Finance Dept.
The Finance Department is responsible for the fiscal activities of the City. The department is divided into functional divisions including accounting/payroll, purchasing, budget, customer service/utility billing and payment processing, and tax billing and tax payment processing. Preparation of financial reports, investment of City funds, and management of debt issuances are other key departmental tasks.
The department strives to maintain the fiscal integrity of the City in accordance with City ordinances, State and Federal laws, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Accounting
Four employees are dedicated to the accounting function. The Finance Director is Karen Duncan.
Budget Billing Program
To help prevent unexpectedly high utility bills during winter and summer months, the City of Morganton offers the "Budget Billing" program for City utility customers. Budget Billing allows customers to make fixed monthly payments.
Customer Service
The employees in this area have diverse responsibilities. Sandy Gullet is the Customer Service Manager.
FAQ about Finance
Q: Can I pay my bill online or by phone?
A: Yes. There is a fee; however, for paying online or by phone.
Open Bids
To view current open bids, click Open Bids.
Privilege License Fees
Each business located within the city limits of Morganton is required to maintain a current Privilege License with the City of Morganton. To avoid penalties, businesses must renew their licenses each year before August 1. Businesses paying after July 31 will be charged five percent (5%) per month until the license is properly renewed and all fees are paid.
Project WARM
Project WARM - Weather Assistance Resources for Morganton - is a partnership between the City of Morganton and Burke United Christian Ministries to provide financial assistance for local residents to help pay utility bills. The City started the project in 1987.
Purchasing
The purchasing agent is responsible for all aspects of Citywide procurement including the procurement of materials, equipment and contractual services in accordance with the North Carolina General Statues and City policy.
Tax Collector
Lamina Duckworth is the City Tax Collector and Denise Smith is the Deputy Tax Collector. These two employees, along with the City technology department, generate the City tax billing.
Vendor Information
The Purchasing Office maintains a bid supplier list by product. To add your company to the supplier list contact the office for an application or click the 'Vendor App' attachment below to download the application.
Finance Downloads
2011-2012 City Budget Presentation PowerPoint- 2011-2012 City of Morganton Annual Budget
- 2011-2012 Manager's Budget Message
- 2011-2012 Schedule of Fees and Charges
- 2011-2012 Schedule of Fees and Charges - Planning & Development
- 2011-2012 Schedule of Fees and Charges - Privilege Licenses
- Comprehensive Annual Financial Report FY 2010-2011
- Fiscal Year Update 01: Oct. 4, 2010
- Proposed Privilege License Rate Changes for 2011-2012
Quick Links
Finance Main
Accounting
Customer Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Privilege License Fees
Project WARM
Purchasing
Tax Collector
Vendor Info
Property Tax Rate
The City of Morganton assesses $.46 per $100 in valuation. Taxes paid during July receive a 2% discount; 1% if paid in August.
Automatic Bank Drafts
Want to avoid writing a check and driving to City Hall to pay a bill? Start an automatic bank draft. Just download and the form below and bring the form and a void check to City Hall, or mail both to the City of Morganton, Attn: Business Office, PO Box 3448, Morganton NC 28680-3448.
Bank Draft Form
Karen Duncan • Director
Phone: 437-8863
Billing: 438-5245
The Finance Department is located on the first floor
of City Hall.
City of Morganton • 305 E. Union St. Suite A100, Morganton, NC 28655 • (828) 437-8863