Garner is Creating Pedestrian Plan and We Want Your Feedback Via Survey

The Town of Garner is seeking community input for its new pedestrian plan. Your feedback will provide a framework for developing a safe and equitable pedestrian network for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

License plate reader leads Garner PD to stolen vehicle; juvenile robbery suspects taken into custody

Three juvenile robbery suspects are in custody after a Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reading (ALPR) camera led Garner Police to a stolen vehicle.

On Tuesday, a Flock Safety ALPR camera alerted Garner Police to a stolen vehicle on US 70. A Garner police officer followed the car from US 70 onto I-40 as he waited for additional backup officers to arrive.

When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and led police on a chase through Johnston County.

Near the Johnston-Wayne County line, officers with the Princeton Police Department deployed stop sticks to deflate the tires on the stolen vehicle.

The three juvenile occupants jumped from the car and ran, but were eventually taken into custody by the Raleigh Police Department who connected them to multiple armed robberies.

Flock Safety ALPR cameras help law enforcement investigate crime by providing objective evidence that can be transformed into actionable leads. They capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, not people or faces. 

To proactively prevent crime from occurring, the cameras will send a real-time alert to law enforcement when a stolen car or known wanted felony suspect vehicle from a state or national crime database enters the jurisdiction. They can also send real-time alerts if a vehicle associated with a missing person in an AMBER or Silver Alert is detected.

Flock Safety works with over 1,000 law enforcement agencies to solve hundreds of crimes every day.

Release courtesy Flock Safety

Town of Garner Wins Five Statewide Awards for Communications Work

The Town of Garner is proud to announce that staff won five Excellence in Communications Awards on April 29 from NC City and County Communicators. The awards were announced at NC3C's annual conference in Greenville.

First place : Promotional video: Garner Stormwater Bonds Video

First place: Digital external newsletter/blog: Garner Update e-Newsletter

Second place: videography: Garner Videography Entry

Second place: Public Service Announcement: Stave Six: Ghost of Dinners Past

Second place: Annual Report: 2021 Garner Economic Development Annual Report

Garner 2022-23 Recommended Budget Submitted to Town Council and Available for Review

The FY 2022-2023 recommended budget has been submitted to the Garner Town Council, and is available for public inspection in the office of the Town Clerk, in the lobby of Town Hall and at the Southeast Regional Library.

The recommended budget will be discussed during the May 2, 2022, Town Council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m., and take place in the Town Hall Ronnie S. Williams Council Chambers located at 900 7th Ave. in Garner.

Public Hearing April 19th: Town-wide rezoning related to the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 7:00 p.m.

Hearing will be held at the Ronnie S. Williams Council Chambers

Garner Town Hall, 900 Seventh Ave, Garner, NC 27529

---

The UDO Re-Write project involves the creation of new zoning districts and corresponding changes to existing zoning designations across Garner.

---

You may have received the following Rezoning Notice in the mail.

---

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is a UDO, and what does a re-write project entail? Answer.

• Where can I find information & materials for the project? The Steering Committee page.

• What does this mean for homeowners? See our Homeowner Handout

• Where can I find 160D materials? Answer: Scroll below or visit the subpage

• Where can I find the proposed zoning map changes? Answer: Scroll below or visit the website

• Where can I find the UDO questionnaire? Answer: visit the website

---

---

Final Draft Articles - UDO Re-Write

• Article 1: Establishment and Administration

• Article 2: Nonconformities

• Article 3: Review Bodies

• Article 4: Review Procedures

• Article 5: Zoning Districts

• Article 6: Use Regulations

• Article 7: Enforcement

• Article 8: Subdivision - Streets, Open Space and Utilities

• Article 9: Design and Parking

• Article 10: Lighting and Landscaping

• Article 11: Environmental and Floodplain

• Article 12: Signage

• Article 13: Definitions

---

You may still have questions regarding this matter. You are welcome to call the town at 919-773-4449, and a planning staff member will be happy to assist you.

