Breaking News: Princeville NC Audit Findings May 7, 2012

May 7, 2012

The Honorable Priscilla Everette-Oates, Mayor

Town Of Princeville

PO Box 1527

Tarboro, North Carolina 27886

Dear Mayor Everette-Oates:

The State and Local Government Finance Division in its role as staff to the Local Government
Commission (“staff”) has analyzed the audited financial statements of the Town of Princeville
(“Town”) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. The audit report identifies a significant number
of material weaknesses in the Town’s internal control structure and demonstrates that the Town is
in poor financial condition. In addition, staff is concerned about the lateness of the audit report,
the circumstances that resulted in a qualified opinion being issued on the financial statements,
and fundamental deficiencies with the Town’s General Fund and the Water and Sewer Fund. The
poor financial condition and lack of internal controls are unacceptable and must be addressed by
the Board. This letter presents the Town’s vulnerable points and should provide an outline for the
immediate Board action needed to rectify these issues.

Material Weaknesses: The audit discloses 19 material weaknesses in the internal control
structure established by the Town. Many of these weaknesses resulted in statutory violations and
questioned costs. These findings touch on every aspect of the Town’s operations and the Board’s
governance and in some cases affect individual employees. They are as follows:

. The Town’s expenditures exceeded its budget in almost every function of operations.

 

. Per the auditor, all contracts have not been pre-audited as required by the General Statutes
and one contract greater than $10,000 did not have Board approval as is required by Town
policy. State law [G.S. 159-28] requires that all contracts, agreements, and purchase orders
include, on their face, a certificate stating that the instrument has been pre-audited to
assure compliance with The Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act.

 

. The Town did not collect enough of its revenues to fund operations. For the 2010-2011
fiscal year, the Town collected only 74.08% of the ad valorem taxes that it levied,
significantly less than the statewide average of approximately 97%. Utility collections are
insufficient to provide for the operation of the utility system as evidenced by the continued
losses in the Water and Sewer Fund. Both of these items are discussed further later on in
this document.

 

. According to the audit, the Board failed to fulfill its fiduciary responsibility to adopt,
implement and maintain an adequate system of internal control. The Board has not hired
accounting staff with the appropriate skills to effectively manage operations and utilize
accounting software.

 

. The audit disclosed that the Town elected to continue to employ its finance officer and allow
her to retain her position after her disclosure of two instances of using public funds to
repair her personal vehicle. These actions voided the Town’s fidelity bond on this employee,
leaving the Town exposed to loss. Once these instances were made public, the Town did
remove this person from the position of finance officer, but the auditor observed her on
many occasions actively participating in the processing of financial transactions.

 

. As detailed in the findings, the Town did not file and deposit payroll taxes timely, which
could result in potentially material penalty and interest obligations to both the State and
federal governments.

 

. According to the findings, the Town did not withhold employment and income taxes from
part-time employees, resulting in underpayment of employment taxes by the employee.
One employee was incorrectly paid due to a mathematical error in computing salary. These
omissions resulted in an underpayment of withholding taxes by the Town and an
overpayment of salary to one employee.

 

. The Town failed to pay employer taxes on part-time employees and did not report those
employees’ wages on W-2s resulting in incorrect employer taxes being paid and incorrect
tax forms being filed, per the auditor’s findings.

 

. The Town failed to submit $2,446 in contributions to the Prudential Retirement 401 (k)
Plan subsequent to year end in a timely manner.

 

. As detailed in the audit, the Town has not adopted appropriate procedures for accounting
for travel related expenses. Travel expenses were paid under a non-accountable plan,
meaning all payments should have been reported as wages to the official or employee to
whom they were paid. As a result, W-2s and employer tax forms were incorrect.

 

. The Town’s accounting records and budget are not maintained on a modified accrual basis
of accounting, as evidenced by the material amount of accounts payable that were not
recorded per the auditor. Due to the extent of material unrecorded liabilities, the auditor
was unable to reach a conclusion that all expenditures of the Town had been recorded.

 

. The Town’s accounting records and budgets are not maintained on the modified accrual
basis of accounting. Accounts receivable records were “damaged beyond use” per the
auditor’s findings, and some billing journals were not available. Attempts to reconcile
deposit slips to the cash receipts journal were not successful. Utility receivables may be
overstated by a material amount. As a result, the auditor was unable to reach a conclusion
about the accuracy of accounts receivable and the related utility revenues.

