[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6522940,"mediaKeyId","5066492-84504e38a2ef3726344593fe1687cda0","parentId",5066492,"title","Rocky Mount manager introduces new HR director, reports Juneteenth turnout and lists summer events","audioSeconds",92,"startMs",318000,"endMs",410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066492-84504e38a2ef3726344593fe1687cda0&start=318&end=410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066492-84504e38a2ef3726344593fe1687cda0/thumbnail_318000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6522940/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Rocky-Mount-manager-introduces-new-HR-director-reports-Juneteenth-turnout-and-lists-summer-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522940-980cfdd0e24e2e80abe6d96fd9554151/orig.mp4?Expires=1775352282&Signature=aoNAbsUwwpXe~fBIrWUul8luJq1f3ZQ3Oc5GjFZ9c1T9XUc5i4JcKd8KRU1eQvA4Wh0wh7HAQgTC2CQ~t9gdR4S3u6WGnUheIuxA9VWkr5wophH46v3roHRY~JRyB2gJlHXQdx6CDJoLNXyXgp368GNwaHHdIWHIsbCdg4ELec8Kd7VPgaywhGEPBYZlZdL1kfQh6SuNZlk6CdadAkHayYx1ZaO5Y3h3MtIgIQcoSxtwyjau6tUOV8a~nTqySYsxmHa9VhWDXdoXvetdrIzPmfaj-4-17vGJJCYwVrtyPMK2517LQrQ63lcvBtiV0ghub~-v6GcPNrq9UAGQg-F21w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rocky Mount","date","2025-06-24T14:30:10.037Z","article","City Manager Elton Daniels used the council meeting to introduce Lisa Austin as the City of Rocky Mount’s new director of human resources and to recap recent and upcoming community events.

Daniels said Austin, who previously worked for the town of Roseville, North Carolina, started that day and brings more than 20 years of local government experience. “I’m excited to introduce our new director of human resources, Miss Lisa Austin, who started today,” Daniels said, asking the council and audience to welcome her.

Daniels also reported that the city’s Juneteenth celebration, held Friday through Sunday, drew an estimated 8,000 people downtown, with more than 50 vendors and multiple stage performances. “Over the course of a three-day celebration, we welcomed an estimated 8,000 people to downtown Rocky Mount,” he said.

He announced upcoming events and meetings for residents and professionals: a lender training for the Downtown Payment Assistant Program on Wednesday, June 25 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in City Council Chambers; Downtown Live with Jim Kwik and the Coastline on Thursday, June 26 at 6 p.m.; and the city’s Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, July 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rocky Mount Stadium, free and open to the public. Offices and Tar River Transit service will be closed on Friday, July 4; garbage, recycling and yard-waste collections will continue as scheduled, and the Sunset Spray Park and Den Street Pool will be open.

The council also recognized two employees who completed the North Carolina Inspector Apprenticeship Program. Joe Starlin, chief of engineering for the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Leon Skinner, director of the apprenticeship program, presented certificates to Tim Shanksy and Noah Vance for completing the training.

Manager Daniels encouraged attendance at the lender training for the Downtown Payment Assistant Program, saying the session is “designed for local lenders and real estate professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the city's downtown payment assistant program and how it can benefit home buyers in our community.”","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting, June 23","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Elton Daniels introduced Lisa Austin as the city’s new director of human resources, reported an estimated 8,000 attendees at Juneteenth weekend events and announced upcoming downtown and Independence Day events and a lender training session for a downtown payment assistant program.","taxTitle","Rocky Mount, Nash County, North Carolina","taxId",5685,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522945,"Votes at a glance: Rocky Mount council approves minutes, consent items, appropriations, loans and ordinances",3956,262000,4218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066492-84504e38a2ef3726344593fe1687cda0&start=262&end=4218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066492-84504e38a2ef3726344593fe1687cda0/thumbnail_262000.jpg","/articles/6522945/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Rocky-Mount-council-approves-minutes-consent-items-appropriations-loans-and-ordinances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522945-bc19584d7a50435c77db27f2b6341c08/orig.mp4?Expires=1775352282&Signature=EPhosEinAoccVMNz5aDLguUMVlKv31SoKonCLP65CWAIqz1BdbDFYO7wEXhJLB7uV0YLjoSZjAsAOLt-nHcXei6zz-JYF0LQGl9n7z4TS6x1pRXA5VcIOu9wz~JFW94kpJq4wpaS~IjZuvtk1hAlidp7FrOpchAB0ccPfbWHrZvAd3TJB63df1pupYn~f~0P4fALZso28U6Vxrph6yFdeSMeIJaUV7-bYTHmaK0a1XCNANVVxh-Tj03JYSTtTUBhvvxCg5pZrzujoDls~XXmtwXVMudrLx40duLrrZJoqmBZWCydDebqimApbSHxFDXaslFH7fdEVmNRQkMsrJdzuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rocky Mount City Council took the following formal actions at the meeting (motions indicated with mover/second where recorded):

- Approved minutes of the special call committee of the whole (Jan. 27, 2025) and regular council meeting (April 14, 2025). Motion by Councilman Joiner; second by Councilman Harris. Outcome: approved.