Please be patient if the line is busy and try again after a few minutes. Staff will also be available at the customer service desk in the main lobby of Town Hall during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.).

Extended Town Hall customer service desk assistance will also be available April 11 through April 14 and April 18 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The meeting will also be broadcast live that evening on Facebook and YouTube at https://www.facebook.com/TownofGarner/ and https://www.youtube.com/user/TownofGarner respectively. Handicapped persons needing assistance or aids should contact the Clerk’s office prior to the meeting at 919-772-4688.

Behind the Badge - Garner Police Chief Lorie Smith

A docu-series spotlighting the women and men of the Garner Police Department, as they share their journey into law enforcement, allowing us to see the person behind the badge.

Chief Smith joined the Police Department in 1997 as a member of the Patrol Division and was promoted to sergeant in 2004. She became the first sworn female member of the Police Department’s command staff when she was promoted to lieutenant in 2015.

As lieutenant, Smith commanded the Criminal Investigations Division until her promotion to captain. She led the Administration Bureau through 2020, serving as the department’s backup public information officer (PIO), primary internal affairs investigator.

During her career with the Police Department, Smith has been a field training officer, general instructor, Crisis Intervention Team officer, negotiator, team leader and team commander for the department’s Crisis Negotiations Team and now serves as Garner's Chief of Police.

via Town of Garner

Jodi Miller to Join Garner Leadership Team as Assistant Town Manager

Jodi M. Miller will be joining the Town of Garner in early February as an assistant town manager, filling an important senior leadership role with the Town.

Miller has served as deputy/general manager for Durham County since 2016. Her areas of responsibility include emergency services (Fire Marshal, Emergency Management and EMS) and emergency communications (in partnership with the City of Durham), as well as Durham County’s Youth Home and Criminal Justice Resource Center. She also serves as liaison to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Durham Detention Center, Durham County Courts and the N.C. Forest Service, a division with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Garner Town Manager Rodney Dickerson will make a final decision about Miller’s exact areas of responsibility for the Town in the next couple of weeks. John Hodges also serves in the role of assistant town manager for Garner.

Dickerson said that Miller's talents and broad range of experience will make her a valuable addition to the Town's municipal leadership team.

“Jodi Miller is an analytical thinker and problem solver who has a passion for local government,” Dickerson said. “She has an impressive background in a number of areas that will allow us to draw on her insights as Garner positions itself for continued growth.”

As a deputy/general manager with Durham County, Miller has helped lead implementation of a major organizational transformation that emphasizes a strategic governance approach using metrics and data as the principal drivers for decision-making. In addition, she has played a key leadership role in updating Durham County’s strategic plan and capital improvement plan.

Before joining Durham County, Miller served a deputy city manager for the City of Williamsburg, Va., for 16 years.

Over the course of her career, Miller has gained extensive local government experience in the areas of executive leadership, strategic planning, performance management, budget preparation and management, capital project development and management, economic and community development, emergency services, communications, human resources, civic engagement and innovation.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the talented and dedicated Garner team and feel fortunate to be given the opportunity,” Miller said. “Garner’s future is bright, and I look forward to using my skills and experience to help the Town achieve its strategic goals and objectives.”

Miller sits on numerous professional and community boards including the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Credentialing Advisory Board and the Museum of Life & Science Board of Directors. She has previously served on the North Carolina City and County Management Association Executive Committee and on the national League of Women in Government board.

Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in public administration from Tech’s Center for Public Administration and Policy. She is an ICMA credentialed manager, as well as a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute and the University of North Carolina’s Public Executive Leadership Academy.

“Jodi is self-driven but also excels in a team atmosphere,” Dickerson said. “I look forward to her bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to this important role in the Town of Garner Manager’s Office.”

To learn more about the Town of Garner, please visit GarnerNC.gov.

