[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6569130,"mediaKeyId","3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956","parentId",3192518,"title","Council gives initial approval to accept donated Rogers Road parcel; asks city attorney to craft policy for future donations","audioSeconds",429,"startMs",7507000,"endMs",7936000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956&start=7507&end=7936","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956/thumbnail_7507000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6569130/Fayetteville-City/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Council-gives-initial-approval-to-accept-donated-Rogers-Road-parcel-asks-city-attorney-to-craft-policy-for-future-donations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569130-3d3afff2397f374d359dcd7de1a24161/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197831&Signature=Q0bYGcJI1ZHXbBCJgm~ppCmdhvaAJ-7h4Q7z95anS7wyEQZ9hLdUayx-~mmZTrOx1y6846J~wNefYPWXbYZsAdl0xkdl1VDOa49XMXXR8Q3o-IzwDMfZivLRqd2fOGSrk8obBrsRMFykZJlJJQYVZh4zC05sxM2UZEqakESXdi1mCW4q7SxCmpA4Gpk6ikiRPncyUA9u8kugKRmprlChSYjlcZglxen~ziuGT3fNEIdDsQpTG1Y7cWrnclsa3UsiUI4ITmunDO2vq1Em0RXQy053xiDwFxX6fFrLoYXezNmq1QtR4zNZZdDHr2WLYECcCaqJ8DnSJV02uBmo3xmHRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fayetteville","date","2025-05-05T21:51:38.523Z","article","Fayetteville City Council signaled consensus to accept a donated Rogers Road parcel and asked the city attorney’s office to draft a policy to guide future donations of real property to the city.

The Mayor Pro Tem presented a constituent request: the owner offered to donate roughly 2.0+ acres but had also been offered $300 for an easement acquisition. Staff noted there is no existing city policy governing acceptance of donated land. Council instructed the city attorney to prepare options for a formal policy and to return the matter for council action; staff also handled the immediate acceptance of the Rogers Road parcel by consensus.

Council member Benevente recorded the lone vote in opposition during the consent; the motion to accept the parcel and refer policy options to the city attorney passed by consensus with one dissent. The city attorney will prepare suggested policy language and procedures for council consideration to standardize the acceptance of donated real property going forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fayetteville City Council Work Session May 5 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council agreed by consensus to accept a donated Rogers Road parcel and directed the city attorney to return policy options for accepting donated real property in the future.","taxTitle","Fayetteville City, Cumberland County, North Carolina","taxId",3862,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6569135,"Council selects expanded plaza option for Market House pedestrian improvements, authorizes staff to proceed",450,6714000,7164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956&start=6714&end=7164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956/thumbnail_6714000.jpg","/articles/6569135/Fayetteville-City/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Council-selects-expanded-plaza-option-for-Market-House-pedestrian-improvements-authorizes-staff-to-proceed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569135-2e56b67d50c8fb8f42f9c9892d223444/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197831&Signature=erXpAfy9T8IYpPKLPm2rd4b7n1AQa5grO3zAAwN7FfmjTaoWyBqTnpg9kp76G37UdGaLXtiCYw4FtDjUH277Dm1UKACwzepruG0jBOGpXwp0bHwIwf8XlpSsYaO94U0uNraneJ0NJtfTw7~qNfFY1ln-loDWXzH2nNXUpZhOFbCmhLfqblr8VyJ812gjaCw3ay21GMxExaHYS8kiAcJGHgmAqBgQJlzMiqE7fQ4GI5ehaWM6Gy6Z~IOla2XJ8z~1tz4NMZGdmh8Bkdo7DY0MI7tcD1psHB9MQPiBPJ8KSbNdZDjZ23D2VnRkuYfpIJCzc3vDoDwCFs1fBMzkhVhwMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fayetteville City Council selected a plan to expand the Market House center plaza and improve pedestrian access and lighting, approving staff to advance design and bid work for the preferred alternative.

Project staff presented two pedestrian‑improvement alternatives developed with engineering firm RK&K. Alternative 2B would expand the center plaza by roughly 9.25 feet (about 3,000 square feet total), add ADA‑compliant ramps and crosswalks on all four legs of the roundabout, provide splitter islands, and preserve access for tractor‑trailers and emergency vehicles. Staff estimated the cost for Alternative 2B at just over $1 million. Alternative X would resurface the circle, adjust crosswalks and add ADA access from one approach without expanding the plaza; its estimate was about $750,000.

Parks and engineering staff said the project budget includes about $900,000 plus $370,000 already committed for structural repairs; stormwater and a prior pedestrian grant may cover eligible costs. Staff noted Alternative 2B is a better fit for the community’s stated goals to increase usable plaza space and pedestrian friendliness. Council asked staff to proceed with Alternative 2B and to return with funding requests if contingency funds are insufficient.

