Goldsboro · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Goldsboro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Customer Convenience Fees and Xpress Bill Pay
The council will consider an agreement with Xpress Bill Pay — this affects how residents pay city bills and what convenience fees they may be charged.
Inspection Fee Increases Proposed
A proposed ordinance would update inspection fees in the city's FY26-27 fee manual — this could change what builders and homeowners pay for permits and inspections.
Proposed Census Residency Changes and Military Undercount
A proposed rule change would count service members at their tax-filing residence, not where they live — potentially costing Goldsboro population and funding tied to Seymour Johnson AFB. A resolution may come next meeting.
Community Supporting Schools Funding Oversight
CSS had to pull its reading-buddy program from North Drive Elementary because the state's mandates for low-performing K-2 schools leave no room for pull-out sessions. The council debated whether to earmark the dollars for Carver Heights or Dillard in the central attendance district or let CSS use them at Meadow Lane, and tabled the decision to October.
Coronavirus relief fund reallocation decision
The city may extend its COVID funds up to a year (~$300,000), reopening the question of courts versus ballfield lighting; council wants it on next month's agenda after consulting tourism.
Cell Phone Stipends and Device Inventory
The city spends roughly $85,000 a year on cell phone stipends and pays for 259 city-issued devices. Some Verizon usage data looks wrong, so staff will fix the report and draft a formal allowances policy for council action later this year.
FY2026-27 Budget Adoption
The manager's $103 million draft budget keeps the property tax rate at $0.69 but raises the monthly garbage fee by $4, bumps utility rates 5%, and doubles non-resident recreation fees. Most of the 10% growth is earmarked reserve spending — including $2 million more for street paving — not new operating costs.
$3.8M Equipment Financing
The city is borrowing about $3.8 million at 3.23% to finally catch up on replacing worn-out vehicles and equipment — police cars, trucks and more — after years of deferred purchases.
Herman Park Center Demolition Funding
The city accepted $250,000 in federal HUD money secured through Congressman Murphy's office to tear down the Herman Park Center.
Capital Improvement Plan and city finances
The city's financial picture is strong — AA ratings, ~$24 million in unassigned fund balance, and off the state's Unit Assistance List — but funding the $29 million Level A capital plan (plus FY26's $8.5 million) would take about $7 million in supplemental reserve contributions over a decade. Options include raising the fund balance policy and new debt.