Johnston County Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year ending 2025

10 COUNTY OF JOHNSTON Smithfield , North Carolina Financial Statements June 30 , 2025PageCOUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA LIST OF PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS June 30 , 2025 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Patrick E Harris , Chairman R S Butch Lawter , Jr , Vice - Chairman Ted G Godwin April Stephens Bill Stovall Michelle Pace Davis Michael Rose OFFICERS County Manager Rick J Hester Deputy County Manager Director of Finance J Chad McLamb , CPA Register of Deeds Craig Olive Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews Sheriff Steve BizzellPageCOUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS Year Ended June 30 , 2025 Exhibit s Page s INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT 1 - 3 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 4 - 17 BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Government - wide Financial Statements Statement of Net Position 1 18 - 19 Statement of Activities 2 20 Fund Financial Statements Balance Sheet – Governmental Funds 3 21 Reconciliation of the Governmental Funds Balance Sheet to the Statement of Net Position 3a 22 Statement of Revenues , Expenditures , and Changes in Fund Balances – Governmental Funds 4 23 Reconciliation of the Statement of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances of Governmental Funds to the Statement of Activities 4a 24 Statement of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances – Budget And Actual – General Fund 5 25 Statement of Net Position – Proprietary Funds 6 26 Statement of Revenues , Expenses , and Changes in Fund Net Position – Proprietary Funds 7 27 Statement of Cash Flows – Proprietary Funds 8 28 - 29 Statement of Fiduciary Net Position – Fiduciary Funds 9 30 Statement of Changes in Fiduciary Net Position – Fiduciary Funds 10 31 Notes to the Financial Statements 32 - 92 REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA Schedule of Countys Proportionate Share of Net Pension Asset LGERS A - 1 93 Schedule of the ABC Boards Proportionate Share of Net Pension Liability LGERS A - 2 94 Schedule of the TDAs Proportionate Share of Net Pension Liability LGERS A - 3 95 Schedule of the Airport Authoritys Proportionate Share of Net Pension Liability LGERS A - 4 96PageCOUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS Year Ended June 30 , 2025 Exhibit s Page s REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA continued Schedule of County Contributions LGERS A - 5 97 Schedule of ABC Board Contributions LGERS A - 6 98 Schedule of TDA Contributions LGERS A - 7 99 Schedule of Airport Authority Contributions LGERS A - 8 100 Schedule of the Countys Proportionate Share of the Net Pension Liability ROD A - 9 101 Schedule of County Contributions ROD A - 10 102 Schedule of Changes in Total Pension Liability – Law Enforcement Officers Special Separation Allowance A - 11 103 Schedule of Total Pension Liability as a Percentage of Covered Payroll – Law Enforcement Officers Special Separation Allowance A - 12 104 Schedule of Changes in the Total OPEB Liability and Related Ratios A - 13 105 COMBINING AND INDIVIDUAL FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES General Fund - Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund B - 1 106 - 116 Balance - Budget and Actual Schedules of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances – Budget B - 1a 117 and Actual - Revaluation Fund Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances - Budget and Actual - School Bond Fund B - 2 118 Combining Balance Sheet – Non - Major Governmental Funds C - 1 119 Combining Statement of Revenues , Expenditures , and Changes in C - 2 120 Fund Balances - Non - Major Governmental Funds Combining Balance Sheets – Non - Major Special Revenue Funds C - 3 121 - 123 Combining Statement of Revenues , Expenditures , and Changes in Fund Balances – Non - Major Special Revenue Funds C - 4 124 - 126 Schedules of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances – Budget and Actual Moccasin Creek Drainage District - Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual C - 5 127 Heritage Commission Fund – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual C - 6 128 Communication Fund – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual C - 7 129PagePage pageNumber5COUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS Year Ended June 30 , 2025 Exhibit s Page s COMBINING AND INDIVIDUAL FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES continued Research Training Zone – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual C - 8 130 Voluntary Ag District - Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance - Budget and Actual C - 9 131 Fines and Forfeitures – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual C - 10 132 Representative Payee Fund – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual C - 11 133 Deed of Trust Fund – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual C - 12 134 Opiod Settlement Fund – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual C - 13 135 ARPA Coronavirus SLFRF Industrual Development Infrastructure - Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual C - 14 136 Grant Fund - Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures - Budget and Actual Non - GAAP C - 15 137 Combining Balance Sheet - Non - Major Capital Projects Funds C - 16 138 Combining Statement of Revenues , Expenditures , and Changes in Fund Balances - - Non - Major Capital Projects Funds C - 17 139 Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Industrial Development Infrastructure - Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures - Budget and Actual Non - GAAP C - 18 140 Public Safety Center Project - Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures - Budget and Actual Non - GAAP C - 19 141 Enterprise Funds Combining Statement of Net Position - Non - major Enterprise Funds D - 1 142 - 143 Combining Statement of Revenues , Expenses , and Changes in Net Position - Non - major Enterprise Funds D - 2 144 Combining Statement of Cash Flows - Non - major Enterprise Funds D - 3 145 - 146PagePage pageNumber6COUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS Year Ended June 30 , 2025 Exhibit s Page s COMBINING AND INDIVIDUAL FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES continued Administrative Fund – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 4 147 Solid Waste Fund – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 5 148 - 149 Ph 4A MSWLF - Area 2 C & DLF Closure – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 5a 150 Phase 6B MSW Landfill Construction – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 5b 151 Water Fund – Schedule of Revenues , Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6 152 - 153 NCDOT Waterline Projects – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6a 154 WTP Efficiency Project – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6b 155 Buffalo Road BPS & Transmission Main – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6c 156 White Memorial Church Road Water Main – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6d 157 Asbestos Cement Water Main Replacement – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6e 158 WTP Expansion Design Build – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6f 159 Smithfield North Booster Pump Station – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6g 160 WTP Construction Management & Maintenance – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6h 161 PFAS PFOA DBP Reduction – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6i 162 Lower Neuse Water Supply Project – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6j 163 City of Wilson Water Supply Project – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 6k 164PagePage pageNumber7COUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS Year Ended June 30 , 2025 Exhibit s Page s COMBINING AND INDIVIDUAL FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES continued Wastewater Treatment Fund – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7 165 - 166 Wastewater SDF Capital Reserve Fund – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7a 167 Buffalo WWPS Upgrade and Force Main Replacement – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7b 168 Pine Level Wastewater Pump Station Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7c 169 McGees Crossroads Sewer Consolidation Middle Creek Interceptor – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7d 170 Landfill Equalization & WWPS Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7e 171 Reedy Branch WWPS & FM – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7f 172 NCDOT Sewer Linie Project – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7g 173 Sewer Rehabilitation Sewer – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7h 174 Olive Branch WWPS & FM Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7i 175 ECIA Transmission Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7j 176 Wilsons Mills WWPS Upgrades – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7k 177 Wastewater Hydraulic Modeling – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7l 178 Selma Flow Equalization & WWPS Facilities – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7m 179 16 Force Main to Buffalo WWPS – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7n 180PagePage pageNumber8COUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS Year Ended June 30 , 2025 Exhibit s Page s COMBINING AND INDIVIDUAL FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES continued Nitrogen Nutrient Credit Acquisition – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7o 181 Four Oaks WWPS & Force Main – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7p 182 WWTP NPDES Permit Expansion – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7q 183 Neuse River WWPS – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7r 184 Duches Downs Gavity Sewer Outfall – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7s 185 WWTP 4 - 8 MGD Expansion – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7t 186 Austin Pond WWPS Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7u 187 WWTP Construction Management and Maintenance – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7v 188 Holt Lake FM & WWPS Upgrade – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7w 189 210 WWTP Diversion Projects – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7x 190 Corinth Holder Elementary Pump Station & Force Main – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7y 191 Neuse River WWPS Force Main Upgrade – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7z 192 CJCRWWTF Pretreatment Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7aa 193 CJCRWWTF SCADA Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 7bb 194 Water District Funds – Combining Statement of Net Position D - 8 195PagePage pageNumber9COUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS Year Ended June 30 , 2025 Exhibit s Page s COMBINING AND INDIVIDUAL FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES continued Water District SDF Capital Reserve Fund – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 8a 196 Buffalo Water District FY 18 Hydraulic Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 8b 197 Ingrams WD 2018 Hydraulic Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 8c 198 Little River WD Transmission Upgrade – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 8d 199 Cleveland Water Supply Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 8e 200 King Road BPS & Pipeline Improvements – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 8f 201 Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Fund – Project No NC 19 - V164 - 006 – Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures – Budget and Actual Non - GAAP D - 9 202 - 203 Water Districts - Consolidating Information Statement of Net Position - Combined Water District Operating Fund E - 1 204 - 205 Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures - Combined Water District Operating Fund E - 2 206 - 207 Combining Statement of Fiduciary Assets and Liabilities – Custodial Funds F - 1 208 Combining Statement of Changes in Fiduciary Assets and Liabilities – Custodial Funds F - 2 209 OTHER SCHEDULES Schedule of Ad Valorem Taxes Receivable G - 1 210 Analysis of Current Tax G - 2 , G - 2a 211 - 212 Ten Largest Taxpayers G - 2b 213Page0COUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA TABLE OF CONTENTS Year Ended June 30 , 2025 Exhibit s Page s COMPLIANCE SECTION Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting And On Compliance and Other Matters Based On An Audit Of Financial Statements Performed In 214 - 215 Accordance With Government Auditing Standards Independent Auditors ’ Report on Compliance with Requirements Applicable to each Major Federal Program and Internal Control over Compliance in Accordance with Uniform Guidance and the State Single Audit Implementation 216 - 218 Independent Auditors ’ Report on Compliance with Requirements Applicable to each Major State Program and Internal Control over Compliance in Accordance 219 - 221 with OMB Uniform Guidance and the State Single Audit Implementation Act 222 - 228 Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs 229 - 231 Corrective Action Plan 232 Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings 233 - 237 Schedule of Expenditures of Federal and State AwardsPage1Thompson , Price , Scott , Adams & Co , PA PO Box 398 1626 S Madison Street Whiteville , NC 28472 Telephone 910 642 - 2109 Fax 910 642 - 5958 Alan W Thompson , CPA R Bryon Scott , CPA Gregory S Adams , CPA INDEPENDENT AUDITORS ’ REPORT To the Board of County Commissioners County of Johnston Smithfield , North Carolina Report on the Financial Statements Opinions We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities , the business - type activities , the aggregate discretely presented component units , each major fund , and the aggregate remaining fund information of the County of Johnston , North Carolina , as of and for the year ended June 30 , 2025 , and the related notes to the financial statements which collectively comprise the County of Johnstons basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents In our opinion , based on our audit and the report of the other auditors , the accompanying financial statements referred to above present fairly , in all material respects , the respective financial position of the governmental activities , business - type activities , the discretely presented component units , each major fund , and the aggregate remaining fund information of the County of Johnston , North Carolina as of June 30 , 2025 , and the respective changes in financial position and cash flows , where applicable , thereof and the