Council approved the motion to move forward with Alternative 2B; staff said design would take about five months with an estimated eight months for construction, and that pedestrian improvements would be a formal bid and come back for contract approval.","Council chose an alternative (2B) that expands the Market House center plaza and improves pedestrian access, including ADA ramps and new lighting; staff will proceed and return with funding details as needed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6569139,"Council directs staff to expand Homebuying Hero program; staff to return with policy language May 12",2803,3883000,6686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956&start=3883&end=6686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956/thumbnail_3883000.jpg","/articles/6569139/Fayetteville-City/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Council-directs-staff-to-expand-Homebuying-Hero-program-staff-to-return-with-policy-language-May-12","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569139-f4eb68a46503993aaa214a213af299c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197831&Signature=P4xk9clDFzhs~2nuhGFoBzhz24C-WDhPB7cd5~E3FzsEbLw4p2-1Htj2b~LvnKN~ji1frfQsil6Uk6vY2gYkw9tirm5YLZBIoJ~khGNDef1A4Q7Njw2UYDxP2ScOjfwFZGcN2nCaj6TnEXznRy-pA6Dy4vH9UBBbxSfY4-Wzca3EeO6Db2rIpdH0pPE0WCngevKNsMKmpmOoQk7ZO-O8gSMUpJh7oek73GYFXV8TJcOBAm9l8U-b8FJlJMJhTgwHIuCXMKZ02z6baKl1lys9P9~uMlJkRgsMS-b3ISPIN7oPXkF8iHjZzpZI3b47pWf92sBduhZ8hSpwBydg0od2Qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fayetteville City Council directed staff to revise the Homebuying Hero down‑payment assistance program to expand eligibility and return with concrete policy language at the May 12 meeting.

Staff presented three program tiers: the citizen program (up to $20,000 for qualifying buyers), a public‑service hero program (up to $30,000 for select public‑service roles) and a city‑employee program (initially conceived at $30,000 as an employee retention measure). Staff recommended requiring applicants to use available state programs before tapping city funds and outlined administrative issues connected with allowing “move‑up” buyers (buyers who previously owned a home).

City staff warned that allowing move‑up buyers creates administrative complications: the timing of selling the previously owned home can temporarily convert the transaction into investment property, and equity from a sale can affect income‑eligibility calculations. Staff also noted program funding is time‑limited and draw rates have been low; council members argued the program should be made easier to use and better marketed to realtors, mortgage brokers and institutional employers.

Council directed staff to prepare policy language that would (a) expand eligibility to move‑up buyers while defining how equity and timing are treated, (b) require applicants to utilize state resources before city funds, (c) extend public‑service eligibility to include retirees and employees of private universities and medical facilities, and (d) align the city‑employee conditions with other public‑service tiers (certain council members supported removing a one‑year employment hold but securing assistance through a repayment agreement if the employee leaves). Staff will return with a formal proposal at the May 12 meeting.","Council gave staff direction to expand the Homebuying Hero down‑payment assistance program to include move‑up buyers and a broader list of public‑service employees, and to return with detailed policy language at the May 12 meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6569145,"Fayetteville council asks staff to study alternatives to Cumberland County tax collection; return in August",1634,2182000,3816000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956&start=2182&end=3816","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956/thumbnail_2182000.jpg","/articles/6569145/Fayetteville-City/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Fayetteville-council-asks-staff-to-study-alternatives-to-Cumberland-County-tax-collection-return-in-August","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569145-ec71cd12c0ab7b789bd05019a4e6614a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197831&Signature=i6e0WU8DxJNYHYzmww9y6jrB4QAAur~jqv5EZ2BY-FLc3IPx-VZbVE9p-0Zi5JjiwVYjU5ScJLXlrvsqd~taNokdBWqukAjeFgcHWxDZ-9U4w7bIZB4D0oXTzo9xL~xQQ-lSHgqDnAUvATYAHz-wNrarcXjv5qOqQoayChsgHO9iAOlMv7XzDV4g6cQxRQrbqIF8AUIS-~-8a7HBlGi2N0gXGql-KzjGdlATxv9AsEHArswO9tiA5oE~IXz2U5ZOF6QoLhoqliGRQNUonpFNk5qHjx5KNZr7Wu-PJgQe38qBAo0tBR0oEJLlDFXM9yxtpOwjj19JzrlziDPKnvEKvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented preliminary findings from a School of Government benchmarking study on whether Fayetteville should take billing and collections of property taxes in‑house rather than contract with Cumberland County. The report recommended further analysis; council asked staff to produce a cost comparison and implementation plan.

Chris Lowry presented the analysis, noting that the city would control billing and collections only; property assessments remain a county function. A potential in‑house program would unify billing for property tax, solid waste and stormwater on a single statement. Staff estimated a preliminary staffing scale of about 18 FTEs for Fayetteville—roughly $950,000 in salaries alone—plus technology and startup costs. The presentation flagged that up‑front costs would likely exceed current county contractor fees and that the project would likely not yield immediate cost savings.