 

. According to the audit findings, there are inadequate controls over bank reconciliations and
the Town does not maintain correct records for its cash accounts, resulting in overdrafts on
several occasions.

 

. Town staff has not been adequately trained on its accounting software, leaving it dependent
on one employee and its outside consultant, as detailed in the findings in the audit.

 

. The Town neglected to budget its debt service payments as required by G.S. 159-13(b)(1).

 

. Per the internal control reports, the Town did not meet the requirements of its federal and
state contracts. The Town did not produce a schedule of federal and state awards as
required, did not disclose the ARRA funding it had received, nor did it obtain wage
certifications as required for employees and contractors paid with ARRA funds. It did not
adopt or implement a corrective action plan to address findings in the prior year’s audit as
is required.

 

. The Town has not maintained adequate fund balances to provide for future operations.
This is discussed in detail later in this document.

 

. The Town was not in compliance with the USDA loan requirements based on its loan
agreement because it did not maintain the required reserve fund for debt payments.

 

. As noted in detail in the audit findings, the Town has not established an appropriate “tone
at the top” and an effective control environment that oversees the strategic direction and
accounting obligations of the Town. The Town has brought in staff that lacks the
appropriate qualifications and training to oversee and conduct the day-to-day business of
the Town.

 

Late Audit: The Town’s audited financial statements were not received in our office until April
26, 2012, after being due on October 31, 2011. As stewards of the public’s resources, the governing
body is responsible for ensuring that audited financial statements are available to the public in a
timely manner. Audited financial statements received this late precludes the Board from taking
any effective action. Information in the report is needed by various external groups, such as the
North Carolina General Assembly, federal and State agencies that provide funding, and other
public associations. We urge the Board to take the appropriate action to ensure that the audited
financial statements for the current year are completed and submitted by October 31, 2012.

Qualified Opinion on the Financial Statements: The Town received a qualified opinion on its
financial statements because the auditor was unable to obtain sufficient documentation to
substantiate accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll liabilities as of June 30, 2011. This
is a serious deficiency regarding the Town’s accounting records. The lack of internal controls
contributed significantly to the circumstances that resulted in the qualified opinion being issued.
It is the responsibility of the Board to establish the proper policies and procedures to ensure that
an adequate system of controls is in place. G.S. 159-26(a) requires that each local government
establish and maintain an accounting system designed to show in detail its assets, liabilities,

equities, revenues, and expenditures. The system also should show appropriations and estimated
revenues as established in the budget ordinance and in each project ordinance. For the current
(2012) fiscal year, you should determine the actions that will enable the independent auditor to
express an unqualified opinion and implement those changes as soon as possible. The North
Carolina Department of State Treasurer Policies Manual provides guidance in the areas where
your government is experiencing weaknesses.

General Fund & Water and Sewer Fund Concerns: In addition to the material weaknesses
noted, staff has additional concerns about the status of specific town funds.

. In the General Fund, the percentage of fund balance available for appropriation relative to
expenditures appears to be inadequate to support current operations. As of June 30, 2011,
the amount of available fund balance was 0.46% of total fund expenditures. We noted that
this is a decrease in level of fund balance available for appropriation at June 30, 2010
which was 15.85%. Statewide, the average fund balance available for comparably sized
units was 64.80% of their total General Fund expenditures.

 

For cash flow purposes, local governments need to maintain adequate amounts of fund
balance to finance their operations during periods of declining revenues. Also, fund balance
represents a reserve that can be used for emergencies and other unexpected expenditures
or to take advantage of financial opportunities that may unexpectedly arise. The Town’s
available fund balance should not be allowed to drop below 8% of total General Fund
expenditures, which is equal to one month’s average expenditures. The Board should
analyze its budget ordinance for the current fiscal year and determine which expenditures
can be reduced and/or which revenues can be increased to begin building General Fund
reserves.

