SHELBY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- Shelby's new city manager is returning to his old stomping grounds.

Former assistant city manager and finance director Justin Merritt will take over the role following the retirement of current City Manager Rick Howell at the end of December, city leaders announced Wednesday.

Merritt has served for the past two years as Catawba County’s assistant county manager, where he provides supervision of their finance, budget, utilities and engineering, facilities services, among other responsibilities. He originally came to Shelby in 2012 as director of finance and was promoted to assistant city manager in 2020, where he served until taking the position with Catawba County in 2023.

Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony touts Merritt’s financial acumen.

"We are extremely ex

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