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The city of Rocky Mount has initiated layoffs for about 100 city employees, a little more than 10% of its full-time workforce. The city said it is a necessary step to address its financial crisis.

'Decision was not made lightly': Rocky Mount financial woes lead to layoffs of about 100 employees  

BY IN A CASE BY CASE BASIS IN RALEIGH. SHAUN GALLAGHER, WRAL NEWS, SEAN, THANK YOU. NEW TONIGHT WE'RE LEARNING MORE ABOUT WHAT CITY LEADERS IN ROCKY MOUNT KNEW ABOUT MAJOR FINANCIAL TROUBLES LONG BEFORE DECLARING A CRISIS LAST WEEK. THE CITY REVEALED ITS BEEN OVERSPENDING BY MILLIONS FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS, STRAINING ITS SAVINGS FROM 100 MILLION DOLLARS TO JUST 20 MILLION DOLLARS. >> NOW, NEW INFORMATION SHOWS SEVERAL OFFICIALS WERE WARNED ABOUT THE GROWING CRISIS MORE THAN 2 YEARS AGO. WRAL'S HEIDI KIRK IS LIVE IN ROCKY MOUNT. HEIDI, THIS IS A BLOW TO THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE. >> ASHLEY IS AND WE TALKED TO MANY OF THOSE PEOPLE LAST NIGHT AT A CITYWIDE MEETING WHERE THEY CAME TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS, TELLING US THEY'RE EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED. THEY FEEL LIKE THEY'VE BEEN KEPT IN THE DARK AND NOW THEY ARE PAYING FOR IT. NOW WE'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS AS TO HOW WE GOT HERE FOR MORE THAN A WEEK. NOW. AND TODAY WE GOT SOME ANSWERS. >> A CITY TRYING TO MAKE UP MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. DOCUMENTS OBTAINED BY WRAL SHOW THE NEWS OF A GROWING FINANCIAL CRISIS IN ROCKY MOUNT ISN'T NEW TO CITY OFFICIALS. THEY EVEN SIGNED DOCUMENTS TO THE STATE THAT ACKNOWLEDGED FINANCIAL ISSUES COUNCILMEMBER TJ WALKER SAYS 2024 WAS THE FIRST TIME HE SAW ANY INDICATION THAT THEY COULD BE OVERSPENDING. I KNEW WE WERE HAVING A LOT OF EXPENSES IN OUR GENERAL FUND. >> BUT AS FAR AS I FUND BALANCE DECREASE IN THE WAY IT'S BEEN SHOWN AND REPORTED, I KNOW I DIDN'T. >> WE FOUND SINCE 2022, THE STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE HAS SENT ROCKY MOUNT OFFICIALS WARNINGS ABOUT THE CITY'S FINANCES IN THE DOCUMENTS. THE STATE SAID THE CITY'S NET OPERATING INCOME FOR 2022. HAD A NEGATIVE BALANCE OF ALMOST $300,000 IN 2023, 2024. THAT GOT WORSE. MULTIPLE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE MAYOR BLAMED A REVOLVING DOOR OF CITY MANAGERS AND FINANCE DIRECTORS. BUT THEY ALSO WERE MADE AWARE OF THE SITUATION EVEN SIGNING OFF ON PLANS TO FIX FINANCIAL CONCERNS RAISED BY THE STATE YEAR AFTER YEAR AS RECENTLY AS THIS PAST I'M ASSUMING THAT YOU ARE OF THIS. I JUST I JUST DON'T REMEMBER THAT. AND I REMEMBER TO DOCUMENT BECAUSE THAT RIGHT AS AN INDICATOR REFLECT ME. BUT I DON'T RECALL SAYING THAT IN 2021. 22, WE ASKED THE CITY ABOUT THE STATE'S CONCERNS DATING BACK TO 2022 TO WHICH THEY RESPONDED WITH THIS STATEMENT SAYING, QUOTE, >> DELAYS BY CITY STAFF IN PROVIDING FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO COUNCIL MEMBERS MET DISCUSSIONS AND REMEDIES DID NOT OCCUR IN A TIMELY MANNER BUT WENT ON TO SAY THEY'RE WORKING TO SOLVE THOSE PROBLEMS OUTLINED. WE ALSO TALKED TO COUNCILMEMBER JABAR U.S. WALKER LAST NIGHT'S MEETING. >> WHO SAYS THERE ARE THINGS HE WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY. YOU TAKE A LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY HERE. AND I KNEW I THINK AS A COUNCIL TAKE IT AS A WHOLE. SO YOU GOT TO COME UP WITH A PLAN TO TRY TO GET US OUT OF IT. AND I THINK THAT'S WHAT WE'VE GONE. >> NOW, THOSE DOCUMENTS THAT WE OBTAINED DO NOT UNDERSTAND OR DO NOT EXPLAIN WHERE THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM THE CITY SAVINGS FUND WENT. OF COURSE, WE DID REACH OUT TO THE MAYOR FOR COMMENT TODAY AND A SIT-DOWN INTERVIEW. HE DECLINED AND SAID HE'S WAITING TO THE STATE'S AUDIT TO COME THROUGH TO HELP UNDERSTAND WHERE THAT MONEY WENT. AND THEN HE'S SAID THAT A LOT MORE TO

