Board approves $1 million to Town of Smithfield for ballpark; vote 5-2 after debate over public subsidy

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted 5‑2 to provide $1,000,000 this fiscal year to the Town of Smithfield to support construction of a new ballpark that would host the Tops and be available for other community and regional events.

Supporters said the project can generate outside sales and hotel‑occupancy tax revenue, bring visitors to county businesses, and provide a lasting entertainment venue. "If we think long term and we're thinking that this could be an economic engine for tourism to bring people to our county," Commissioner Rose said, explaining that county staff asked county analyst McLamb to model returns. Commissioner Rose said staff analysis — run for a $2,000,000 total request — showed county revenues from sales and lodging taxes could recoup that investment in roughly 10 to 16 years under the assumptions used.

Backers also framed the vote as a one‑time investment and a partnership with the Town of Smithfield: supporters said county funds would go to the town for construction of a facility the town would own and manage, not directly to the team. "This allocation is to the Town of Smithfield," a commissioner noted during debate.

Opponents argued the county should not subsidize a private, for‑profit enterprise and cited competing county capital needs and recent property‑value changes that have increased households' tax bills. Commissioners opposing the appropriation said the timing was poor given other budget pressures and that public funds should prioritize mandated services and high‑priority county projects.

The motion that passed directed county staff to proceed with a one‑time $1,000,000 appropriation to Smithfield this fiscal year; the record shows the board approved the motion 5‑2. Following the vote, commissioners said the town will manage and maintain the facility and that projected county revenue streams from sales and hotel taxes would flow into the county general fund.

County tourism staff were reported to be optimistic about the project's marketing potential; the county also has commitments from the town on programming and operations. Commissioners who supported the appropriation emphasized the project's potential to attract visitors and to diversify non‑property tax revenue, while dissenting commissioners said they could not support the use of county funds for a private business at this time.