Courtesy Town of Garner

Voters Approve of Four Bond Questions, Incumbents Kathy Behringer and Gra Singleton Re-elected

via Town of Garner

Garner Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Bond Program

According to Tuesday’s unofficial municipal election results, Garner voters have overwhelmingly approved the $69 million bond program on the ballot in its entirety.

Garner residents were presented with the opportunity to decide on four bond questions concerning issuance of up to $24.05 million in Street and Sidewalk Improvement Bonds; up to $35.5 million in Parks and Recreational Bonds; up to $6.5 million in Public Safety and Services Facilities Bonds; and up to $2.95 million in Stormwater Bonds.

Unofficial results show extremely strong support for all four bond questions.

“We are excited but also humbled by the trust Garner voters have placed in us to pursue this ambitious program that will lay the groundwork for Garner’s future prosperity and orderly growth,” Mayor Ken Marshburn said. “We will carry out the bond program in a fiscally responsible manner with the goals of maintaining a great level of services and a quality of life that is second to none in this region.”

Some of the projects that the Town anticipates funding with the bonds include, but are not limited to, the following:

• widening and improvements on the portion of Jones Sausage Road between Interstate 40 and East Garner Road;

• phased development of parks on the Yeargan property on East Garner Road and the Meadowbrook property off of White Oak Road;

• construction of a new fire and EMS station in a fast-growing part of Garner around the U.S. 401-Ten Ten Road area;

• construction of a splashpad in a location yet to be determined;

• sidewalk installation projects in various parts of town;

• and improvements to aging stormwater infrastructure.

Garner officials estimate that a property-tax-rate increase of 2 cents per $100 assessed value will be needed to help service the debt on the bonds. That tax increase is expected to take effect in fiscal year 2023.

The Town will issue the bonds in tranches over several years. Bond projects also will be completed over a number of years.

---

Unofficial election results indicate that Kathy Behringer and Gra Singleton won the two council seats and will serve for the next 4 years.

Town Council Candidate Forum Slated for Oct. 11 at 6:30pm

The Garner Chamber of Commerce will host a Town Council candidate forum Monday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Garner Performing Arts Center.

The forum will be moderated by Loretta Boniti, senior political reporter for Spectrum News 1. There will be some in-person seating, but the forum will also be streamed on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.

This is not a Town-sponsored event, and no public funds will be used to endorse or oppose any candidate.

Fall Unprepared Yard Waste Pickup Starts in November

The Town's 2021 fall unprepared yard waste collection begins the week of Nov. 1. During the fall cleanup, the Town collects any unprepared yard waste and debris (it does not have to be bagged or bundled) as well as tires (limit four rimless tires per residence). 

Residents may put items out curbside one week prior to the start of their scheduled collection week.

The Town will not collect yard waste or debris generated by commercial enterprises, nor will it collect large household items during this special pickup. 

Here is the planned schedule for this special collection:

• Monday (red and gray routes) and Wednesday (orange and white routes): collection starts Monday, Nov. 1

• Thursday (purple and yellow routes) and Friday (blue and brown routes): collection starts Monday, Nov. 8

• Tuesday (green, gold and tan routes): collection starts Monday, Nov. 15

For more information, please contact Public Works at publicworksservicedesk@garnernc.gov or at 919.772.7600. 

If you believe that you were missed during your collection week, please contact Public Works during that week to arrange for service.

Via Town of Garner

GPD's Capt. Lorie Smith to Serve as Interim Chief

Capt. Lorie Smith becomes interim chief effective Oct. 1.

Garner Police Capt. Lorie Smith has been named the Police Department’s interim chief effective Oct. 1 when Chief Joe Binns retires.

Capt. Smith, a lifelong Garner resident and 1992 graduate of Garner Senior High School, joined the Police Department in 1997 as a member of the Patrol Division. She was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and became the first sworn female member of the Police Department’s command staff when she was promoted to lieutenant in 2015.

