[{"_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",6526017,"mediaKeyId","3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a","parentId",3845781,"title","Goldsboro hears detailed plan to upgrade aging water reclamation plant as council adopts a 7.5% utility rate increase","audioSeconds",935,"startMs",575000,"endMs",1510000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a&start=575&end=1510","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a/thumbnail_575000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6526017/Goldsboro/Wayne-County/North-Carolina/Goldsboro-hears-detailed-plan-to-upgrade-aging-water-reclamation-plant-as-council-adopts-a-75-utility-rate-increase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526017-e06ec93b64962d1f4cc5c8cda2d8d83d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184029&Signature=RnYnJldIkEDRz7cT5ouaFAE-ffUazY4yhVSuRh67ICBP1iMrMLBDQaZkvUuDK898dR3RD1lZzjUaYW-a~SgpsgYalsoflMN5mB4g6lJ5AqG0soPbf7pV2DXffRF4yaLqf9TOJBYKQB5ZzZYSwz8e0vzj3ZjB4Q86Ad7NfB3X4kxxC1Z7j9tiqa-hKgt9cL0ayjg6~tE3dssIEOcxXUh3mG~0jpQ~1MRyfrIZPRyP22i-D~~f1YzU3ZqlN5v7mKQEwSYfNpbLZf2Hmn7KkzZaMIAyFrrLxWQVZxSpHYCNXxYU32snSx0dzPPnf3Uxwk9wy65BFwdfSISmCJtctoBp2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Goldsboro","date","2025-06-16T13:12:17Z","article","Goldsboro council members heard a multi‑part presentation on the Arrington Bridge Water Reclamation Facility on the evening the council considered utility rates and the city budget.

Hazen & Sawyer engineers and city utilities staff described the plant’s condition and needs, saying parts of the plant date to the 1960s and the last major upgrade was in 2003. Colin Beck of Hazen & Sawyer summarized the project scope and timeline, noting that state regulations and capacity limits (the plant is permitted at 14.2 million gallons per day, and North Carolina DEQ flags projects that reach 80% of permitted average annual flow) make upgrades urgent for future sewer extensions and economic growth.

The presentation reviewed historical flow data, the DEQ “80/90” trigger (80% triggers an engineering evaluation; at 90% construction is expected to start), and options for phased expansion. City staff and consultants said the design‑phase work (basis of design report and preliminary cost estimate) would narrow a previously stated budget range and allow the team to propose a guaranteed maximum price during design‑build procurement.

Why it matters: The city’s wastewater limits have already constrained new sewer extensions in previous years. If flows hit the 80% threshold again, DEQ restricts further sewer service until evaluations or expansions proceed. Council members said they want capacity to support job announcements and private development.

Key technical and cost points presented by staff and consultants:
- The plant’s original works date to the 1960s; upgrades occurred in 1980 and 2003 and some equipment remains from those eras.
- Sand‑filter underdrain systems and other treatment equipment are deteriorated; replacing all four sand filters was estimated by staff at about $12 million.
- The UV disinfection system and dewatering belt presses are reaching the end of their useful lives (a combined replacement estimate discussed in the presentation was in the low millions; staff cited a $2.4 million DCIP grant request aimed at UV system components and a roughly $3 million estimate for presses in current condition assessments).
- A preliminary, high‑level construction cost range cited earlier to council was $80 million to $140 million; consultants said this wide spread reflects scope uncertainty pending design work.
- Hazen & Sawyer proposed early‑start services leading to a basis‑of‑design report; staff noted a proposed basis‑of‑design fee around $825,000 to get to a preliminary cost estimate and 75% design.

Funding and rates: Consultants and the city’s rate adviser presented possible funding paths. The city has applied several times for Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) low‑interest loans; SRF can include limited principal forgiveness for qualifying communities (consultants described up to about $500,000 of principal forgiveness as possible under some criteria). The consultants said the only near‑term federal/state loan program that fits the project is the Clean Water SRF; other direct appropriations would be discretionary and are not guaranteed.

David Heider of Stantec presented preliminary rate modeling. He said the magnitude of the wastewater project means the city likely will need multi‑year, potentially double‑digit rate increases in future years unless substantial grant or appropriation funding is secured. Consultants and staff emphasized that the chosen project scope and the timing of construction drive how large future rate changes must be.

Council action and debate: After discussion the council adopted an ordinance to amend water and sewer rates that staff presented alongside the budget. The council vote on the utility fee ordinance was recorded as adopted by a narrow margin (4–3). Several council members said they favored tying targeted lifeline or tiered rates to protect low‑volume users, but staff said the city’s billing and ERP software must be updated first (staff estimated implementation of a tiered/lifeline billing system would take roughly 12 months, after which targeted relief could be applied).

