Audit Finds Rocky Mount Hired and Managed Poorly, Costing Residents

North Carolina city's financial woes tied to hiring of former city manager with history of budget overspending

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A state audit has uncovered serious financial failures in the city of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, including lack of due diligence in hiring a city manager, cycling through multiple finance directors, and questionable spending on capital projects that never materialized. The audit found employee compensation up 27%, capital purchases up 153%, and a 2% decline in city revenue over a two-year period, leading to utility rate hikes and job cuts for residents.

Why it matters

The audit highlights concerns about government oversight, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in Rocky Mount, a city of about 54,000 residents. The findings raise questions about the hiring process, financial management, and decision-making by city leadership, which have had a direct impact on taxpayers through increased costs and reduced services.

The details

The audit found that Rocky Mount hired Keith Rogers Jr. as city manager in 2022 despite his previous experience overspending the budget by $1 million as town manager in Dumfries, Virginia. Rogers resigned 17 months later with a $169,875 settlement. During his tenure, the city saw a 78% decline in cash and investment balances, a $795,500 consulting contract that was eventually stopped, and questionable capital purchases including $17.2 million for a never-materialized casino and entertainment complex.

  • In December 2022, Rocky Mount City Council unanimously hired Keith Rogers Jr. as city manager with a starting salary of $225,000.
  • In August 2024, Rogers resigned 17 months after starting, with a $169,875 settlement.
  • The audit was released on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Dave Boliek

The first-term Republican state auditor who released the report on Rocky Mount's financial failures.

Keith Rogers Jr.

The former city manager of Rocky Mount, hired in 2022 despite a history of budget overspending in his previous role as town manager in Dumfries, Virginia.

Sandy Roberson

The mayor of Rocky Mount, a city of about 54,000 residents that bridges Nash and Edgecombe counties.

Andre Knight, Reuben Blackwell, Charles Roberson, T.J. Walker, Lige Daughtridge, Tom Harris, Jabaris Walker

The members of the Rocky Mount City Council, elected as nonpartisan.

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What they’re saying

“From the lack of due diligence in hiring the former city manager, to cycling through five Finance Department directors, it's clear that Rocky Mount has not been serious about resolving its financial issues.”

— Dave Boliek, State Auditor (The Black Chronicle)

“This mess is unfortunately costing local residents, who have experienced an uptick in their utility bills. My office has heard the overwhelming public concern and interest in this investigation, and I want to thank all those who have provided us with tips and information on this audit.”

— Dave Boliek, State Auditor (The Black Chronicle)

What’s next

Boliek's office remains in probes of utility bills and procurement-card purchases in Rocky Mount.

The takeaway

The audit of Rocky Mount's finances highlights the need for greater government oversight, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in local municipalities. The findings demonstrate the real-world impact that poor management and decision-making can have on residents through increased costs and reduced services.