Rocky Mount voters returned three councilmembers to their seats in a vote Tuesday despite weeks of reports of financial chaos in the city. An audit released last month showed that the city has been overspending its budget by millions of dollars per month for two-plus years.
The city announced in September it would raise utility bills for local residents, lay off more than 10% of the city’s workforce and make other cuts to get back into financial health.
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Incumbents Tom Harris (Ward 6) and Jabaris Walker (Ward 7) defeated their challengers.
In Ward 2, Reuben Blackwell IV was running unopposed.
A single open seat, in Ward 3, was more competitive. Charles (Verb) Roberson won with 37.6 percent of the vote over six others.
Mayor Sandy Roberson isn’t up for reelection this year, nor are councilors for Wards 1, 4 and 5.