respective budgetary comparison for the General Fund for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America We did not audit the financial statements of Johnston County ABC Board , which represent 217 percent , 1452 percent , and 7404 percent of the assets , net position , and revenues , respectively , of the aggregate discretely presented component units as of June 30 , 2025 , and the respective changes in financial position , and where applicable , cash flows thereof for the year then ended Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report thereon has been furnished to us , and our opinion , insofar as it relates to the amounts included for the Johnston County ABC Board , is based solely on the report of the other auditors Basis for Opinions We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America GAAS and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards , issued by the Comptroller General of the United States Our responsibilities under these standards are further described in the Auditors Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report We are required to be independent of the County of Johnston and to meet our other ethical responsibilities , in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions The financial statements of Johnston County ABC Board and Tourism Development Authority were not audited in accordance with Governmental Auditing Standards Members American Institute of CPAs - NC Association of CPAs - AICPAs Private Companies Practice Section 1Page2Responsibilities of Management for the Audit of the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ; this includes the design , implementation , and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement , whether due to fraud or error In preparing the financial statements , management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events , considered in the aggregate , that raises substantial doubt about the County’s ability to continue as a going concern for the twelve months beyond the financial statement date , including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter Auditors Responsibility for the Audit of the Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free of material misstatement , whether due to fraud or error , and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinions Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Governmental Auditing Standards will always detect material statement when it exists The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error , as fraud may involve collusion , forgery , intentional omissions , misrepresentations , or the override of internal control Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that , individually or in the aggregate , they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS and Governmental Auditing Standards , we • exercised professional judgement and maintained professional skepticism throughout the audit • identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements , whether due to fraud or error , and design and perform audit procedures responsible to those risks Such procedures include examining , on a test basis , evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements • obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances , but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the County of Johnston’s internal control Accordingly , no such opinion is expressed • evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management , as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements • conclude whether , in our judgment , there are conditions or events , considered in the aggregate , that raise substantial doubt about the Countys ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding among other matters , the planned scope and timing of the audit , significant audit findings , and certain internal control - related matters that we identified during the audit Required Supplementary Information Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the Managements Discussion and Analysis , the Local Government Employees Retirement System Schedules of the Countys Proportionate Share of Net Pension Liability and County Contributions , pages 93 and 97 , the Local Government Employees ’ Retirement System Schedules of the Johnston County Tourism Development Authority’s Proportionate Share of Net Pension Liability and County Contributions , pages 95 and 99 , and the Register of Deeds Supplemental Pension Fund schedules of the Countys Proportionate Share of the Net Pension Asset and County Contributions on pages 101 and 102 , and the Law Enforcement Officers Special Separation Allowance schedules of the Changes in Total Pension Liability and Total Pension Liability as a Percentage of Covered Payroll , pages 103 and 104 , and the Schedule of Changes in the Total OPEB Liability 2Page3on page 105 be presented to supplement the basic financial statements Such information is the responsibility of management , although not a part of the basic financial statements , is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board who considers it to be an essential part of and Related Ratios , page 103 , financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational , economic , or historical context We and other auditors have applied certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America , which consists of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with managements responses to our inquiries , the basic financial statements , and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance Supplementary and Other Information Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise the basic financial statements of the County of Johnston , North Carolina The combining and individual fund statements , budgetary schedules , other schedules , as well as the accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal and State Awards , as required by Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations CFR Part 200 , Uniform Administrative Requirements , Cost Principles , and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards are presented for purpose of additional analysis and are not a required part of the basic financial statements Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements The information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and certain additional procedures , including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements or to the basic financial statements themselves , and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America by us and other auditors In our opinion , based on our audit , the procedures performed as described above , and the report of other auditors , the combining and individual fund financial statements , budgetary schedules , other schedules , and the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal and State Awards are fairly stated , in all material respects , in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards In accordance with Government Auditing Standards , we have also issued our report dated January 21 , 2026 , on our consideration of the County of Johnstons internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws , regulations , contracts , and grant agreements and other matters The purpose of the report is to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing , and not to provide an opinion on internal control over financial reporting or on