September Town Council Meeting 9/11/26 Part 2

Town Council Addresses Financial Matters, Pre-Audit Challenges, and Ongoing Litigation

The Montreat Town Council convened on September 11, 2026, for the second part of their regular meeting. The session focused primarily on financial obligations, a persistent challenge with state pre-audit requirements, and an update on ongoing legal matters. While no public comments were offered during the meeting, council members engaged in discussions that will impact town finances and legal standing.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the town's ongoing struggle to comply with state pre-audit requirements. Council members acknowledged that, across North Carolina, no municipality is currently fully compliant with the process, which they found to be complex and often frustrating. There was a shared understanding that past pre-audits had not been completed, with some members offering lighthearted reflections on previous attempts. While no immediate solutions were proposed, the council recognized the need to explore ways to streamline and improve this process in the future.

Beyond pre-audit discussions, the council addressed outstanding payments to vendors. A unanimous vote approved Resolution 26-09-0001 for payment to David the Window Man and Resolution 26-09-0002, covering payments to Bank of America, Kimball Communications, Reed's Uniforms, Amazon, and Best Buy. Notably, these approvals occurred despite the absence of completed pre-audits, highlighting a current challenge in adhering to standard procedures.

The council also provided residents with important information regarding upcoming dates and events for various town boards and commissions. Residents are encouraged to participate in these meetings, which include sessions for the Board of Adjustment (September 24th), Land Care (October 2nd), Town Council (October 8th - with a public forum preceding the meeting), Tree Board (October 13th), and Planning & Zoning Commission (October 15th). A full list of dates and locations, including Zoom options for some meetings, was announced.

Finally, the council addressed ongoing litigation concerning Haener et al. versus MRA and the town of Montreat. Following a unanimous vote, the council moved into closed session (executive session) under General Statute 143.318.11, Section A3 to consult with legal counsel regarding this matter. This closed session will allow the council to receive confidential advice from their attorney on how to proceed with the litigation.

What's Next for Montreat Residents?

The council’s discussion regarding pre-audit compliance signals a potential focus for future discussions and possible procedural changes. Residents can expect to see this topic revisited in upcoming meetings as the council seeks ways to improve efficiency and ensure full compliance. The public forum preceding the October 8th Town Council meeting provides an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and engage in dialogue with council members. Information on all upcoming events can be found on the town's website and in future meeting announcements.