As lieutenant, she commanded the Criminal Investigations Division until her promotion to captain in October 2017. She was the first female in the history of the department to be promoted to the rank of captain and commanded the Administration Bureau through December 2020, serving as the department’s backup public information officer (PIO), primary internal affairs investigator and administrator overseeing the department’s $8 million annual budget.

Currently, Capt. Smith leads the Operations Bureau with oversight of the Patrol, Support Services and Criminal Investigations Divisions. She is also the department’s primary PIO.

“Captain Smith has been a dedicated police officer for many years and is certainly deserving of this opportunity,” said Town Manager Rodney Dickerson, who appointed Smith the interim chief. “She brings knowledge from her various roles in the department, and she has always been professional in my dealings with her.”

Capt. Smith will fill the top spot on a temporary basis after Chief Binns, who announced his retirement last month, steps down from his post with 30 years of creditable service to the Police Department. He has served for a year as interim chief and a year as chief.

During her career with the Police Department, Capt. Smith has been a field training officer, general instructor, Crisis Intervention Team officer, negotiator, team leader and team commander for the department’s Crisis Negotiations Team.

Capt. Smith graduated from N.C. State University in 1996 with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice. She received her master’s degree in justice administration from Methodist University in May 2015 and is a 2018 graduate of the FBI National Academy (session #273) in Quantico, Va.

Capt. Smith also is a 2013 graduate of the year-long Management Development Program (session #25) through the N.C. Justice Academy, a 2014 graduate of the Administrative Management Officers Program (session #69) through N.C. State University and a 2014 graduate of the West Point Leadership Program through Methodist University.

Capt. Smith is active in the community as a volunteer. She has served as a board member of the North Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network from 2016 through 2021, with her most recent appointment as board vice president.

She has been a member of the Garner Educational Foundation since 2015, currently serving as the Scholarship Committee chair, and has volunteered with the Schools and Community Organized to Read (SCOR) program at Timber Drive Elementary.

In addition, Capt. Smith has been an active volunteer with the Police Department’s Police Athletics and Activities League (PAAL) since its inception and has served as a PAAL coordinator at Rand Road and East Garner Elementary Schools. She was recently appointed to serve on the finance committee, and as interim chief, will serve as the program’s executive director.

For more information about the Garner Police Department, please visit garnerpd.org and follow the department on Facebook, Twitter (@garnerpolice) and Instagram (@garner_police_department).

Courtesy Town of Garner

Garner 9/11 Remembrance to Be Held Outside Town Hall

The Town of Garner, Garner Police Department and Garner Fire-Rescue invite you to join us outside Town Hall (900 7th Ave.) on Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. for the Garner 9/11 20th Anniversary Remembrance.

The program is anticipated to be as follows:

• Welcome and Introduction-Mayor Ken Marshburn

• Presentation of Colors-Garner Police/Fire Joint Honor Guard with bagpipes accompaniment

• Invocation

• National Anthem-Garner Fire Captain Don Johnson

• Remarks-Garner Police Chief Joe Binns

• Remarks-Garner Fire Chief Matthew Poole

• Special Music-America the Beautiful, Garner Magnet High Choral Ensemble

• Bell Ceremony-Garner Fire Assistant Chief Jason Hathcock

• Amazing Grace-Garner Fire Captain Mike Bishop (bagpipes)

• Benediction-Garner Police Chaplain Duane Calvin

Garner Police Chief Joe Binns to Retire Effective Oct. 1

Garner Police Chief Joe Binns has announced his retirement with 30 years of creditable service to the Town effective Oct. 1, 2021.

Chief Binns served in a variety of roles in the department over his long career with the Garner Police Department before being selected to serve as the interim chief in 2019 then permanent chief in October 2020. Prior to becoming interim chief, he was assigned as the department’s operations bureau captain with responsibilities over patrol operations, criminal investigations and special operations.

Chief Binns was the first chief to rise up through the ranks to become the top leader of the Police Department.