compliance That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the County of Johnstons internal control over financial reporting and compliance ______________________________________ Thompson , Price , Scott , Adams & Co , PA Whiteville , NC January 21 , 2026 3Page4JOHNSTON COUNTY , NORTH CAROLINA MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS As management of Johnston County , we offer readers of Johnston County’s financial statements this narrative overview and analysis of the financial activities of Johnston County for the fiscal year ended June 30 , 2025 We encourage readers to read the information presented here in conjunction with additional information that we have furnished in the County’s financial statements , which follow this narrative Financial Highlights ? The assets and deferred outflows of resources exceeded its liabilities and deferred inflows of resources of Johnston County’s primary government at the close of the fiscal year by 232,116,068 net position ? The primary government’s total net position decreased by 108,947 , primarily due to school construction costs that are not capitalized by the County that is funded by debt ? As of the close of the current fiscal year , Johnston County’s governmental funds reported combined ending fund balances of 326,067,831 , an increase of 29,977,144 in comparison with the prior year Approximately 2618 percent of this total amount , or 86,928,597 , is restricted or non - spendable ? At the end of the current fiscal year , legally available fund balance for the General Fund was 234,340,728 or 6347 percent of total general fund expenditures for the fiscal year ? Johnston County’s total debt increased by 169,216,442 during the current fiscal year includes premium on issuance as well The key factors in this increase was due to the issuance of 139 million in school bonds , 73 million water and sewer system revenue bonds , additional draw downs of 33 million in revolving loans , offset by debt service payments made for the year ? Johnston County maintained its ratings of Aaa by Moodys Investors Service and AAA by Standard and Poors rating services , the highest possible credit ratings The County maintained its water and sewer revenue bond ratings of Aa2 from Moodys Investors Service and AA + from Standard and Poors Rating Services Overview of the Financial Statements This discussion and analysis are intended to serve as an introduction to Johnston County’s basic financial statements The County’s basic financial statements consist of three components ; 1 government - wide financial statements , 2 fund financial statements , and 3 notes to the financial statements see Figure 1 This report also includes supplementary information intended to furnish additional detail to support the basic financial statements themselves The basic financial statements present two different views of the County through the use of government - wide statements and fund financial statements In addition to the basic financial statements , this report contains other supplemental information that will enhance the reader’s understanding of the financial condition of Johnston County 4Page5Required Components of Annual Financial Report Figure 1 Management’s Basic Discussion and Financial Analysis Statements Government - wide Notes to the Fund Financial Financial Statements Financial Statements Statements Summary Detail Basic Financial Statements The first two statements Exhibits 1 and 2 in the basic financial statements are the Government - wide Financial Statements They provide both short and long - term information about the County’s financial status The next statements Exhibits 3 through 11 are Fund Financial Statements These statements focus on the activities of the individual parts of the County’s government These statements provide more detail than the government - wide statements There are four parts to the Fund Financial Statements 1 the governmental funds statements ; 2 the budgetary comparison statements ; 3 the proprietary fund statements ; and 4 the fiduciary fund statements The next section of the basic financial statements is the notes The notes to the financial statements explain in detail some of the data contained in those statements After the notes , supplemental information is provided to show details about the County’s non - major governmental funds and internal service funds , all of which are added together in one column on the basic financial statements Budgetary information required by the General Statutes also can be found in this part of the statements Following the notes is the required supplemental information This section contains funding information about the County’s pension plans Government - wide Financial Statements The government - wide financial statements are designed to provide the reader with a broad overview of the County’s finances , in a manner similar to a private - sector business The government - wide statements provide short and long - term information about the County’s financial status as a whole The statement of net position presents information on all of Johnston County’s assets , liabilities , and deferred inflows outflows of resources , with the difference reported as net position Over time , increases or decreases in net position may serve as a useful indicator of whether the financial position of the County is improving or deteriorating The statement of activities presents information showing how Johnston County’s net position changed during the most recent fiscal year All changes in net position are reported as soon as the underlying event giving rise to the change occurs , regardless of the timing of related cash flows Thus , revenues and expenses are reported for some items that will only result in cash flows in future fiscal periods eg , uncollected taxes and earned but unused vacation and sick leave 5Page6Both government - wide financial statements distinguish functions of the County that are principally supported by taxes and intergovernmental revenues governmental activities from other functions that are intended to recover all or a significant portion of their costs through user fees and charges business - type activities The governmental activities of the County include general government , public safety , economic and physical development , human services , culture and recreation , and education The business - type activities of the County include water and sewer , and a landfill operation The final category is the component units Although legally separate from the County , the ABC Board is important to the County because the County is financially accountable for the Board by appointing its members and because the Board is required to distribute its profits to the County The County then distributes the profits among the County and municipalities in the County The County also reports the Tourism Development Authority and the Airport Authority as component units The government - wide financial statements are on Exhibits 1 and 2 of this report Fund Financial Statements The fund financial statements provide a more detailed look at the County’s most significant activities A fund is a grouping of related accounts that is used to maintain control over resources that have been segregated for specific activities or objectives Johnston County , like all other governmental entities , uses fund accounting to ensure and reflect compliance or non - compliance with finance - related legal requirements , such as the