BY MILES LAYTON
ELIZABETH CITY — Earlier this week, the Albemarle Observer filed a public records request to find out whether Elizabeth City Mayor Kirk Rivers, now seeking reelection, has paid more than $23,000 in past due property taxes. When I wrote a similar story back in April about Rivers’ tax bill, I figured that if someone were running for office, they’d want any loose ends tied up before the campaign took shape, particularly with the municipal election ahead on October 7, so there was no harm in checking.
But … Rivers has not paid his taxes, according to a public records request promptly answered by the Pasquotank County Tax Office.
To be fair, Rivers has paid $272.63 toward the overall amount owed but, as of Wednesday, July 23, Kirk Rivers and his wife Nina Rivers’ companies owe a total of $23,459.37. Some tax amounts have been due for years. See the delinquent tax list attached file at the end of the list from the Tax Office, which can be downloaded.
Certainly, there are other important issues affecting the citizens of the Elizabeth City — public safety, infrastructure and transparency in government — that we will write about as the municipal election draws closer. We’re hoping to feature interviews with mayoral candidates Rivers, Christina Williams and Jamie Noble.
Albemarle Observer can be reached albemarle.observer@gmail.com
CURRENTLY DUE/ADDRESS
39-C-2 — from years 2022-24
$1,423 — 612 Factory St.
58-D-131-132 – From 2024
$1,028.9 — 512 Magnolia St.
55-G-2-3 – From 2021-24
$2,849.7 — 102 Celeste St.
58-G-16 – From 2021-24
$3,021.5 — 1202 Highland Ave.
P110-69 – From 2014-24
$8,234.1 — 604 Crooked Run Rd.
#110135 – fees due – 2014-17 – Rivers Community Funeral Home
$272.63 — PAID — 104 S. Cobb St.
50-H-1 – From 2024
$1,447.29 — 701 Adams St.
29-D-3 – From 2024
$638.2 — 606 Cale St.
12-D-10 – From 2022-24
$4,815.24 — 313 E. Burgess St.
TOTAL As of 4/22/2025
3 responses to “Mayor Rivers’ Overdue Taxes: A Reelection Dilemma”
He has power bills due as well from his restaurant!! Check that balance !!
Hello,
FYI – Please know that Mayor Rivers is not affiliated in no way including co-ownership with Beach Funeral Home, in Elizabeth City, NC formerly Beach Rivers Funeral Home, Elizabeth City, North Carolina effective December 2021.
A “public servant” that excludes themselves from the responsibilities of a citizen does not deserve consideration for a public office. I don’t know the specifics of this case, but I believe that ANY citizen should be responsible enough at the very least, to take care of their own personal financial obligations. To exclude oneself from public financial obligations in essence says, “I’m above taxation and personal responsibility, but the rest of y’all should do your part.”
I trust your local voters will not vote blindly. An educated voter is our best defense against tyranny and irresponsible leadership. Elections should not be the blind leading the blind. Vote Wisely!