CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Cabarrus County commissioners voted 3-1 to fire longtime County Manager Mike Downs and board attorney Richard Koch during a meeting on Tuesday.
The decision to terminate Downs came after a closed session, with no explanation provided by the commissioners at the time. However, a termination letter obtained by The Charlotte Observer cited a “lack of credibility” and issues related to the county’s purchase of a $42 million office building.
“Downs is an amazing man who has done an excellent job for this county for close to 40 years,” said Commissioner Kenny Wortman, who was the only commissioner to vote against the firing.
The termination letter, signed by Chair Chris Measmer, highlighted Downs’ failure to disclose an appraisal valuing the building at $24 million, significantly less than the purchase price. This lack of disclosure was said to have damaged the county’s credibility in its financing applications.
Deputy County Manager Kelly Sifford will temporarily assume Downs’ duties while the county searches for a new manager. The firing has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as a political move.
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