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Table of Contents Town Departments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Getting to Know Smithfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 4-6 Living in Smithfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 7-9 Learning in Smithfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 10-11 Public Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 Smithfield by the Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13 How Smithfield Got its Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14-15 Things to Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 16-19 Economic Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 20-23

Town Departments Elected Officials/Phone Directory Mayor

Electric Department

Public Utilities

Town Council Members

Finance Department

Public Works

Fire Department

Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center (S.R.A.C.)

Andy Moore

Dr. David Barbour John A. Dunn Marlon Lee Stephen Rabil Travis Scott David Stevens Roger A. Wood

Town Manager Michael Scott 919-934-2116

919-934-2798 919-934-2116 919-934-2468

Parks & Recreation 919-934-2148

Planning Department 919-934-2116

Police Department 919-934-2121

919-934-2798 919-934-2596

919-934-1408

Water & Sewer Department 919-934-2798

Water Filtration Plant 919-934-2661

After Hours Utility Emergencies: 919-934-1117 www.Smithfield-NC.com | 3

Getting to know Smithfield Johnston County is a big place. After all, it’s the 10th largest county in the state in terms of geography, nestled between Duplin and Onslow counties on that list. It’s also the 12th largest county in terms of population. While that geography ranking isn’t likely going to change much, the county’s population is on the rise — and has been for a while. In 1990, a little more than 81,000 people called Johnston County home. Twenty years later in 2010, that number jumped to just shy of 170,000. Since then, the county’s estimated population has surged to around 209,000. That’s 40,000 new people calling Johnston County home in just the past 10 years. And the population boom is showing no signs of slowing down. While most of that growth is more obvious in the Clayton, Garner and McGee’s Crossroads areas, in the past few years, it has begun making its way east to Smithfield.

Johnston County Courthouse

Smithfield is a full service community. Our services are second to none for people that live here. From utilities to water and sewer to trash pickup to police — our police department is accredited — our fire department is A-number-one. We can provide any service anyone would want. Then, on top of that, we are a growing community in every aspect. - Town Manager Michael Scott

That rate of growth has been near or above two percent for each of the past three years, and with new homes currently being developed, the secret is getting out. Smithfield is on the rise. “The growth of Smithfield and Selma kind of got bottlenecked in the mid 90s,” Johnston County Economic Development Director Chris Johnson said. “When I-40 opened in 1999, construction of the new section of U.S. 70/Future I-42 was supposed to begin right after, but it was delayed more than 15 years. The corner of Market and 3rd Streets 4 | Town of Smithfield

Getting to know Smithfield

Aerial photo of Johnston Community College

Within months of it finally opening in June 2008, the U.S. was thrust into a recession and residential development in Smithfield took a pause. Now, with the economy turning around, and the fact that there is opportunity in Smithfield for people to buy beautiful historic and new homes at an affordable price, the tide is definitely turning. Thanks to those highways, Smithfield is becoming a popular choice for Raleigh commuters. I can leave my house in downtown Smithfield and be in downtown Raleigh in 30 minutes,” Johnson said. “Our proximity to Raleigh and all of the Research Triangle is a huge selling point. Basically, there are three stop lights from my house to downtown Raleigh. “Seventy-five percent of all new residents in Johnston County come from Wake County. So, they’re moving to the Triangle region, they’re getting acclimated and they’re saying, ‘I really don’t want to live in Raleigh. I like the area, but I want something different.’ Smithfield is poised for growth.”

Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore thinks our location is one of our biggest assets. “We are centrally located on Interstate 95 between New York and Florida,” he said. “And with North Carolina being one of the fastest growing states in the nation and Johnston County being one of the fastest growing counties, Smithfield offers a prime location for people. “Smithfield has plenty of shopping...downtown and incredible parks...amenities in Smithfield that rival those you’ll find in large cities.” And, according to Town Manager Michael Scott, living in Smithfield doesn’t mean sacrificing any conveniences. “Smithfield is a full service community,” he said. “Our services are second to none for people that live here. From utilities to water and sewer to trash pickup to police — our police department is accredited — our fire department is A-number-one. We can provide any service anyone would want. Then, on top of that, we are a growing community in every aspect. www.Smithfield-NC.com | 5

