New Bern Municipal Service District Advisory Committee August 18, 2026

The City of New Bern Municipal Service District Advisory Committee convened on August 18, 2026, to discuss various municipal service district projects, budget updates, and community concerns. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of minutes with corrections, review of the district's financial status showing over $2.1 million in net position, and updates on ongoing capital improvement projects such as parking lot and sidewalk enhancements totaling approximately $1.6 million. The committee approved an additional $3,000 allocation for purchasing more armrests for benches in Bear Plaza. A significant procurement decision was the approval of up to $80,000 for replacement of damaged fencing along the Riverwalk to match existing railings. The committee also approved a matching fund arrangement of up to $35,000 with Alderman Aster’s ARP funds for new sidewalks at Union Point Park. Additionally, the committee agreed to a trial contract for a dedicated off-duty police officer to patrol downtown for enhanced safety, with a budget not to exceed $10,000 through the end of the year. The group debated a proposed wireless downtown sound system, weighing its potential benefits for tourism and ambiance against concerns about noise and community impact, but no final procurement decision was made on this item. Discussions also touched on flower basket installations and future project funding priorities. Overall, the meeting focused on approving expenditures for ongoing and new infrastructure projects and exploring safety enhancements funded by the municipal service district budget.