Smithfield Council Approves $350,000 Land Deal Behind Closed Doors
County commissioner profits from property sale, says transaction followed all legal requirements
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A recent land purchase by the Smithfield Town Council is drawing scrutiny for possible violations of North Carolina’s Open Meetings Law and concerns about conflicts of interest. The purchase was approved without a public vote and did not come to light until the deed was recorded with the Johnston County Register of Deeds.
According to public records, the town closed on March 5, 2026 for three tracts of land in the 1400 block of Buffalo Road totaling about 1.7 acres for $350,000. Johnston County tax records list the parcels at a combined assessed value of $259,460, meaning the town paid roughly 35% above tax value. The property had been listed in 2023 for $215,000 — about 63% less than the amount the town ultimately paid.
The timing and secrecy of the purchase have alarmed residents. The property was listed by April Stephens, who also serves as a Johnston County commissioner and voted in favor of $2 million in funding for the Smithfield Tobs baseball stadium project. On Nov. 18, 2025 the town council approved a contract with the Smithfield Tobs. Stephens, a licensed real estate agent, listed the property for sale on Dec. 23, 2025, and the property went under contract Jan. 23, 2026, before being purchased by the town on March 5, 2026.
Closed Sessions and Town Manager Comments
In an email, Interim Town Manager Kimberly Pickett confirmed the property acquisition was discussed during closed sessions on Jan. 6 and Jan. 20 under state statute governing real estate negotiations.
“The purchase of 1418 Buffalo Rd was discussed in closed sessions on January 6 and again on January 20 under G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5),” Pickett said. “This statute does allow for informal consent to be held during closed session. Unfortunately, both those sessions have not been released to the public yet.”
Pickett said the town plans to place a resolution on the April 7 consent agenda to formally acknowledge the purchase in open session. (A consent agenda is a group of routine, non-controversial items that a governing board typically approves in a single vote, without discussion during open session.) She also noted the closing has already become public record through courthouse filings.
“The closing, however, has been made public in records at the courthouse,” she said.
Smithfield Town Attorney Bob Spence acknowledged the public record status of the purchase. “Basically, as you can see from the registry the town recorded this publicly. The town has hundreds of real estate transactions recorded and most are never announced. There are too many…”
“We do not have any interest in not being transparent,” Spence said.
He added that ongoing negotiations sometimes require discretion.
Legal questions about process
The assertions by the interim town manager and town attorney that the land purchase complied with public records law may be inaccurate. North Carolina’s Open Meetings Law generally requires that final actions by public bodies, including property acquisitions, be conducted in open session, even if preliminary negotiations occur privately.
Kristina M. Wilson, assistant professor of public law and government at the UNC School of Government, said the statute cited by the Town of Smithfield allows closed sessions for negotiating real estate transactions — but not necessarily for final approval.
“The default rule under G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5) is that a final approval of a property purchase contract should occur in open session,” Wilson said. “Since the statute is limited to negotiating the contract, I believe final approval — once negotiations are complete — should be done in open session.”
Wilson added that if a board does take a final vote in closed session, the issue can be corrected.
“A perhaps improper closed session vote is only a problem until the board ratifies their action in open session,” she said. “At that point, the defect is cured, and there is no legal violation.”
Broader context on closed sessions
Guidance from the UNC School of Government indicates that while councils may meet in closed session to discuss negotiating positions, discussions must be limited to “material terms” of a contract.
Court rulings, including Boney Publishers v. Burlington City Council, have further clarified that certain information — such as property location or purpose — may need to be disclosed in open session unless it is directly tied to negotiation strategy. Legal experts also note that site selection decisions typically must occur in open session unless they are themselves a material part of negotiations.
Property Listing by County Commissioner: “I understand how this could raise questions…”
Online real estate records show the Buffalo Road property purchased by the town was listed by April Stephens. Stephens also serves as a Johnston County commissioner.
Last year, county commissioners, including Stephens, approved $2 million in funding for the Smithfield Tobs baseball stadium project.