What’s next: Consultants said the city’s immediate next technical step is the basis‑of‑design report and a more detailed cost estimate; staff will continue SRF applications and the city will evaluate regionalization options that might affect plant sizing. Council members asked staff to bring the topic back for more discussion at the council retreat and to provide updates on SRF results and any award decisions.

Ending: Council members repeatedly framed the issue as a generational reinvestment: the plant benefited from decades‑old capital investments and will require significant new capital to continue serving the city and support growth.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Goldsboro City Council Meeting 06-16-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Goldsboro council members heard a multi‑part presentation on the Arrington Bridge Water Reclamation Facility and adopted a utility‑fee ordinance, while consultants warned the plant needs major upgrades and the city will face difficult funding choices.","taxTitle","Goldsboro, Wayne County, North Carolina","taxId",55399,"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},6525997,"Council approves Peloton system‑development‑fee waiver and Park East tax‑sharing amendment",212,4229000,4441000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a&start=4229&end=4441","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a/thumbnail_4229000.jpg","/articles/6525997/Goldsboro/Wayne-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-Peloton-systemdevelopmentfee-waiver-and-Park-East-taxsharing-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6525997-68a48879dd3e284720216a27862e2764/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184029&Signature=Ot14e5v2cQ~ADiqTDlDpEEGZBn~KzD1n9ZjOS2echxfSC5yjlTwUbT-sDEvvqeHTtwMk~k-cNgowVve~7ESqxweNEiWS9uL6bOxmLrWrG8ot3HDAxd2Eu3jilTW08zA5AB1sBjC1dtFXt2MaO6jZxwvJyR4rzV3oyC9sKNXkPA5xIEOyHgXpTKaVAjpJGvoesulR~pOvcF31K5s3zNHCvX-nIKcvoR0rFuGL5FuSAFEFNKas-vY~4H6unykhvgNLZjrjor1hsoxs-1eaeVVTJbWaJTRl~Qzk25xloI~EPiD82qTULkOzmQoH-k2QS9t6VxyNLrTjcP-PXKQka9KwKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two economic development items on the agenda drew short public hearings and unanimous council action.

Peloton USA: Council opened a public hearing, received no public opposition and approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute an economic development agreement with Peloton USA that waives system‑development fees in an estimated amount not to exceed $10,000. The vote was recorded in the meeting as unanimous (7–0).

Park East amendment: Council held a public hearing on an amendment to an economic development agreement with Wayne County for properties in the Park East industrial area. Staff explained the county had invested roughly $2,500,000 in building shell buildings and acquiring property; under the amended agreement the city defers certain ad valorem tax payments (the city’s share of tax increments) for an estimated total city payment deferral of about $2.5 million that staff projected would be paid back over roughly five years as the development matures. After a short public comment period (one resident raised a separate rezoning concern that was unrelated to the Park East agreement), the council adopted the amendment 7–0.

Why it matters: The actions formalize incentives the city and county are using to recruit and support large employers and shell buildings at Park East. The Peloton agreement is a small, narrowly scoped SDF waiver tied to a large employer announcement; the Park East amendment confirms the tax‑sharing approach the city uses to encourage industrial development.

Votes and next steps: Both agreements were approved; city staff will execute the documents and monitor timeline and payments required by the Park East amendment. The Peloton waiver is limited to the SDF amount described in the agreement and does not affect other permits or regulatory approvals.

Ending: Council members described the matters as typical economic development tools and thanked staff for coordination with the county.
","The council adopted two economic development items: a system‑development fee waiver for Peloton USA not to exceed $10,000 and an amended tax‑sharing agreement with Wayne County for Park East property development (estimated deferred payments ~ $2.5 million, to be paid over about five years). Both items passed unanimously.",{"_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},6526003,"Friends of Seymour update: local advocates press Congress to retain Seymour Johnson missions, seek maintenance and divestment language in NDAA",607,3436000,4043000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a&start=3436&end=4043","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a/thumbnail_3436000.jpg","/articles/6526003/Goldsboro/Wayne-County/North-Carolina/Friends-of-Seymour-update-local-advocates-press-Congress-to-retain-Seymour-Johnson-missions-seek-maintenance-and-divestment-language-in-NDAA","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526003-d5e7fb97ef6fcbab3558dd2735528f2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184029&Signature=ONE43KnDQKvvsE8noCFqj6pKA8ZctqcvnW5aNU1oBwoCH8XN6xtdvVVny4cMIIGHKMLoWEqW0I1li67D4zr6IkJChJu1Aw2RYv8rj3rZKThYNy3fhIv8xlPLMPJ-eTdWz7S-akYKSS5blzcX5JxuY4JimsLmAQ1z1cuG-1gRuPQWbCOq~-Ugn-Qb5669oEKf3uGv0fMjT-GVeWi3yxNc2KiVjrM6PNUG5nC2RVdbsW9it-YE9xRKlA08qrh0QlLFcw7Ayr9W3hLESoGDidON62cuQdxWnYdYmCfrxpfP-a0lXkRZE9mQGhA~EV-089zLm2r2hQwffRbow98FoWqAHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kenneth Gerard, speaking for Friends of Seymour, briefed the City Council on ongoing federal advocacy to protect Seymour Johnson Air Force Base missions and to secure infrastructure support.