. Certain expenditures were made in excess of appropriations authorized by the budget
ordinance, including debt service payments. North Carolina has very specific guidelines
regarding the preparation and adoption of the budget ordinance, and the Town should take
care to ensure that it complies with these requirements. G.S. 159-13(b)(1) specifically
requires the Town to appropriate the full amount of debt service that the finance officer
estimates will be required during the upcoming budget year. This appropriation takes
precedence over all other appropriations by the Town. In future budget ordinances, the
Town should ensure that all debt service payments are budgeted as required.

 

Based on the budget over-expenditures, it appears that the unit’s pre-audit process is not
functioning as it should. The North Carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control
Act requires that an expenditure be budgeted prior to the Town entering into the
obligation, not simply before the check is written to pay the bill. Over-expenditures occur
when commitments are made or funds are expended without ensuring that adequate
amounts are included in the budget to allow for such commitments or expenditures.

The finance officer and his/her sureties are legally liable for any sums that are disbursed
without an authorized appropriation. Accordingly, the budget must be amended to allow
for the otherwise unauthorized expenditure before making any disbursement of funds.

[G.S. 159-13, 159-15, 159-25, 159-28(b) and (e)]. The North Carolina Department of State
Treasurer Policies Manual contains a section on budgeting that provides guidance in
establishing and maintaining budgetary controls. A copy of this section can be downloaded
from our website at http://www.nctreasurer.com. Select “Divisions” followed by “Local
Fiscal Management” under “State and Local Government” and “Audit and Policies
Manuals” in the right-hand column.

. The General Fund received transfers of $30,000 from the Water and Sewer Fund. Without
these transfers, the General Fund would have reported an even weaker financial condition;
the General Fund should not rely on transfers from other funds to support its operations.
Because utility customers and property taxpayers are not necessarily the same groups of
people, it is important for equity reasons to ensure that the General Fund and the Water
and Sewer Fund are self-supporting. This means that utility customers should not
subsidize general government operations. Also, the Water and Sewer Fund owes the
General Fund over $11,000. The Water and Sewer Fund should have repaid the General
Fund before transferring any additional funds. The Town should maintain the records and
accounts for these two funds separately to decrease the instances when cash is moved
between the Funds.

 

. The Water and Sewer Fund reported a net loss on both the full accrual and budgetary basis
of reporting, indicating that revenues do not provide sufficient resources to cover the cost of
providing services to customers.

 

. Current liabilities exceeded liquid assets, indicating that the Water and Sewer Fund may
not have sufficient liquid resources to meet its current obligations.

 

. The Town continues to borrow heavily between the General Fund and the Water and Sewer
Fund to meet cash flow needs. Cash flow from operations was negative, indicating that the
operation did not generate enough cash inflows to meet the cash outflows necessary to
provide services to your customers. Given the poor financial condition of the Water and
Sewer Fund, it should not provide support to the General Fund at this time.

 

. The Town continues to allow customers to fall behind on their water payments without the
consequence of cutting off the water to the structure.

 

. In October, 2009, the Town entered into a loan agreement through the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources for water meter replacements. This loan was
approved by the LGC based on representations made by the Town that it would properly
manage water and sewer finances. The audit shows that the Town has not operated its
water and sewer system in a manner that provides adequate funds for operations and
repayment of this debt.

 

Conclusion

It is clear from the pervasive nature of these findings that the Town faces serious deficiencies in its
operations and its governance. The problem areas addressed in this letter require immediate
corrective action. Specifically the following items must be addressed:

. Due to the numerous errors and omissions in the payroll area, corrections to the records
must be made and all W-2s, 1099s and employer reporting forms for at least the 2011 and
2010 calendar years must be redone. It is possible that some or all forms from prior years
will need correcting as well.

 

. The Board and staff need to gain a complete understanding of the pre-audit function and its
implications on Town operations. The General Statutes require that in order for the
finance officer to issue a valid pre-audit certificate, the budget must be in place for an
obligation before the obligation is incurred. In this way spending is controlled at the
beginning of the transaction rather than at the end when the bills come due. If there is not
sufficient budget to cover an obligation, the Town should not incur the obligation until the
budget has been amended; alternatively the Town could decide not to incur the obligation
altogether. Strict budgetary control is essential to building much needed reserves.

 

. The Town needs a well-trained, qualified finance officer and manager in order to implement
the many corrective actions that need to occur. We strongly encourage you to seek the
assistance of the North Carolina League of Municipalities in your search for qualified staff.

