New Bern board approves annexation, fee changes and FY26-27 budget; several ordinances adopted

At its May 12 meeting the New Bern Board of Aldermen approved a slate of ordinances and resolutions that together advance infrastructure, development and finance work across the city.

Annexation and water/sewer use: The board first adopted a resolution approving a water and sewer use agreement for two parcels at 4095 East U.S. Highway 70 and then adopted an ordinance annexing the same 5.8-acre property into the city. City staff explained the combined parcels were estimated to demand "a little over 5,000 gallons a day" of water and wastewater capacity and described short system extensions to connect the site to existing infrastructure. The adoption followed a staff recommendation and passed on roll call.

Roads, traffic controls and street lights: The board accepted ownership and maintenance of 18 streets in the Blue Water Rise development after staff inspection and simultaneously amended the stop-intersection schedule and speed-limit schedule for those streets. The board also adopted two routine resolutions to install additional street lighting at the requests of residents for locations on Peppercorn Court and at Pinehurst Drive/Carmel Lane.

Utility and fee updates: The board adopted an ordinance restating system development and connection fees for water and sewer customers. Staff explained the change allows the city to charge actual cost plus a 10% administrative fee for specialty commercial or deep connections where published tap rates understate contractor costs.

Governance and code changes: The board moved to remove an obsolete Electric Services Board from the city code after staff said no active board had existed since 2012, and adopted ordinance amendments to the waterways chapter to limit loading/unloading at public ramps and prohibit overnight mooring except by permit; staff proposed an annual $500 licensing fee for commercial vessels if the board chose to license a portion of public docks.

Budget action: After discussion about fund balance and a small tax-rate component described during debate, the board adopted the FY26-27 budget ordinance. The roll call recorded one dissenting vote from the mayor; other votes on the meeting's ordinances and resolutions were recorded as affirmative on the record.

Votes at a glance: water/sewer use agreement — adopted (roll call: unanimous); annexation (4095 E US 70) — adopted (roll call: unanimous); accept Blue Water Rise streets and related traffic adjustments — adopted (roll call: unanimous); remove Electric Services Board — adopted (roll call: unanimous); restate water/sewer connection fees — adopted (roll call: unanimous); FY26-27 budget ordinance — adopted (roll call: majority; one recorded no).