NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – From a lazy river and aquatic expansion to renewed streets, sidewalk repair, and stormwater projects, city leaders met and discussed what\u2019s in store for the future at their annual retreat. <\/p>\n
One of the biggest topics is the $24 million general obligation, or \u201cGO\u201d bond referendum, to fund projects in parks and recreation. <\/p>\n
The referendum includes projects for parks and recreation, such as an amphitheater, new ballfields, and other ideas for city improvements. <\/p>\n
Residents say these upgrades are long overdue, especially with so many newcomers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a lot of people moving from the north and retiring in eastern North Carolina, and one of the things we\u2019re looking for is stuff to do,\u201d resident Jack Luttner said. <\/p>\n
The bond referendum also includes street-sidewalk projects and stormwater projects within the city that voters weighed in on in 2025. <\/p>\n
One resident says she trusts city leaders to get it right. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have a lot of faith in the people working in our city, and I thank them for the job that they\u2019re doing,\u201d Sara Sanders said. <\/p>\n
The GO bonds are used by local governments to help finance public projects, and with it will come a property tax increase of 2.75 cents for every $100.00 assessed valuation. <\/p>\n
For example, if a home is valued at $400,000.00, the annual tax total would be $110.00 or $9.16 a month. <\/p>\n
New Bern will have seven years to issue the bond and 20 years to pay it off. <\/p>\n
Wednesday\u2019s discussions addressed how and when to start working toward these projects, along with other ideas to come. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re super excited about the future,\u201d New Bern Mayor Jeffrey Odham said. \u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful day outside, but it\u2019s always a beautiful day in New Bern, and we\u2019re super excited about where our city is headed.\u201d <\/p>\n
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