General Statutes or the County’s budget ordinance All of the funds of Johnston County can be divided into three categories governmental funds , proprietary funds , and fiduciary funds Governmental Funds – Governmental funds are used to account for those functions reported as governmental activities in the government - wide financial statements Most of the County’s basic services are accounted for in governmental funds These funds focus on how assets can readily be converted into cash flow in and out , and what monies are left at year - end that will be available for spending in the next year Governmental funds are reported using an accounting method called modified accrual accounting This method also has a current financial resources focus As a result , the governmental fund financial statements give the reader a detailed short - term view that helps him or her determine if there are more or less financial resources available to finance the County’s programs The relationship between governmental activities reported in the Statement of Net Position and the Statement of Activities and governmental funds is described in a reconciliation that is a part of the fund financial statements Johnston County adopts an annual budget for its General Fund , as required by the General Statutes The budget is a legally adopted document that incorporates input from the citizens of the County , the management of the County , and the decisions of the Board about which services to provide and how to pay for them It also authorizes the County to obtain funds from identified sources to finance these current period activities The budgetary statement provided for the General Fund demonstrates how well the County complied with the budget ordinance and whether or not the County succeeded in providing the services as planned when the budget was adopted The budgetary comparison statement uses the budgetary basis of accounting and is presented using the same format , language , and classifications as the legal budget document The statement shows four columns 1 the original budget as adopted by the board ; 2 the final budget as amended by the board ; 3 the actual resources , charges to appropriations , and ending balances in the General Fund ; and 4 the difference or variance between the final budget and the actual resources and charges Proprietary Funds – Johnston County has one kind of proprietary fund Enterprise Funds are used to report the same functions presented as business - type activities in the government - wide financial statements Johnston County uses enterprise funds to account for its water and sewer activity and for its landfill operations These funds are the same as those separate activities shown in the business - type activities in the Statement of Net Position and the Statement of Activities Fiduciary Funds – Fiduciary funds are used to account for resources held for the benefit of parties outside the government Johnston County has five fiduciary funds , all of which are custodial funds Notes to the Financial Statements – The notes provide additional information that is essential to a full understanding of the data provided in the government - wide and fund financial statements The notes to the financial statements start on page 32 of this report Other Information – In addition to the basic financial statements and accompanying notes , this report includes certain required supplementary information concerning Johnston County’s progress in funding its obligation to provide pension benefits to its employees Required supplementary information can be found beginning on page 93 of this report Government - Wide Financial Analysis As noted earlier , net position may serve over time as one useful indicator of a government’s financial condition The assets and deferred outflows of resources of Johnston County’s primary government exceeded its liabilities and deferred inflows of resources by 232,116,068 as of June 30 , 2025 The County’s net position decreased by 108,947 for the fiscal year ended June 30 , 2025 Net position is reported in three categories Net investment in capital assets of 370,725,534 , restricted net position of 86,098,892 , and unrestricted net position of 224,708,358 6Page7Johnston County’s Net Position Figure 2 Governmental Business - type Activities Activities Total 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 Current and Other assists 367,671,225 339,357,209 249,248,405 207,181,955 616,919,630 546,539,164 Capital Assets 131,038,448 123,579,507 612,360,773 531,022,842 743,399,221 654,602,349 Total Assets 498,709,673 462,936,716 861,609,178 738,204,797 1,360,318,851 1,201,141,513 Total deferred outflows of resources 37,369,645 51,932,254 7,818,179 10,048,718 45,187,824 61,980,972 Long - term liabilities 599,442,642 484,374,905 436,533,335 374,451,927 1,035,975,977 858,826,832 Other liabilities 80,058,769 73,979,213 35,831,854 38,036,016 115,890,623 112,015,229 Total Liabilities 679,501,411 558,354,118 472,365,189 412,487,943 1,151,866,600 970,842,061 Total deferred inflows of resources 6 , 804,916 34,107,692 14,719,091 19,298,992 21,524,007 53,406,684 Net Position Net investment in capital assets 77,356,530 74,052,369 293,369,004 258,874,110 370,725,534 332,926,479 Restricted 84,958,964 49,524,398 1,139,928 1,157,134 86,098,892 50,681,532 Unrestricted 312,542,503 194,243,989 87,834,145 57,630,192 224,708,358 136,613,797 Total Net Position 150,227,009 70,667,222 382,343,077 317,661,436 232,116,068 246,994,214 The net investment in capital assets category is defined as the County’s investment in County owned capital assets eg land , buildings , machinery , and equipment , less any related debt still outstanding that was issued to acquire those items Johnston County uses these capital assets to provide services to citizens ; consequently , these assets are not available for future spending Although Johnston County’s net investment in capital assets is reported net of the outstanding related debt , the resources needed to repay that debt must be provided by other sources , since the capital assets cannot be used to liquidate these liabilities Another category of net position is restricted net position This represents resources that are subject to external restrictions on how they may be used The final category of net position is unrestricted net position This balance may be used to meet the government’s ongoing obligations to citizens and creditors Unrestricted net position deficit totaled 224,708,358 at June 30 , 2025 This deficit is a result of the situation described in the following paragraph As with many counties in the State of North Carolina , the County’s deficit in unrestricted net position is due primarily to the portion of the County’s outstanding debt incurred for use by the Johnston County Board of Education to construct , renovate and equip schools Under North Carolina law , the County is responsible for providing capital funding for the schools The County has chosen to meet its obligation to provide the schools capital funding by using a mixture of County funds and general obligation debt The assets funded by the County , however , are owned and utilized by the schools Since the County , as the issuing government , acquires no capital assets , the County has incurred a liability without a corresponding increase in assets At the end of the fiscal year , approximately 333,588,270 of the outstanding debt on the County’s financial statements was related to assets included in the public schools and community college financial statements However , since the majority of this school related debt is general obligation debt , it is collateralized by the full faith , credit , and taxing power of the County Accordingly , the County is authorized and required by State law to levy ad valorem taxes , without limit as to rate and amount , as may be necessary to pay the debt service on its general obligation bonds The impact on unrestricted governmental net position of the inclusion of the school system debt without the corresponding assets was offset by the following positive factors Continued diligence in the collection of property taxes by maintaining a collection percentage of 9990 , resulted in a slight decrease ? over last year’s collection rate of 9992 Due to increasing interest rates , interest revenue increased dramatically ? Continued low cost of debt due to the County’s high bond rating ? 