Understanding Cabarrus County’s School Bond Plans: What LOBs and GO Bonds Actually Mean

County officials explain how the two borrowing methods work — and how they could help fund hundreds of millions in future school and RCCC construction projects.

Cabarrus County Finance Director Jim Howden speaks with commissioners during the county’s annual board retreat earlier this year. Photo courtesy of Cabarrus County.

Cabarrus County hopes to use both limited obligation bonds (LOBs) and general obligation bonds (GO bonds) to help finance hundreds of millions of dollars in new schools and construction projects for Cabarrus County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College as the county works to keep pace with rapid growth and increasing infrastructure demands.

But for many residents, the bond process can feel complicated and difficult to follow.

To help explain how the process works — and what it could mean for taxpayers and future school construction — The Cabarrus Compass spoke with interim County Manager Kelly Sifford and Finance Director Jim Howden.