In the upcoming general election, as state and county leaders are decided, Zebulon residents face an important choice to support a substantial $20 million bond focused on improving town infrastructure. This bond, if approved, will fund necessary updates for Zebulon's streets and sidewalks, addressing the growing town's increasing traffic demands. With the population on the rise, Zebulon's infrastructure expansion is essential to maintain safety and efficiency for its residents. The bond's resources will be sourced through a combination of grants from the state Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. However, residents need to be aware that property taxes will see a slight increase if this measure passes.

Kaleb Harmon, a spokesperson for Zebulon, explains the urgency behind the bond, highlighting its primary aim to mitigate congestion and enhance road safety. With a growing population, which has surpassed 12,000 this year and is predicted to increase by 1,000 annually, the town faces new infrastructure challenges. Two main projects are slated under this bond: the enhancement of North Arendell Avenue and the construction of a roundabout at the Pearces Road and Proctor Street intersection. The North Arendell Avenue project will introduce additional lanes, sidewalks, and medians, transforming it into a more pedestrian-friendly route. Meanwhile, the Pearces/Proctor initiative will improve connectivity, particularly around Zebulon Elementary School, linking traffic flows from Jones Street to North Arendell Avenue and U.S. 264.

Beyond these specific projects, Zebulon requires upgrades in other areas such as the Fire and EMS station, Shepard School Road paving, and signal enhancements. Funding for these improvements will be drawn from various sources, including property taxes, power bill funds, and motor vehicle fees. The fiscal implications for residents include a tax increase of approximately $153.17 for a home valued at $362,000, the median home price in Zebulon. The bond payoff period is estimated at 20 years, but this could shorten with increased growth or additional grants. With plans to issue the bond in 2025, the first project, North Arendell Avenue, could be completed by 2026, followed by the second by the end of 2027. Property value assessments this year reveal a significant rise, with Zebulon seeing a 49% increase, though still lower than neighboring Wendell.

Also notable on the ballot is another bond proposal aimed at enhancing the county's library system. This includes major developments like replacing the Wendell Community Library and establishing a new facility in Rolesville. The Zebulon Community Library will also benefit from renovations funded by this bond, which would, if passed, result in a small tax impact of $2.50 per $100,000 of assessed property value. For a median Wake County home valued at $462,000, this equates to a $11.55 annual tax increase. Early voting has commenced, running from October 17 through November 2, with Election Day on November 5. During this period, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, voters can cast their ballots at any of the county's 22 polling sites. Zebulon residents will specifically vote at the Eastern Regional Center located at 1002 Dogwood Drive, where new registrations can still be made with proof of residency.