Jun. 27--After a one-month decline, Lenoir County's unemployment rate was on the rise again -- to its highest level in nearly two decades.

Lenoir County's unemployment rate reached 12.5 percent during May after dropping to 11.8 percent during April, according to county figures released Friday by the state Employment Security Commission. The county's unemployment rate had increased for 12 consecutive months through March until it dropped below 12 percent during April.

The May rate is the highest since at least 1990, according to records on the ESC Web site.

Lenoir County was among 82 counties statewide that experienced a jump in its unemployment rate in May.

Greene and Jones counties' unemployment rates also increased from April to May. Greene's rate was 10.7 percent during April and 11.1 percent during May. Jones' rate was 9.8 percent during April and 10.6 percent during May.

"All of the state's 100 counties continue to be challenged by this recession," state ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr. said.

North Carolina had 46 counties that were at or below the state's unadjusted unemployment rate of 11.1 percent in May. The N.C. Employment Security Commission released the latest county unemployment rates Friday morning.

Lenoir County Commissioner Linda Sutton said she could soon be unemployed if the state goes through with its plan to close Dobbs Youth Development Center.

Sutton has worked at Dobbs since 1991. She currently serves as a training coordinator at the center. The General Assembly has proposed closing Dobbs to help offset a $4.7 billion state deficit.

"If Dobbs closes, about 90 people will lose their jobs," Sutton said. "I am facing possible unemployment myself."

Sutton acknowledged Lenoir's unemployment rate has reached record highs. Sutton also said she also believed the economy will get better.

"The job market is frustrating for people," Sutton said. "We do have Spirit Aerosystems coming."

Lenoir County ESC Chairwoman Bev Alston said the local job market continues to match state and national trends.

"It's a tough market for summer seasonal workers," Alston said. "Fewer companies are hiring summer help this year. Instead, regular employees are offered more hours if needed."

Lenoir's unemployment rate for May was nearly twice what it was in May of last year, when it was 6.8 percent.

Currituck County has the state's lowest unemployment rate during May at 6.3 percent while Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 17.2 percent.

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559 -- 1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.

Unemployment rate highlights

Lenoir County

May 2009 -- 12.5 percent

May 2008 -- 6.8 percent

May 2007 -- 5.1 percent

Greene County

May 2009 -- 11.1 percent

May 2008 -- 7.1 percent

May 2007 -- 5.6 percent

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