Zebulon

More parks, more green space, more fun! The FY25–26 budget reflects Zebulon’s commitment to outdoor spaces and recreation. Highlights include: • Funding for Phase 1 of Little River Park Development • Park Acquisition and Development to expand access and opportunity across town These investments will provide new trails, play areas, and gathering spaces for residents of all ages. ✅ No tax increase. Just smart investment in quality of life. 📂 View the full budget at: www.townofzebulon.org

We’re thrilled to share that the former Whitley Furniture building in downtown Zebulon is entering a new chapter! Vacant for the past three years, this historic landmark, originally founded by R.J. Whitley in 1909, is now in the hands of Jernigan’s Furniture. Led by Andrew Jernigan and a team of skilled professionals, renovations are underway to restore the building’s legacy and reimagine its future. With a century-long commitment to craftsmanship and service, the Jernigan family is honoring the past while investing in Zebulon’s future. Stay tuned for more updates as this iconic space is brought back to life!

Have you ever considered serving your community as an elected official? The Town of Zebulon Board of Commissioners currently has a vacancy, and now is your chance to be considered for appointment. 🗓️ Application Deadline: Monday, July 21 at 8:00 a.m. All interested and qualified applicants must complete the online application before the deadline. No late applications will be accepted. On August 4, applicants will have an opportunity to speak for 5 minutes during the regularly scheduled Board meeting. Candidates will also answer questions from the Board at that time. If you’re passionate about the future of Zebulon and ready to step into public service, we encourage you to apply. Learn more and apply online here: https://www.townofzebulon.org/board-vacancy-information

The Town of Zebulon has once again been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This marks the 32nd consecutive year the Town has received this prestigious national honor. This award recognizes the Town’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for its transparency, accuracy, and commitment to excellence in governmental accounting and financial reporting. It is the highest form of recognition in the field. “This award reflects the Town’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and strong fiscal stewardship,” said Taiwo Jaiyeoba, Interim Town Manager. “For more than three decades, our finance team has consistently set the standard for excellence in financial reporting. We’re proud to continue that legacy.” You can learn more about this award at: www.gfoa.org/coa-award.

Zebulon’s Downtown is getting a boost! The adopted FY25–26 Town Budget includes key investments to support a vibrant and walkable downtown. Funding has been approved for: - Downtown Development - Infrastructure Assessment & Upgrades - Ongoing Infrastructure Programs These investments will help activate underused spaces, support small businesses, and enhance public spaces in the heart of Zebulon. ✅ No increase to the property tax rate. 📂 View the full approved budget at: www.townofzebulon.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch/lWWvUcqmNEM

Please join us in welcoming Moniquè Merriweather-Yarborough as the Town of Zebulon’s new Human Resources Director! Moniquè officially began her role on June 16, bringing with her more than 30 years of HR leadership experience across local government, higher education, healthcare, and the private sector. A Raleigh native and current resident of Garner, Moniquè has led HR operations for Wake County Government, NC State University, and several other public and private organizations where she specialized in strategic planning, employee relations, recruitment, and organizational development. She holds a Master’s in Human Resources from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill, along with certifications including SHRM-CP, PHRSA-SCP, and PHR. Please join us in giving Moniquè a warm and friendly Zebulon welcome!

Please join us for a Special Called Meeting to discuss the process for filling the vacancy on the Board of Commissioners.

The Town of Zebulon is aware of reports of gunshots at the community park this evening. This appears to be an isolated incident that occurred during a privately organized event. Public safety is our top priority, and the onsite security presence immediately shut down the event.

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Christofher Robles and Firefighter Nathan Oie, Zebulon’s two newest graduates from Wake County Fire Academy 16! Both will complete orientation next week and begin their regular shifts on June 30. This marks a major milestone for the Zebulon Fire Department: these are the first recruits hired without prior fire service experience—a new approach that expands our recruitment pool and helps us grow from within. Nicknamed "Smiley" for his upbeat spirit, Chris was honored with the academy’s Leadership Award, recognizing his outstanding personal skills. He is also fluent in Spanish. A U.S. Army veteran and former sniper team leader, Nathan brings discipline, dedication, and leadership from his military career. After living in several states, he’s proud to now call North Carolina home and is excited to serve in the fire service. Along with Zebulon, graduates from this academy will be in Wendell, Hopkins, Wake-New Hope, Northern Wake, Fairview, and Durham Highway Fire Departments. These employees salaries and costs associated with training were 100% covered by Wake County's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The Town of Zebulon is proud to welcome Richard Fletcher as our new Public Works Director. He officially joined our team on June 16, bringing with him decades of leadership, service, and engineering expertise. Prior to joining Zebulon, Richard served as the Public Works Director for the City Government of Goldsboro, NC for more than 8 years, where he led the creation of the city’s first stormwater program, streamlined operations, and managed key infrastructure agreements with Seymour Johnson AFB. Richard’s impressive career also includes nearly three decades of military service. A retired Air Force Major, he served as a civil engineer at U.S. and overseas bases, earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from NC State, and a master’s in engineering management from the Air Force Institute of Technology. His leadership, strategic mindset, and deep commitment to public service make him an outstanding addition to the Zebulon team. We’re honored to have him leading our Public Works Department as we continue to grow and serve our community. Please join us in giving Richard a warm and friendly Zebulon welcome!

The Zebulon Board of Commissioners has officially adopted the FY 2025–2026 Budget unanimously and with no change to the property tax rate. Budget Highlights: ✅ $2.39M for road and transportation improvements ✅ $1.89M for park development (Little River Park Phase 1) ✅ New youth engagement programs and language access tools ✅ Funding for community events, concerts, and mobile service app ✅ 2 new patrol officers + 1 licensed social worker in the Police Department ✅ Increased support for town employees Thank you to our residents for your input throughout this process. We’re excited to move the Town of Zebulon forward—together. View the full budget at: www.townofzebulon.org