Sunbury City Council on Nov. 19 gave a first reading to an ordinance that would authorize the sale of bonds with a maximum principal amount of $3.5 million to pay for improvements at JR Smith Park.

City engineering staff said the park project has reached 100% design and that bid documents will be advertised and opened in mid‑December. The listed scope in the ordinance includes parking areas, walkways, restrooms, playground equipment, multiuse athletic courts, landscaping, a shelter, bike trails and a splash pad.

Staff noted the ordinance would authorize the issuance and sale of bonds up to a $3.5 million maximum. Councilmembers discussed scheduling and asked staff to coordinate with a selected contractor on a construction schedule; the project request asked for substantial completion by July (calendar year referenced during the engineer's update) but staff warned the timeline could change due to supply or contractor availability.

No final financing vote occurred on Nov. 19; the ordinance was read for consideration and will return for additional readings and final action in future meetings.

Next steps: advertisement of bid documents, bid opening mid‑December, contract award and subsequent council action on bond issuance as required by state law and city procedures.