What
image
  • American
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • imageArts & Entertainment
  • imageAutomotive
  • imageBarbershops
  • imageBeauty & Spa
  • imageDentist
  • Hair Salons
  • imageHealth & Medical
  • Health & Medical
  • Hiring
  • Holistic Healing
  • imageHotels
  • Insurance
  • Italian
  • Landscaping
  • Limousine Service
  • Night Life
  • imageReal Estate
  • imageRestaurant
  • imageServices
  • imageShopping
  • imageTransportation
Where
image
contacts Sign In
image
author Image

New Bern’s $24 Million Bond Referendum: What Passed on October 7, 2025 and What It Means for Your Property Taxes

  • Home
  • Community Support
  • New Bern’s $24 Million Bond Referendum: What Passed on October 7, 2025 and What It Means for Your Property Taxes

If you’re a New Bern resident, you’ve probably heard the buzz about the bond referendum that passed on October 7, 2025. Maybe you voted on it, or perhaps you’re just now catching up on what happened. Either way, this is a big deal for our city’s future.

The City of New Bern just secured voter approval for $24 million in bonds split across three critical areas: streets and sidewalks, parks and recreation, and stormwater infrastructure. This isn’t pocket change, and it will impact your property taxes. But before you panic or celebrate, let’s dive into exactly what this means for you, your neighborhood, and your wallet.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the bond referendum, from the nitty-gritty financial details to what projects might be coming to your street. Whether you’re a longtime homeowner, a new resident, or just someone who cares about where their tax dollars go, this article will give you the clarity you need.

What Exactly Did New Bern Voters Approve?

On October 7, 2025, New Bern residents faced three separate ballot questions, each authorizing bonds for specific infrastructure improvements. The city’s Board of Aldermen had adopted these bond orders back on July 8, 2025, setting the stage for voter approval.

Detailed Bond Financial Summary

City of New Bern 2025 Bond Referendum – October 7, 2025

Bond Category Principal Amount
(Authorized)		 Estimated Interest Cost
(Worst-Case)		 Estimated Cumulative Cost Estimated Tax Increase
(Per $100,000 Property Value)		 Supporting Sources
Streets & Sidewalks $10,000,000 $5,611,200 $15,611,200 $0.0151 per year 📊
Parks & Recreation $8,000,000 $4,488,960 $12,488,960 $0.0075 per year 📋
Stormwater $6,000,000 $3,366,720 $9,366,720 $0.0049 per year 🌧️
TOTAL $24,000,000 $13,466,880 $37,466,880 $0.0275 per year —

Important Financial Disclosure

These figures represent worst-case scenario estimates. The estimated cumulative cost figures shown above are calculated using the “highest interest rate charged for similar debt over the last 20 years.”

This conservative approach means the actual costs and tax increases will likely be lower than the amounts presented on the ballot. Current market interest rates are typically lower than the historical maximum used for these calculations.

The City of New Bern will publish actual interest rates and refined cost projections once bonds are issued in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

💡 Example: For a home valued at $300,000, the total estimated tax increase would be approximately $0.0825 per year (3 × $0.0275) under worst-case interest rate scenarios.

Here’s the breakdown of what passed:

Streets and Sidewalk Improvement Bonds: $10 Million

This is the largest chunk of the bond package. The funds will go toward constructing, reconstructing, widening, and improving streets and sidewalks throughout the city. But it’s not just about repaving roads. The scope includes sidewalk construction, landscaping and streetscaping, lighting improvements, bridges, bicycle lanes, curbs and gutters, culverts and drains, traffic controls, and other transit improvements.

The city can also use these funds to acquire necessary land, rights of way, and equipment to complete these projects. Essentially, this bond gives New Bern the resources to tackle our aging street infrastructure comprehensively.

Parks and Recreational Bonds: $8 Million

New Bern residents clearly value their green spaces and recreational facilities. This $8 million will fund acquiring, constructing, improving, and expanding both new and existing park, greenway, and recreational facilities. Like the street bonds, the city can use these funds inside and outside corporate limits, including land acquisition and equipment purchases.

This investment addresses the findings from the city’s Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan, which identified needs across our park system. Whether you’re a parent looking for better playgrounds, a cyclist wanting more greenway access, or someone who enjoys community sports facilities, this bond package has something for you.

