The city of Shelby has chosen its next city manager following the retirement of long-time leader Rick Howell.

Mayor Stan Anthony announced on Aug. 27 that the city had selected Justin Merritt, former assistant city manager and finance director, to take on the role of guiding the city.

Howell announced in June his plans to retire at the end of the year after 20 years as city manager.

According to a news release from the city, Merritt has served for the past two years as assistant county manager for Catawba County, providing supervision of their finance, budget, utilities, engineering and facilities services, among other responsibilities.

Merritt is no stranger to Cleveland County and originally located in Shelby in 2012 to serve as director of finance. He was then named assistant city

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