7Page8Johnston Countys Changes in Net Position Figure 3 Governmental Business - type Activities Activities Total 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 Revenues Program revenues Charges for services 40,561,397 36,997,319 81,138,921 79,192,691 121,700,318 116,190,010 Operating grants and contributions 45,450,435 54,314,319 8,258,923 6,864,613 53,709,358 61,178,932 Capital grants and contributions 4,624,030 3 , 724,938 40,350,540 21,610,359 44,974,570 25,335,297 General revenues - - Property taxes 196,393,153 193,622,506 - - 196,393,153 193,622,506 Other taxes 87,815,033 79,959,288 - - 87,815,033 79,959,288 Grants and contributions not - - restricted to specific programs 1,600,754 1,806,045 - - 1,600,754 1,806,045 Other 12,828,141 16,460,773 7,031,006 7,446,932 19,859,147 23,907,705 Total revenues 389,272,943 386,885,188 136,779,390 115,114,595 526,052,333 501,999,783 Expenses Administrative - - 1,588,960 1,661,893 1,588,960 1,661,893 General government 42,822,708 27,617,033 - - 42,822,708 27,617,033 Public safety 76,368,063 80,749,021 - - 76,368,063 80,749,021 Economic and physical 15,543,364 16,535,419 - - 15,543,364 16,535,419 development - Human services 60,157,322 61,209,264 - - 60,157,322 61,209,264 Cultural and recreation 837,754 905,766 - - 837,754 905,766 Education 237,538,795 135,176,705 - - 237,538,795 135,176,705 Interest on long - term debt 7,993,274 7,925,502 - - 7,993,274 7,925,502 Solid Waste - - 6,711,742 9,362,638 6,711,742 9,362,638 Water Districts - - 19,722,740 18,736,922 19,722,740 18,736,922 Water - - 30,778,290 29,170,913 30,778,290 29,170,913 Wastewater - - 19,776,544 13,618,514 19,776,544 13,618,514 Housing Assistance - - 6,321,724 5,879,625 6,321,724 5,879,625 Total expenses 441,261,280 330,118,710 84,900,000 78,430,505 526,161,280 408,549,215 Increase decrease in net position before transfers and special items 51,988,337 56,766,478 51,879,390 36,684,090 108,947 93,450,568 Transfers 14,386,853 25,093,634 14,386,853 25,093,634 - - Increase Decrease in net position after transfers and special items 66,375,190 31,672,844 66,266,243 61,777,724 108,947 93,450,568 Net position , beginning , restated 83,851,819 102,340,066 316,076,834 255,883,712 232,225,015 153,543,646 Net position , ending 150,227,009 70,667,222 382,343,077 317,661,436 232,116,068 246,994,214 Governmental activities Governmental activities decreased the County’s net position by 66,375,190 Key elements of this change are as follows Total revenues increased 2,387,755 due to ? An increase of 2,770,647 in ad valorem property taxes ? An increase of 7,855,745 in other taxes which includes local option sales tax and Medicaid hold harmless receipts and fire district taxes for districts now controlled by the County ? An increase in operating grants due mainly to the recognition of ARPA revenues that were transferred to the Enterprise project funds Expenses increased by 111,142,570 , mainly due to increased expenses in education ? The largest increase in expenses was in Education , with an increase of 102,362,090 This large increase was due primarily to school construction projects for which the County does not hold title to the assets ? An increase of 5,605,860 in Real Estate Excise Conveyance tax payments was due to prior year amounts being paid in the current year ? Health Insurance claims increased over 5,000,000 from the previous year making up a substantial amount of the General government expense change The County has been able to maintain a high tax collection rate of 9990 8Page9Business - type activities Business - type activities increased Johnston County’s net position by 66,266,243 Key elements of this increase are as follows Net position increased in the Water Fund 7,488,976 , in the Wastewater Fund 29,949,748 , in the Water District Fund 24,228,889 , and the non - major proprietary funds of 4,598,630 The County received 20,556,372 in system development fees during the year which were set aside in capital reserve funds ? Charges for services increased due to the growth of water and wastewater connections that Public Utilities provides for its citizens and in residential water sales The number of customers and service connections continue to grow from year to year Public Utilities ’ periodically monitors the impact of their fee structure each year and its impact on the associated revenue bonds In response , fees are adjusted to maintain the required debt coverage and to maintain consistency with cost of living impact ? Capital grants increased as a result of numerous ongoing projects that have received grant funding ? Significant transfers in to the project funds to cover expenses from available ARPA funding Financial Analysis of the County’s Funds As noted earlier , Johnston County uses fund accounting to ensure and demonstrate compliance with finance - related legal requirements Governmental Funds The focus of Johnston County’s governmental funds is to provide information on near - term inflows , outflows , and balances of usable resources Such information is useful in assessing Johnston County’s financing requirements Specifically , fund balance available for appropriation can be a useful measure of a government’s net resources available for spending at the end of the fiscal year The general fund is the chief operating fund of Johnston County At the end of the current fiscal year , Johnston Countys fund balance available in the General Fund was 234,340,728 while total fund balance reached 271,852,805 The governing body of Johnston County has determined that the county should maintain an available fund balance of 20 of general fund expenditures in case of unforeseen needs or opportunities , in addition to meeting the cash flow needs of the County The County currently has an available fund balance of 6347 of general fund expenditures , while total fund balance represents 7363 of that same amount At June 30 , 2025 , the governmental funds of Johnston County reported a combined fund balance of 326,067,831 , a 1005 percent increase from last year The General Fund balance increased by 4,984,521 The increase in the Countys fund balance can be contributed to a few areas ? The tax collection percentage of the County continues to remain a strong point of its strengthening fund balance For 2024 , the County’s Tax Collection Rate was 9990 ? The revenue from the receipt of sales tax increased 59 The County’s sales tax collections continue to increase since legislation expanded the sales tax base ? The County also saw a significant increase in the collection of ad valorem taxes over the prior