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North Carolina Government Finance News
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Message from President Zack Hewett
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Dear NCGFOA Members,
As we prepare for another busy season of learning, networking, and professional development, I wanted to share an update regarding our member newsletter.
In my last communication to the membership, I shared that NCGFOA would be transitioning to a quarterly newsletter format. Since that announcement, we have continued to evaluate how we can best serve our members while also supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the association.
As a result, we have decided to move to a monthly newsletter rather than a quarterly publication.
This change is being driven largely by increased interest from our sponsors and partners who value the opportunity to connect with our membership throughout the year. More frequent sponsorship opportunities will help generate additional non-dues revenue for NCGFOA, supporting our educational programs, conferences, professional development opportunities, and other member services.
At the same time, we believe a monthly format will better serve our members. Rather than receiving a lengthy email every quarter, members will receive a shorter, more focused newsletter each month featuring timely industry updates, legislative and regulatory developments, professional opportunities, upcoming events, and association news. Our goal is to make it easier to stay informed and engaged while providing information that is more timely and relevant.
We appreciate your flexibility as we refine our communications strategy and work to provide the greatest value to our members and sponsors alike.
As we move forward with this monthly format, we remain committed to delivering timely information, professional resources, and opportunities to stay informed and connected with government finance professionals across North Carolina.
I also look forward to seeing many of you at our Summer Conference in Wilmington. The conference provides a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen professional relationships, and celebrate the important work being done by government finance professionals across our state.
Thank you for your continued support of NCGFOA!
With a dedication to supporting your continued success,
Zack Hewett
NCGFOA President
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State Health Plan 2.4% Surcharge IMPORTANT UPDATE
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In the April newsletter, we reported that the 2.4% surcharge that will be effective on July 1, 2026, for all local governments that participate in the State Health Plan would be paid through ORBIT at the same time that LGERS contributions are reported and paid. That has since changed. The surcharge will be collected through the State Health Plan at the time that participating entities pay their monthly premiums. The calculation will still be the same – 2.4% of salaries – but will be paid directly to the SHP.
Please contact the State Health Plan with any questions or concerns.
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In Case You Missed It on the Listserv: IRS Update on Filing System
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As of July 21, 2026, the IRS will no longer accept new Information Returns applications for transmitter control codes (TCCs). Current users can continue to update applications through December 2026. After that, applications will be read-only and remain available for historical reference only
On January 1, 2027, the Information Returns Intake System IRIS will be the only electronic filing system for information returns. Taxpayers must use IRIS to file current-year returns, prior-year returns and corrections.
Visit the IRIS page on IRS.gov for:
• Account setup information
• Frequently asked questions
• Help resources
• Real-time system updates through QuickAlerts
Employers need to be set up in IRIS to file your 2026 information returns. You may already have an account – please log in to determine your status. The threshold for mandated electronic filing is only 10 information returns in the aggregate (1099s and W-2s combined); very few governments fall below that threshold.
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Stay Informed on NC Legislative Matters
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For the most up to date information on the NC legislature and legislation, follow the North Carolina League of Municipalities weekly League Bulletin at nclm.org and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Weekly Update Legislative Brief at NCACC.org. Both organizations publish their updates each Friday. These links take you to the latest updates and past issues.
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NC Treasurer's Office Blog and Memo Update
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Since our last update, Local Government Commission (“LGC”) staff have issued two blogs:
The Fiscal Management Section has also issued a memo:
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NC Department of Revenue Website Changes
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The new North Carolina Department of Revenue ("DOR") website landing page and associated distribution report pages have been published and the menu structure for these report pages has been updated: Local Government | NCDOR . There will be some minor modifications in the future. Each distribution report type now has its own master report page that links to the individual site pages. You can access each of these pages through that landing page link above. Local Government has been added to the News menu at the top of the website. News is where the majority of reports are located. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the DOR Distribution Team at (919)814-1118 or via email at ncdor_distributionunit@ncdor.gov.