Stormwater Bonds: $6 Million

Living in coastal North Carolina means dealing with water – lots of it. The stormwater bond addresses critical drainage and flood control needs throughout New Bern. These funds will improve both natural and structural stormwater systems, including erosion control, drainage improvements, culverts, and outfalls.

If your neighborhood experiences flooding during heavy rains, this bond package might bring relief. The city identified these needs through systematic assessments of our stormwater infrastructure, recognizing that climate patterns and aging systems require proactive investment.

Bond Allocation Breakdown

City of New Bern 2025 Bond Referendum – $24 Million Distribution

Streets & Sidewalks: $10,000,000 (41.7%) Parks & Recreation: $8,000,000 (33.3%) Stormwater: $6,000,000 (25.0%)
$24M
Total Bond
Streets & Sidewalks
$10,000,000 41.7%
Parks & Recreation
$8,000,000 33.3%
Stormwater
$6,000,000 25.0%
Streets & Sidewalks
$10,000,000 41.7%
41.7%
Parks & Recreation
$8,000,000 33.3%
33.3%
Stormwater
$6,000,000 25.0%
25.0%
Total Bond Authorization
$24,000,000

How Much Will This Really Cost Taxpayers?

This is the question everyone wants answered, and it’s crucial to understand both what the city disclosed and what information is still forthcoming.

The ballot questions included estimated cumulative costs calculated using “the highest interest rate charged for similar debt over the last 20 years.” This conservative approach means the city presented voters with worst-case scenario numbers. Here’s why that matters:

When you issue bonds, you’re essentially taking out a loan that gets repaid over time with interest. The interest rate determines how much you’ll actually pay above the principal amount. By using the highest historical rate, the city ensured voters understood the maximum possible cost. However, current interest rates are likely lower, which means the actual cumulative cost and tax impact will probably be less than what appeared on the ballot.

What We Know:

  • The principal amounts: $10M (streets), $8M (parks), $6M (stormwater)
  • These are conservative, worst-case estimates
  • Additional taxes will be levied to pay both principal and interest

What We Need to Know: The city hasn’t yet publicly disclosed the actual interest rates they expect to secure when issuing these bonds. This information is critical because it will determine your real tax liability. For example, if historical worst-case rates were 5-6%, but current rates are 3-4%, the difference in cumulative costs could be substantial.

Smart taxpayers should attend upcoming city council meetings or check the city’s website for updates on actual bond issuance terms and refined cost projections.

The Timeline: When Will Projects Start?

Understanding when you’ll see results matters almost as much as knowing what projects are planned. According to the bond authorization, each project will begin with a planning and design phase. This is standard practice and ensures projects are properly scoped before construction begins.

The city plans to launch the first projects in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which starts July 1, 2026. However, here’s an important detail: all three bonds may or may not be issued simultaneously. The city has flexibility to issue bonds as needed, which allows for better financial management and potentially better interest rates.

This staggered approach means you might see street improvements beginning before park renovations, or vice versa, depending on urgency, planning completion, and market conditions. The city will prioritize projects based on need, community impact, and readiness to proceed.

What Projects Are Actually Getting Done?

This is where things get frustratingly vague – but understandably so at this early stage. The bond language provides broad categories but doesn’t specify exactly which streets will be repaved, which parks will be renovated, or which drainage problems will be addressed first.

Civic Process & Timeline

Tracking the City of New Bern’s comprehensive planning process for the 2025 Bond Referendum, demonstrating transparency and extensive community engagement over 16 months