year The County saw an increase of ad valorem taxes by approximately 28 million from FY 24 to FY 25 This is a 147 increase that was caused by County growth as well as the increased valuation of home prices in the County ? Most importantly , this increase can also be contributed to the financial policies which the Board has adopted The Board , as well as senior management , continue to monitor the County’s activities and financial position for ways to improve not only the financial position of the County , but provide services in a more efficient manner The County also continuously monitors debt for opportunities to pay down or refinance for savings opportunities General Fund Budgetary Highlights During the fiscal year , the County revised the budget on several occasions Generally , budget amendments fall into one of three categories 1 amendments made to adjust the estimates that are used to prepare the original budget ordinance once exact information is available ; 2 amendments made to recognize new funding amounts from external sources , such as Federal and State grants ; and 3 increases in appropriations that become necessary to maintain services Total amendments to the General Fund increased revenues by 104,463,726 The main reasons for these increases were ? Appropriated fund balance increases primarily to advance funds for school construction pending receipt of bond proceeds ? State and Federal grants received primarily for Human Services ? Transfers from the school bond capital project fund primarily to reimburse the General Fund for funds advanced for construction of the Advanced Manufacturing Center and reimbursed from proceeds of Limited Obligation Bonds issued during the fiscal year Proprietary Funds The County of Johnston’s proprietary funds provide the same type of information found in the government - wide statements , but in more detail Unrestricted net position of the Water Fund amounted to 18,891,048 , the Wastewater Treatment Fund amounted to 22,598,273 , the Water District Funds amounted to 87,834,145 , and the non - major proprietary funds amounted to 14,119,176 The total increase in unrestricted net position amounted to 30,203,953 when compared to the prior year Other factors concerning the finances of these funds have already been addressed in the discussion of the County of Johnston’s business - type activities 9Page0Capital Asset and Debt Administration Capital assets Johnston County’s capital assets for its governmental and business - type activities as of June 30 , 2025 , totals 743,399,221 net of accumulated depreciation amortization These assets include buildings , land , machinery and equipment , park facilities , vehicles , water lines , and right to use assets Johnston County’s Capital Assets Figure 4 Governmental Business - type Activities Activities Total 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 Land 7,555,495 7,178,595 8,647,187 8,313,637 16,202,682 15,492,232 Other Improvements 1,286,587 1,071,603 - - 1,286,587 1,071,603 Buildings Plant and distribution systems 97,633,273 99,863,407 304,418,477 240,935,380 402,051,750 340,798,787 Equipment 5,284,776 5,055,434 4,714,599 5,045,532 9,999,375 10,100,966 Vehicles 7,773,633 4,453,515 1,962,757 2,123,501 9,736,390 6,577,016 Software 1 , 129 14,689 - - 1,129 14,689 Intangibles - - 23,459,273 24,486,058 23,459,273 24,486,058 Construction in Progress 8,367,998 4,224,692 268,909,177 249,747,243 277,277,175 253,971,935 Right to use assets 3,135,557 1,717,572 249,303 371,491 3,384,860 2,089,063 Total 131,038,448 123,579,507 6 12,360,773 5 31,022,842 743,399,221 654,602,349 Major capital asset transactions during the year include Water and Wastewater Improvements ? Sheriff Department Vehicles ? Emergency Services Equipment ? Additional information on the County’s capital assets can be found in notes to the Financial Statements pages 46 - 55 Long - term Debt As of June 30 , 2025 , Johnston County had total bonded debt outstanding of 600,692,000 Of this , 296,505,000 is debt backed by the full faith and credit of the County or the Countys water districts The remainder of the Countys debt represents bonds secured solely by specified revenue sources eg , revenue bonds or specified assets financed eg , limited obligation bonds Johnston County’s Outstanding Debt Figure 5 Governmental Business - type Activities Activities Total 2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 General obligation bonds 259,380,000 183,900,000 37,125,000 39,725,000 296,505,000 223,625,000 Limited obligation bonds 92,822,000 71,306,000 13,655,000 15,635,000 106,477,000 86,941,000 Unamortized bond premium discounts 32,180,325 24,173,193 11,826,986 6,733,061 44,007,311 30,906,254 Clean water revolving loans - - 130,939,637 135,240,412 130,939,637 135,240,412 Installment purchase loans - - 8,655,000 9,245,000 8,655,000 9,245,000 Revenue Bonds - - 197,710,000 130,315,000 197,710,000 130,315,000 Lease Liabilities 1,208,027 881,763 70,548 116,451 1,278,575 998,214 IT Subscription Liabilities 1,679,836 697,664 157,017 224,390 1,836,853 922,054 Total 387,270,188 280,958,620 4 00,139,188 3 37,234,314 787,409,376 618,192,934 Johnston County’s total debt increased by 169,216,442 during the past fiscal year , primarily due to the issuance of school bonds , water and sewer system revenue bonds , and water and sewer state revolving loans to finance the construction of the water and sewer system improvements , offset by debt service payments 10Page1As mentioned in the financial highlights section of this document , Johnston County maintained its ratings of Aaa from Moodys Investor Services and AAA from Standard and Poor’s Corporation This bond rating is a clear indication of the sound financial condition of Johnston County This achievement is a primary factor in keeping interest costs low on the County’s outstanding debt The State of North Carolina limits the amount of general obligation debt that a unit of government can issue to 8 percent of the total assessed value of taxable property located within that government’s boundaries The legal debt margin for Johnston County is 1,760,817,769 The County had general obligation refunding bonds authorized but unissued of 24,225,000 and general obligation school and college bonds authorized and unissued of 197,000,000 at June 30 , 2025 Additional information regarding Johnston County’s long - term debt can be found in the notes to the financial statements pages 70 - 87 Economic Factors and Next Year’s Budgets and Rates The County was the fastest growing county in the State according to the United States Department of Commerce , Bureau of the Census 2020 census data , and post - pandemic census data reflects the County grew 10 from 2020 to 2024 , remaining one of the fastest growing counties in the State in the last four years In addition , according to a recent report in The New York Times released by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics , the County gained over 7,800 jobs post - Covid , the largest increase among all of the State’s counties The County’s overall economy is diversified with a balance of industrial , commercial , and agriculture enterprises The production of pharmaceutical products , heavy equipment , and other products , along with durable goods assembly operations and distribution centers have provided relatively stable employment to County residents and have been the object of significant capital expenditures over the years The County’s estimated average labor force