City Commission Approves $54 Million Bond for New Projects
UPDATE: The City Commission has just approved a groundbreaking resolution to issue $54 million in bonds aimed at funding several critical development projects. This decision, made during a meeting on Thursday evening, is set to reshape the city’s infrastructure and educational landscape.
The funding will allocate $25.5 million for a new elementary school at Town Acres, alongside $4.6 million for essential public works projects. These public works include significant road widenings at Christian Church and Boones Creek, as well as upgrades at the intersection of Rockingham and North Roan. Additionally, $21.8 million will be dedicated to various water and sewer projects, enhancing critical services across the city.
Concerns about the city’s overall debt were addressed by Assistant City Manager Steve Willis, who confirmed that the new bonds would represent only 3.5 percent of the assessed tax value, well below the 10 percent limit. This is a vital reassurance for taxpayers, ensuring that the city maintains fiscal responsibility while pursuing essential improvements.
The Commission unanimously voted in favor of the bond issuance, acknowledging the urgency of these infrastructure upgrades. Following the bond discussion, Special Projects Manager Cooper Reaves provided an update on the progress of the JC Build Mayor’s Task Force, which has been active for a year. The task force aims to streamline city planning and development processes, ensuring that the community can grow efficiently and sustainably.
“We are focused on listening, learning, and gathering as much information as possible,” stated Reaves. The task force has achieved significant milestones, including the hiring of a new planning manager, Whitney Hodges, and the reorganization of the Building Services Department under the leadership of Brian Ross.
In a bid to foster community engagement, the task force has been conducting monthly roundtable events to discuss development strategies with residents. Reaves emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts rather than merely completing a checklist of tasks.
The next task force meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 17, at 8 a.m. in the Langston Centre. Officials are eager to continue their collaborative efforts to address community needs and ensure efficient development practices.
Commissioner Joe Wise praised the task force’s initiatives, remarking, “This is really important. If we don’t value safety and efficiency, we’re going to have a community our children can’t afford to live in.” Commissioner Todd Fowler, who initiated the task force during his tenure as mayor, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to enhance operational efficiency without compromising safety standards.
As the city moves forward with these initiatives, residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged. The next city commission meeting will take place on Thursday, October 2, where further developments will be discussed.
This bond issuance and the ongoing efforts of the JC Build Task Force mark a significant step towards improving the city’s infrastructure and planning processes, ensuring a brighter future for all residents.