16
Months of Planning
7
Public Meetings
5
Board Discussions
📋 June 25, 2024
Board of Aldermen Work Session
Initial discussion of Bond Referendum (Item 1). The planning process officially begins with the Board exploring the need for infrastructure investment.
Source: Board of Aldermen Work Session Agenda
November 12, 2024 📋
Board of Aldermen Work Session
Continued discussion of Bond Referendum (Item 1). The Board delves deeper into specific needs across streets, parks, and stormwater infrastructure.
Source: Board of Aldermen Work Session Agenda
🛠️ February 11, 2025
Bond Referendum Workshop
Dedicated workshop focused on Bond Referendum planning (Item 1). Detailed analysis of project priorities, financial projections, and community impact.
Source: Bond Referendum Workshop Agenda
May 13, 2025 📄
Regular Meeting: LGC Application
Consideration of Resolution for Application with the Local Government Commission (Item 19). Formal steps toward bond authorization begin.
Source: Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting Agenda
⚖️ July 8, 2025
Public Hearing & Bond Authorization
Regular Meeting: Public Hearing on Proposed GO Bonds and Resolution Calling for a Bond Referendum (Item 17). The order authorizing the bonds was officially adopted on this date.
Source: Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting Agenda
October 7, 2025 🗳️
BOND REFERENDUM ELECTION DATE
Voters approved all three bond questions: $10M for Streets & Sidewalks, $8M for Parks & Recreation, and $6M for Stormwater improvements. Total authorization: $24 million.
Source: Official Election Results
✅ November 2025
Approval Process Begins (Anticipated)
Certification of election results and formalization of bonds. Legal and administrative processes to officially authorize bond issuance.
Source: Anticipated Timeline
2026-2027 Fiscal Year 🚧
First Projects Begin (Anticipated)
Initial projects launch with planning and design phases. Each project will undergo proper scoping before construction begins, with community input during planning stages.
Source: City Implementation Plan
Planning & Board Discussions
Public Engagement
Election Day
Anticipated Future Events

What You Should Do:

The city conducted five public engagement meetings during the referendum process, demonstrating commitment to community input. Now that the bonds have passed, residents should actively participate in the planning phase. Attend city council meetings, participate in public hearings about project prioritization, and make your voice heard about what infrastructure improvements matter most to your neighborhood.

Watch for announcements about:

  • Which streets are on the initial priority list for the 2026-2027 fiscal year
  • Specific park facilities targeted for improvement
  • Drainage and stormwater projects in your area
  • Community input sessions during the planning phase

The city’s Public Works Department and Parks & Recreation Department will be the primary sources for project-specific information as planning progresses.

Understanding the Public Mandate

The referendum passed, but knowing the margin of victory provides valuable context about community support. Strong voter approval suggests broad consensus about infrastructure needs, while a narrow victory might indicate concerns the city should address during implementation.

Unfortunately, detailed voter turnout statistics and exact percentage margins aren’t yet widely published. If you’re interested in this civic data – and engaged residents should be – you can request this information from the Craven County Board of Elections or the City of New Bern.

Understanding voter sentiment helps ensure the city implements these bonds in ways that reflect community priorities and addresses any concerns raised during the campaign.

Public Engagement Meeting Schedule

The City of New Bern held five public engagement meetings across diverse locations throughout the city, ensuring accessibility and broad community participation in the bond referendum process

Community-First Approach: These meetings were strategically held at different venues across New Bern to maximize accessibility and ensure all residents—regardless of their neighborhood—could attend a convenient location to learn about the bond referendum and voice their concerns.
1
Meeting
📅 Wednesday, August 13th
🕓 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Taberna Country Club
2
Meeting
📅 Tuesday, August 26th
🕓 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Pleasant Hill Community Center
3
Meeting
📅 Wednesday, September 10th
🕓 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Stanley A. White Recreation Center
4
Meeting
📅 Thursday, September 25th
🕓 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 West New Bern Recreation Center
5
Meeting
📅 Tuesday, September 30th
🕓 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 New Bern Mall (Center Court)
Final Meeting
Meeting # Date Time Location
1 Wednesday, August 13th 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Taberna Country Club
2 Tuesday, August 26th 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Pleasant Hill Community Center
3 Wednesday, September 10th 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Stanley A. White Recreation Center
4 Thursday, September 25th 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. West New Bern Recreation Center
5Final Tuesday, September 30th 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. New Bern Mall (Center Court)

💡 What Happened at These Meetings?

Each public engagement meeting provided residents with opportunities to:

  • Learn detailed information about the proposed $24 million bond package
  • Understand the specific projects planned for streets, parks, and stormwater infrastructure
  • Ask questions directly to city staff and officials
  • Voice concerns and provide feedback on priorities
  • Receive information about the anticipated tax impact on their properties
  • Access materials in accessible formats and languages

The final meeting at New Bern Mall was specifically designed as a drop-in style event, allowing voters to stop by at their convenience during the three-hour window to ask last-minute questions before the October 7th election.

