Calabash approved for $2 million in financing to build new town hall

CALABASH, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Calabash has received approval to move forward with plans for a new town hall after the North Carolina Local Government Commission authorized $2 million in financing for the project.

The approval came during the commission’s meeting Tuesday, allowing the Brunswick County town to begin work on replacing its current municipal building, which town leaders say no longer meets the needs of a growing community or its workforce.

According to the Local Government Commission, the town plans to combine the approved financing with an additional $1.1 million in local funds, bringing the total project cost to $3.1 million.

Town officials said the existing town hall is inadequate to support daily operations and provide services efficiently. They say the new facility is needed to improve the town’s operations while supporting the health, safety and welfare of residents.

The Local Government Commission, chaired by State Treasurer Brad Briner, reviews and approves most debt issued by North Carolina local governments and public authorities. The commission evaluates whether proposed borrowing is reasonable, necessary and affordable before authorizing financing.

In addition to Calabash’s request, the commission approved several major financing projects across the state during its July 7 meeting.

Among them was Brunswick County’s request to issue $40 million in Limited Obligation Bonds to help fund construction of a new Health and Human Services and Emergency Operations Center while also refinancing debt associated with North Brunswick High School.

The commission also approved:

• $230 million in revenue bonds and an additional $144.1 million State Revolving Fund loan for Cape Fear Public Utility Authority’s Southside Water Reclamation Facility replacement project in New Hanover County.
• More than $3.3 million in State Revolving Fund loans for Aqua North Carolina projects aimed at removing PFAS contaminants from drinking water systems in Cumberland, Wake and Durham counties.
• Funding for transportation, water, sewer, public safety, education and behavioral health projects in several other North Carolina communities.

The Local Government Commission oversees the financial health of more than 1,100 local government units across North Carolina and is responsible for ensuring local governments can reasonably repay debt issued for public projects.

Construction timelines for Calabash’s new town hall have not yet been announced.