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North Carolina Government Finance News
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A Message from President Zachary Hewett
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Dear NCGFOA, As we move into the fall, there is a lot happening with NCGFOA, and I wanted to share a few updates as we look ahead to the remainder of the year. First, registration is now open for our 2026 Fall Conference, November 15–17 at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel! We have some exciting things planned for Asheville, including another NCGFOA golf tournament, along with a great lineup of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and plenty of time to reconnect with colleagues from across the state. I hope you'll make plans to join us! Learn more and register here at ncgfoa.org The Board also recently had an opportunity to review the results of our Conference Schedule and Structure Survey. Thank you again to the 200+ members who took the time to participate and share your thoughts with us. The feedback gave us a lot to consider and generated some great discussion among the Board. One message that came through clearly was that our members continue to place a great deal of value on NCGFOA's in-person conferences and the education, networking, and relationships they provide. After reviewing the results and discussing the feedback, the Board has decided not to make any changes to the current frequency or overall structure of our conferences at this time. At the same time, we heard your ideas about ways we can continue improving the conference experience and providing additional flexibility and educational opportunities. Maintaining our current conference schedule doesn't mean standing still, and we'll continue looking for ways to build upon what is working while responding to the needs of our membership. We're also getting ready to provide another opportunity for members to become more involved in the Association. In the coming weeks, we'll be sending out a call for nominations for an upcoming vacancy on the NCGFOA Board of Directors. Any active member in good standing will be eligible to apply, and the Board is particularly interested in hearing from members representing special districts or authorities as we continue working to ensure broad representation across our membership. The selected individual will serve a one-year term beginning January 1. There is a lot to look forward to over the next few months, and I continue to be grateful for the involvement and support of our members. Whether it's attending a conference, responding to a survey, volunteering to serve, or simply sharing your ideas with us, your participation is what makes NCGFOA the organization it is. I hope to see many of you in Asheville in November! With a dedication to supporting your continued success, Zack Hewett President, NCGFOA
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Did You Know? Financial Strategies to Avoid the Unit Assistance List
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The UNC School of Government issued an 11 page Local Finance Bulletin to summarize key financial strategies that will help units avoid the Local Government Commission Unit Assistance List ("UAL") or remove themselves from the UAL.
What is the UAL? The staff at the North Carolina Treasurer's office, State and Local Government Division, commonly referred to by the Local Government Commission that they support (the LGC), created the Unit Assistance List (UAL) in 2015 as a tool to monitor and improve financial management policies and procedures at the local level in North Carolina. From the introduction to Local Finance Bulletin, "The primary purpose of the list is to identify local units facing financial management challenges. Common issues include the cash position of water and sewer funds, internal control problems identified by independent auditors, the absence of one or more audit submissions to the LGC, and the cash position of the general fund. In addition, the UAL helps the LGC prioritize staff resources to assist these local units in overcoming their financial challenges, with the ultimate goal of removing them from the list." Find the bulletin here. It is a high level summary and a great refresher of the basics. |
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State Health Plan And Atrium Expand Access For 2027
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The State Health Plan announced a new partnership with Atrium Health to expand affordable access to key services beginning January 1, 2027. Twelve Atrium hospitals and associated clinics will be added to the Plan’s Access-level, improving certainty for members and preserving access to primary care, emergency care, behavioral health, rural facilities, and specialty services for complex medical needs. Members currently receiving primary care through Atrium, as well as those using Atrium for behavioral health office visits, can continue that care with no change in cost or benefit. In emergencies, members are advised to go to the nearest emergency department, with the entire care event covered at the same benefit level as today.
The agreement places Atrium’s rural hospitals in Alleghany, Anson, Cleveland (Shelby and Kings Mountain), Columbus, Lincoln, Scotland, Stanly, and Wilkes Counties (including Hugh Chatham Health) in the Access-level with out-of-pocket and deductible benefits that remain nearly identical to this year. Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Concord, and Brenner Children’s Hospital in the Triad are also moving into the Access-level. The organizations reported that negotiations since mid-July focused on preserving access while addressing affordability, resulting in commitments that support the Plan’s long‑term sustainability. The Plan noted that its tiered network strategy now includes participation from all major health systems, offering clearer coverage choices ahead of open enrollment. A resource identifying hospital tier assignments has been made available to members.
