through the needed steps for staying in compliance with the U.S. Treasury. Out of that mandate, the League has assembled a team of experts to support towns with what they need to successfully invest these funds in their communities. These experts have spent the months since working with towns by providing financial services through software conversion and one-on-one accounting training and mentorship, ARP compliance guidance, and other service lines that are designed to support towns through assistance and resources. As a result of the initial investment from the NCGA, the League has put together a robust offering of training and resources that are set to extend the reach of ARP funds far beyond the amounts originally received by individual municipalities. Today, towns are seeing the results of these services through access to improved software and specialized expertise in a variety of areas. The Town of Hope Mills, under the direction of town manager Chancer McLaughlin, has taken advantage of the League’s grant writing services. The town is seeking grant funding to meet its fire department’s needs for updated equipment and vehicle repairs or purchases. McLaughlin shared that the program has not only helped them write compelling grant applications but has opened the door to apply for other grants that they would not have known about otherwise. “Our experience has been nothing short of remarkable simply because this program allows us to go after ... funding in a way that we were not aware of,” McLaughlin said. “[It] puts us in a situation where we have a stronger platform to meet the needs of our residents. That is the power of this because we are now being put in a position to better serve the public in a way that does not kill the general fund.” In Castalia, the town has recently completed a full financial software conversion. Town clerk and finance officer, Tracy Shearin, shared how the conversion has gone beyond simply adopting a better software system, and how the mentorship and training have given her confidence in doing her job well and in having a support system in place for when questions arise. “I love that they are teaching me why. Not just how, but why. And they are willing to explain it,” Shearin said. “I have had to learn, and I never had instruction before, ... so to benefit from the knowledge of people that do understand and that have the capability of helping you understand benefits everybody. I feel confident in what I am doing simply because I have confidence in who is helping me learn it.” The League is excited to continue partnering with towns to provide these valuable services and resources. For more details about our Municipal Accounting Services, please visit our website: https://www.nclm.org/member-services/ financial-operational-consulting/ municipal-accounting-services/ continued from page 40 Our experience has been nothing short of remarkable simply because this program allows us to go after ... funding in a way that we were not aware of. [It] puts us in a situation where we have a stronger platform to meet the needs of our residents. That is the power of this because we are now being put in a position to better serve the public in a way that does not kill the general fund. » Chancer McLaughlin, Town Manager, Town of Hope Mills SOUTHERN CITY Quarter 3 2024 42
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