Getting to know Smithfield

Downtown Smithfield

“We have a whole section of land adjacent to I-95 that hasn’t been developed yet. Land is for sale, and it’s going to fill up. We need to be ready.” “Some (residential) growth is healthy,” Moore said. “It helps our churches and our businesses, but it also helps our schools. With that growth, we can then begin to focus on business- and industry-type growth.” Of course, preparing for growth is one thing, but keeping Smithfield’s small town charm and feel in the midst of that growth is another. No matter how many new people arrive, the town’s employees will be ready to serve them. “Our employees from the top down are excellent,” Moore said. “That’s a huge deal when you’re living in a community. You know you have a direct line to the town manager, or a direct line to the public works director. You know if your trash isn’t picked up, for whatever reason, you can call, and it’s done. It makes me proud when I get compliments about our staff. I’m just a small part of that, but in my opinion, that makes a community.” 6 | Town of Smithfield

Johnston Community College and Smithfield Police Department host National Night Out

Our employees from the top down are excellent. That’s a huge deal when you’re living in a community. You know you have a direct line to the town manager, or a direct line to the public works director. You know if your trash isn’t picked up, for whatever reason, you can call, and it’s done. It makes me proud when I get compliments about our staff. I’m just a small part of that, but in my opinion, that makes a community. - Mayor Andy Moore

Living In Smithfield Smithfield offers a small town atmosphere with big city amenities. Families enjoy fun activities, safe neighborhoods, top health care and excellent schools. Children grow together through the same high school and community college, leading to lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community. Smithfield is in the heart of it all. A short commute to pharmaceutical industries, Research Triangle Park and Raleigh makes Smithfield an ideal place to come home to after work. The beaches and mountains are also an easy drive from Smithfield.

Smithfield is close to everywhere you need to be. Smithfield Radius (10, 20, 30 mile)* Durham (10, 20, 30 mile)* 1

30 M i le

Detroit

Zebulon

Raleigh

264 80

10 M i le

264 70

Smithfield

Goldsboro 75

Dunn

Fayetteville

117

13 701

Raleigh

Atlanta 30

Port of Norfolk

Raleigh Smithfield

Smithfield

Port of Morehead40City

Port of Morehead City

65 40

26 20

Atlanta 30

117

Charlotte 74

Port of Norfolk

Charlotte

421

295

13 42

701

795 70

Washington D.C. Washington D.C.

117 301 95

401

New York City

Fuquay-Varina

Wilson 795

Clayton

New York City

20 M i le

401

Detroit

riv e

440

eD ay D

Cary

401

East Coast East Coast East Coast

eD ay Dri ve

540

East Coast

Port of Wilmington 20

Port of Charleston Port of Savannah 75

Port of Wilmington

Port of Charleston Port of Savannah

*Radius rings are *Radius are measured measuredfrom fromdowntown downtownSmithfield. Smithfield. www.Smithfield-NC.com | 7

Living In Smithfield

Utilities The Town of Smithfield provides water, electrical, sewer and trash service. Visit the utilities office at 350 E. Market Street during normal business hours to start or change utilities.

Bring the following items with you: » Service address » Date of service » V alid state-issued photo identification and your Social Security Number » F ederal tax ID number (business accounts) » D eed/offer to purchase/rental agreement or lease agreement. For more information contact customer service at (919) 934-2116 ext. 1105 or ext.1113.

Internet Want to surf the web at broadband speed? Your choices are Centurylink and Spectrum. Other satellite providers, like Hughesnet and Viasat, are also available, and downtown Smithfield offers free public WiFi access.

8 | Town of Smithfield

Television

Living In Smithfield

Spectrum is the only cable option available for town residents, while DISH and DIRECTV both offer satellite service.

Town TV Stay updated on all Town Council meetings, announcements and events through Town TV found at www.Smithfield-NC.com. You can watch from a desktop or mobile device.

Town of Smithfield Mobile App Use your smartphone to report a power outage, view Council meetings and agendas, pay utility bills and more. The Town of Smithfield app keeps you “in the know” anytime from anywhere. www.Smithfield-NC.com | 9

Learning in Smithfield Smithfield residents have both public and charter school options.