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Compliance Deadline Changed for ADA Website Accessibility
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The US Department of Justice issued regulations which were set to take effect in April 2026 requiring state and local government bodies to make their websites and mobile content accessible for people with disabilities. In late April, the DOJ published an Interim Final Rule (the “Rule”) extending these deadlines. Now, the compliance deadline for the new ADA website accessibility rules for state and local government entities with a population of 50,000 or more is April 26, 2027. The compliance deadline for public entities with a population of less than 50,000 – or any special district government – is now April 26, 2028.
This is the first time that the DOJ has ever adopted a technical standard for digital content. Now, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA is the technical standard all state and local governments must meet for web content and mobile apps.
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GFOA FAQs on "No Tax on Overtime"
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GFOA has a link to IRS guidelines for employees to deduct qualified overtime compensation from federally taxable income, also known as "no tax on overtime" Learn more on the GFOA website here: .https://www.gfoa.org/no-tax-on-overtime-faqs
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Call for Presentations
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NCGFOA has released a call for presentations on behalf of the Education Committee. Planning is already underway for the Fall 2026 conference, as well as the Spring and Summer 2027 conferences.
We encourage our unit professionals to consider participating. Please take the lead to share the lessons you’ve learned through your work in financial management.
If you would like submission guidelines, please reach out to karen.mills@ncgfoa.org to request the guidelines and a link to the easy fill form.
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Help Shape the Future of NCGFOA Conferences
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NCGFOA will soon launch a member survey to gather feedback on the future of our conferences and educational offerings. As the Association continues to evaluate how best to serve its members, we want to hear directly from you.
The survey will explore member preferences regarding conference frequency, timing, location, format, and overall structure. It will also seek input on alternative opportunities for professional development and networking, including virtual education and regional events.
Your feedback will help the NCGFOA Board of Directors better understand member priorities, identify barriers to participation, and make informed decisions about future conference planning.
The goal is to ensure that NCGFOA's conferences and educational programs continue to provide meaningful value while meeting the evolving needs of government finance professionals across North Carolina.
Please watch for the survey link in the coming weeks and take a few minutes to share your thoughts. Your participation will play an important role in helping shape the future of NCGFOA.
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In Case You Missed It on the ListServ - Job Board Has Its Strongest Month Yet
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Word is getting out! The NCGFOA job board ncgfoa.careerwebsite.com just had its strongest month yet in May for Job Views, surpassing even its launch month in February 2025. In a tough budget season and ahead of audit season, it’s clear people are looking—our job listings received nearly 3,000 views, about 50% higher than the typical monthly average of 2,000. On average, each posted position generated about 200 clicks, a strong signal of interest from experienced professionals seeking a new North Carolina government finance opportunity.
As a reminder, job posts are free for North Carolina government finance positions. So far, 121 employers have posted jobs. That tells us the word isn’t out everywhere yet—but we’re working on it.
For those considering their next step, job seekers can sign up for job alerts to find newly posted positions, so you don’t have to remember to check the board regularly.
Success builds success. As more employers post opportunities, more job seekers engage with the board—and that increased activity, in turn, attracts even more employers and candidates. This job board is provided by NCGFOA as part of its commitment to supporting member workforce development. Basic postings remain free for all North Carolina government positions, including local governments, state agencies, schools, and universities. Please remind colleagues in budget, property tax, and procurement that they are also welcome to post their positions.
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Connecting with Future Finance Leaders at Appalachian State University
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NCGFOA recently had the opportunity to connect with the next generation of finance professionals at Appalachian State University. Invited by Professor Brian K. Hasson, representatives from NCGFOA participated in a capstone class for Master of Accounting students, sharing insights into careers in local government finance.
Caleb Hogan, Finance Director of Avery County and NCGFOA Board Member brought together a panel of experienced practitioners from across North Carolina, each offering unique perspectives on public service and the meaningful work being done in local governments. Our enthusiastic volunteer panelists Jessie Parris, City of Morganton, Halee Ratcliff, Town of Wilkesboro, Krystal Curtis, Town of Biltmore Forest, and Kyle Sutherland, Gaston County joined Caleb at his alma mater.
Students were introduced to the diverse career paths available within local government finance, as well as the impact these roles have on communities across the state. Panelists shared personal experiences, discussed professional growth opportunities, and highlighted the rewards of working in public service.