for calendar year 2024 was 127,875 The County’s estimated average unemployment rate for calendar year 2024 was 31 , as compared to the State’s estimated average unemployment rate of 36 for the same period The western portion of the County has directly benefited from its proximity to 1 the Research Triangle Park , with over 6,900 acres of land set aside for research and research - oriented manufacturing activities , which includes more than 300 research and development facilities employing over 50,000 persons ; 2 regional employers in and around the City of Raleigh , the State’s capitol and a major urban center , which include private sector opportunities with Fortune 500 companies , federal and State government positions and expanding medical service careers ; and 3 numerous institutions of higher education including North Carolina State University in the City of Raleigh , The University of North Carolina in the Town of Chapel Hill , Duke University and North Carolina Central University in the City of Durham and East Carolina University in the City of Greenville The County’s employment base includes approximately 10 of all biopharmaceutical jobs in the State The area southeast of the Town of Clayton is home to two large international pharmaceutical companies , as well as a special purpose Research and Training Zone “ RTZ ” , which is an economic development and training district created through special legislation that supports the special needs of the local pharmaceutical industries The RTZ includes a 30,000 square - foot workforce development center , an educational and technical skills training center that concentrates on life sciences programming and business training in biotechnology and other sciences In September 2018 , a 13 million renovation of the center was completed The renovation allows more hands - on lab training and simulation opportunities and will improve how skilled employees are trained for regional bio - manufacturing industries The County and four neighboring counties including Edgecombe , Nash , Pitt and Wilson , being home to major global biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities , formed the BioPharma Crescent consortium to help companies locate or expand operations within close proximity to the Research Triangle Park BioPharma Crescent partners , including the NC Biotechnology Center , understand the unique land use and utility requirement for biotech manufacturing , are active in workforce development programs , and participate in incentive grants for new and expanding companies The BioPharma Crescent consortium’s collective colleges , universities , and biopharma - specific training network can provide local businesses with a highly - educated and well - trained network The largest manufacturing employer in the County currently is Grifols Therapeutics Inc “ Grifols ” , an international manufacturer of blood plasma related products for a variety of applications , employing approximately 1,850 The blood plasma facility has been in operation since 1981 and is the primary Grifols manufacturing facility In November 2017 , Grifols received recognition as one of the 500 best companies to work for by Forbes Magazine 11Page2Grifols ’ facilities and operations at its complex near Clayton include a 155,000 square - foot , 370 million North Fractionation Facility “ NFF ” that opened in 2014 , created an additional 200 jobs , and is the world’s largest , as well as one of the most technologically advanced plasma fractionation facilities The NFF was named the 2014 Facility of the Year for Project Execution by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering Grifols also completed construction in 2017 of a new approximately 225 million , three - story , 100,000 - square - foot office building that houses 400 employees , as well as a new approximately 75 million , 59,000 - square - foot warehouse In addition , a 210 million expansion was announced in 2016 which includes a 90 million , 82,550 - square - foot fractionation plant adjacent to the NFF and a 120 million , 150,000 square - foot purification and filling facility for the production of intravenous immunoglobulin and factor VIII products The two facilities together created approximately 250 new jobs The purification and filling facility is the world’s first filling plant of intravenous immunoglobulins in flexible packaging In June 2020 , Grifols announced it will invest approximately 3516 million to build a specialized blood plasma fractionation facility and logistics center at its campus near Clayton in response to growing global demand for its medicines The expansion is expected to create approximately 300 additional jobs from 2024 to 2028 with an average salary of 69,032 In December 2017 , Grifols purchased an additional 467 acres adjacent to its site near Clayton for future site expansion In June 2021 , Grifols signed a memorandum of understanding stating its intention to donate nearly 100 acres of land to Johnston Community College the “ College ” and the Town of Clayton The land is located at the intersection of Highway 70 and Highway 42 East near its Clayton campus As a leader in humanitarian efforts , Grifols has partnered with the Republic of Liberia and constructed a dedicated processing facility at its complex near Clayton to explore an innovative approach to combat the Ebola virus Since the COVID - 19 pandemic began , Grifols has had more than 25 research initiatives to treat different states of COVID - 19 including 1 developing molecular and immunological diagnostic tests for the diagnosis and screening of COVID - 19 to facilitate early detection of the infection , 2 applying its knowledge and expertise in producing immunoglobulins to manufacture a specific anti - SARS - CoV - 2 hyperimmune globulin at its Clayton campus to combat two different stages of COVID - 19 disease , 3 conducting clinical trials evaluating the safety , efficacy and tolerability of the intravenously administered anti - SARS - CoV - 2 hyperimmune globulin , 4 carrying out several clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma for direct transfusion , 5 collecting plasma from recovered COVID - 19 patients for use in developing potential treatments , using its network of donation centers the largest global network , and 6 joining a coalition of world - class medical and research institutions , blood centers , life - science companies , philanthropic organizations and COVID - 19 survivor groups that has come together to mobilize tens of thousands of people in the US who have recovered from COVID - 19 to donate their plasma Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries “ Novo Nordisk ” , the world’s largest supplier of insulin products , opened its facility in the Clayton area in 1993 , and currently employs approximately 2,000 people at its Diabetes Finished Products “ DFP ” manufacturing facility The DFP facility is responsible for the formulation , filling , inspection , assembly and packaging of diabetes and obesity medicines , which are marketed in North America , Europe , New Zealand and Australia Novo Nordisk has expanded its operation in the Clayton area several times over the years An approximately 102 million expansion was completed in recent years which created approximately 110 new jobs Novo Nordisk completed construction in 2020 of a new approximately 2 billion , 825,000 - square - foot bio - processing facility for Diabetes Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient