North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek said his office uncovered a growing pattern of financial mismanagement across municipalities and public institutions statewide, with a series of audits revealing issues ranging from weak oversight to potential criminal activity.
Speaking during a July Council of State meeting, Boliek said his office has already been involved with “dozens of municipalities of varying sizes that are experiencing financial distress,” citing high-profile cases and emphasizing that similar concerns are emerging across the state.
One of the most detailed and closely watched investigations centers on the Town of Cary, where a sweeping investigative report released in mid-July found more than $1 million in questionable and, in some cases, extravagant spending tied to former Town Manager Sean Stegall. The report, which spans thousands of pages, examined procurement card use, council expenditures, and broader financial management practices after complaints of alleged misconduct…