheriff’s Office. “It’s in-budget, and two months ahead of schedule.”
Gordon also noted once they return in January everything will be full steam ahead. “For those of you involved in county government know when we come back, we will be in the throes of county government with the budget.”
He then moved on to praise the county employees, adding, “I also would like to thank the county employees for what they do… thank you for all that you do for all the citizens, and thank you for the feedback to help us make decisions, and hope you had a happy Thanksgiving last week, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” Gordon concluded by promising to provide the best county services to the residents of Cleveland County.
The next regularly scheduled public county commissioners meeting will be in January 2026.
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.
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