Rocky Mount leaders summoned to Raleigh amid brewing financial crisis

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.