The Johnston County Report emailed Stephens on March 20 seeking comment about her role in the transaction. Stephens responded on March 27.
“I appreciate the opportunity to address these questions. Transparency and public trust are very important to me, both as a County Commissioner and in my real estate career. I want to be clear that everything related to this transaction was handled ethically, legally, and in accordance with all professional standards. I understand how this could raise questions, but from my perspective, there was no actual conflict. I am always mindful to keep my responsibilities as a Commissioner and my role in real estate separate. That said, I do recognize that perception matters.”
“Additionally, the Smithfield baseball project was voted on in early October (by commissioners). I and my associate Cassidy Stickl were contacted to sell the Buffalo Road property and entered into an agreement on December 9, 2025. I had no knowledge of the future sale of the property during the discussions of the potential TOBS relocation. Additionally my associate Cassidy Stickl managed the transaction and negotiations with the town’s buyer broker… I as well as my associate Cassidy received a standard commission as part of the transaction and I am willing to disclose that through the appropriate channels if requested. Based on the timing and information available, I do not believe discussion or recusal was necessary. I had no vote or influence regarding the town’s negotiations or vote. There were no inappropriate or concerning discussions with town officials prior to the listing or any related decisions. I spoke with the planning department at the Town prior to listing the property to help determine permitted uses and potential future uses to assist in our marketing. I care deeply about this community and am always open to conversations that strengthen transparency and trust moving forward.”
Land Use and Concerns
Pickett said the 1.7 acres would not be used for the baseball stadium.
“Currently, [it is] open space and a buffer for the neighborhood next to the community park. There is a possibility that we could expand parking at a later date, but a final determination has not been made at this time,” Pickett said.
However, an initial conceptual drawing obtained by The Johnston County Report shows an indoor practice facility and clubhouse proposed for the site. The two structures are not included in the town’s existing $6 million stadium plan. Whether they will be built on the site is unknown, Councilman Travis Scott said.
Councilman Scott has raised concerns about the location and true cost of the baseball stadium. “I am concerned about the purchase of the property with the close proximity to the (Bradford Park) neighborhood with what appears to be placing commercial structures on it without proper zoning.”
Resident Criticism
Bradford Park resident Rick Buckner expressed concern over both the price and Stephens’ involvement. “I was initially surprised to see it listed at $500,000. Given its size, condition, and lack of livability — especially when compared to a nearby property on Buffalo Road listed at $175,000 that, while in need of work, is still livable — the pricing was difficult to justify,” Buckner said. He added that the town’s eventual purchase price of $350,000 “appears to be significantly above market value for what is essentially a teardown.”
Buckner also criticized Stephens’ dual role. “This overlap raises serious concerns. The sequence of events — supporting public funding for the stadium while simultaneously listing a related property at an inflated price — undermines confidence in the integrity of the process. Equally concerning is the manner in which the Town Council reportedly approved this transaction in a closed session, limiting public visibility and accountability. This lack of transparency reinforces the perception that decisions are being made without proper public oversight, particularly when taxpayer funds are involved. This raises serious ethical questions and calls for greater transparency and accountability moving forward.”
Next Steps
Town officials have indicated the April 7 meeting will include a resolution related to the purchase, which could serve to formally ratify the land purchase transaction in open session.
Transparency Concerns
The Buffalo Road land purchase, combined with the ongoing $6 million Community Park stadium project, has intensified concerns over transparency in Smithfield government. Residents are questioning whether closed-session votes and limited public disclosure are being used to fast-track decisions that carry significant financial and community impact. Councilman Travis Scott has repeatedly called for public hearings on the stadium, highlighting issues such as demolition of existing park amenities, potential grant repayment obligations, and the broader costs of relocating public facilities. The land purchase, in which a sitting county commissioner served as listing agent, has only amplified worries that the public is being left out of key decisions.
The timing of these actions, the Town purchasing the land at a price above tax value in closed session, and the ongoing stadium preparations without full public input—raises questions about whether Smithfield is following not just the letter of North Carolina’s Open Meetings Law, but also its spirit.