Documents detail the depth of financial crisis in Rocky Mount

Documents: Rocky Mount leaders knew about budget problems for years

Johnston County handyman accused of taking thousands and not finishing the work

Cameron Hairston

New video shows extent of Jordon Hudson's influence over Belichick's media projects before UNC hire

Jordon Hudson

Beautiful weather for the 2nd day of the NC State Fair, rain possible later in the weekend

Weekend outlook for Oct. 17-19

Belichick says UNC is making progress. Struggling Tar Heels have chance to show it Friday.

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Raleigh to see more weekend traffic ahead of 1st full day of NC State Fair, 2nd day of Billie Eilish

Sky 5 flies over the NC State Fair 2025

Trump and Zelenskyy hold talks, with US leader showing hesitance to send Kyiv Tomahawk missiles

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GREENBELT, Md. (AP) â John Bolton pleaded not guilty Friday to charges accusing the former President Donald Trump national security adviser turned critic of emailing classified information to family members and keeping top secret documents at his Maryland home.

Bolton pleads not guilty in Justice Department case accusing him of sharing government secrets

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Raleigh is rewriting its 20-year Comprehensive Plan to manage booming growth while tackling flooding, heat, and housing challenges through denser, more climate-resilient development.


Raleigh rethinks how to grow as flooding, heat and traffic worsen

Raleigh skyline (with warehouse district) 

Discover the tips and tricks to enjoying fair food without the aftermath. From the best food choices to portion control and hydration, learn how to indulge in your favorite treats at the fair while keeping those belly aches at bay. Dive into the ultimate guide to surviving fair food season!


Funnel cakes and belly aches: How to survive fair food season

Cheerwine funnel cake

Why did almost all the tropical systems stay offshore? There are a couple of factors that played a huge role in steering storms out to sea.


Why have Atlantic tropical systems stayed offshore this season so far?

Atlantic season so far

"No Kings" returns to the Triangle on Saturday, Oct. 18, for a second wave of protests.

'No Kings' movement reignites in the Triangle with a weekend of protests

Utahns protest the actions of Donald Trump and Elon Musk

LONDON (AP) â Prince Andrew said Friday he is giving up his royal title of the Duke of York and other honors after his friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein returned to the headlines.

Prince Andrew says he's giving up his Duke of York title as Epstein allegations refuse to fade

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Raleigh Police are investigating a late-night shooting at New Bern Avenue and N. Raleigh Blvd. Evidence markers and crime scene tape surrounded the area.


16-year-old charged for fatally shooting 53-year-old man on New Bern Avenue, Raleigh police say

Raleigh police investigate late-night shooting on New Bern Avenue

An SUV crashed into a utility pole and took down traffic lights at the intersection of Western Boulevard and Blue Ridge Road Friday morning.


Western Blvd intersection reopened during rush hour after crash pulls down traffic lights

Car into trees on Western Boulevard

Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard has a list of new restaurants opening in the Raleigh area.


Foodie News: Gourmet toast restaurant opens in Raleigh

Open sign broad hanging on wood door front of cafe.

Raleigh police are investigating a shooting near New Bern Avenue after a gunshot victim showed up at Wake Med early Friday. Officers found shell casings on Thelma Street and are investigating if the incidents are linked.