- Removed 302 East Thomas Street from item 10 on the agenda. Motion by Councilman Blackwell; second by Councilman Harris. Outcome: approved.

- Approved the consent agenda (street closure, grant applications, bid awards, and the amended HOME ARP funding agreement). Motion by Councilman Joiner; second by Councilman Harris. Outcome: approved.

- Adopted amendments to FY24–25 project and budget ordinances, including an appropriation of $4,100,000 in the self-insurance service fund for health claims and an amendment appropriating $885,530 (items listed on the agenda). Motion by Councilman Joiner; second by Councilman Blackwell. Outcome: approved.

- Adopted the FY25–26 budget ordinance (see separate coverage); motion by Councilman Knight; second by Councilman Blackwell. Outcome: approved.

- Adopted a resolution approving amendments to the position classification and pay plan (reclassifications in City Manager’s Office, Central Services, Development Services). Motion by Councilman TJ Walker; second by Councilman Joiner. Outcome: approved.

- Approved a budget ordinance amendment appropriating $175,000 to the general fund for reimbursement to OIC Rocky Mount for the construction trades program and youth connect summer employment program. Motion by Councilman Joiner; second by Councilman Jabaris Walker. (Councilman Knight and Councilman Blackwell recused on this item.) Outcome: approved.

- Approved a budget ordinance amendment appropriating $392,500 in the general fund to the Carolina’s Gateway Partnership for economic development support. Motion by Councilman Joiner; second by Councilman Blackwell. (Councilman TJ Walker recused.) Outcome: approved.

- Approved a budget ordinance amendment appropriating $5,000 in the general fund to the Tar River Orchestra and Chorus for program support. Motion by Councilman Joiner; second by Councilman Daughtridge. (Councilman TJ Walker recused.) Outcome: approved.

- Adopted Tar River Transit project ordinances. Motion by Councilman Doerner; second by Councilman Harris. Outcome: approved.

- Approved renewal of property and casualty insurance coverage through Surrey Insurance, estimated at about $2,300,000 (approximately an 8% increase). Motion by Councilman Joiner; second by Councilman Harris. Outcome: approved.

- Adopted an ordinance ordering demolition of dilapidated dwellings at 2304 Bailey Street, 3030 Myrtle Avenue and 109 Owen Circle. Motion by Councilman Blackwell; second by Councilman Joiner. Outcome: approved.

- Approved forgivable restaurant catalyst loans to Renaissance Rooftop, Laziz, and Casa as recommended. Motion by Councilman Joiner; second by Councilman TJ Walker. Outcome: approved.

These items were adopted as presented in the meeting record; individual vote tallies were recorded as voice or show-of-hands votes and are not enumerated in the transcript for each item.","A roundup of formal motions adopted by the Rocky Mount City Council during the meeting, including minutes approval, consent agenda items, budget and project ordinances, appropriations for community organizations, insurance renewal, demolition orders and restaurant loans.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522950,"Rocky Mount council adopts resolution to acquire interests in several downtown parcels",254,1466000,1720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066492-84504e38a2ef3726344593fe1687cda0&start=1466&end=1720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066492-84504e38a2ef3726344593fe1687cda0/thumbnail_1466000.jpg","/articles/6522950/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Rocky-Mount-council-adopts-resolution-to-acquire-interests-in-several-downtown-parcels","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522950-fb3236ca101fc636e79a405f53098329/orig.mp4?Expires=1775352282&Signature=QwQP4vJKWXMJc3NaXqAOuDiWoBt7C4FGAX1CMOOmZ3ZNItoS7M-5G0zcJe6VRjol3v3P-B0b0vcenfzXGIp08wgXPekVk~K~V6LIa32~QgmXrNCQBhFtfL0ZsOS62vyFq~1TTuryn1xTwtJH8zaHvaPRllfGe9j2f3apFAHy9KyYG6UnKf3SdL91KC6ZFb4Yb59PgVcgZF7ltR9nEitOuIM7TxwoCXrA6~qqwfuwlv5Ik2~ozHKn4cfvSCyGxgAxL2tNaQUsP4FcoKG0qz6cQE4kLpJtJ~5Crw30yCnyKzNzPwnNvF5Y2pALms3nAm71D9BraqnrqAozHyA-yb5ICg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rocky Mount City Council voted to adopt a resolution exercising the city’s power of eminent domain to acquire certain interests in four properties identified in the city’s redevelopment plan.

The resolution covers interests in 109 East Holly Street, 334 Albemarle Avenue, 334 Northeast Main Street and 203 Southeast Main Street. A fifth parcel, 302 East Thomas Street, was removed from the agenda earlier in the meeting.