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As usual, the town council appears more focused on looking after themselves and the interests of their well-connected allies. They don’t seem eager for the public to see where the money is going, especially when there are more pressing issues like rising utility costs and the condition of our roads. Instead of addressing these real problems, they seem more interested in spending in ways that benefit their donors. It’s disappointing to see both our town and county governments failing to put the community first. This isn’t a left-versus-right issue anymore—it feels like the government is working against the very people it’s supposed to serve.
Crooks.
Ty for exposing these ******! How do we sue to stop it
so basically the town bought a property for more than it’s listed and the agent who listed it. April Stevens is a county commissioner? Seems to me like she would’ve got a commission for the sale. I’m sorry, but the town of Smithfield is run by ****** people. Between this and the ridiculous baseball stadium these idiots don’t know what they’re doing, and anybody who trusts them needs their head examined.
Voters need to remember this closed door sessions on all this money spending the next election period. Might need some different folks holding these seats.
Not likely. The voters in JoCo are sheep.
Does our vote really count??
@Dan: Absolutely it dies. But you have to do more than simply look for the “R” or “D” next to a candidate’s name.
Honestly, we’d be better off if ignorant and uninformed people didn’t vote at all.
That’s what happens when you put realtor and ******* lawyers on city of county boards. The work at fattening their pockets. Soon the county and city will be another Benson and Rocky Mount Broke so wake up people don’t elect these ****** to run cities or counties
Smithfield’s interim town mgr is the old town mgr for Benson that contributed to the Benson debacle. And her first project was this $6 million stadium that’s going to go waaaay over budget.
You literally cannot make this stuff up
You are right on point, I thought the exact same thing
Hey Rick B. – you seem to know a lot of stuff that you don’t know a lot of stuff about. Go back and watch the videos from the town you don’t live in. She told the Board to increase fees, she told the Board to increase taxes and they continued to balance with Fund Balance and pray that the new housing would fix it. Then when she left, they used her as the scapegoat. Before you go talking about things you have no involvement in, how about learn the information. She did great things for Benson and you are lucky she is in Smithfield – stop being a cry baby and enjoy the entertainment that a baseball field will provide to Johnston County. I’m sure you will be the first one there to watch the games.
Just a suggestion, go back and watch the archive town council meetings for both Benson and Smithfield, then come back with an educated response.
Commenting on situations that you do not have direct facts on is an
uneducated comment. Pointing fingers at her is not the appropriate response in any situation. Thanks and I hope you have an amazing day.
I hope they dont build this park i live near this and there traffic by the schools in that area are bad enough we dont need this near the schools..
Another example of Joco ‘s Good Old Boys (in this case Girl’s) network. Will JoCo ever wake up to the slight of hand that the people they elect consistently perform. You’re not blind JoCo, so stop looking the other way.
Isn’t it funny that everyone wants to move to where the “good ol boys” are and change it?
Isn’t it funny that many in JoCo exhibit the IQ of a Sweet Potato
I have always said, no one should be a county commissioner if they sell real estate, do any type of land development nor engineering because they all benefit. Not sure why we allow this to happen with who determines our lives. So sad people can’t look out for everyone. They are all interested in taking care of their own pocketbook not the citizens of Johnston County. I have another really good potential story about land acquisition in JoCo that does not pass the smell test.
What would you say if I told you that the winning contractor was the ONLY contractor that bid that had ZERO stadium experience? (mind you 40% of the scoring was supposed to be based on experience).
…then what if I told you that one of the subcontractors under the winning contractor, has 2 sitting county commissioners that work for them?
.. and that is just the beginning!
Don’t blame April! She’s just following the politicians in DC (and Raleigh). Instead, blame the 80,000 people who voted for her (and will likely reelect her in 2028). The sheep have short memories.
Smithfield Town Hall is full of ****** and ******. The state needs to do a full investigation into the town of Smithfield. This land grab is just one of the shaddy deals made.