Gerard told council that advocacy in Washington is active but that congressional and appropriations calendars and world events can slow progress. He said the group’s priorities include preserving language that would stop divestment of F‑15E aircraft in 2027, securing additional maintenance dollars for the F‑15 fleet and advancing discretionary Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) awards and other appropriations that could help local projects such as UV system work at the water reclamation facility.

Gerard said staff and strategy partners (Crossroads) are working closely with Representative Don Davis’ office and Senator constituent staff; Representative Davis has been an active “champion,” Gerard said. On the Senate side, staff will continue receiving military debriefs and proposed language during the armed services and appropriations process, and markups are scheduled for July (presenters said both House and Senate committees will consider NDAA markups in July).

Gerard and staff noted these points:
- Friends of Seymour and allied lobbyists continue to push for language that would delay or stop divestment of F‑15Es and to pursue additional maintenance funding for frontline squadrons, particularly installations that deploy a high share of personnel.
- Crossroads Strategy staff and Friends of Seymour members have briefed both Senator and Representative staff, and the group is coordinating messaging and draft language.
- The city is also pursuing Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) and other grant opportunities tied to the base; staff said the DCIP project pipeline (e.g., a UV system upgrade) is being actively pursued and that the community’s base presence makes it competitive for such awards.

Gerard noted the economic scale of Seymour Johnson AFB to the local economy — figures cited in the presentation were roughly $1.1 billion in economic impact and about $500 million in payroll annually — and urged continued city support for the advocacy coalition.

Ending: Gerard asked council members to maintain public and financial support for Friends of Seymour efforts and to lend direct advocacy when council members meet federal and state officials. Council members asked how they could help and were urged to emphasize the base’s frontline status and deployment tempo in federal discussions.
","Friends of Seymour representatives told Goldsboro council members they are pursuing language in the FY‑26/27 NDAA to prevent F‑15E divestment and to secure additional maintenance funding for Seymour Johnson AFB; staff and outside advisers are supporting congressional offices and pursuing Defense Community Infrastructure Program opportunities.",{"_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},6526008,"Goldsboro awards emergency contract for McCall’s pump station repair after infiltration damages manhole",786,6412000,7198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a&start=6412&end=7198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a/thumbnail_6412000.jpg","/articles/6526008/Goldsboro/Wayne-County/North-Carolina/Goldsboro-awards-emergency-contract-for-McCalls-pump-station-repair-after-infiltration-damages-manhole","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526008-882cb5c71f25ac1d0202c8a2f9d12c64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184029&Signature=CchAQhGX0~u-Mg5oz~K7V9GI1WRTkSzFFljcMdkDSBWUXOI-PrMh6hXjMtZkjdfdEBxNLQYDFq8I0cAjTdcstJpAZF1X-yCRcQhAMtxyNNWEhHf8veFA3c-2fPhMSonY2JpKCWTOvtnLKHrK-~tOGySNQ9ZKrAyNjkNqyhlFHpbJmxBm~No9vy1La1SnuJENaGAVajKJ1LdvgFAPHPVEyV8KiTsNWU3KwE0IdjA1ochYlTk271lU9p4bjrKWp7GxDzFRVmmKNBB4tshDloSVXV7sTcc0KfZMJRMH8aVKcqiyOwq52wsAwx0kveuJbR42Hj3upnv~BmFcJrflSf~LEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City distribution and collection staff told the council that a deep manhole at the McCall’s pump station (adjacent to Miller’s Chapel Road) is failing: sewer gas, groundwater infiltration and internal concrete deterioration have created a hole in the manhole barrel and allowed stone and sediment into the wet well, damaging pumps.

Jonathan (city staff) described the problem and showed council a video of groundwater pouring into the manhole; staff explained the site’s complexity: multiple ductile‑iron sewer lines and a Walnut Creek force main feed the structure, the manhole is about 18½ feet deep, and a large driveway tile and deep ditch complicate construction access.

Contract and work: Staff recommended an emergency repair that will include cured‑in‑place lining of nearby gravity lines, bypass piping (directional drilling for an 8‑inch bypass beneath Miller’s Chapel Road), replacement of failing structures and dewatering during construction. Because the failure presented an immediate service risk, the city solicited an emergency contractor; council authorized a contract with Ralph Hodge Construction Company to perform the emergency work. The contract award and a related operating‑budget amendment to allocate funds for the repair were adopted by council (votes recorded as unanimous).

