Shelby City Council closes year with end of an era.
- Chuck Thompson
- Dec 16, 2025
- 3 min read
By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent
The Shelby City Council meeting marked the end of an era, as it was City Manager Rick Howell’s final meeting in his position.
Howell led the council meeting in its convocation before the meeting began.
The agenda was approved as-is, with the motion made by Council Member Violet Arth.
Former Council Member David Causby was recognized for his dedication of years of service to the City of Shelby, with a proclamation present by Mayor Stan Anthony.
A public hearing, which nobody signed up to speak, was held for consideration of a resolution authorizing to purchase the concrete plant located at 200 West Graham Street pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 158-7.1: Resolution No. 95-2025. City Council voted unanimously to approve; Emily Bullock was not present at the Dec. 15 meeting.
(Rick Howell's farewell comments below local sponsors...)
Several items on the regular agenda included a resolution revising and amending financial policies of the City of Shelby; of a resolution authorizing the request to decommission the non-directional beacon (NDB) at the Shelby-Cleveland County Regional Airport; adoption of an ordinance establishing a capital project ordinance and budget for the City of Shelby’s planning building demolition and parking project, which was ordinance No. 66-2025. Two more items on the agenda included the adoption of a FY 2025-2026 budget ordinance and also approval of a resolution for Travel and Tourism policy.
A couple of special event permits were approved – one being a Martin Luther King, Jr. march, scheduled for Jan. 19, 2026, and also Broad River European Classic car show, with a requested date of April 25, 2026.
At the end of the meeting, Rick Howell gave his final report as city manager. He spoke to the council and those in attendance, speaking from the podium, facing the board, reflecting on his time with The City of Shelby.
“Mr. Mayor, council, I do not have a final report, but I do have a few parting words,” Howell said.
He mentioned his gratitude for the opportunity for serving as the city manager over the past twenty years, stating, “We’ve done a lot of great things together, and I’m proud of all of those things and your leadership of moving Shelby forward.”
He said he believed Shelby’s better days are still ahead of everyone, adding he was proud of the hard-working employees of The City of Shelby.
He pulled out a cross from his pocket that he said he carries in his pocket, noting it is a reminder to be better every day and treat everyone to a higher standard.
“Sometimes this job was difficult and I needed a reminder,” he noted, hoping he had delivered to the employees and the people of Shelby as expected.
Howell acknowledged the staff and elected officials in the room, saying the people are who he will miss the most. He also praised the incoming city manager Justin Merritt, noting he is an excellent choice as the next manager to take the helm.
Howell also noted he will be watching from afar and looks forward to seeing great things happen in the City of Shelby.
He ended his comments to applause from those in the room.
Mayor Anthony then present Howell with a framed proclamation of recognition for his service to Shelby over the years.
“You’ve been more than anyone expected, … and left your mark on the city,” Council Member Andrew Hopper said, in summary.
All council members gave their remarks, thanking Howell for his serve to the city and gave him their best wishes to Howell before the conclusion of the meeting.
The City of Shelby will hold their next regular city council meeting in January 2026.
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.
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