Bill
SB 884
Consolidates Pinetops’ charter into a modern, single document, clarifying governance, elections, administration, finances, and boundary changes.
Title: Pinetops Charter Revised and Consolidated (Local)
Jurisdiction: Town of Pinetops, Edgecombe County, North Carolina
Status: Filed in Senate on April 28, 2026
Primary Sponsor: Senator Smith
Purpose
- To revise and consolidate the Charter of the Town of Pinetops, updating its governance framework and codifying current practices under a modern, consolidated charter. The act consolidates prior local acts related to the town’s property, affairs, and government and preserves existing rights and obligations.
Key Provisions and Changes
It repeals Chapter 64 of the Private Laws of 1921 (Extra Session) and acknowledges particular transitional provisions related to prior acts (with some exceptions noted).
Incorporation and Corporate Powers (Article I)
Establishes the Town of Pinetops as a municipal body politic with perpetual succession.
Grants the Town all powers conferred by general law, local acts, and this Charter, and authorizes property acquisition, holding, disposition, and investment.
Powers are exercised in accordance with general law, local acts, this Charter, or by ordinance/resolution if not otherwise prescribed.
Corporate Boundaries (Section 1.3)
Retains pre-existing corporate boundaries as of the effective date of the Charter, to be described on an official map or written description.
Changes to corporate limits must be recorded by the Town Clerk and, when lawfully altered, filed with the Secretary of State, the Edgecombe County Register of Deeds, and the Edgecombe County Board of Elections.
Governing Body (Article II)
Governing body consists of a Board of Commissioners (5 members) and a Mayor, elected at large.
Terms: Mayor – 4 years; Board members – 4 years, with staggered terms.
Mayor’s duties include presiding over meetings, possessing a casting vote in ties, issuing oaths, and executing official instruments (subject to delegation by law or ordinance).
Mayor Pro Tempore chosen at the first regular meeting after elections; holds full voting rights while serving.
Residency qualification: must be a qualified Town voter.
Board can fix compensation for the Mayor; meetings are to be open to the public, with scheduling at least monthly.
Elections (Article III)
Regular municipal elections held in odd-numbered years under Chapter 163 (nonpartisan plurality, as per G.S. 163-292).
Mayor elected every four years; Board members elected at large with staggered terms.
In 2027, two Board members elected; in 2029, three Board members elected; continuing annually thereafter per staggering plan.
Organization and Administration (Article IV)
Form of government: Mayor-council, per Part 3 of Article 7, Chapter 160A.
Town Administrator may be appointed to perform duties set by the Board.
Town Attorney appointed by Board; serves as legal adviser to Town and its departments; may engage outside counsel as needed.
Town Clerk appointed to manage notices, minutes, records, official seal, and other duties as prescribed by law and Board.
Finance Director appointed to manage town finances, in accordance with state law and Local Government Commission guidance.
Board authority to consolidate or reorganize Town offices, departments, and agencies as needed, within legal constraints.
Contracts and Finance (Article V)
Contracts must comply with General Statutes, local acts, or this Charter.
Official depository and management of Town funds are controlled by the Board; interest accrues to the Town.
Annual independent audit of Town accounts by a qualified auditor or firm, with independence requirements and professional standards.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
Potential Impact
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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