“I believe the Police Department is in a strong position with many capable leaders who will continue to provide excellent service to our residents,” Chief Binns said. “I have been honored to have been able to serve Garner for over 28 years and am very appreciative of the opportunities I have been given. Unfortunately, I need to focus on some personal health issues but am grateful to have served the Town and its residents over a full career.”

Under Chief Binns’ leadership, the department-wide deployment of NARCAN was instituted to fight the opioid epidemic, saving at least 22 lives since implementation.

The department received its national reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) during Chief Binns' leadership tenure. Chief Binns also expanded the department's leadership structure to prepare for the fast growth and changes Garner is now seeing.

During his tenure, Chief Binns has focused on building internal capacity to meet the growing needs of the Town as well as expanding on programs and relationships that built trust and legitimacy in the community. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Police Department has continued to build on relationships and programs that support community engagement.

“Chief Joe Binns has been an integral part of the leadership team over the last two years,” Town Manager Rodney Dickerson said. “During his year as chief, he valued community relations externally and professional development and officer morale internally. He continued the integrity and professionalism of what was already an outstanding, nationally accredited Police Department, but he also put his own stamp on the department by instituting key policy changes. His common-sense approach, combined with nearly 30 years of experience, served this community well and served me well.”

Town Manager Dickerson expects to name an interim chief soon. A search for Chief Binns’ permanent replacement will begin in the coming weeks.

Courtesy Town of Garner

Jackie Johns Honored Posthumously with Stevens Award

Former Town Council Member Jackie Johns has been named the 2021 recipient of the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award, considered our community's most prestigious recognition for public service. 

Mr. Johns, who passed away in January 2019 at the age of 81, is being honored posthumously. The Town Council will recognize Mr. Johns at its Aug. 17 regular meeting starting at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Garner Town Hall, located at 900 7th Ave. There will be a reception on the second floor of Town Hall preceding the Council meeting. 

Mr. Johns served as a Town alderman and, later, Town Council member for a total of nearly 36 years during three separate tenures. A native of the Auburn community, Mr. Johns was the first African American elected municipal official in town history and served as Garner’s only African American elected official during his entire time on the Board of Aldermen and Town Council. 

Former Mayor Ronnie Williams, who served as an alderman and Council member with Mr. Johns before becoming mayor, said Mr. Johns “was a true advocate for the people.” 

“He was the people’s politician,” Williams said. “He looked out for the interests of every citizen in town.”

Longtime Garner resident and community activist Helen Phillips had similar recollections of Mr. Johns. “He has always spoken for the community,” she said after Mr. Johns’ passing. “He was always trying to help people live better.” 

Mr. Johns was first elected as an alderman in 1973 and served four years. He then had a second stint as an alderman from 1979 to 1983. In 1991, he was voted into office again. This time, he would serve as an alderman and Council member until his death. 

Mr. Johns also was a member and deacon of Springfield Baptist Church in Garner. In addition, he served on the church’s Board of Trustees and as a Sunday school superintendent. He also was known to have regularly visited other churches all over Garner and to have made contributions to them. 

When asked about the accomplishment of which he was most proud as an elected official, Mr. Johns cited being part of the leadership that decided to purchase the land that became Lake Benson Park. Prior to its acquisition by the Town in the early 1980s, the tract had been farmland.   

Mr. Johns helped lead Garner as it grew and evolved in numerous ways. The Town’s population was approximately 7,000 when Mr. Johns won his first aldermen election in 1973. At the time of his passing, Garner had over 31,000 residents.  

Over the span of his service, White Oak Crossing shopping center was built; White Deer Park was developed and opened; Garner Performing Arts Center was renovated and rebranded; and the Town built a new Town Hall and police headquarters as a result of $35.7 million bond program approved by voters in 2013.  

Garner also was named an All-America City during Mr. Johns’ tenure, and he proudly served as a delegate with the citizen-led team that traveled to Denver to earn the prestigious national recognition in 2013. 