 

. Collections in the Water and Sewer Fund must be improved. The Town must adhere to its
new policy of requiring payment from all customers and it must enforce the consequences of
non-payment in a uniform manner. Given the difficulty the Town has had in effectively
and efficiently operating its Water and Sewer system, the Town should consider shifting
system operations to another governmental entity to run on behalf of the Town. This move
would not interrupt service in any way to the citizens of Princeville but would relieve the
Board of its responsibilities in managing the system.

 

. The Board and staff must gain an understanding of basic internal and accounting controls
necessary to function according to the Statutes and generally accepted accounting
principles. Attached to this letter are two memorandums issued by the SLGFD staff which
detail the assignment of responsibilities in a small government. We encourage you to
review your staff assignments and realign them in accordance with the plans outlined in
these documents. Diligent Board oversight and involvement will be required in order to
improve your overall control environment.

 

. Travel expenditures must be documented in accordance with IRS requirements in order for
travel costs paid with Town funds to not be considered wages. We strongly encourage you
to review IRS Publication 463 – Travel, Entertainment, Gift and Car Expenses – as you
develop your Town travel policies.

 

H:\sge\Signature\signature.bmp
. The Board must develop a plan to improve the tax collection process. We encourage the
Town to work with Edgecombe County to determine what steps might be taken by both
parties to improve the collection percentage.

 

It is imperative that the Board work together to make the necessary improvements to the Town’s
financial operations. The Local Government Commission staff requests a response to this letter by
June 4, 2012. As a part of your response, include the following items:

. A detailed copy of your corrective action plan specifically addressing each finding in the
audit and the concerns laid out in this letter;
. A working draft of the 2012-2013 budget;
. Monthly interim financial information from September 2011 through the present;
. Signatures by the members of the Town’s board as evidence that Board members
understand the gravity of the issues that it faces in restoring fiscal health to the Town.

 

Our staff is available to assist you as you develop and implement your corrective action plan.
Please contact us with any questions at (919) 807-2381.

Sincerely,

Sharon G. Edmundson, CPA

Director, Fiscal Management Section

cc: Maggie Boyd, Interim Town Manager

Isabelle Andrews, Commissioner and Finance Officer

Gwendolyn Knight, Commissioner

Ann Howell, Commissioner

Isabelle Purvis-Andrews, Commissioner

Calvin Sherrod, Commissioner

Phyllis Pearson, CPA, Petway, Mills & Pearson, CPA, P.A.

C.D. Watts, Attorney

 

Maggie Boyd, Interim Town Manager

Town Of Princeville

PO Box 1527

Tarboro, North Carolina 27886

 
Isabelle Andrews, Commissioner and Finance Officer

Town of Princeville

725 Greenwood Blvd.

Princeville, NC 27886

Phyllis Pearson, CPA

Petway, Mills & Pearson, CPA, P.A.

P.O. Box 1036

Zebulon NC 27597

Gwendolyn Knight

318 S. Main St

Princeville, NC 27886

Ann Brown Howell

400 Mullins Street

Princeville, NC 27886

Calvin Sherrod, Commissioner

909 King Avenue

Princeville, NC 27886

C. D. Watts, Attorney At Law

762 Ninth Street #553

Durham, NC 27705

See related:

Princeville NC – The Honorable Priscilla Everette-Oates Mayor Receives Letter From The Local Government Commission That Town Past Due Audit Be Submitted by April 30, 2012. 

Princeville NC

Ignant Column: Princeville NC – Commissioner Gwendolyn Knight and Interim Town Manager Maggie Boyd Appeared In Court Monday May 7, 2012 And Case Dismissed Due To Ignance

I am beginning to think that the Princeville 3 Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates, Commissioners Isabelle Purvis-Andrews and Calvin Sherrod are using this elderly lady Maggie Boyd Interim Town Manager to go after the younger lady Gwendolyn Knight Commissioner because if Boyd was thinking for herself or if she would have just read her No Contact Order that is legally binding by the courts against Knight she would not continue to run down to the Magistrate Office and/or the Clerk of Court’s Office to take out warrants on Knight. It actually seems to appear that it is beginning to become a pattern of harassment on Boyd’s behalf. It appears that the Princeville 3 has hired Boyd to harass Knight.

