Resident alleges unlicensed subcontractor ran town water work, cites $489,431 in invoices

During the public-comment period, Cheryl Milton raised allegations about prior water-line contracting and invoicing, telling the council she had reviewed payments and licensing. Milton said the town's current public works director and a former town manager allowed the subcontractor, Charlie Gross, to run water lines without the required North Carolina General Contractors Board classification for water and sewer lines when projects exceeded $30,000. "Charlie was paid $489,431 between May 22, 2024 and September 25 of 2024," Milton said, reading several invoice amounts and urging the council to determine whether the work was completed and whether federal or state funds were properly used.

Councilors thanked her for the information and asked staff to follow up. The complaint raised potential procurement and compliance questions the council instructed staff to investigate and report back to the board.