RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – The Local Government Commission today warned Rocky Mount that it would not tolerate further financial missteps.
The commission met with Rocky Mount leaders today to discuss how to turn around the city’s dire financial situation.
They say actions taken over the past two weeks by city council are expected to keep the city solvent until the end of the year, “but by the slimmest of margins.”
Just Monday, city council voted to raise electric, gas, sewer and water rates by 15%, effective tomorrow.
The utility hikes will supplement cuts already made by the city.
Last fall, Rocky Mount laid off around 100 employees.
The State Auditor’s office says it found that between August 2023 and August 2025, the city’s cash and investment balances fell 78%, from $100 million to $21.8 million.
The audit also reported that overspending played a significant role, identifying big jumps in spending on city employee compensations and capital purchases, while revenues dipped.
Former city manager Keith Rogers Jr. resigned last September after the city council voted to place him on administrative leave.
The commission says it still could take control of the city’s finances, a first in the state’s history for a city the size of Rocky Mount.
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