Whiteville City Council will hear a presentation on the city’s annual audit and receive a financial update from Interim City Manager Colburn Brown during its meeting Tuesday.
Brown, who also serves as the city’s finance officer, is filling in while council searches for a permanent replacement for former City Manager Darren Currie, who retired Dec. 31. Council has scheduled a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the interview process for the position.
The city’s finances have drawn heightened attention in recent weeks. Auditors issued an unqualified opinion, meaning the city received a clean audit with no identified issues. However, auditors requested additional information regarding a $1.8 million positive adjustment tied to Vineland Station.
Brown is also expected to address the city’s reported $706,000 operating deficit. In an email, he noted that the figure does not include transfers from other funds—such as payments from departments housed in the new city hall that help cover the building’s mortgage.
Mid‑cycle accounting rule changes by the Local Government Commission contributed to the shift. The LGC no longer allows revenue from departments located in city hall to be counted toward loan or mortgage payments. The commission also increased the city’s recommended fund balance to 34 percent of expenditures. Whiteville currently holds an unrestricted fund balance of 27 percent, which serves as a reserve for emergencies.
Tuesday’s meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers and will also be streamed online at whitevillenc.gov.
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