Rocky Mount city leaders are expected to attend the Local Government
Commission meeting on Wednesday to discuss how they plan to reverse the city’s
dire financial condition.
The meeting starts at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Department
of State Treasurer’s office in Raleigh.
“Without immediate corrections, the municipality of
54,541 people, located in Nash and Edgecombe
counties, risks potential LGC action to assume full control
of its financial affairs,” the Local Government Commission wrote in a news
release.
LGC Secretary Denise Canada has summoned Rocky Mount Mayor
Sandy Roberson Jr., Mayor Pro-Tem Jabaris Walker, City Manager Elton Daniels
and Finance Director Cheryl Spivey to Wednesday’s meeting.
The city leaders are expected to present an updated cash
flow projection through December, a pared down budget for the current
fiscal year that shows significant budget cuts and a course of action
to ensure the city does not run out of cash.
“There are concerns about the city’s ability to
pay staff, operate key services and make nearly $8.7
million in debt service expenses in fiscal year 2026-27,” the Local
Government Commission wrote.
Starting Wednesday, people who live in Rocky Mount will pay
more for their utilities.
The Rocky Mount City Council passed a motion to raise
electric, gas, sewer and water rates by about 15%. It’s part of the city’s
plan to dig itself out of a financial crisis.
Littleton leaders also summoned before Local Government Commission
Canada also sent a letter requesting the presence of Mayor
Hiedi Hogan, Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chair Vernon Bryant and Littleton
Finance Commissioner Clyde Johnston at Wednesday’s meeting to discuss the
town’s financial management and corrective plan
to submit missing audits.
The town, with a population of about 550, has failed
to submit required annual audit reports to the Local Government Commission
for the past five years. The Local Government Commission could
impound town financial books and assume full control of its finances
as a result.