A couple of months ago Boyd was granted a No Contact Order by the courts against Knight but Boyd is so caught up in the Princeville 3 dirty work that she is not taking the time to think for herself in my opinion. Both Knight and Boyd can both be in attendance at the Princeville Town Hall Meetings. So for Boyd to think otherwise is just crazy. Futhermore Knight is the boss to the Town Manager so therefore I don’t understand what part of that picture Boyd do not understand.

Sources say in court today Boyd was telling the Judge that Knight was asked to leave the Princeville April regular monthly meeting. Knight had not attended a meeting since the No Contact Order was granted to Boyd. If I had known Knight was going to attend the meeting I would have attended but the meetings ain’t no fun if Knight and Commissioner Ann Howell are not present. Both Knight and Howell tries hard to do what is in the best interest of the town but the Princeville 3 is in the majority so they can’t get anything done. They are sort of caught up like our current President because he has to fight those racist Republicans on every issue. Howell has not attended a meeting since her husband passed. I understand the Judge let Boyd tell her complaint and then he told her what the No Contact Order stated and Boyd said where you get that from? The Judge said on the back of the No Contact Order explains where they both can be in the same place at the same time. Case was then dismissed.

So what will the Princeville 3 have Boyd to do next? Damn what is the role of the town manager? With the audit findings damn it seems they have a plenty for the town manager to do. But better yet why in the hell don’t Maggie Boyd go home so that the saga between her and Commissioner Knight would end. Oh but that is too easy.

So when will the ignance end?

"Ignorance will never end. Even those with money can’t buy SENSE!!" Author: Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator

Being Ignant – Know that being ignant is not always a bad thing, however it is a bad thing when you don’t do anything about it especially when you are trying to discredit others. Know what you are talking about when you open your mouth so you will not make a damn fool out of yourself. Curmilus Dancy II Tuesday April 3, 2012

See related:

Commissioner Gwendolyn Knight 

Princeville NC

State to Princeville: Problems are "very serious" – Daily Southerner

Response: This is going to be interesting can’t wait to see what happens how the State deal with Princeville. This is sad but the people of Princeville are all responsible for the hell of a mess they are in because they have allowed the Princeville 3 to do whatever the hell they pleases. They have not been accountable to no one. Maybe the State will come in and shut them down and just maybe the good people of Princeville will wake the hell up. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

TARBORO — PRINCEVILLE — The North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC) has expressed its concerns regarding the town’s poor financial condition in a March 22 letter to Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates. (More)

See related:

Princeville NC

Princeville audit meeting comes to abrupt ending – Daily Southerner

Response: So why did they go to Pitt County and pay to have the meeting in a hotel conference room? So why did the Mayor excuse one of the Princeville 3 Commissioner Calvin Sherrod and did not let him meet with them? So if Maggie Boyd is the interim town manager why was she not allowed to sit in the meeting also? So many unanswered questions.

What in the hell is it going to take for the good citizens of Princeville to get mad and march down to the Town Hall and demand that the Princeville 3 resign immediately. But naw don’t do that, let them continue to make a fool out of ya’ll. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

TARBORO — GREENVILLE — A special called meeting for the Princeville Board of Commissioners to receive a draft report of the audit for fiscal year 2011 was recessed less than three minutes after it started here Monday.

See related:

Breaking News: Princeville NC – Sources Say The Princeville 3 Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates, Commissioners Isabelle Purvis-Andrews & Calvin Sherrod Along With Attorney Chuck Watts Board Attorney Met In Greenville Today In A Meeting That May Could Be Seen As Illegal 

Princeville NC

Breaking News: Princeville NC – Sources Say The Princeville 3 Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates, Commissioners Isabelle Purvis-Andrews & Calvin Sherrod Along With Attorney Chuck Watts Board Attorney Met In Greenville Today In A Meeting That May Could Be Seen As Illegal

Sources say a Princeville Commissioners met today in Greenville at the expense of the people in Princeville because the meeting cost around $300.00. Rent of the facility $250.00 and for cookies and water.

Because some folks were present the meeting was not held publicly because the recessed and asked those present to leave.

So damn this was money thrown away.