Here are the schools that serve the town: » South Smithfield Elementary - 919-934-8979 » West Smithfield Elementary - 919-989-6418 » Smithfield Middle School - 919-934-4696 » Innovation Academy at South Campus 919-934-6481 » Smithfield-Selma High School - 919-934-5191 » Neuse Charter School - 919-626-2300 » Johnston Community College 919-934-3051

Neuse Charter School 10 | Town of Smithfield

Learning in Smithfield

Smithfield-Selma High School

The Town of Smithfield features quality educational options for your children.

graduates, offering them numerous extracurricular activities, including the award-winning robotics club.

Johnston County Public Schools has two elementary schools, South Smithfield and West Smithfield, two middle schools, Smithfield Middle and the Innovation Academy, and Smithfield-Selma High School (SSS) serving the town.

In addition, K-12 Neuse Charter School, which opened in 2007, “offers a rigorous studies program with foreign language as early as kindergarten and an honors/college prep focused curriculum in the high school.”

The high school, home of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a challenging curriculum that tests students academically while making them “global citizens,” boasted a pair of distinguished graduates in the Class of 2020.

In a 2019 study issued by U.S. News & World Report naming it one of the best in the Raleigh metro area, the school posted a county-best 96 percent graduation rate while having 47 percent of its students enrolled in advanced placement classes.

Anna Elizabeth Hill will attend N.C. State on a Park Scholarship, a four-year award based on “outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service and character.”

Area students also have an excellent post-secondary education option in Johnston Community College (JCC).

Hill, president of Mu Alpha Theta (a math honor society), two-year captain of the girls’ basketball team and volunteer with the BackPack Buddies program, plans to major in civil engineering. Another Spartan graduate, Shuhud Abdelhadi Mustafa, will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a Morehead-Cain Scholarship, which recognizes “leadership, moral force of character, academic achievement and physical vigor.” Mustafa, co-founder and projects director of the Cultural Advocacy and Social Awareness Club (CASA) and a twoyear captain on the golf team, plans to study public health, policy and management as well as Spanish. Smithfield-Selma strives to turn out well-rounded

“You can’t have economic growth unless you have people to fill jobs,” Smithfield Town Manager Michael Scott said. “Our community college was named one of the 10 best community colleges in America. They do an awesome job partnering with local businesses to create training for any type of industry that wants to come into this area.” In addition, students at SSS have the option of participating in the Johnston County Early College Academy or the Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy. The Early College Academy allows students to earn college credits while still in high school, while the Career and Technical Leadership Academy allows students to work toward certifications in fields like information technology and early childhood education. Both are great ways for students to pick up college credits without the usual price tag. www.Smithfield-NC.com | 11

Public Safety Smithfield is well positioned for excellence in public safety Whenever someone is considering moving to a new town, one question always pops up: Is it safe there? In Smithfield, the answer is yes. The Smithfield Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), which means that personnel have received top-notch training on a wide array of subjects designed to enhance public safety and build the public trust.

“Law enforcement officers benefit because in almost any circumstance he or she may find themselves in, they have a set of established guidelines and a methodology for solutions giving them guidance from management to make the right decision. “Command personnel win because they must remain open to the needs of operational level employees and provide them with adequate guidance. Accreditation focuses on continuous improvement and forces command personnel to stay on top of changes in law, judicial decisions and civil litigation.”

The Smithfield Fire Department is also poised to serve the As the town’s website explains, “accreditation provides a town’s citizens. With fire stations on either side of the Neuse win-win situation for citizens, law enforcement officers River, the department is able to cut down on response times. and law enforcement command personnel. The citizens In addition to the obvious safety benefits, this also helps keep insurance rates lower for both homeowners and commercial win because our agency has taken the initiative to comply with a set of internationally developed standards property owners. which means they can have confidence that the agency’s As the county seat, Smithfield is also home to the Johnston management team has set forth a quality set of rules, County Sheriff’s Department and Johnston County regulations, policies and procedures which address Emergency Management, which includes the Emergency operational readiness issues. Medical Services (EMS) division. 12 | Town of Smithfield

