Alexander County unveils new sheriff’s office and detention center; county says loan paid off

Alexander County officials marked the Nov. 17, 2012, dedication of a new 50,000-square-foot sheriff’s office and detention center and said the county completed the facility’s final loan payment in January 2026.

At an open house and ceremony, an unidentified county official said the new building was constructed to address significant overcrowding at the prior jail, which was built in 1970 with a capacity of 26. "This is a a really, really good day for Alexander County and Alexander County citizens," the official said, thanking staff and residents for their support.

County remarks listed the facility’s features and capacity: a 164-inmate detention center; secure management offices; two control rooms; a booking area; a medical examination room; a 30-seat classroom; an internal evidence room; a conference room; a public lobby; extensive surveillance and video visitation; and a sally port that county speakers said can accommodate up to four patrol vehicles or an inmate transport bus.

Officials put the project cost at approximately $8,500,000. The county said it originally financed the building with a long-term loan through Bank of America at about 3.19% for 15 years and refinanced that loan in 2020 with Truist Bank at about 1.1%, a refinancing the county said saved more than $140,000. The county reported the final payment was made in January 2026, leaving the general fund without this debt.

Speakers acknowledged the jail study committee, architect Kentville Randall Associates and general contractor Ordex Construction Company for their roles in delivering the project. "It was not an easy decision. It was controversial. But my opinion, it was necessary, and it was the right thing to do," another longtime local speaker said, recalling the planning and committee work that began in the mid-2000s.

A county official described the new facility as a change from an expense to a revenue-generating asset, noting past costs of housing inmates in neighboring counties. The ceremony concluded after brief remarks; the county said Sheriff Kettle had no additional comments and thanked attendees.