Union County voters block $200 million jail bond measure
Residents voted down the financing plan 64% to 36%, rejecting a proposal that would have added $31.30 per year to property tax bills for every $100,000 in assessed value.
By Bianca Herrera ·
Union County property owners will avoid a new long-term tax burden after voters rejected a $200 million general obligation bond referendum on Nov. 3. Unofficial results show the measure failed with 58,968 votes against, or 63.76%, and 33,521 votes in favor, or 36.24%. The defeat means the county will not use this specific financing method to build a new jail.
Commissioners voted unanimously on July 20 to place the question before voters. Assistant Finance Director John Buchanan told the board in July that general obligation bonds offered the lowest available interest rate. He noted that the process was more complex but resulted in lower savings on interest payments compared to other options.
The referendum projected the total repayment cost at $312.2 million, which included $112.2 million in interest. Under the proposal, property owners would have paid an estimated additional $31.30 annually for every $100,000 in assessed property value. Sheriff Eddie Cathey introduced the need for a new facility in spring 2024, citing overcrowding and the cost of repairs. Commissioners initially delayed the bond vote in 2024 to conduct further study on capacity and costs.
Chairman Brian Helms argued in July that using general obligation bonds was the most affordable path. He stated that it would be irresponsible for the board not to consider that option. Despite the board’s support, local feedback suggested skepticism. Madeleine Byl, a Monroe resident running for Commissioner Errol Wedra’s seat, shared voter concerns with the board on Sept. 21. Byl said residents agreed a new jail was necessary but hesitated to support a long-term tax increase while struggling with grocery costs.
An April Facebook post regarding the referendum generated 137 comments, with several residents expressing worry about a potential 3.11-cent increase to the property tax rate. The board now must determine how to address the current jail’s capacity and deteriorating conditions. County Manager Brian Matthews told commissioners in February 2025 that the North Carolina Local Government Commission would likely wait three to four years before supporting other financing forms after a referendum defeat. A federal court order could serve as an exception, as the existing jail opened in 1994 under such an order.
