North Carolina’s auditor is outlining a series of financial management issues in the town of Newland.
An investigation report shows the town failed to submit required financial statement audits for 2024 and 2025.
Additionally, the town paid more than $400,000 to a contractor to do debris removal and maintenance at the Roby Shoemaker Wetlands and Family Recreation Park; that contractor was not properly licensed.
The town later lost more than $15,000 of public funds to a fraudulent wire transfer.
The report also shows Newland paid a business owned by the then-sitting mayor more than $63,000 for mowing services — despite the business being dissolved.
In a response written to the state auditor, Newland officials acknowledged the findings and outlined a plan for compliance.