Create Safer Roadways | Reduce Traffic | Prepare for the Future
2024 Bond Referendum Overview
To provide streets and sidewalk improvements, the Zebulon Board of Commissioners adopted a plan to use a bond to pay for construction. A bond will allow Zebulon to obtain money up front to pay for construction and materials. The bond is paid for overtime with residents' annual property taxes by adding a set small percentage. In June, Commissioners voted to add the bond referendum to the general election ballot and let residents vote to make the final decision on how to fund the street and sidewalk improvements.
If passed, bond funds will be combined with grants from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to share the cost of the construction projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is the bond referendum for and how long will it last?
- The bond is $20 million and has a 20 year repayment period.
- What projects will the funds from this bond referendum support?
- The bond will fund two of Zebulon's largest transportation projects: enhancements to N. Arendell Avenue including added lanes and medians, and the construction of a roundabout at the Pearces Rd. and Proctor St. intersections with additional improvements on Jones St. to connect traffic on Proctor St. to N. Arendell Ave. and Hwy 264.
- How were these streets and sidewalks selected?
- Streets and sidewalk improvements were identified in the Town’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
- How much will this increase my taxes?
- Residents would have an increase of $42.30 annually per $100,000 property assessed value
- What would be the timeline for construction if the bond referendum is approved?
- If the bond referendum passes, the bond would be issued in 2025. The N. Arendell project would be constructed by the end of 2026 while the Pearces Rd. / Proctor St. / Jones St. project would be completed by the end of 2027.
- Who would be responsible for overseeing the bond referendum projects?
- Zebulon’s Public Works Director, Chris Ray, would work with engineering and construction firms to manage the projects.
- How do I cast my vote on the bond referendum?
- The question for the 2024 Bond Referendum will appear on the 2024 General Election ballot. Voters can participate in early voting from October 17 through November 2. The general election will be held on November 5.
- Who can I contact for additional questions about the bond referendum or to request a speaker for my community group meeting?
- To request a speaker, contact Zebulon Communications Director Kaleb Harmon at kharmon@townofzebulon.org.