Newland paid an unlicensed contractor $418,658 with no contract or board approval
An August 20, 2026 investigative report by the NC Office of the State Auditor found that Newland's former Town Administrator bypassed the bidding process and engaged CCG Enterprises LLC, an unlicensed contractor, for debris cleanup and maintenance at the town's wetlands park from September 2023 to January 2024, paying $418,658 without a written contract or Board of Aldermen approval. Avery County issued a stop-work order over grading of the park's pond and wetlands; no permits were obtained. The report also found the board awarded a mowing contract to Caretaker Services, a business owned by the then-sitting mayor, which received $63,460, though the mayor had acknowledged a direct financial benefit. The town is delinquent on FY2024 and FY2025 audits and lost $15,210 to a spoofed wire request. The administrator was relieved of duties in August 2024. The report names no referral or charges; the town said it is complying.
The town later lost more than $15,000 of public funds to a fraudulent wire transfer.
OSA substantiated the allegation after evidence showed that the former Town Administrator circumvented the RFP process and engaged an unlicensed contractor to perform debris cleanup and Town maintenance services, resulting in payments totaling $418,658 without a written contract or Board approval.
In a written response, town officials acknowledged the findings and outlined a plan for compliance.
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