Mocksville board adopts resolution backing HB 24, approves audits and hires Lee Rollins as town manager

The Mocksville Town Board voted to adopt a resolution asking the North Carolina General Assembly to restore local authority to initiate down‑zoning, approved two audit contracts and finalized hiring of a new town manager, Lee Rollins.

Town attorney Al Benshaw explained that session law (he referenced SB 382 / session law 2024‑57) contained a provision that, in his view, removed local governments’ ability to initiate down‑zoning and created a complex set of nonconformity rules that make adopting new zoning ordinances difficult. He distributed a handout and recommended the board send a resolution to the General Assembly asking for repeal. On a motion and second, the board adopted the resolution in support of bills including HB 24.

Trivedi presented two audit engagements on the consent and new business agendas: an annual audit engagement for Patel and Maxwell (presented at $18,000, not to exceed $20,000) and an audit for the town’s tourism development authority in the amount of $1,500 (Betty Kerrick named in the packet). Both contracts were approved by voice vote.

Near the end of the meeting the board moved into a closed session to discuss the town manager contract. After returning to open session, a motion to adopt the town manager contract to hire Lee Rollins passed on a voice vote and Rollins was announced as the new town manager. The board then adjourned.

What’s next: Staff will complete contract paperwork and report back to the board; the resolution will be transmitted to the General Assembly as directed by the board.