So what did they have to hide. So they didn’t want anyone to know about what was going on with the audit? I understand this was suppose to be a workshop to discuss discrepancies with the town’s budget.

So when are the people of Princeville especially those who called themselves political leaders but not limited to just ordinary tax paying citizens going to demand some accountability from the Princeville 3. It appears Commissioners Ann Howell and Gwendolyn Knight was not present.

See related:

Princeville NC

Quote Of The Week – "If the people of Princeville keep the right, and honest, . . . Princeville Mayor Said. LMBAO!!

"If the people of Princeville keep the right, and honest, people in this position (as mayor), who has the heart for them to move forward, this town would become a town where people all over the world would set vacation time to tour the town," she said. (Source)

Note: So there you have it, folks of Princeville the mayor has spoken so you know what you need to do. Now that is too damn funny.

What time is it? Audit time! C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

See related:

Princeville NC

I attended the Princeville NC 127 Birthday Celebration But Can One Really Celebrate When So Much B.S. Is Going On Among The Commission?

The celebration itself was great however I get disappointed and disgusted with how the Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates carry out the process. I was so embarrassed but Congressman G.K. Butterfield and the Salvation and Deliverance Choir made the difference.

There were no media other than The Daily Southerner and myself.

The celebration began about 25 minutes late.

I just hate knowing that here we were in Princeville NC celebrating the 127 birthday and the Town Commission has so many issues among themselves.

Where were the Princeville former mayors and former commissioners and other political leaders? Of course the current mayor Everette-Oates was present. Calvin Sherrod was the only commissioner present. The mayor said Commissioner Isabelle Purvis-Andrews mother was sick. She said Commissioner Ann Howell has not been out since her husband died so pray for her and her husband. She said nothing about Commissioner Gwendolyn Knight.

Commissioner Knight and Maggie Boyd Interim Town Manager. Victor Marrow was fired as town manager recently because he would not sign a document to do what the Princeville 3 Mayor Everette-Oates, Commissioner Sherrod and Purvis-Andrews wanted him to do.

Commissioner Knight could not attend because a stalking charge was filed against her by Boyd but this was a second charge. Boyd and Knight had taken out charges for assault against each other. They went to court on Monday February 20 but the judge would not hear the case because he was familiar with the issues in Princeville. So the case was moved to Monday February 27 when another judge from Wilson would be present.

The last I heard the Princeville 3 still has not paid Commissioner Knight for a meeting that the mayor put her out of.

Commissioner Taro Knight Town of Tarboro and Viola Harris Edgecombe County Commissioner and Sheriff James Knight were the only elected officials present.

I left the celebration feeling good about the upcoming election knowing that my Congressman will continue to do a hell of a job. I am pleased to know that the Salvation and Deliverance Choir will continue to make Edgecombe County proud.

But when I left the celebration I did not feel good about the oldest incorporated town by blacks because it is in a hell of mess and it is not because of the white man but because of some ignant black folks.

I can’t wait to see the audit for 2011 because it got to be crazy as hell because some crazy mess has been going on over the past year but not limited to.

The town regular monthly meeting will be held on Monday February 27, 2012 at 7:00 PM.

See related:

The World’s Most Famous Salvation & Deliverance Choir of Tarboro NC And Congressman G.K. Butterfield Wilson NC, Wow What A Combo During The Princeville NC 127 Birthday Celebration On Saturday February 25, 2012

Princeville NC

 

Breaking News: Princeville 3 Has Rehired Attorney Charles Chuck Watts Again

Sources say the Princeville 3 Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates, Commissioners Isabelle Purvis-Andrews and Calvin Sherrod called a special meeting at 5:00 PM today to rehire Attorney Chuck Watts. The word is they re-hired him because no other attorneys applied and that they really needed an attorney. It is quite interesting to know that Attorney Watts attended the meeting.

Sources say Commissioners Gwendolyn Knight and Ann Howell knew about the called meeting but had no idea what the meeting was going to be about.

Several citizens attended the meeting to question the water bills but to find out they could not speak because it was a special call meeting.

See related:

Attorney Charles Chuck Watts

Princeville NC

Ignant Column: Princeville terminates attorneys – Source: The Daily Southerner

Note: I reported on Tuesday Princeville NC – The Princeville 3 Fired The Town Attorneys On Monday Night. Damn it is about time somebody go to jail over there because it appears they are doing some illegal stuff. Their actions may not be illegal per the laws as written but they sure as hell meet the qualifications for being IGNANT. The people in Princeville ought to be outraged by the actions of the Princeville 3 and should be demanding that they step down as an early Christmas present to the town. Hell yeah I said it, now what? Curmilus Dancy II – The Political Agitator

TARBORO — PRINCEVILLE — After a heated closed session, the Princeville Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to terminate its law firm Monday night during the board’s monthly meeting.

The heat began to rise between board members after Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates called for a closed session that excluded Commissioners Ann Howell and Gwen Knight from taking part at the beginning of that meeting because it was about legal matters concerning the two.

See related:

Princeville NC

Princeville Board has mixed views on ‘Survival Day’–Source: The Daily Southerner

TARBORO — PRINCEVILLE  – The town’s sponsored three-day event, which is set to begin today, received negative feedback from two commissioners Monday night during Princeville’s monthly meeting.

"Princeville Survivor Week" Celebration starts today with a job fair at the town hall. Thursday and Friday, federal and state government officials are scheduled to speak and workshops have been arranged on the Tarboro Campus of Edgecombe Community College inside the Thomas S. Fleming Building. The event is open to elected officials for a fee of $100 for both days, $50 for citizens. (Read more)

Response: It is a damn shame how they operate in Princeville. The Princeville 3 the mayor and her 2 flunkies do whatever the hell they want to do as the other 2 board members does not exist. One day. Curmilus Dancy II – The Political Agitator

See related:

Princeville NC

Princeville NC – ‘Policies, procedures in place’

TARBORO — The Town did adopt a resolution delegating certain limited authority to the mayor and the manager to execute contracts on behalf of the town. We actually have a signed copy of that resolution and affidavits from a majority of the members of the board at that time acknowledging that the resolution was, in fact, adopted. (Read more)

See related:

Princeville NC

No minutes available for a Princeville resolution meeting – Source: The Daily Southerner

TARBORO — PRINCEVILLE — A controversial resolution that was passed May 31, 2005, has caused yet another dispute between the already divided Princeville Board of Commissioners and mayor. (Read more)

Note: I have a copy of the Resolution and it is not on a Princeville letterhead. It was adopted this the 31 day of May 2005 signed Priscilla Everette-Oates Mayor. It is also a marking as if someone else was going to sign that looks like it is the beginning of a M. M, that may be the beginning of Maggie Boyds signature who was on the commission at that time. But this Resolution was not stamped dated and notorized so is it legit? How do one know if there was an official meeting and this Resolution was not done at someone’s home? I make videos out of my vehicle sometimes, matter of fact at the last meeting a made Bronson Williams a copy in the parking lot while he, some others and myself stood around and chatted. Curmilus Dancy II – The Professional Agitator

See related:

Princeville NC

Princeville Mayor Everette-Oates. ‘you are doing wonderful job–Source: The Daily Southerner

TARBORO — As a Princeville native, I am proud of the milestones of the town since it was incorporated. I am a supporter of the Mayor (Priscilla) Everette-Oates Administration. (Read more)

Note: I am not a Princeville native however I have been following the Town of Princeville politics over the years. It is too damn sad that some folks don’t understand what the problem is especially those who do not attend the meetings to see for themselves. The town is ran by the Princeville 3. The Princeville 3 are: Dictator Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates, Commissioners Isabelle Purvis-Andrews and Calvin Sherrod.

The letter writer says some folks had some trust in the dictator I mean mayor because they voted for her. People vote for folks all the time to later realize they made a bad choice. I challenge the letter writer to see how many people voted during the last election and let us know if you think that the few speaks to the majority of the people who lives in Princeville that chose not to vote. I have come to the conclusion that maybe the reason why the people in Princeville ain’t saying anything is because they didn’t vote. So just maybe they will speak in the next election by voting.

I beg the difference when the letter writer says the mayor is representing the majority. The dictator is representing all of the people in Princeville those who voted, those who didn’t vote, those who give a damn and those who do not.

