Smithfield Mayor Casts Deciding Vote On Baseball Stadium As Questions Linger

Debate over costs, transparency continues

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A divided Smithfield Town Council voted to move forward with a proposed $6 million baseball stadium after Mayor Andy Moore cast the deciding vote to break a 3-3 tie during a contentious meeting March 17.

The vote followed a lengthy presentation and debate over the planned 1,500-seat stadium at Smithfield Community Park, which is expected to become the future home of the Smithfield Tobs, a collegiate summer baseball team relocating from Wilson.

Project details raise new questions

Parks and Recreation Director Gary Johnson presented updated plans for the stadium, including preliminary drawings showing a synthetic turf field designed to increase playable days by roughly 60% compared to natural grass.

Johnson said the design pushes the limits of the available space, with outfield netting extending to within about 10 feet of the property line.

Councilman Travis Scott, who has consistently raised concerns about the project, said the updated plans appear to show more tree removal than previously discussed and questioned whether the site is appropriate.

“This is a real issue for the future of Smithfield,” Scott said, urging greater transparency about the project’s total cost.

Cost concerns and missing elements

Town officials have said the stadium can be built for $6 million. However, information presented at the meeting indicated the project is already estimated at $5,996,937 million without several key components.

Those exclusions include permanent restrooms, a concession stand, paved parking, a scoreboard and a sound system, as well as potential roadway improvements required by the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Interim Town Manager Kimberly Pickett said temporary solutions such as portable restrooms, food trucks and gravel parking could be used initially, though some of those measures would likely not comply with existing town ordinances.

Pickett said additional expenses would be covered through fundraising efforts and state grants, adding that no additional taxpayer funding would be required. She did not provide details on specific funding sources.

Parking, traffic and safety issues

The proposed stadium design includes only 60 parking spaces for the 1,500-seat facility.

Johnson said additional parking could be accommodated within the park and at the nearby Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center. Town officials also said discussions are underway with Johnston County Public Schools to use parking at Smithfield Middle School and Smithfield-Selma High School.

Pickett said a crosswalk across Buffalo Road would be required and staffed by Smithfield police during events. Scott questioned the safety of a crosswalk on the busy highway and who would cover those costs. Pickett said the baseball organization would be responsible for paying the police officers.

Park impacts and ordinance questions

The project would also require changes within Community Park, including the removal of a disc golf area and one soccer field. Johnson estimated it would cost about $250,000 to replace the soccer field elsewhere.

Scott also raised concerns about alcohol sales at the stadium, noting the town’s Unified Development Ordinance may need to be amended. He questioned how alcohol consumption would be regulated in a public park near two schools. Pickett said alcohol would be restricted to within the stadium.

Scott further argued the town’s agreement with the Tobs may not be valid without a public hearing, a position disputed by the town manager and attorney, who said the project qualifies as a recreational use and does not require one.

Background and ongoing debate

The council previously approved the project in late 2025, including a 20-year agreement with the Tobs and a contract for design and construction with a guaranteed maximum price of $6 million.

Scott has continued to push for a pause in the project, citing concerns about transparency, potential cost overruns and the impact on existing park amenities — some of which were funded through state grants.

Tie vote broken by mayor

Following discussion, Scott made a motion to pause the project until all costs are fully identified and to explore alternative sites. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Doris Wallace.

The council split 3-3, with Scott, Wallace and Councilman Dr. Gettys Cohen voting in favor of delaying the project. Council members John Dunn, Roger Wood and Sloan Stevens voted to continue.

Mayor Moore then cast the deciding vote in favor of proceeding with the project.

Additional disclosure

During the meeting, officials also disclosed the town is paying $1,000 per month rent for office space used by the Tobs in a downtown building. Pickett said the town has prepaid six months of rent for space on the second floor at Wells Fargo for the privately-owned organization.

Scott closed by again calling for greater transparency.

“Please be transparent on the budget,” he said.

Pickett responded, “Yes, I will.”

Town officials have said the stadium is expected to open in 2027 and could bring new tourism and economic activity to Smithfield. However, questions about the project’s total cost and long-term impact remain unresolved.