Chowan County Commissioners plan to take on $35 Million in new debt for new High School while other facilities remain in disrepair.

In North Carolina’s constitution, Article 5 Section 4, sets limitations upon the increase of local government debt and provides clear guidance concerning the need by the majority of qualified voters to approve such actions, while also providing for qualifying exemptions.

It is not clear how or even if the county can take on $35 Million of new debt without voter input, however this is an area that would benefit by more clarity and voter input should the county pursue a USDA loan to fund the Phase 2 of the High School Project, considering that last referendum was voted down. Details on the past votes are below.

One can assert that if the county reduces its debt this should enable the county to address other areas that have been in need for many years, including facilities such as the Northern Recreation Center, the county courthouse or other facilities under county management, before taking on new debt that would be paid by county tax payers for many years in the future.

As an example of where additional funding could be put to good use as expressed through various conversations with residents, is in increasing tourism and outdoor recreational investments, as well as improve business by attracting more visitors to the area to enjoy the waterfront, rural beauty and historic areas.

Taking on $35 million in new debt to build a new High-school for a declining school population at an estimated total cost of $50 million dollars would further push out critical needs elsewhere in the county, including funds available for addressing the recurring health risks caused by Cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) blooms in the Chowan river, Edenton Bay and Albemarle sound areas.

In comparison, Sunset High School in Dallas, Texas is set for a $46 million makeover to their historic 1925 Oak Cliff campus.  As highlighted, “The additions and renovations will strengthen the school’s unparalleled commitment to education, tradition and strong parent and community support.  The project will focus on four areas: refresh, rejuvenate and maximize existing areas, security enhancements, improve a sense of place and provide new and enhanced fine arts and athletic facilities.” Sunset has about 2,000 students and renovates an existing historic structure. Students at Edenton High School are estimated to reduce to 512 students by 2029, from 590 high school students in 2019.

The main challenge of any governing body is in maintaining facilities such as schools, fire stations and other county facilities, as that typically is funded out of different budget areas. Grants for ongoing maintenance or operational costs are not common. That is why it is important for any capital project to include a plan concerning how the facilities will be maintained and modernized over time to prevent them from falling into disrepair and why it is important to ensure proper ongoing investment into existing infrastructure maintenance that is required for the well being of Chowan County citizens and visitors.

Without planning and fiscal discipline, existing faculties will suffer the consequence and require uplifting and in bad cases, replacement. The reliance of grants to offset the costs of replacing facilities in disrepair is common, however if the long term plan is not aligned to maintaining existing infrastructure from day one, it becomes a cycle and limited resources are constantly pulled away from other needs. One example of disrepair is the Northern Recreation Center Facilities.

A view of the Northern Recreation Center Facilities

The county commissioners want to hear from you concerning the priorities you believe that are needed in Chowan county, below is information concerning how you can get involved.

Chowan County Commissioners, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Committee

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Committee of the Chowan County Board of Commissioners will meet Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 4:00pm in the Chowan County Courthouse located at 101 South Broad Street, Edenton, NC.

 AGENDA                           

• Review of any outstanding quotes or projects
• Discussion for planning the next CIP meeting
• Tour of Courthouse to review needs and plans for capital improvements at the site
• Adjourn

General Meeting schedule:

– 1st Monday of each month at 6 p.m.- 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
*Subject to change due to holiday Regular meetings are held at the:

Chowan County Public Safety Center
305 W Freemason Street Lobby, Edenton, NC 27932

2020 Chown County Tax Referendum results

The 2020 Chowan County Tax Referendum to aid the the John A. Holmes High School project did not receive approval of Chowan County voters when this issue was raised before them. A review of the votes show that close to 60% of voters in the northern part of Chowan county voted against this tax increase referendum. In the southern area, those for the referendum were only 52% of the registered voters.

https://er.ncsbe.gov/contest_details.html?election_dt=11/03/2020&county_id=21&contest_id=10

Past Chowan County Tax/Bond efforts

1/4-cent sales tax increase
Previous attempts: 2008, 2010
Amount: $300,000
Equivalent to 2.1¢ property ta

County commissioners said the money would pay to replace John A. Holmes High School with a new school still in downtown Edenton, although there is no way to ensure that is how future commissioners will use the money.

https://www.johnlocke.org/update/election-2020-local-bond-and-tax-ballot-questions/