This engagement also reflects the ongoing efforts of NCGFOA’s Membership and Education Committees to strengthen the workforce pipeline and increase awareness of careers in government finance. By building relationships with academic programs and engaging directly with students, the association continues to invest in the future of the profession.
NCGFOA extends its appreciation to Appalachian State University and Professor Hasson for the opportunity to participate in this important conversation. Opportunities like this not only benefit students but also help ensure a strong, prepared, and passionate next generation of public finance professionals.
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2026-2027 Finance Calendar of Duties for City and County Officials
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Greg Allison at the School of Government has issued the 2026-2027 Finance Calendar Of Duties for City and County Officials. Find it here on the School of Government website.
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Beyond the Balance Sheet: Mark Your Calendar
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NCGFOA EVENTS:
June 28, 2026NCGFOA: North Carolina Reception at the GFOA Annual Conference, Chicago, IL 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at Fatpour Tapworks -McCormick, Free to NC professionals and their guests, thanks to sponsors, North Carolina Capital Management Trust, North Carolina Investment Pool, and North Carolina CLASS. Preregistration is closed. Email karen.mills@ncgfoa.org for space availability.
July 19 – July 21, 2026
NCGFOA Summer Conference, Wilmington, NC. Registration has closed. Register onsite. Email ncgfoa@nclm.org with questions.
November 17 - 19, 2026 NCGFOA Fall Conference, Asheville, NC. Registration will open by mid- September.
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OTHER EVENTS to support your professional development:
June 28 - July 1, 2026National GFOA: Annual Conference gfoa.org/conferenceJune 30, 2026 NCLM: Municipal Finance Summer Series Webinar - Grants, Acceptance, Accounting, Budgeting and Monitoring. NCLM.org
July 8 – 10, 2026
NCLGBA: Summer Conference, Asheville, NC. Registration is open on the NCLGBA website.
July 14, 2026 NCLM: Municipal Finance Summer Series Webinar - Basic Small Water/Sewer Systems Accounting and Financial Operations. NCLM.org
July 14 - 16, 2026 GFOA eLearning: Art of Budget Communication. GFOA.org
July 14 - 16, 2026 GFOA eLearning: Pensions and OPEB, Accounting and Reporting. GFOA.org
July 21 – July 23, 2026
NCLGIA Summer Conference, Wilmington, NC. nclgia.org
July 20, 2026 GFOA eLearning: Materiality Mondays: Close Counts and Estimates
July 28 - 30, 2026 GFOA eLearning: Understanding Government Compensation and Payroll. GFOA.org
August 3 - 5, 2026 Fundamentals of the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act, Asheville, NC, or remote.
August 13, 2026 NCLM Municipal Finance: Comprehensive Fiscal Training for Local Governments, Hickory, NC. NCLM.org
August 20 - 22, 2026 NCACC Annual Conference, Durham County NCACC.org
August 25 -26, 2026 NCLM Strategic Planning: A Workshop for Small Towns, Leland, NC NCLM.org
September 2026 - May 2027 UNC School for Finance Officers, Chapel Hill and online. sog.unc.edu
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Beyond the Balance Sheet: School of Government Office Hours
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Finance office hours, University of North Carolina School of Government (“SOG”) with Kara Millonzi, an opportunity for NC local government finance professionals to get guidance and share insights:
• Friday, June 26, 12:00-1:00pm
• Tuesday, June 30, 8:30-9:30am
• Thursday, July 9, 12:00-1:00pm
• Friday, July 17, 8:30-9:30am
• Tuesday, July 28, 8:30-9:30am
• Tuesday, August 11, 8:30-9:30am
• Wednesday, August 19, 12:00-1:00pm
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Financial Literacy
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As financial professionals, we share an interest in financial literacy. To help educate the public, the NC Treasurer launched Finance Fridays, a monthly newsletter to help North Carolinians navigate financial matters. The work recently won recognition as the 2026 Government Organization of the Year from the Institute for Financial Literacy. Each issue covers several topics, including demystifying something that can often be confusing, such as credit cards.
While much of the newsletter is geared toward adults with tips on retirement and investing, there is a section each month specifically for teenagers and young adults as well. If this resource could help you educate others around you, sign up for the newsletter at nctreasurer.gov/finance-fridays
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