Councilman Blackwell moved to adopt the resolution; Councilman Joiner seconded. Blackwell said the council has “never moved quickly for anything when it concerns eminent domain” and described the city’s approach as judicious, noting past efforts to maximize value for affected property owners. The resolution passed on a voice vote.

During public comment, Darlene Spencer Harris, who identified herself as speaking about item 10, urged negotiation in good faith and criticized what she described as uneven treatment of property owners across county lines. “The city paid $17,000,000 to land owners in Nash County with no appraisals, no threats, and no court actions,” she said, and urged the council to consider alternatives such as ground leases and more time for negotiation.

Councilman Knight responded that staff had negotiated with the property owner for nearly a year and that an offer had been presented earlier that the owner refused. He said he believed the city had presented a fair offer and that further delay was not warranted.

The council adopted the resolution after discussion; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally in the meeting minutes for the vote.","After public comment and council discussion, Rocky Mount City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire interests in four properties in the redevelopment area; one parcel was removed from the agenda earlier.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522954,"Rocky Mount council adopts 2025–26 budget, raises property tax rate 4 cents to 62¢",1907,1747000,3654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066492-84504e38a2ef3726344593fe1687cda0&start=1747&end=3654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066492-84504e38a2ef3726344593fe1687cda0/thumbnail_1747000.jpg","/articles/6522954/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Rocky-Mount-council-adopts-202526-budget-raises-property-tax-rate-4-cents-to-62","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522954-901ad633a2575c0020920cd45581dea9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775352282&Signature=RT3fJnaytDXuOrSxIfzW-Ypk~fgNzbONZQAYeWBSD9qfclQQPKLkXxi8cTHg6WLJ3Gd1gXtXIz4FJcvth2alvMX6BQZR0qDTm7hacD6NcB7o0XRrzJ-R2HUa-08-bTTNUyNFhJyMrN9Aut9i4EzkfmKrM7caCy5-lYaPlooQiLIRt0gEYC0csLcMeJHEGMiggbUFEYnzdNxHPjPyUOPnmpCLCyzNhSrm1-J8bt7fn7w2ROpm9sQtZ44JCzGZE2j0OqyBkyG9pVyP4bYZTqHXnJBCX3EBTWOs~rymNnLxV12r-dZxjOptiNFNsnu2h1wBvK0~VvHz-sSs4dVrfLxKTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rocky Mount City Council on a voice/show-of-hands vote adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and set the city property tax rate at 62¢ per $100 of assessed value, a 4¢ increase from the current 58¢ rate.

The vote follows nearly two hours of debate during which council members discussed the city’s depleted fund balance, Local Government Commission (LGC) targets, and the affordability impact on seniors and fixed-income residents. Councilman Knight moved to adopt the budget; Councilman Blackwell seconded. Councilman TJ Walker’s amendment to unfreeze one Central City development position was added and accepted by the motion; the amended budget passed.

The budget establishes appropriations for fiscal 2025–26 and includes a $500,000 allocation for downtown development grants and other fee and rate adjustments. City Manager Elton Daniels presented the plan and said staff identified savings the manager proposed to use toward a 2% cost-of-living adjustment earlier in the process.

Supporters said the increase is needed to replenish the city’s fund balance and sustain services. Councilman TJ Walker, defending the raise, said the city must fund services that residents expect: “All of these services cost something,” he said, noting police, sanitation and event staffing are recurring expenses.

Opponents pressed for a smaller increase or alternative savings. Councilman Harris urged lowering the increase from 4¢ to 2¢, saying the manager had found additional savings and the council should aim to meet LGC minimums without as large a tax increase. “So I'd like to make amendment ... the rate reduction be from 4¢ to 2¢,” Harris said. Council members Daughtridge and others echoed concerns about the effect on seniors and residents on fixed incomes, and urged directing some revenue to the fund balance.

City staff and finance leaders told the council they would work with residents needing payment plans following the tax increase. Latasha Hall of Business and Collection Services said the office will offer payment plans “not to exceed the next tax billing year” and will work with customers on humane, flexible arrangements.

The council approved the budget after a show-of-hands vote; members also approved related ordinances adjusting fees, rate schedules and water and sewer rates. The meeting record shows the motion carried with the stated amendment to unfreeze the Central City position.","The Rocky Mount City Council adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and approved a 4¢ increase in the property tax rate to 62¢ per $100 of assessed value after extended debate over fund balance, services and impacts on seniors.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rocky Mount manager introduces new HR director, reports Juneteenth turnout and lists summer events

Votes at a glance: Rocky Mount council approves minutes, consent items, appropriations, loans and ordinances

Rocky Mount council adopts resolution to acquire interests in several downtown parcels

Rocky Mount council adopts 2025–26 budget, raises property tax rate 4 cents to 62¢