Commissioners Approve Second Water Plant Design, $67M Bond Issuance

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The Johnston County Board of Commissioners on April 20 heard proposals on land conservation, infrastructure expansion and long-term county planning, including steps toward a second water treatment plant on the Neuse River.

The Triangle Land Conservancy told commissioners it would seek $1.6 million over the next year to preserve 870 acres in Johnston County. The targeted land includes five family farms, wildlife habitat, Civil War trench sites and archaeological resources dating back more than 8,000 years.

Officials said the conservation effort would protect environmentally and historically significant land while keeping it in private ownership under preservation agreements.

Commissioners also authorized Public Utilities to begin design work on a second county water plant along the Neuse River. County staff previously warned that without additional capacity, Johnston County could face water restrictions by the early 2030s as demand continues to grow.

In another infrastructure discussion, commissioners heard from Josh Bennett of Moseley Architects regarding design options for a new Department of Social Services facility. Bennett outlined two potential approaches: a traditional model in which the county completes design before seeking construction bids, and a newer “construction manager at risk” method that brings a contractor into the design process earlier.

Bennett said the alternative approach can provide real-time feedback on cost, materials and constructability. Commissioners said they want additional analysis of both options before making a decision.

Transportation projects were also discussed. Commissioners agreed to maintain pedestrian paths that the North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to build along sections of Cleveland Road and N.C. 210. While DOT will construct the paths, the county must assume maintenance responsibilities, which officials said would primarily involve mowing and litter removal.

The roads are part of future widening projects scheduled for 2030 and 2035, and the paths are included in the county’s recently adopted trails and greenways plan.

Commissioners also heard a $150,000 funding request from the Veterans Treatment Court, which serves military veterans with mental health and substance use disorders. Program director Zane Campbell said the court has a low recidivism rate but warned that traditional grant funding has become less reliable.

The board also advanced multiple financial actions, including approval of $67 million in general obligation bonds previously approved by voters in 2022 and 2024 for school and Johnston Community College projects. Of that amount, $50 million will reimburse county funds already used to advance construction.

Commissioners also agreed to refinance $12.25 million in existing debt from 2015 if interest rates make the move financially beneficial.

In other business, the board approved the 2026–27 Jail Health Plan, which outlines medical screening procedures for inmates, chronic care protocols, infection control standards and a formal grievance process. The plan is a partnership between Johnston County Jail, the county Health Department and IMS Correctional Healthcare.

Emergency Services received approval to apply for a $25,000 Duke Energy Storm Preparedness Grant to purchase 250 emergency kits for vulnerable residents. The kits would include weather radios, cooling fans, medication storage coolers and document protection materials.

The Register of Deeds Office was also authorized to participate in a Veterans Resource Fair May 2 at Johnston Community College, where staff will offer to record military discharge papers for safekeeping.

Commissioners added $2,668 in Sheriff’s Office revenue from controlled substance tax collections and proclaimed May 3–9 as Public Service Recognition Week, honoring government employees across all levels.

Matt Bishop was appointed to the Benson Planning Board to represent areas outside town limits but within its planning jurisdiction.

The board took no action following a closed session on legal and land matters.