As the state and county select new leaders this general election, Zebulon residents will be asked to consider funding construction for the town’s streets and sidewalks.
A $20 million transportation bond referendum would allow the eastern Wake County town to afford new improvements to accommodate new traffic demands and needs as more people move there.
The bond’s funding is a combination of grants from the state Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Residents will see an increase in their property taxes if the measure is approved.
What’s in the bond?
The bond is meant to address congestion and road safety, said Kaleb Harmon, a spokesperson for the town.
The town just passed 12,000 residents this year and expects about 1,000 new people to move there each year.
“With that comes new infrastructure challenges that we need to try and meet,” Harmon said.
If passed, the bond will fund two projects in Zebulon:
The North Arendell project adds lanes, sidewalks and medians to make it more pedestrian-friendly and accessible to residents.
The Pearces/Proctor projects include enhancements on Jones Street to connect traffic on Proctor Street to North Arendell Avenue and U.S. 264. The roundabout will be beside Zebulon Elementary School.
The town needs improvements to other areas like the Fire and EMS station, road paving, and road signal upgrades on Shepard School Road.
Those projects will be funded through a combination of property taxes, power bill funds and motor vehicle fees.
How will taxes be impacted?
Residents can expect an increase of $42.30 per $100,000 of assessed value, which would be $153.17 for a home valued at $362,000, roughly the median value in Zebulon.
Town officials estimate the bond will take 20 years to pay off. If the town’s growth increases within that timeframe or if the town can secure additional funding through grants, the debt will be paid off sooner.
The bond would be issued in 2025 with the North Arendell project completing first by 2026 and the second project completed at the end of 2027.
This year, Wake County completed its home revaluation , giving all homeowners new property value estimates. Zebulon’s residential and commercial property values increased by 49%, which was lower than other surrounding towns like Wendell which saw a 65% increase.
What other bonds are on the ballot?
In addition to the transportation bond, Zebulon voters will see a question for a $142 million Wake County Libraries Bond on the ballot.
The bond funds several improvements, expansions and additions to the county’s library system. This includes the replacement of the Wendell Community Library and a new library for Rolesville, the only municipality without one.
The Zebulon Community Library is included in the bond with renovations like updating the HVAC system, new furniture and other enhancements.
If approved, the tax impact would be $2.50 per $100,000 of property assessed value. A home with a median value of $462,000, the Wake County median, would see an increase of $11.55 yearly, according to the county.
Early voting begins
The polls opened early on Oct. 17 to kick off early voting across the state until Nov. 2. Election Day is on Nov. 5.
Polls are open every day of the week:
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sundays: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Voters in Wake County can vote at any of the 22 polling sites listed on the county’s website, wake.gov , during early voting and can still register to vote with proof of residency. Zebulon’s polling location is at the Eastern Regional Center at 1002 Dogwood Drive.
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