Roanoke Rapids council approves proclamations and a $1,200 donation; resident voices street-paving concerns

Roanoke Rapids — At its regular meeting the City Council approved routine business including proclamations, minutes and a small budget ordinance, and heard a resident complaint about local street conditions.

Miss Thomas presented a proclamation recognizing Volunteer Appreciation Month; Parks & Recreation staff highlighted that their department accrued an estimated 6,053 volunteer hours from July through the current period, which staff valued at $199,809.53 using a statewide estimate of $33.01 per hour. The council adopted the volunteer proclamation by voice vote.

Speaker Caudle asked the council to adopt a proclamation recognizing National Public Service Recognition Week (May 3–9, 2026); Councilman Jackson moved the proclamation and the council approved it.

Finance Director reported the Fire Department received a $1,200 donation for the veterans breakfast and asked the council to adopt Ordinance No. 2026.16 to accept the funds; the ordinance was adopted by voice vote.

During public comment, resident Joey Davis (Riley Street) said several streets are in poor condition and asked whether the state or city is responsible for repaving certain spots (noting work by the state on 10th Street and a deteriorated area at 7th and Park). City staff responded that some roads are state-maintained and some city-maintained; staff member Larry clarified 7th and Park is city-maintained and that a recent cut was made by the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District, which the sanitary district is responsible for repairing.

The council also approved the April 7, 2026 meeting minutes and later voted to enter a closed session to consult the city attorney.