STEM — Town officials voted to rejoin the Upper Neuse River Basin Association during the annual planning work session on Jan. 8. The board will spend about $100,000 in UNRBA dues over the next five years, but save taxpayers nearly twice that amount by participating with the association on projects to comply with the Falls Lake Rules. 

The funding will be taken out of the town’s stormwater funds.

During the planning session the board also discussed the paving projects within the town. The board recommended adding speed humps in Mangum Farms and restriping all of the speed humps in town to make the contract more enticing. The contract should include an apron in front of the fire department.

Board members discussed future annexation plans and potentially expanding the extraterritorial jurisdiction for the town. 

The town may be looking to hire a part-time administrator and possibly share a grant writer with other municipalities.

Residents should see more police presence on Old NC 75 and Brodgen Road as they try to slow down speeders in those areas.

The Stem board will meet again on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m.