Why it matters: Staff said the failed manhole had already caused pump damage and prolonged bypass pumping operations; a severe rain or named storm could have produced a service outage. Council took expedited action to avoid a repeat failure and to protect downstream service.

What’s next: Staff will coordinate DOT approvals for the under‑road directional drilling, finalize bypass plans, execute the Ralph Hodge contract and return to council with any required construction change orders and a completion timeline.

Ending: City staff described the work as an urgent infrastructure preservation step that protects public health and avoids more costly failures and emergency pump replacements later.
","A failing manhole at the McCall’s pump station prompted the city to authorize emergency repairs and a contract with Ralph Hodge Construction; the council approved the contract and a budget amendment to allocate funds for the repair.",{"_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},6526013,"Goldsboro Council adopts FY2026 operating budget after narrow vote, funds employee raises and street, parks and code work",1288,8277000,9565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a&start=8277&end=9565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845781-54caf08613a0b4f6ed667da2e0830d7a/thumbnail_8277000.jpg","/articles/6526013/Goldsboro/Wayne-County/North-Carolina/Goldsboro-Council-adopts-FY2026-operating-budget-after-narrow-vote-funds-employee-raises-and-street-parks-and-code-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526013-cd9850bf6587a9712e66a7ddfc77e3cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184029&Signature=jjyfYRNol7RdBHptRmb7RH101XojnniJTDL-fRYbGeXU4I4z0Z19priySuTdofhHwNw9lNtUQrFRxQACWtDJzrgAIYkGZP7ssPLZRpP3WYP9kO6VOWhFiGJARbnINPyOnHxCLshfVwjUgobDehK7pDTSRL2U8PvtzucjSP2THBka47~NuYsDH6T2KtywQw~pYM44eHFN5KrbSVLK77lw0VT3v~Rm6c8D7LxmJKNmWI4-U1xh7h-loykeBxFZj1rgVKGOv57PQmNU~LlnfKoSq-tX4pKmQCnUz1kE9POO50VyfPc5lLe6OJZV0BA4zGBf8Jl2d4pDszeYuaUPPvlh3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Goldsboro City Council voted to adopt the fiscal year 2026 operating budget following a lengthy discussion that included debate over utility rate treatment within the document.

The budget passed the council by a 4–3 margin. Council discussion before the vote centered on process (several members said they wanted a separate budget work session) and on whether to include a pending utility rate increase directly inside the budget ordinance or adopt the rate separately.

What the budget funds:
- A 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for city employees, described by staff as in line with statewide municipal norms.
- A holiday/employee bonus; staff identified $321,897 in the budget to fund an employee holiday bonus program (amount distributed via a payroll mechanism and funded by lapse/other savings identified in the budget process).
- Continued recruitment and retention funding and partial implementation of a compensation study to adjust pay where needed.
- Funding to recapitalize fire and police vehicles and to continue hiring and retention efforts in public safety.
- New funding for streets and a separate street improvement fund (Powell bill resources will be moved into an identified street fund and some operating costs shifted back to general fund to preserve Powell bill flexibility).
- A lease arrangement and programming resources for the Edgewood site to create a community center and park programming capacity.
- Increased funding for code enforcement and blight removal, and funds for parks and recreation planning and outreach.

Why it matters: The budget package reflects the council’s stated priorities — public safety, blight remediation, streets, parks programming and employee pay — while acknowledging that some capital needs (notably the wastewater plant) will require additional financing and may put upward pressure on rates in coming years.

Council comments and process: Several members said they supported most of the budget’s elements but opposed the utility rate increase included in the ordinance; one council member stated she would have voted for the budget absent the rate change. Multiple council members praised staff for work to reframe certain Powell bill expenditures and for assembling the capital improvement plan that drove several appropriations.

Outcome: The FY2026 annual operating budget ordinance was adopted 4–3. Council asked staff to continue outreach on the plan, to present more detailed phasing for capital projects and to return to the retreat with updated modeling on the utilities program and possible tiered billing options.

Ending: Staff said they will continue work on implementation, including executing the Edgewood lease, scheduling the compensation study follow‑up items and reporting back on capital phasing and funding options.
","After debate about including a utility rate increase, the Goldsboro City Council adopted the FY2026 operating budget 4–3. The budget includes a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for city employees, a holiday bonus allocation and funding for streets, blight removal and the Edgewood community center lease.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Goldsboro hears detailed plan to upgrade aging water reclamation plant as council adopts a 7.5% utility rate increase

Council approves Peloton system‑development‑fee waiver and Park East tax‑sharing amendment

Friends of Seymour update: local advocates press Congress to retain Seymour Johnson missions, seek maintenance and divestment language in NDAA

Goldsboro awards emergency contract for McCall’s pump station repair after infiltration damages manhole

Goldsboro Council adopts FY2026 operating budget after narrow vote, funds employee raises and street, parks and code work