Following his passing, the community recognized Mr. Johns in a unique way. In response to a remarkable petition drive that collected over 1,000 signatures, the Town Council in August 2019 voted unanimously to change the name of Rand Mill Park to Jackie Johns Sr. Community Park.  

The park, managed by the Town of Garner’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, is located at 508 Rand Mill Road in the neighborhood where Mr. Johns and his wife, Lila, lived with their two sons. In the early 1980s, Mr. Johns was instrumental in persuading Town leaders to move the park from its location at the corner of Bagwell Street and Smith Drive to its current site, and to upgrade park amenities to include a ballfield, basketball court, playground equipment and picnic shelter.  

Just before the Council voted to rename the park, former Mayor Williams remarked, “I think it’s safe to say—and we have to believe—that Jackie is looking down tonight, and he’s pleased with what he sees.” 

ABOUT THE JAMES R. STEVENS SERVICE TO GARNER AWARD 

The James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award is intended to recognize people who have made substantial, outstanding contributions to Garner over a period of years. Emphasis is on service rendered over an extended period of time with preference given to nominees with 20-plus years of service. This is in keeping with James R. Stevens’ tradition of service spanning decades. Non-residents of Garner are eligible if the award committee deems they meet the criteria necessary to receive the honor. The award also can be bestowed posthumously, as in the case of Mr. Johns. 

Courtesy Town of Garner

Garner Partners on Purchase of Open Space and Wetlands

Acquisition will support possible greenway system extension and protect watershed

A joint news release from The Conservation Fund and the Town of Garner:

Today, the Town of Garner and The Conservation Fund announced the purchase of 86.5 acres of undeveloped wetlands and open space for future public access and the protection of drinking water resources.

Located southeast of U.S. 401 South and near other permanently protected lands owned by the City of Raleigh, Wake County and the Town, the acquired property borders a major tributary to Swift Creek, which is part of the Lake Benson watershed, a critical source of drinking water supply for Wake County. The site's wetlands and extensive floodplain provide a naturally vegetated buffer that helps to filter storm water runoff from surrounding upland areas while providing important upland habitat for wildlife.

The Town is eager to add the open space to its park system as part of Garner's Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Town officials say the acquisition could make possible the extension of Garner's greenway system, creating new trails that will connect existing parks and schools throughout southern Wake County.

“As Garner grows, we continue to look for opportunities to preserve open space and to do it in a strategic way based on our long-term planning,” Mayor Ken Marshburn said. “The Council and I were excited to have the opportunity to acquire this acreage because it fits well into our master planning efforts and will allow us to provide nature-oriented recreation opportunities, such as hiking, in the future. This land will be a great asset for residents, and its conservation also will help to protect our local drinking water resources.”

The Town partnered with The Conservation Fund—a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing conservation solutions that deliver both economic and environmental benefits—to purchase six parcels of land totaling 86.5 acres from Kay Boling Singletary.

“This project represents a rare opportunity to conserve a large section of undeveloped land in a rapidly urbanizing area that sits within a critical water supply watershed,” said Bill Holman, The Conservation Fund’s North Carolina State Director. “Land protection efforts like this are key to a comprehensive strategy for clean water and pollution reduction in the Triangle, and we are pleased to work with the Town of Garner to secure this site for future public recreational access and enjoyment.”

This project utilized funds from Raleigh’s Watershed Protection Program through the Upper Neuse Clean Water Initiative, the Wake County Open Space Bond Program, and the Town of Garner. Additional private-sector support from the Caterpillar Foundation was provided through a new partnership recently created with Conservation Trust for North Carolina to safeguard important local natural lands in North Carolina’s Triangle region through investments in natural infrastructure and land conservation.

“This is an exciting step in providing local watershed protection, and we are thrilled that everyone in the community, including Caterpillar families, will see sustained water quality and avoid nitrogen and phosphorous impacts,” said Asha Varghese, Caterpillar Foundation president. “The Caterpillar Foundation is proud to be a part of this multi-sectoral collaboration as part of our focus on building resilient communities through sustainable infrastructure solutions.”

