MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The Mount Olive Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Thursday during a specially called meeting that significantly limits the authority of Mayor J. Jerome Newton.
The resolution, adopted March 12, cites North Carolina General Statute 160A-67, which gives the board authority over the general management of the town, including municipal buildings. It also references NCGS 160A-69, which outlines the mayor’s role as presiding officer at meetings and performing ceremonial functions or duties assigned by the board.
According to the resolution, commissioners determined that the mayor had exceeded his authority in several matters “to the detriment of the town.”
As a result, the board enacted several immediate restrictions on Newton’s powers.
Under the resolution, the mayor is no longer authorized to sign checks or make financial disbursements on behalf of the town and will be removed from bank signatory cards. The resolution also states that Newton is not permitted to direct or redirect the work of town employees, noting that doing so interferes with the responsibilities of the town manager and the orderly operation of the town.
The board further removed the mayor’s authority to appoint members to committees or advisory boards and prohibited him from negotiating agreements on behalf of the town unless specifically authorized by the board.
In addition, Newton is no longer permitted to set the board’s meeting agenda and may not sign contracts, deeds, leases or grant documents unless the board explicitly authorizes him to do so.
The resolution also restricts the mayor’s access to the Town Hall Annex. Effective immediately, Newton may only enter the building Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and noon.
The resolution took effect immediately following its approval.
Town officials did not publicly detail the specific incidents referenced in the resolution during the meeting.