HOTELS

300

RETAIL SHOPS

FIREFIGHTERS

POLICE OFFICERS

Smithfield by the Numbers

12,900 RESIDENTS

RESTAURANTS

3.9

PARKS

SCHOOLS

MILES OF GREENWAY

AIRPORT

JCC ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

GREAT PLACE TO CALL HOME

www.Smithfield-NC.com | 13

How Smithfield Got its Name By Benjamin Sanderford

It all started with John Smith. Not John Smith the leader of Jamestown, but John Smith the Virginia resident who moved his family in 1740 to North Carolina. They settled in the part of Craven County that, just six years later, would become Johnston County. Smith recognized the importance of the Neuse River, flanked by fertile soil and controlling access to the colony’s commercial centers on the coast. By 1759, the county court at Hinton’s Quarter, near modern-day Clayton, gave him permission to operate a ferry on his plantation along the route to New Bern, the colonial capital. It was this property, “Smith’s Ferry,” that Smith sold in 1762 to his 26-year-old son, John Smith, Jr. Smith’s Ferry became the site of the county courthouse in 1771, when western Johnston became Wake County. The new Johnston County Courthouse was inaugurated at a turbulent time. Grumbles against the British government were escalating into serious unrest. On August 12, 1774, protesters gathered at the new courthouse. They were led by Samuel Smith, Jr., John Smith, Jr.’s cousin. The protesters supported trial by jury in cases involving treason and appointed delegates to coordinate their activities with other dissidents in other counties. Samuel Smith and his allies did not favor independence, but they soon would. With the start of the Revolutionary War in the spring of 1775, Josiah Martin, the last royal governor, fled New 14 | Town of Smithfield

How Smithfield Got its Name

Bern and his enemies formed a 13-member Provincial Council to replace him. The Council spent the rest of the year at Johnston County Courthouse, possibly because it was too far inland for the Royal Navy to threaten. It was here that the Provincial Council organized the Patriot army that would defeat the Loyalists at Moore’s Creek on February 27, 1776. A year later on April 23, 1777, Senator Needham Bryan of Johnston County introduced a bill to the General Assembly establishing a town around the courthouse. The bill passed and the Town of Smithfield was born.

SMITHFIELD TIMELINE April 23, 1777 - The Town of Smithfield was chartered

1872 - Smith Brooks becomes first AfricanAmerican member of the Town Board

April 11, 1865 - Union forces captured Smithfield

1898 - Smithfield Tobacco Market is built

1887 Wilmington & Weldon railroad shortcut between Wilson and Fayetteville is completed

1951 - Johnston Memorial Hospital (now known as Johnston Health) opens

December 14, 1922 - Ava Gardner is born in Grabtown, nine miles southeast of Smithfield

1969 - SmithfieldSelma High School is formed and Johnston Technical Institute (now Johnston Community College) was established

1960 - Interstate 95 is completed in Johnston County

1983 - Carolina Pottery (a staple of today’s Carolina Premium Outlet Center) opened in 1983

June 1978 – Johnston County Airport opened

1990 - Interstate 40 is completed in Johnston County

1985 - 1st Ham and Yam festival

2014 – New terminal opens at Johnston County Airport

2009 – Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center opened

www.Smithfield-NC.com | 15

Things to Do For a town of its size, there’s a lot going on in Smithfield. Consider, for example, the number of people inside the town during an average day. “Our population is approximately 13,000, but during the day, we have closer to 50,000 people inside the town limits,” Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore said. “Because we’re the center of government and commerce for Johnston County, Smithfield is a great place to do business.”

Whether you’re one of the people who calls Smithfield home, or you just happen to find yourself visiting the heart of Johnston County, here are a few things to check out:

Shopping

Recreation

Whether you’re in search of a name-brand find or a hidden treasure, you can find it all in Smithfield.

Overview: The Town of Smithfield offers a variety of programs through its parks and recreation department. Children of all ages can register for basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, cheerleading, swimming and many other activities. For more information, visit www.smithfield-nc. com/page/parks_home.

Starting downtown, you can find the perfect dress at Jewel’s Formals and then compliment it with a stylish accessory from Evans Jewelers. Need a unique gift? Oak City Collection has you covered. Looking for a little name recognition? You can pick up the latest offerings from Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors and more at Carolina Premium Outlets. The outlets feature more than 80 stores, so it’s a one-stop shop. 16 | Town of Smithfield

Smithfield Parks & Recreation

Locations: Smithfield Community Park, 600 E. Booker Dairy Road; Bob Wallace Jaycee Kiddie Park, 350 S. Front St.; Gertrude B. Johnson Park, 1222 W. Market St.; Smith-Collins Park, 909 E. Lee Street and Burlington Park, 1001 Hancock St.; Dog Park, corner of Second and Holding streets.

Recreation (continued)

Things to Do

Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center (SRAC)

Address: 600 M. Durwood Stephenson Hwy, Smithfield Overview: Enjoy the eight-lane, competition-sized swimming pool with adjacent kiddie splash pool, double gymnasium, elevated walking track, racquetball courts, fitness room and banquet room. Day passes are available for visitors. Contact: www.sraconline.com

Buffalo Creek Greenway Address: 600 M. Durwood Stephenson Hwy, Smithfield Overview: Enjoy nature along the three-mile greenway, which travels along the Spring Branch to the Neuse River Walk at Town Commons. Part of the Mountains-toSea Trail, the 10-foot wide path accommodates hikers, runners and bikers. Trail entrances are located throughout Historic Downtown Smithfield and the back of Smithfield Community Park.

Lazy O Farms Address: 3583 Packing Plant Road, Smithfield Overview: A place for seasonal field trips and events located just outside of Smithfield. It hosts weddings (The Pond at Lazy O Farm), has farm animals, hayrides and much more. Contact: www.thepondatlazyofarm.com

Creekside Equestrian Center

Contact: www.smithfield-nc.com/greenway

Address: 3905 Swift Creek Road, Smithfield Overview: Learn how to ride a horse, enjoy a summer camp (six sessions in June, July and August) or plan your next summer party at this 50-acre facility between Smithfield and Clayton. Contact: www.creeksideec.com www.Smithfield-NC.com | 17

Things to Do

Ava Gardner Museum

Recreation (continued)

Johnston County Heritage GeoTrail Overview: There are more than 50 special geocaches scattered around Johnston County. Can you find them all? Contact: www.johnstoncountync.org

Culture

Neuse Little Theatre

Address: 325 East Market Street, Smithfield Overview: Take a self-guided tour through more than 5,000 square feet of exhibit space. You’ll see extraordinary costumes, movie posters and awards that represent the Smithfield native’s 50-year career as a leading Hollywood actress. Contact: www.avagardner.org

Frank Creech Art Gallery

Address: 104 S. Front St., Smithfield

Address: 245 College Road, Smithfield

Overview: From Neil Simon to Rogers & Hammerstein, from “Spoon River Anthology” to “Always a Bridesmaid,” the Neuse Little Theatre strives to delight young and old alike. The NLT resides in the former American Legion Hut overlooking the Neuse River in Downtown Smithfield.

Overview: This 1,500-square-foot gallery on the campus of Johnston Community College features local painting, sculptures, drawings and photography for the public to enjoy.

Contact: www.neuselittletheatre.org

Contact: www.johnstoncc.edu

Johnston County Chorus

Overview: Discover more about Johnston County’s rich heritage with online access to more than 500 million records including census data, newspapers, obituaries, military service records, marriages and more.

Overview: The Johnston County Chorus began in October 1977 as the Johnston County Choral Society. Led by several talented directors through the years, the group is comprised of residents from Johnston County and surrounding areas that have a love for singing and providing quality music entertainment. Traditionally, the group performs two shows per year.

Contact: www.jcheritagecenter.org

Contact: www.johnstoncountychorus.com

Johnston County Heritage Center Address: 241 East Market Street, Smithfield

18 | Town of Smithfield

Festivals

Things to Do

Ham and Yam Festival Date: 1st Saturday in May Overview: The annual Ham and Yam Festival features pig races, inflatables, vendors, entertainment and ham and yam foods. It’s a fun day in Downtown Smithfield for the entire family. Contact: www.hamandyam.com.