“We are excited about this project due its proximity to Lake Benson and the opportunity to partner with Wake County and the Town of Garner to protect water quality,” said Ed Buchan, Senior Communications Analyst, City of Raleigh. “Lake Benson helps provide approximately 20 percent of the drinking water to our 600,000-plus customers, so it is critical to protect this natural resource through conservation efforts like this.”

“Wake County’s population continues to grow. With that growth comes the need to protect land that preserves natural resources, wildlife habitat, and historical and cultural properties; protects forest and farmland, scenic landscapes, riparian corridors and water quality; and provides venues for outdoor recreation,” said Chris Snow, Wake County’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space. “This project can do all of these things.”

About The Conservation Fund

At The Conservation Fund, we make conservation work for America. By creating solutions that make environmental and economic sense, we are redefining conservation to demonstrate its essential role in our future prosperity. Top-ranked for efficiency and effectiveness, we have worked in all 50 states since 1985 to protect more than 8.5 million acres of land, including nearly 235,000 acres of beloved natural lands across North Carolina.

Mayor Marshburn Proclaims June 19 ‘Juneteenth—Freedom Day’

Proclamation presented by Mayor Ken Marshburn on June 7, 2021:

WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate-controlled territory free and paving the way for passage of the 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery in the United States; and

WHEREAS, enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation was delayed by up to almost two and a half years in some Confederate territory, and by more than two years in the area that would become Garner; and

WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union Major-General Gordon Granger read to the people of Galveston, Texas, General Order No. 3, which stated:

Mayor Marshburn presents Juneteenth proclamation to Town Manager Rodney Dickerson (right) and Council Member Demian Dellinger (left), who were representing Garner's Juneteenth Committee.

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves”; and

WHEREAS, June 19th thus has acquired special meaning, and is called Juneteenth, combining the words June and nineteenth, and has been celebrated as Freedom Day by many African Americans for over 150 years; and

WHEREAS, in Wake County, there were more than 10,000 enslaved people—nearly two-fifths of the county’s population—recorded in the 1860 Census; and

WHEREAS, these citizens contributed greatly to the prosperity and development of the area that would become Garner both during their enslavement and after they were freed; and

WHEREAS, like enslaved African Americans in Texas, enslaved people in Wake County, including in the area that would become Garner, were not liberated until after Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Union troops in Appomattox, Virginia, which occurred in April 1865; and

WHEREAS, the creation of a Garner Juneteenth Committee was authorized by this Town Council to raise awareness about Juneteenth and about other relevant information that places Juneteenth in historical context; and

WHEREAS, the United States celebrates its freedom from tyranny on July 4, 1776, but we acknowledge that not all Americans were free on that day; therefore, Juneteenth should be celebrated alongside July 4th Independence Day and not in lieu of it.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Ken Marshburn, Mayor of the Town of Garner, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2021, as

Juneteenth—Freedom Da

Town Council Approves Budget for FY 2021-22 That Supports Critical Services

The Town Council at its June 7 regular meeting voted unanimously to adopt a $43.2 million operating budget for fiscal year 2021-22, which begins July 1.

The budget funds a sidewalk maintenance pilot program, replacement of multiple bleachers at Town ballfields and numerous new positions, including four critically needed police patrol officers and a community risk captain for Garner Fire-Rescue. 

The additional officers will allow the Police Department to respond to the Town’s growing population and maintain current service levels. The community risk captain will enable Garner Fire-Rescue to implement various initiatives designed to educate local residents about fire-prevention practices.

A municipal property-tax rate increase of 1.5 cents is included in the FY 21-22 budget, bringing the Town's rate to 50.21 cents per $100 valuation.

View fullsize

Even with the tax-rate increase, the adopted budget continues to ensure that Garner will have the lowest effective tax rate among Wake County municipalities (view comparison chart).

"I want to thank the staff that worked on this [budget], but particularly I want to thank this Council,” Mayor Ken Marshburn said at the June 7 Council meeting.

