NC auditor’s office generates $1.04 billion in lapsed salaries

As of Aug. 6, 2025, $1.04 billion in lapsed salaries have been generated across state agencies, according to the new public-facing dashboard published by the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) under the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA). The dashboard also displays long-term vacancies across the state agencies.

“Since day one, the State Auditor’s Office has been committed to providing the public with new tools and resources that inform North Carolina citizens about how their government operates,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek in a press release. “This new dashboard brings transparency to the dollars and cents behind vacancies in state government. The new division will continue to evaluate areas where government can provide the best return on taxpayer dollars.”

The dashboard complies with Session Law 2025-89, which requires a report on vacancies in government that have been open for six months or longer, along with associated salaries. This report was mandated to be published by Dec. 31, 2025. 

“The Division, in its discretion, may annually require an or all State agencies to submit a report,” reads the legislation, and “…may reassess this information on an annual basis in accordance with this section, and may report the results of this assessment to the General Assembly.” 

According to the dashboard’s summary page, the $1.04 billion in lapsed salaries has been generated across 8,838 vacant positions, with an average vacancy duration of 825 days as of Aug. 6, 2025. 

DAVE will assess agencies to determine the continued need for each agency and the vacant positions within those agencies. Each agency is required to provide OSA information, including details on each vacant position, as well as information on agency operations and fiscal effectiveness. State agencies can use the DAVE assistance web form to request access to OSA’s submission portal. After being granted access, agencies can submit the required information or ask for help from an OSA staff member. 

This month, DAVE intends to release a comprehensive report on long-term vacancies, according to the press release. The report will be an in-depth breakdown of each state agency, including any responses from state agencies that are subject to investigation. 

“NC auditor’s office generates $1.04 billion in lapsed salaries” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.