Raleigh police investigate shooting near New Bern Avenue, walk-in gunshot victim at WakeMed

Raleigh police tapes off scene on New Bern Avenue after reports of a shooting.

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North Carolina and first-year head coach Bill Belichick are 0-3 against Power 4 conference teams and haven't been competitive in any of the games.

From the deep-fried fair food to the new attractions and rides, WRAL has all the information you need to know about the North Carolina State Fair.


North Carolina State Fair Guide 2025

2025 State Fair Logo

Read on for North Carolina State Fair tips for parents, especially those bringing young children.



2025 NC State Fair: Tips for families with children

NC State Fair carousel

North Carolina could soon be the next state to require companies to share what they're doing with your data.

Bipartisan effort underway in NC to give you rights over what data companies collect and share about you

A file photo of someone checking out at the grocery store.

A new Consumer Reports investigation uncovered a hidden risk in protein powders and shakes -- some of these supplements contain concerning levels of lead.


5 On Your Side: Some protein powders and shakes contain high levels of lead

Protein powder

Explore budget-friendly ways to enjoy the North Carolina State Fair this year, with tips on saving money on admission, rides, and attractions. 

On a budget? Save money at the NC State Fair this year

NC State Fair Sky Glazer

Don't Miss It

Lovingood and Skinner enjoyed some games during their time at the NC State Fair.

Chris Lovingood, Grant Skinner have some fun at NC State Fair

Pet of the day: Oct. 17, 2025

NC Republican lawmakers release proposed congressional district map

AI homeless man prank sparks controversy on the internet

AI HOMELESS MAN PRANK

Texas high school custodian receives life-changing gift, with help from the girls' volleyball team

TX CUSTODIAN GIFTED CAR

Police say Georgia parents tried to cover up baby's death

GA: POLICE: PARENTS TRIED TO COVER UP BABYS DEATH

Video Central

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WRAL Noon News | October 16

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Speed believed to be the cause of crash that left one person dead in Cumberland County

Local News

74-year-old man charged with shooting a person in the foot near Franklin Street in Chapel Hill

College remains a good investment for most in NC amid rising costs, new study shows

Fayetteville Tech contractors used tools that sounded like gunfire, college says

US cases of mpox came from international travelers. But health officials say risk remains low

Nation/World

Hamas reaffirms commitment to ceasefire as delays in returning hostages' bodies fray nerves

An army colonel who led a lightning-fast coup takes over as Madagascar's president

Democrats say Trump needs to be involved in shutdown talks. He's shown little interest in doing so

Ex-Trump national security adviser Bolton charged with storing and sharing classified information

It is a busy weekend in the Triangle with the state of the NC State Fair and Billie Eilish at Lenovo Center for two nights.


Weekend best bets: NC State Fair, Billie Eilish

Six of âThe Greatestâ Songs

Food and ride inspections begin at NC State Fair, which opens Thursday

NC State Fair media lunch tray

Beer in Raleigh: Your weekend brewery crawl guide

Beer

Tickets for Pullen Park's Holiday Express sold out on Ticketmaster

Santa Claus visits a child

Foodie News: Stuffed pretzel shop opens in Raleigh

Freshly baked homemade pretzels

SAS Championship adds free family fun event

SAS Championship

Out & About

Fact check: How many US residency spots are held by immigrants with H-1B visas?

Politifact

Fact check: Trump says small children get 80 different vaccines

Fact check: Do doctors recommend '80 different vaccines' for small children?

Fact check: Could Affordable Care Act health premiums rise 75% by next month?

Republicans release plan to redraw NC congressional map

NC Capitol

NC Attorney General sues EPA over canceled solar grants

NC lawmakers unveil proposed congressional map in effort to maintain GOP control

NC sues Trump EPA over canceled solar grants for 12,000 families

Transgender state employees, family members in NC to lose some health coverage

New Data: College remains a good investment for most amid rising costs

Education

More layoffs proposed at the U.S. Department of Education. How could they affect NC schools?

NC schools to feel impacts of U.S. Department of Education cuts

Educators turn to state after feds cut 'Farm to School' program

NC isn't meeting federal special education requirements. State officials point to the teacher shortage

Moms who overcame addiction helping others through growing statewide network

WRAL In Depth

Man says he lost $200K to executives at center of WRAL investigation

Privatize NC's liquor sales? Leader of DOGE-style group wants to explore the cost

North Carolina child fatality group links social media algorithms, AI chat bots to suicide risks

NC State suit admits 'extensive' PCB contamination, stops short of linking cancer cases to Poe Hall

Seth Jarvis scores twice and the Carolina Hurricanes stay unbeaten, beating the Ducks 4-1

WRALSportsFan

Saudi Arabia hosted UNC's Lombardi on preseason fundraising trip

March Madness in October? Top programs using exhibitions to cash in and check team chemistry

Indiana announces new 8-year contract with coach Curt Cignetti worth nearly $93 million

No. 12 Georgia Tech heads to Duke for battle of unbeaten teams in ACC play

NCISAA Soccer and Volleyball Playoff Scores

HighSchoolOT

Predictions and breakdowns for every NCHSAA volleyball bracket

Predicted winners for nearly 200 games in football week nine

Week 9 JV scores from across North Carolina

NCHSAA releases finalized volleyball playoff brackets

NC lawmakers push to make companies tell you what they're doing with your data

With the cost of flights up almost 10% in 2025, basic economy tickets can look appealing. WRAL News takes a look at whether the savings are worth it.

Don't Waste Your Money: Are basic economy airfares worth trying?

Democratic Gov. Josh Stein is again slamming a proposal by Republicans to redraw North Carolina's Congressional map.

Democratic Gov. Josh Stein slams Republican redistricting plan

A new North Carolina voting law heads to trial ahead of the 2026 elections. Republicans say it's about election integrity. Critics say it'll throw legitimate ballots in the trash.

Voting rights advocates prep for federal trial over NC 'election integrity' law

Election Day, polling places

ICE confirmed Wilmer Fuentes Mejia is in the country illegally. Mejia was charged with hit-and-run and involuntary manslaughter in connection with a deadly crash in Durham in September.

Deadly hit-and-run suspect was in country illegally, ICE says

A man said he gave CJF America's founder and  chief financial officer nearly $200,000 to invest, but now fears the money is gone after learning of criminal charges and allegations against the company's executives

Man claims he lost $200K to two men at center of WRAL investigation

WRAL Specialists

Your data privacy could be at risk if you sign up for retail loyalty programs

High levels of lead found in popular protein powders, new report finds

5 On Your Side: Take steps now to protect your home this winter

5 On Your Side

Man's complaints about Durham road haven't led to action at city level

'It's a racetrack': Dangerous Durham road bothered man for years before deadly hit-and-run

Man charged in deadly Durham hit-and-run was in country illegally

Chapel Bill thrill to turmoil on the Tar Heels: UNC coach to face questions Monday

Investigations

Donald Thompson: Grant Hill's formula for winning at sports and life

A New Pulse for Factory Towns in Making the Weaponry of the Future

Grace Ueng: Here's what high-definition leadership looks like

Donald Thompson: Brianna Pinto aims to transform lives through soccer

WRAL TechWire

Meta adds parental controls for AI-teen interactions

Sex is a big market for the AI industry. ChatGPT won't be the first to try to profit from it

Trump announces a deal with a manufacturer to make a common fertility drug cheaper for IVF patients

NC-grown Gregory Poole Equipment to move headquarters to Garner, future of Raleigh site unknown

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Be wary of Halloween candy that look like weed edibles

Family

Instagram says it's safeguarding teens by limiting them to PG-13 content

How Video Games Are Shaping a Generation of Boys, for Better and Worse

5 On Your Side: October is safe infant sleep month, how to reduce SIDS risk

Town of Zebulon brings back annual Christmas Parade

Amazon Deals: LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar only $26.54 (40% off), iPhone Charging Cords 3 Pk only $6.99 (53% off), LEGO sets starting at $5.18, Surge Protector Power Strip w/USB only $8.99

SmartShopper

Sam's Club 12-Month Membership only $15 (70% off)

List of top grocery deals valid October 15-21

Simplify Exchange Traded Funds Simplify US Equity PLUS Downside Convexity ETF (NY:SPD)

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