February 2026 — Carthage, NC
The Town of Carthage is modernizing its internal financial operations and utility billing processes through a major upgrade to Black Mountain Software (BMS), a financial management system designed specifically for local governments. After nearly a year of preparation, planning, and data migration, the Town is now implementing the new system with the goal of improving accuracy, efficiency, and customer service across all utility billing functions.
A More Efficient and Accurate Billing System
Town officials say the transition to BMS will enhance the utility billing experience for residents and enable staff to manage financial data more efficiently. The new system replaces two separate platforms previously used for billing and payment processing, consolidating them into one integrated environment. According to the Town’s customer announcement, this consolidation will:
- Improve billing accuracy through automated billing cycles and fewer manual processes
- Provide real‑time posting of payments, reducing reconciliation delays and duplicate payment issues
- Offer multiple convenient payment options—including online, text, phone, in‑person, and autopay—through the BMS Pay platform
- Give customers access to a self‑service portal where they can view account history and monitor consumption trends
By reducing administrative errors and consolidating financial functions, the system is also expected to save taxpayers thousands of dollars annually.
Important Dates for Utility Customers
As part of the system transition, the Town will temporarily adjust utility payment methods. Invoice Cloud, the Town’s current online payment processor, will run its final autopay drafts on February 25, 2026, before discontinuing service at 11:59 PM that evening.
From February 26 through March 31, 2026, customers will need to make payments using cash, check, or money order while the new system is brought online. Although this temporary period may cause inconvenience, Town staff express appreciation for residents’ patience as they complete the transition.
Instructions for accessing the new BMS Pay system will be provided mid to late March via postal mail, Facebook, and the Town’s website. The Town’s target launch for BMS Pay is early April, with a goal of April 1, 2026, pending successful system readiness.
Supporting Stronger Financial Practices Through NCLM’s MAS Program
As part of its efforts to strengthen financial management and modernize internal operations, the Town of Carthage is also working with the Municipal Accounting Services (MAS) Program offered by the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM). The MAS Program was established in 2022 as part of the League’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) service offerings and is designed to promote stronger financial accountability and reliability for smaller governments across the state.
Through MAS, participating towns receive a comprehensive package of financial support services, including full accounting software conversion, technical assistance, and one‑on‑one accounting training delivered by League specialists. One of the central components of MAS is helping towns transition to modern financial systems, including Black Mountain Software, which provides government‑specific tools for accounting, reporting, payroll, and financial analysis. By the end of 2024, more than 20 municipalities had successfully completed this months‑long conversion process with MAS support.
In addition to software implementation, MAS provides personalized training and ongoing technical guidance, ensuring local finance staff have access to expertise when navigating complex financial tasks or shaping long‑term processes. As participants note, the ability to troubleshoot questions with knowledgeable NCLM staff is a major advantage for small towns where finance professionals often juggle multiple responsibilities.
By engaging with the MAS Program, Carthage is investing in stronger, more efficient financial practices, enhanced staff capacity, and improved transparency in its fiscal operations. This work supports not only the transition to a modern billing and financial management platform but also the broader goal of building a robust and sustainable financial foundation for the community.
Moving Carthage Forward
With the combined benefits of the new BMS financial system and the mentorship and guidance offered through NCLM’s MAS Program, the Town of Carthage is taking important steps to modernize its financial operations and improve service delivery.
Residents with questions about the transition are encouraged to contact Town Hall at (910) 947‑2331.