Cabarrus County fires manager over $24M ‘critical failure.’ One official calls it political
Cabarrus County commissioners in a seemingly sudden move voted to fire two high ranking county employees Tuesday, including longtime County Manager Mike Downs.
Commissioners voted 3-1 to fire Downs after a closed session. Earlier in the meeting, commissioners voted to fire the board attorney, Richard Koch, and replace him immediately. Commissioners offered no explanation for the firing of Downs, but a termination letter obtained by The Charlotte Observer through a public records request references a “lack of credibility” and Downs’ involvement in the county’s purchase of a $42 million office building.
“This shows a critical failure to perform your duties as County Manager and creates a credibility issue in your ability to move forward as such,” the letter, signed by Chair Chris Measmer, states. “There have also been issues with disrespectful staff communication with elected officials and an unacceptable lag in responding to requests from myself and others for even the simplest public information.”
The termination letter references the ACN building next to Interstate 85, which the county received approval to purchase in October from the Local Government Commission. The LGC’s approval process drew scrutiny from then-Cabarrus County chair Steve Morris and Commissioner Kenny Wortman, who accused then-State Treasurer Dale Folwell of stalling at the request of newly elected commissioners Larry Pittman and Laura Blackwell Lindsey, the Observer previously reported.
Besides approving the ACN building’s purchase to headquarter the county’s human services department, the LGC also approved $20 million in borrowing for renovations and $22 million for a behavioral health facility on the site. But Downs’ termination letter says he failed to disclose an appraisal on the building that determined it was worth $24 million — nearly half of the purchase price.
“Failing to disclose this appraisal to the entity responsible for assessing and approving financing for local governments damaged the credibility of the County in applying for its financing in this project,” the letter states. “The entire process – both the aforementioned lack of transparency in regard to the appraisal and the continued attempt to utilize draw financing despite feedback from the LGC – cast a long shadow upon the County’s transparency.”
The Observer previously obtained emails from Folwell’s office that show former Deputy County Manager Rodney Harris calling the low appraisal a “deal breaker of a problem.”
But Morris told the Observer the $42 million price for the ACN building was much cheaper than constructing a new building, and was the most economical option.
In an email to the Observer, new board attorney Daniel Peterson said the firing was a “necessary change” and thanked Downs for his service.
“The citizens of Cabarrus County can have full faith in the continued provision of county services by its dedicated employees,” he said. “In appointing a new county manager, this Board will prioritize accountability and fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayer.”
Calls seeking comment from Measmer, Pittman, Blackwell and Downs weren’t returned.
‘A political move’
Wortman, the only commissioner to vote against the firing of Downs and Koch, said he believed the move was political.
“Downs is an amazing man who has done an excellent job for this county for close to 40 years,” Wortman said. “I think it was a despicable thing that they did to him and our county attorney last night.”
Wortman said a group of people asked him about firing Downs and Koch two years ago, and he posted text message screenshots on his Facebook page showing as much. What happened at Tuesday’s meeting, Wortman said, was similar to the plan made two years ago.
“When they wanted me to do it, it was so that they could put their friends in power and control the entire county… So I can only assume it’s the same reason now,” Wortman said.
Wortman said he suspects Downs will sue the county to make sure his contract is fulfilled.
‘One of the best county managers that we’ve ever had’
Morris, who served as a Cabarrus County commission for 12 years, said Downs was a “tremendous asset” to the county.
“I’m extremely disappointed that that happened. I worked with Mike for many years and certainly admired his reputation prior to being on the board. He is, in my opinion, one of the best county managers that we’ve ever had in Cabarrus County,” Morris said. “He was just a huge asset, and was an integral part of the successes that we had and the good relationships that existed… I’m very, very sad that we’re losing such a tremendous asset to Cabarrus County.”
Deputy County Manager Kelly Sifford will fulfill Downs’ duties while a search for a new county manager takes place, according to Cabarrus County Communications Director Jonathan Weaver.
This story was originally published January 23, 2025 at 12:14 PM.