"I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." – Elie Weisel The people of Princeville are suffering and being humiliated by the actions of the Princeville 3 and it is so sad. I guess if one likes dictatorship one could say the mayor is doing a wonderful job. Curmilus Dancy II – The Professional Agitator

 

Edgecombe County Public Schools 3 Reminds Me Of The Princeville Town Council 3, “Racism And/Or Power Struggle”

Rev. Roy Gray Sr. stated in his letter to The Daily Southerner, titled: “Gray, district needs a black” that Edgecombe County Public Schools board members former board chair Evelyn Wilson, Dr. Evelyn Johnson both black and Keith Pittman (white) voted for him and former board vice chair Ann Kent, Janice Davidson and Faye Taylor (white) voted for Thomas Wayne Edison during the appointment. The vote was deadlocked at 2 meetings and that lead Attorney Teresa D. Bryant to rescind her resignation.

I have named Kent, Davidson and Taylor the Edgecombe County Public Schools 3. They remind me of the Princeville Town Council 3 because Commissioners Isabelle Purvis-Andrews, Calvin Sherrod and Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates almost always votes together at every meeting. Commissioners Ann Howell and Gwendolyn Knight always vote together.

I find it too damn funny that the ECPS 3 would vote for Edison who did a very poor job during the interview process and his main concern was reducing classroom size. So therefore in my opinion I feel strongly that the ECPS 3 want the board to be lily white and they are not concerned about the black children and the issues they face in District 2. Edison couldn’t speak to the issues in District 2 as it relates to the black children so therefore the appointment should have been a no-brainer.

Attorney Teresa D. Bryant is black and was elected by the people. The district is a minority-majority black district and was set up that way to ensure black representation. The make up of the district is 57% black and 8 % non-white so therefore the ECPS 3 in my opinion showed just how racist they are. I say that because they know the history of the district as it relates to why some others and myself requested that a black person be appointed. If this was an election by the people and the people voted in a white person, then so be it but the appointment should have been handed to a black person. Keeping in mind that no white person ran against Bryant who was appointed to replace Dr. Florence A. Armstrong (black) so therefore this is another reason to appoint a black. Bryant ran during the election without any opposition.

If I was a board member and if District 2 was not a minority-majority black district, I would have looked at who ran during the previous election, the numbers and the race of the voters who voted in the previous election and how the candidates responded during the interview process. I will use the same candidates that were seeking the appointment, I would have ranked them in the following order Gray, Robinson and Edison. I have made it known that I am not a fan of Gray however I have stated during the appointment process that I would have had to choose Gray because I would have not allowed it to be personal. I would have voted for him however I would have hoped that Bryant would seek election during the upcoming election in 2012.

I have said over and over again that the ECPS 3 shows how much they care about the children of Edgecombe County and should makes one wonder how much they care about the black children in the county. They don’t want them to have a black voice on the board because they have a 4-3 majority but they wanted it to be a 5-2 majority.

I love it when not only some white folks come to the meetings with their personal agendas but when some black folks with personal agendas as well because I am there always there. My personal agenda is the same holding the board accountable for their actions because I want what is best for all children in the county. Because I attend the meetings regularly and stay to the end when those with the personal agenda comes and leave when their item on the agenda has been brought forth, I can talk about them with no problem be they white or black. I love it when whites and blacks come to the meeting with their agenda knowing that I am there always and they don’t mention their concerns to me but then think I suppose to support their agendas. I don’t roll like that because I don’t give a damn if they are white or black. I have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies only permanent interest.

So there you have it, this is my spill on the Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS) 3.

I am Curmilus Butch Dancy II an effective community activist, The Political Agitator and The Watch Dog of the East however I know some others white and black have more names for me but that does not matter because I know who I am and whose I am and I don’t play. Time is too short and there is much work to be done.

See related:

Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS) 3

Princeville Town Council 3

Repost: Video – Princeville 3 Votes For Redistricting Mapping Although They Fired The Attorney And Without A Public Hearing Tuesday, July 19, 2011 4:00 PM

Click on picture to view: Princeville 3 strikes again Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates, Commissioners Isabelle Purvis-Andrews and Calvin Sherrod. (Video 9 mins. 56 secs.)

See related: Breaking News–Princeville 3 Votes For Redistricting Mapping Inspite Of Firing The Town Attorney And Without A Public Hearing