Folks Ms. April is not a Smithfield board member and doesn’t vote or have any influence on the Smithfield town board. She is at most a realtor by day and a JOCO commissioner that is a totally separate board by night. Three separate entities the Smithfield town board, the JOCO commissioner’s board and a realtor by day. The only story we have here is a liberal progressive democrat tax and spend Smithfield town council.
You think the town council in Smithfield, NC is loaded with Liberal Democrats? What are you smoking?
It doesn’t really matter who they are, but I will say this—they identify themselves as Republicans. At this point, though, both parties are filled with dishonesty and self-interest. They thrive on creating division among people because it distracts us from what’s really going on behind the scenes.
At the end of the day, after all the name-calling and public attacks, members of both parties sit down together, get along just fine, and likely laugh at how easily people buy into the conflict.
It’s time for us to come together as a community and focus on common-sense priorities. We need to stop letting ourselves be divided and start holding all politicians accountable—not just locally, but at every level.
We should move past the constant noise around race, sexuality, and whatever other issues are used to distract us, and instead focus on what truly impacts our lives. We need to take responsibility for our future—lower the cost of living, improve our roads, strengthen our schools, and rebuild a sense of unity among people.
It’s time to fix what really matters—and that starts with us coming together.
What was that about showing up at public meetings to express your opinions again?
These ****** are ripping us off!!!
Why would a sitting commissioner ever think that she should not recuse herself from the sale of real estate to an any government entity? Her response is as absurd as her vote to spend money on a ball stadium.
Particularly after she just voted to give the town of smithfield 2 million for a useless baseball stadium. Very suspect.
I’m so glad Im in process of moving out of this town. In 5-10 years, it’s going to be one big mess.
As bad as downtown Smithfield needs revitalization, parking, and infrastructure, why is there even thoughts of entertaining a baseball field that nobody obviously wants in the first place? Use that money for the town. What is the long term financial benefit of the baseball team to Smithfield? Or, is it only beneficial to the council members selling the land and building the stadium? If it made good money, it never would have moved from another county!!
CLOSED SESSION? This is a sign of shady business, it’s like the saying, “I’ll WASH YOUR BACK AND YOU WASH MINE!!” deal. When, public money is involve, the public should be involve. It’s like giving someone your credit card and let them spend all they want and give them another credit card to spend and say, “don’t worry, somebody will pay the bill!!” At, least there’s 1 smart man on the town council who’s speaking up.
If it appears illegal, sounds illegal, and smells illegal, probably is. The flippant comment about the council making real estate deals like this all the time, too many to count, yep, crooks.
To Rick above, please drop a bug to a news station to investigate publicly!
But we might want to think about this….if you get a chance to buy property next to yours sometimes you have to act fast before someone else gets it
Also….this in my opinion is really nice property..
Location is excellent and in real estate location is everything
If you are making an offer on a house, are you going to advertise your offer to the public so that someone else can make a higher offer? No- so don’t expect any town council to do that.
As far as April Stephens being the listing agent for the property, as well as a commissioner – who cares? The property would sell regardless.
How much in commission did April Stephens make with this sale at an elevated price? Seems to me, a county commissioner who just voted to give Smithfield 2 million, making money off a sale to Smithfield is suspect at best. Do we really want commissioners with such poor judgement? It begs the question; what have the other county commissioners got?
We need federal government in intervention into these crooked money hungry fake politicians fake people We need Justice in Johnston county right now
commissioners are running amuck while property owners who are trying to sell having been waiting for almost a year for decisions to be made on the UDO. Have some self respect and concentrate on the right things not your bank accounts.
This needs to be in investigated by the state or federal authorities for fraud and improper conduct.
If you have not been keeping an eye on your community and involved in the discussions, you’re missing out. These things have been slipped in at meetings with 0 opposition. It happens at every level. They know that people don’t show up or read the agendas. Johnston County Commissioners have a lot of power over the towns. I do think this area will serve our communities, and the county with so many activities and events that it will pay off. Tourism and all of the local businesses will benefit. They make decisions that need to be made for our kids and their kids future.