Transparency in Action: By hosting meetings at diverse venues—from recreation centers to the mall—the city demonstrated its commitment to reaching all segments of the community, not just those who typically attend city council meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my property taxes definitely increase?

Yes, property taxes will increase to service the bond debt. However, the exact amount depends on several factors, including the actual interest rates secured, your property’s assessed value, and how quickly bonds are issued. The ballot provided worst-case estimates, so actual increases may be lower.

Can I see where the money goes?

Absolutely. Bond funds are tracked separately, and the city must report on how they’re spent. You can attend city council meetings, review annual budget documents, and even submit public records requests for detailed expenditure reports.

What if my street isn’t chosen for improvements?

Priority lists will be developed during the planning phase. If your street has significant needs, document the problems with photos and reports, then present this information during public input sessions. The city also maintains ongoing maintenance programs separate from bond projects.

Are these bonds a good investment for the city?

Infrastructure bonds typically provide strong returns by preventing more expensive emergency repairs, improving property values, and enhancing quality of life. Neglected infrastructure costs exponentially more to fix later.

What happens if costs exceed bond amounts?

The bonds authorize maximum amounts, but projects are designed to fit within budgets. If unexpected costs arise, the city might adjust project scope, seek additional funding sources, or phase implementation differently.

What This Means for Property Values

Here’s something many residents don’t immediately consider: infrastructure improvements typically boost property values. Well-maintained streets, updated parks, and effective drainage make neighborhoods more desirable. Real estate professionals consistently note that infrastructure quality influences buyer decisions.

If you’re a homeowner, these improvements represent investment in your property’s future value. If you’re renting, better infrastructure often attracts new businesses and amenities that enhance the community. Either way, thinking long-term reveals that infrastructure bonds are about more than just fixing potholes – they’re about community vitality.

How This Compares to Other Cities

New Bern isn’t alone in seeking infrastructure bonds. Cities across North Carolina and the nation are grappling with aging infrastructure and growing needs. The $24 million package represents a measured approach that balances current needs with fiscal responsibility.

Many comparable cities have issued similar or larger bond packages in recent years. Infrastructure investment has become a critical priority as communities recognize that deferred maintenance only compounds problems and costs.

The Bigger Picture: Why Infrastructure Matters

Beyond the immediate benefits of smoother roads and nicer parks, infrastructure investment signals community confidence and forward thinking. Cities that maintain and improve infrastructure attract businesses, retain residents, and build resilience against challenges like flooding and aging systems.

New Bern’s decision to invest $24 million demonstrates commitment to both preserving our historic character and building for future growth. The multi-category approach – addressing streets, parks, and stormwater simultaneously – shows comprehensive planning rather than piecemeal fixes.

Staying Informed and Engaged

The referendum’s passage marks the beginning, not the end, of this process. Engaged citizens make the difference between bonds that truly serve community needs and projects that miss the mark.

Here’s how to stay involved:

Attend City Council Meetings: These public sessions include project updates, budget discussions, and opportunities for citizen input.

Monitor the City Website: New Bern’s official website will post project information, timelines, and engagement opportunities.

Join Neighborhood Associations: Local organizations often coordinate community input and advocacy on infrastructure projects.

Use Official Communication Channels: Contact city departments directly with questions, concerns, or suggestions about specific projects.

Vote in Future Elections: City council and aldermen make critical decisions about project prioritization and implementation.

Conclusion

The passage of New Bern’s $24 million bond referendum on October 7, 2025, represents a significant investment in our city’s future. While details about specific projects, actual interest rates, and precise tax impacts remain to be determined during the planning phase, residents now have the framework for understanding what’s coming.

This isn’t just about infrastructure – it’s about quality of life, property values, and community resilience. Whether you supported or opposed the referendum, the bonds are now a reality, and every resident has a stake in ensuring they’re implemented effectively.

Stay engaged, ask questions, participate in planning sessions, and hold city officials accountable for transparent, efficient use of these funds. The streets we drive on, the parks where our kids play, and the drainage systems that protect our homes all depend on smart infrastructure investment and informed citizen oversight.

The work begins now. Let’s make sure New Bern gets the infrastructure improvements our community deserves.

Leave a Comment