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Onslow County approves purchase of Morton property for sheriff's office, $6 million project ordinance included
Summary
The Onslow County Board of Commissioners approved buying 3950 Newburn Highway from Morton Real Estate Holdings LLC and a related $6 million project ordinance to cover the $4.5 million purchase and up to $1.5 million in renovations; the purchase contract had a 60‑day due‑diligence period and was signed contingent on board approval.
Onslow County commissioners on May 5 approved the county's purchase of a building at 3950 Newburn Highway in Jacksonville for use by the sheriff's office and authorized a related project ordinance covering up to $6,000,000 for acquisition and renovations.
The purchase agreement with Morton Real Estate Holdings LLC lists a purchase price of $4,500,000, and the project ordinance totals $6,000,000 to include about $1,500,000 in anticipated renovations. The contract was previously signed by Mr. Warren, assistant county manager, but that signature was contingent on the board's approval. The contract includes a 60-day due-diligence period that began March 27, during which the county may terminate the agreement if issues arise.
County staff said some portion of the $6,000,000 could be financed through a bond sale the county is planning for later this summer or early fall. Mr. DeSounds, a county staff member who presented the item, asked the board to authorize the chairman to sign the project ordinance and any documents necessary to complete the purchase.
Commissioners and the sheriff discussed space needs. Sheriff Thomas and multiple commissioners described the county's current space constraints for the sheriff's office and characterized the purchase as a cost-saving alternative to constructing a new, larger facility. One speaker noted the county would save roughly $6,000,000 compared with a new build estimated at $12,000,000, and others described specialized needs the facility will meet, including evidence storage that requires regulated climate control for items such as DNA evidence.
The board voted by voice, with all members indicating “aye,” and the motion carried. No roll-call tally with named votes was recorded in the transcript.
The county will proceed with the due-diligence work and, if no issues are identified, finalize closing and renovation steps consistent with the ordinance and any applicable financing arrangements.
