Commissioners approve rec bond for November ballot

EDENTON — Chowan voters will decide this fall whether the county should incur $35 million in new debt to renovate several county parks and increase recreational opportunities for residents.

The Chowan Board of Commissioners voted Monday to authorize the county to put a $35 million recreation bond on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

If the bond referendum is approved, the county will have the opportunity to secure a loan of up to $35 million for park upgrades.

Commissioners will approve phases of the recreation master plan without being obligated to spend all the money, providing flexibility in its implementation.

Commissioners briefly discussed the master recreation plan at Monday’s meeting, laying out three priorities. The first is to increase accessibility and safety at parks the county already has. Priority two is to move most of the county’s sports facilities to one location.

Lastly, the county will conduct a feasibility study to determine the best approach for indoor sports and aquatics facilities, including a possible indoor swimming pool for which some residents have advocated for years.

The referendum’s master plan would upgrade several parks, some of which are proposed for construction on county-owned property over a 10-year period.

Commissioners also approved a series of public hearings on next fiscal year’s Chowan County budget. The budget workshop dates were set for May 13, 14, and 22. The times of those meetings will be announced later.