Pender County Audit Delay Costs State | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 1, 2026 · 2m

Pender County, North Carolina, risks losing up to $140,000 in state sales tax revenue after missing the June 30 deadline to submit its fiscal year 2025 audit — a delay blamed on staffing shortages and inexperienced staff following key departures. Though the county contracted for the audit at $92,890, state law allows up to 150% of that cost to be withheld, leading to the potential loss. County officials are frustrated, calling the oversight unacceptable, while also appealing for a delay and working with state oversight and a financial coach to resolve the issue. New hires are expected next…