The Local Government Commission (LGC) voted Tuesday to begin a formal process to determine whether two financially troubled North Carolina towns, Ronda (Wilkes County) and Rowland (Robeson County), can be financially rehabilitated or should ultimately be dissolved.
The Commission assumed financial control of both towns in October following serious financial management and operational concerns. Since then, LGC staff have secured access to the towns' bank accounts and financial records, established oversight of financial transactions, conducted site visits and processed payroll and urgent payments to maintain essential operations. Staff also are reviewing the towns' financial obligations and working with other state agencies and local governments.
"People in Ronda and Rowland deserve local governments that can pay their bills, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly and provide the services residents depend on," said State Treasurer Brad Briner, who chairs the LGC. "Our priority is to protect taxpayers and maintain essential services while we determine whether these towns have a financially sustainable path forward. These are difficult decisions, but we owe residents a thorough and responsible review of every option."
The Commission approved resolutions placing both towns into the statutory process for evaluating financially unsustainable municipalities. LGC staff also were authorized to prepare required reports examining municipal services, costs and revenues because of the financial and staffing hardships facing the towns.
The votes do not dissolve either town or determine whether either can be financially rehabilitated.
Ronda has experienced repeated budget violations, late audits and declining financial reserves. Its Water and Sewer Fund reported a net operating loss of approximately $225,000 in fiscal year 2025. The town's financial difficulties also have included cash shortages and outstanding obligations.
Rowland has experienced similar problems, including repeated budget violations, late audits and the unauthorized use of restricted grant funds. Its General Fund balance available fell to negative 16.48% of expenditures and transfers in fiscal year 2025.
State Treasurer Brad Briner chairs the LGC. The Commission is staffed by the Department of State Treasurer (DST) and has a statutory duty to approve most debt issued by units of local government and public authorities in North Carolina. The Commission examines whether the amount of money units borrow is adequate and reasonable for proposed projects and confirms the governmental units can reasonably afford to repay the debt. It also monitors the financial well-being of more than 1,100 local government units.
Polk County Community Center Financing Approved
The Commission also conditionally approved Polk County's request for $12 million in financing toward construction of a community center that will be operated by the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg. The approval is contingent on the project being approved by the Town of Columbus Town Council at its next meeting on November 19. The approximately $18.6 million project will be supported by borrowing, private donations and county cash.
Other Items Approved by the Commission
The Commission also approved the following financing requests and other matters:
- Archdale (located in Randolph County): Approximately $599,000 for police body cameras, in-car video systems and recording equipment.
- Asheville Housing Authority (Buncombe County): $9.75 million for construction of 319 Biltmore B, a 112-unit affordable housing development.
- Baptist Retirement Homes of North Carolina, Inc., operating as ThriveMore: $150 million to refinance existing debt and fund improvements at senior living communities, including memory care expansions and facility renovations.
- Belmont (Gaston County): $10.63 million for downtown property acquisition, two fire engines, City Hall renovations and planning for a new fire station.
- Blowing Rock (Watauga County): $535,000 for a property exchange that would provide land for a future public safety facility.
- Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO (Brunswick County): $56 million to construct a new administrative and field operations complex in Belville.
- Butner (Granville County): $800,000 in interest-free financing toward the purchase of a new fire truck.
- Charlotte (Mecklenburg County): $140 million to refinance existing debt associated with Spectrum Center improvements.
- Columbus County: $770,000 to purchase 11 vehicles for the Sheriff's Office. The county is on the Unit Assistance List and has ongoing financial reporting and reserve concerns.
- Durham County: Up to $30 million in bond anticipation notes and a $19.3 million State Revolving Fund loan for the Chin Page Road Pump Station and related sewer improvements.
- Fayetteville (Cumberland County): $26.5 million for construction of the McArthur Road Sports Complex and purchase of emergency vehicles and firefighting equipment.
- Guilford County: Approval of a lease financing agreement of up to $8 million for government office space in Greensboro.
- Henderson County: Up to $65 million to construct a new medical office building for UNC Health Pardee and $10 million to refinance debt associated with educational facilities.
- High Shoals (Gaston County): $300,000 to purchase a former fire and rescue building for Public Works operations.
- Kernersville (Forsyth County): Approximately $989,000 for Town Hall improvements and property purchases for future park expansion.
- Manteo (Dare County): $1 million toward a $2.5 million Town Hall renovation.
- Mecklenburg County: $45 million for solid waste facility improvements and equipment.
- Morehead City (Carteret County): $2.5 million for wastewater sludge processing improvements, including a solar dryer and equipment upgrades.
- Onslow Water and Sewer Authority (Onslow County): $75 million for water and wastewater system improvements.
- Pamlico County: $950,000 for jail security equipment and courthouse HVAC improvements.
- Perquimans County: Approximately $1 million for emergency medical equipment and Sheriff's Office vehicles.
- Piedmont Affordable Senior Housing Foundation: $125 million to acquire six senior living communities across Burke, Cabarrus, Henderson, Rockingham and Wilkes counties.
- Ramseur (Randolph County): $1.29 million for water and sewer meter replacements.
- Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School (Wake County): $7 million to refinance existing debt and expand its facilities in Morrisville.
- Transylvania County: $40 million for construction and equipping of a new courthouse.
- Trinity (Randolph County): $1.35 million for a wastewater regionalization project that would redirect most of the city's wastewater to High Point for treatment.
- Wayne County: Approximately $2.88 million for the first phase of the Genoa Sewer Rehabilitation Project.