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NC Senate Creates New Property Tax Committee
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The press release says the committee’s work will build on property tax legislation the Senate has already worked on this year, including a Truth in Taxation bill that passed the Senate but was not taken up by the House. No information was provided about when the committee will first meet, what exactly it will take up, what its meeting frequency will be, or whether it will work in conjunction with its House counterpart. NCACC staff will engage the new committee membership and ensure county voices are heard. |
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NCACC Special Property Tax Committee
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NCACC has formed a new Special Property Tax Committee to bring together county leaders with experience in finance, tax administration, and policy. This committee will help the Association stay informed and prepared as property tax issues continue to develop at the state level and potential legislative discussions emerge. Special Property Tax Committee Members Jocelyn Andrews, Tax Administrator/Assessor, Johnston County Tabitha Ashe, Tax Administrator, Jackson County Carly Cooke, Commissioner, Guilford County Adrian Cox, Finance/Budget Director, Mecklenburg County Brian Epley, County Manager, Burke County Janis Gallagher, County Manager, Pitt County Jim Howden, Finance Director, Cabarrus County Butch Lawter, Commissioner, Johnston County Keith Lane, Finance/Budget Director, Durham County Beverly Liles, Finance/Budget Director, Union County Todd McNeill, NCACC President-Elect and Commissioner, Ashe County (Co-Chair) Shinica Thomas, NCACC First Vice President and Commissioner, Wake County (Co-Chair) Avril Pinder, County Manager, Buncombe County Wayne Vest, County Manager, Moore County Hosea Wilson, County Assessor, Dare County
NCACC has a dedicated website section for property tax education and actions at nccac.org. |
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NC Treasurer's Office Blog Update
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In case you missed it, the State and Local Government Division of the State Treasurer's Office has issued the following blogs since our last newsletter, including:
And, just in case you missed it in our last two newsletters, because this is a notable change:
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NC Treasurer's Office Email Addresses Changed
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The NC Treasurer's office website and email addresses have transitioned from .com to .gov. Please update your contacts.
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Beyond the Balance Sheet: Mark Your Calendar
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Finance Calendar of Duties:
https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/default/files/reports/LFB_70%20FinanceCalendar-tagged.pdf
NCGFOA EVENTS:
November 17 - 19, 2026
NCGFOA Fall Conference, Asheville, NC. Registration will open mid- September.
March 10 - 12, 2027
NCGFOA Spring Conference, Winston-Salem, NC
June 5, 2027
NCGFOA Reception at Fulton Alley, 600 Fulton Street, New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday June 5, 2027 prior to GFOA National Conference beginning Sunday June 6, 2027
Registration will open in 2027, thanks to Sponsors NCCMT, NCCLASS and NCIP
****************************************************************************************** OTHER EVENTS to support your professional development: Classes beginning in August NCLM Advancing Municipal Leaders (AML), Learn more about this program and register at nclm.org/amlSeptember 28-30, 2026 GFOA Best Practices Forum, Online, gfoa.org October 6 - 7, 2026 Asset Management for Finance Officers, Online, gfoa.org October 9, 2026 UNC SOG Affordable Housing Seminar: Tools, Strategies and Case Studies for Local Government Leadership, Chapel Hill, sog.unc.edu October 13, 2026 Reviewing the No Tax on Overtime Deduction for Tax Year 2026, Online, gfoa.org NC Debt Setoff Workshops 9:30 am - 12:00 pm October 13, 2026, Waynesville October 14, 2026, Hickory October 15, 2026, Asheboro October 27, 2026, Washington October 28, 2026, Wilmington October 29, 2026, Raleigh November 4, 2026, Virtual Register at least 48 hours in advance: https://www.ncsetoff.org/training-and-workshopsOctober 15, 2026 FREE! UNC SOG Water/Wastewater Strategies for Small Systems, location not listed, sog.unc.edu
October 20, 2026 GAAFR Plus Webinar, Online, gfoa.org October 27 - 29, 2026 Managing Fiscal Distress, Online, gfoa.org October 28 - 29, 2026 Grants Made Manageable: An Introduction to Grant Writing and Post-Award Compliance, Asheville, sog.unc.edu October 30, 2026 Developing an RFP for an ERP System, Online, gfoa.org November 2 - 4, 2026 Revenue Policies, Online, gfoa.org November 4, 2026 Cash Flow Forecasting: Developing the Right Approach for Your Entity, Online, gfoa.org November 5, 2026 2026 Annual Governmental GAAP Update, Online, gfoa.org November 10, 2026 Government-wide Financial Statements and Conversions and Consolidations, Online, gfoa.org November 16 - 18, 2026 Capital Assets: Accounting and Financial Reporting, Online, gfoa.org November 16 - 19, 2026 Budgeting in Local Government, Chapel Hill, sog.unc.edu November 16 - 19, 2026 Intermediate Purchasing Seminar, Chapel Hill, sog.unc.edu November 17, 2026 Understanding Pension Plans, Online, gfoa.org November 18, 2026 Overview of Receivables Function in Treasury Office, Online, gfoa.org December 1 - 3, 2026 Debt: Accounting and Financial Reporting, Online, gfoa.org December 2, 2026 Essential Tools for Effective Payable Policies and Procedures in the Treasury Office, Online, gfoa.org December 7 - 8, 2026 Leases, SBITAs and PPPs: Accounting and Financial Reporting, Online, gfoa.org December 8 - 10, 2026 Best Practices in Debt Issuance and Management, Online, gfoa.org December 8 - 10, 2026 Development Finance Toolbox, Online, sog.unc.edu December 11, 2026 2026 Annual Governmental GAAP Update (Encore), Online, gfoa.org December 14 - 15, 2026 Overview of Public Procurement, Online, gfoa.org April 20 - 23, 2027 Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting, Chapel Hill, sog.unc.edu 2027, TBD UNC School for Finance Officers, Chapel Hill and online. sog.unc.edu More programs are available in person from gfoa.org and On-Demand courses at gfoa.org/on-demand
Check the NCACC.org site for training opportunities.
