Financial Troubles Force Ronda, NC to Consider Dissolving Its Charter
The town of Ronda in Wilkes County is facing a significant fiscal crisis, prompting state officials to recommend the dissolution of its charter. The town’s financial difficulties have raised concerns about its sustainability and future.
A letter from state lawmakers to Ronda’s town officials highlighted several pressing issues, including consistent overspending on the water system, penalties incurred from the IRS due to delayed payroll tax payments, and dangerously low cash reserves. The communication described Ronda as “no longer viable” and recommended initiating the dissolution process.
During a recent meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Reece expressed a desire to involve residents in the decision-making process through a referendum. However, state officials indicated that the earliest such a referendum could occur would be in 2027, raising concerns about the town’s financial endurance until then.
“But the local government commission came back and said that the fastest they could do that is 2027, and they believe that Ronda will run out of money before 2027,” Reece stated. He further noted that the state might intervene if the town’s leaders do not act swiftly. “The state’s basically saying they’re going to make the decision for us if we don’t make it,” he added.
The town’s board plans to gather resident feedback at a special meeting scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m., with the potential for a final decision on the dissolution by September 8.