Lowry said the county currently receives 0.75% for on‑time remittances and 1.75% on delinquent collections. Staff emphasized risks: taxpayer confusion during transition, data‑integration challenges with county systems, cybersecurity needs, and higher customer‑service volume during startup. He estimated a 12‑ to 18‑month implementation timeline with phased roll‑out and monitoring.

Council members said potential benefits include improved control over collections, the ability to pursue delinquencies and liens directly and to coordinate city debt collection efforts across revenue streams. Staff said decisions on aggressive collection tactics (for example, hiring a 1099 collector, using a third‑party collection agency or pursuing foreclosures) would rest with the city if collections were brought in‑house.

Council voted to direct staff to return with a cost analysis comparing third‑party collection alternatives (other than Cumberland County) and options for standing up in‑house collections, and to report back by the August administrative meeting.","Staff presented a preliminary analysis on bringing billing and collections in‑house. Council directed staff to analyze costs for third‑party collection alternatives and return with a report in August.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6569149,"Fayetteville taps Friese & Nichols for 12‑month construction management overhaul; council approves engagement",1973,169000,2142000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956&start=169&end=2142","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3192518-e736f5a3a00d309c8dde3958f58f9956/thumbnail_169000.jpg","/articles/6569149/Fayetteville-City/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Fayetteville-taps-Friese-Nichols-for-12month-construction-management-overhaul-council-approves-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569149-ed00350908cfd4fe1cb9797a11533824/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197831&Signature=KmYVsO0OCPgvIH-8D~--COImb6vye6FMN0h856-l2y1x7eOYrsur5rKXyKpAELbOxKI9iRi~Ts7HKy-KqR7qpw7WFCDdT2W~QrIwalzqxAssj1li5KlXbT0vfPRJ-icEZCiJXU6B5g9W7~eGYBscsW~qEjybnc7q~VwK6IK6StzrCW~1kyElkOvzDrD78CWNS4EgNY92ZF7cQAKxtMuKrw5dx2i5QCdj~qRooR1Zb-yrglkAqSmFWvL7lDctk3qfDEyAu35B1ZVH43QPskFbqm6DeyNlBm8bSRaRW4EZByV0VkfpG4UR-OT7tQKQS9b5zuzi7XLeFZ3HqIveH39I1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fayetteville City Council voted to receive a review of the Construction Management Division and to continue a 12‑month engagement with engineering consultant Friese & Nichols to implement recommended changes to project controls and staffing.

The report, presented by Blair Hinkle of Friese & Nichols and city staff, found the city’s centralized project‑management approach is sound but identified gaps in proactive project management, consultant accountability, design‑phase cost controls and transparency. Blair Hinkle said the firm has been on‑site since December 2024 to evaluate operations and work alongside city staff.

The memo in the council packet lays out specific steps already under way: an owners’ advisor procurement to support project teams, project‑level owners’ advisors for complex work, and site‑level assistance from Friese & Nichols while the city hires a permanent division director. Hinkle said the firm’s work includes both project‑level troubleshooting and broader process recommendations, noting the division was created in 2019 to centralize project delivery for city facilities.

City staff described recurring problems on several projects where contractors “separated from the project,” naming Fire Station 4, the tennis center and the Mabel C. Smith community center as recent examples that are now “gaining traction.” Staff said Friese & Nichols will play a program‑management role for roughly 12 months, “helping to implement the recommendations” and training city staff to sustain improvements before tapering off.

Council members questioned whether the engagement would cover pay‑application review and field inspection sign‑off. Hinkle and staff said the consultant’s scope does not replace required field inspections, but does formalize pay‑application review and recommends a standardized sign‑off process—certified by construction administrators or field representatives—before payments are released.

Council member Thompson moved to receive the information and proceed with the city manager’s contracting approach to implement Friese & Nichols’ recommendations; the motion was seconded and approved by the council.

Council members and staff said the firm will focus on real‑time project tracking, consultant accountability and design‑phase cost controls as the city implements a project dashboard and new project management forms and processes.","City council voted to continue a 12‑month engagement with Friese & Nichols to implement recommendations for the Construction Management Division and bolster project oversight after recent contractor separations and cost pressures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council gives initial approval to accept donated Rogers Road parcel; asks city attorney to craft policy for future donations

Council selects expanded plaza option for Market House pedestrian improvements, authorizes staff to proceed

Council directs staff to expand Homebuying Hero program; staff to return with policy language May 12

Fayetteville council asks staff to study alternatives to Cumberland County tax collection; return in August

Fayetteville taps Friese & Nichols for 12‑month construction management overhaul; council approves engagement