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) offers a video series to walk elected officials, citizens, accounting students, preparers, and other stakeholders through the highlights of the annual comprehensive financial report. The goal of the 16 videos is to explain how information within the ACFR may be used. The episodes, which average 5 to 10 minutes in length, include a 3-part introduction to government financial reporting and 13 segments on key areas of the ACFR. Find the videos here. |
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School of Government Office Hours
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Join us any time to ask questions, share information, and learn from your peers across the state.
Tuesday, September 29, 12:00-1:00
Monday, October 5, 8:30-9:30 (focus on compliance checklist)
Friday, October 16, 8:30-9:30
Wednesday, October 21, 12:00-1:00
Thursday, October 29, 8:30-9:30
Monday, November 2, 8:30-9:30
Thursday, November 12, 8:30-9:30 (focus on compliance checklist)
Friday, November 20, 8:30-9:30
Monday, November 30, 8:30-9:30
Wednesday, December 9, 8:30-9:30
Monday, December 14, 8:30-9:30
Zoom Log in for all Office Hour Sessions:
https://zoom.us/j/95481909044?pwd=UlE2VHNhN2luS0JEYTJqeTZTMFRWdz09
Meeting ID: 954 8190 9044
Passcode: 779726
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Page Fehling - Keynote at the Fall Conference
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Page Fehling was so popular at the 2024 Spring Conference as a keynote speaker that we have booked her again. At the Fall Conference Page will be talking about Athletic Communication: How to Make Communication a Win for Everyone. Check out her webpage for inspiration now. pagefehling.com
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NCGFOA Fall Conference Scholarships
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NCGFOA offers up to five scholarships for first time conference attendees from small units. Small units are defined as: Municipal population under 10,000; County population under 25,000; Special unit service connections or population under 10,000; COG with at least one Tier 1 County. If more than five applications are received, priority is generally given to Finance Officers and Directors, but all local government staff members are encouraged to apply.
This opportunity includes conference registration and up to two nights of hotel stay if needed. The scholarship does not provide reimbursement for travel and meals outside the event. Golf and any other elective social events are not included in the financial assistance but are available for additional fees.
NCGFOA membership is required ($100); if you are not a member and receive the scholarship, you may join at that time. Membership is for a calendar year and is not prorated.
The scholarship application form is here and due by Wednesday October 7, 2026. For questions, email karen.mills@ncgfoa.org (event/scholarship) or ncgfoa@nclm.org (membership). Scholarship applicants will be notified by Monday October 12, 2026. Scholarship award winners will receive another form at that time to complete by October 16th to finalize additional details.
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Call for 2027 Conference Presentation Proposals
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Earlier this year NCGFOA was fortunate to receive 50 proposals for conference content from our business partners and one from a unit, Gaston County. The Gaston County presentation on Process Improvement will be on the Fall Conference agenda led by Janet Shafer, Process and Improvement Director, Gaston County. Three of the 50 proposals from business partners have been selected for the Fall Conference as well.
NCGFOA strives to balance our educational content with regulators, academics, practitioners, support agencies and the business community. The NCGFOA Education Committee will continue to consider the 47 proposals remaining, however given the continued interest, we have reopened the call for proposals. If you would like to present to your peers, please propose a session! If you have seen a session in another capacity that you recommend for NCGFOA, please share this invitation with the presenter or notify NCGFOA by emailing karen.mills@ncgfoa.org. The Call for Proposals form is here. |
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Are You Using the Job Board as an Employer? Check out the Advantages
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The right candidates exist. Finding them is the challenge. The NCGFOA Career Center connects you directly to professionals who are invested in NC government finance and actively looking for their next role — not a general audience of passive browsers. • Candidates in NC government • Active job seekers — not passive browsers • Featured postings that increase your visibility • Network distribution to extend your reach • Employer branding tools and profile pages • Resume bank access to search proactively NCGFOA provides this resource as a service to our profession and a basic 30 day job post is free to NC government employers.
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Is This Working For You?
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NCGFOA is committed to member service. This September edition is our fifth newsletter, and it is time to reflect. Regarding the newsletter, tell us what we should start doing, stop doing or keep doing to make this newsletter worth your time to open. Please share your thoughts with karen.mills@ncgfoa.org
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