Iredell County Commissioners Approve Justice Center Expansion, Economic Incentives, and Major County Contracts

The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, June 16, approving a wide range of major capital projects, public safety contracts, workforce studies, and economic development incentives impacting county operations and long-term planning.

One of the largest items approved was a $5.35 million contract with Mosley Architects for full design services tied to the expansion and renovation of the Iredell County Hall of Justice. The project will move forward under an accelerated 12-month design timeline, with completion targeted for August 2027. Construction bidding and a potential groundbreaking are expected in the third quarter of 2027.

Public safety operations also saw key action. Sheriff Darren Campbell presented a proposal to award a three-year contract to IMS Correctional for inmate medical services across county detention facilities. The contract, selected through a competitive RFP process, is intended to maximize value while maintaining consistent medical care for inmates. Officials also approved allowing unspent Sheriff’s Office funds to be redirected to help offset rising healthcare costs in fiscal year 2027.

In workforce planning, the board heard from Human Resources regarding Evergreen Solutions LLC, which will conduct a comprehensive compensation and classification study. Selected from 16 bidders, the firm will evaluate pay structures and job classifications across county departments. Officials emphasized a focus on long-tenured employees to address wage compression concerns and ensure experienced staff are properly recognized in future pay adjustments. The project includes a year of post-implementation technical support.

Commissioners also approved a significant economic development incentive package tied to “Project Go Fast,” a planned $25 million private investment expected by December 31, 2027. The project is expected to retain existing jobs and create 10 new positions with salaries above the county average of $64,895. Incentives will total up to $400,652 over five years, reimbursing portions of property and equipment taxes.

The meeting also included several community recognitions. The Iredell County Emergency Communications Center was honored as North Carolina’s 911 Board Center of the Year, recognized for its high-performance service amid growing call volume and emergency demands. Commissioners also proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month, highlighting the importance of local parks and wellness programs.

Additional approvals included updates to a multi-agency fire investigation mutual aid agreement involving Iredell County, Statesville, and Mooresville, as well as a decision to maintain fire department funding levels pending updated audit data. Officials also approved a required two-year memorandum of understanding with the Department of Health and Human Services covering key social service programs including foster care, child welfare, and food assistance.

The board further authorized a secured automated clearing house (ACH) vendor payment contract allowing transactions up to $2 million, with safeguards placing liability on financial institutions in cases of fraud or cyber-related payment spoofing.

Appointments were also made to several boards and commissions, including the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and the Planning Board. Commissioners noted the upcoming Independence Day holiday schedule, with county offices closed Friday, July 3, 2026, and only one board meeting planned for July on the 21st.