Board of Aldermen Budget Workshop May 5, 2026

The City of New Bern Board of Aldermen held a budget workshop on May 5, 2026, to review and discuss the recommended fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. The workshop covered detailed presentations on departmental budgets, staffing changes, capital improvement projects, and fee adjustments. Key procurement-related discussions included proposed capital expenditures such as vehicle replacements, technology upgrades including telephone systems and cybersecurity infrastructure, and infrastructure projects funded by a $10 million bond for streets and sidewalks. Staffing adjustments were debated, with some positions recommended for addition or reclassification, while others were deferred due to budget constraints. The board also reviewed enterprise fund budgets for water, sewer, electric, and solid waste utilities, including discussions on depreciation accounting and its impact on rate setting. Fee schedule updates were proposed for parks and recreation, development services, and utilities. The board approved adding a solid waste position and discussed the need for future funding and planning for utility expansions and technology investments. The workshop included policy considerations on grant funding strategies and public safety technology investments, such as a real-time crime center, which was not recommended for funding at this time. The meeting concluded with an update on the general obligation bond sale scheduled for August 2026, which will finance multiple capital projects across the city.