He said the Council made prudent decisions to restore to the budget several new positions that had been requested by departments but were not originally part of the recommended budget. Mayor Marshburn said the positions that were restored would help the Town meet important service needs and that failing to include them in the budget would have amounted to “kicking the can down the road—and that’s not a good thing.”

In addition to the four police officers and the fire community risk captain, new positions funded in the budget include a risk manager; a GIS mapping position for Planning; an IT/communications specialist; four park attendants; conversion of part-time Public Works grounds positions to full time; enhancements to the Public Works fleet management team and four positions that could help the Town manage a new bond program if approved by voters in November.

The projected Town-wide value of assessed property for fiscal year 2021-22 increased by $186.2 million, or 3.9 percent, over the projection for the current fiscal year. This rise was driven mainly by new home construction and the addition of $154 million in equipment at the Amazon fulfillment center on Jones Sausage Road.

View the original recommended budget.

View the changes approved by Council as part of the adopted budget.

Watch discussion and adoption of budget at June 7 Council meeting.

Post Date: 06/08/2021 2:55 PM

Garner July 3rd Celebration Is Back!

The Town of Garner is pleased to announce that our July 3rd Independence Day Celebration at Lake Benson Park (921 Buffaloe Road) is back this year with fireworks, the North Carolina Symphony, food vendors and more.

Johnny White and the Elite Band will kick off the festivities on July 3rd with a concert early in the evening before the symphony performs. Once the symphony concludes its show, one of the Triangle’s best fireworks displays will light up the skies over Garner.

There will be no kids zone inflatables this year, but the Town's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department will have craft activities available for children.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. There will be some parking available at the park as well as free shuttle service from South Garner High School (8228 Hebron Church Road) starting at 5.

Riders will be asked to wear masks while on the shuttles. And although masks will not be required at the park, attendees are asked to socially distance to the extent possible.

“We are so excited to welcome folks back to the park this year for our July 3rd Celebration,” Mayor Ken Marshburn said. “Our staff is working exceptionally hard to bring back this beloved Garner tradition after the one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. We look forward to seeing the community come together for this signature event.”

Please look for any updates regarding our July 3rd Celebration at garnernc.gov and on the Town’s main social media accounts as well as accounts managed by Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources.

We remind attendees that pets are not allowed at Town-sponsored events; exceptions are made for service animals.

For more information about Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, please visit the department’s main webpage.

Courtesy Town of Garner

Garner Veteran Memorial Guided Tours at Lake Benson Park

Town offices will be closed Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day. There will be no Memorial Day ceremony at the Garner Veterans Memorial this year, but from 9-10:30 a.m. on Memorial Day, there will be free guided tours of the memorial, which is located in Lake Benson Park at 921 Buffaloe Road. There is also a self-guided audio tour that visitors can do anytime; just scan one of the QR codes on the signage at the memorial.

Town of Garner Wins Statewide Awards for Communications

The Town of Garner recently won three 2021 Excellence in Communications Awards from N.C. City and County Communicators.

The awards include second place statewide for a Garner Veterans Memorial audio tour featuring tour guide and veteran Spencer Cardwell. This award-winning project was the result of a unique collaboration among staff in Communications and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, and individuals in the community. The next time you are at the memorial at Lake Benson Park, scan one of the QR codes on the signage and start listening to this fantastic narrative. You can also find it on YouTube.

The Town also won a second-place award for the 2020 Popular Annual Financial Report. The publication was the result of a collaboration between staff in Communications and Finance. Earlier editions of this report have received numerous honors from NC3C and from the Government Finance Officers Association. The report is one more way the Town seeks to be transparent and to make important information easily digestible. You can find the 2020 PAFR online.

In addition, the Town took home second-place honors for a father-son photo made during a community vigil held outside Town Hall last summer amid calls nationwide for racial justice and reconciliation. Communications staff made the photos for the event.

Courtesy Town of Garner