Skyfest

Howell Theatre Address: 141 South Third Street, Smithfield Overview: The Howell Theatre is a vintage circa 1935 movie theatre that has been in constant operation for 85 years. Date: 2nd Saturday in October Overview: Skyfest is a community festival with professional aerial demonstrations at Johnston County Regional Airport — featuring parachute team jumps, flyovers and other aerial performances. There will be also be musical entertainment, special performances food trucks, a beer garden and a kids zone.

Contact: www.howellmovies.com

Ready Set Escape Address: 1304 D West Market Street, Smithfield Overview: Choose from one of three escape room scenarios. Great for a special occasion, group get together, birthday, anniversary and corporate training or team building.

Contact: www.skyfestnc.com

Contact: www.ready-set-escape.com

Golf course

Double Barley Brewing

Country Club of Johnston County Address: 694 Country Club Road, Smithfield Overview: This 18-hole Ellis Maples designed course is open to public play and has played host to multiple professional and amateur events. Contact: www.ccjohnstoncounty.com

Other things to do Smithfield Cinemas

Address: 3174 US-70, Smithfield

Address: 175 South Equity Drive, Smithfield

Overview: Double Barley is JoCo’s second brewery and specializes in dark brews with a higher ABV which you can taste in a taproom with a rustic but modern feel. They also have an excellent in-house menu.

Overview: Catch the latest first-run movies at this 10-theatre complex. Contact: www.smithfieldcinemas.net

Contact: www.doublebarleybrewing.com www.Smithfield-NC.com | 19

Economic Growth If you want proof that Smithfield is bustling with business activity, spend a lunch hour at The Diner on Market Street. You can listen to real estate agents talking about a new subdivision, lawyers chatting about their latest home closings and even developers seeking the perfect spot for a new venture. “The town is well positioned for future growth,” Johnston County Economic Development Director Chris Johnson said. “We’re seeing that. Home prices are increasing, and there’s been a transition with an older population, so homes are becoming available, too.” Part of Johnson’s mission is to match companies to available sites in the county. Smithfield’s latest venture, the West Smithfield Industrial Park (see Master Development Plan on the next page), gives him an attractive site to show to those companies. “It’s close to 400 acres of available property for business growth,” he said. “The county and town have worked together to go through the certification process to make this available. For the longest time, Smithfield didn’t really have an industrial site it could offer up. … The growth is coming from Raleigh, and it’s Smithfield’s

One thing we work very hard on is making Smithfield business friendly. I‘m wearing this pin today that says ‘Can Do.’ I’m wearing my father’s pin. He worked for 40 years at First Citizens Bank, which was founded in Smithfield, and their slogan back during the 70s and 80s was ‘The Can Do Bank.’ I like to consider Smithfield as the ‘Can Do Town.’ - Mayor Andy Moore

Analysis of Cash and Fund Balances at June 30, 2020 CASH BALANCES

$12,152,789

$13,072,113

FUND BALANCES (CASH + ASSETS)

$21,092,753

$11,020,194

$18,553,584

Total: $36,245,096 20 | Town of Smithfield

$14,521,940

Total: $54,168,277

responsibility, in my opinion, to meet it in that direction.”

Economic Growth

And, thanks to the efforts of the Town of Smithfield and the county, much of the usual red tape associated with a site like this has already been cleared. “I’m given about three to four days to respond to an RFI (Request for Information) when it comes in from a consultant or from the state,” Johnson said. “The bar has risen for everybody. Going ahead and doing the due diligence. Having rezoned, having a price set, an agreement to sell, Geotechnical Phase Ones — those kind of things — already done eliminates and reduces industries’ or site consultant’s concerns about a certain piece of property. “Time is money for them, so the last thing they want to do is start engaging a property owner and find that they really love a piece of property, then get out there and find something wrong. So, Smithfield has removed all the barriers and hurdles on the front end by being proactive and doing the due diligence and is in a better position to compete with other communities, other states, and in some cases, other nations.” That fact isn’t lost on Smithfield’s mayor, Andy Moore. “One thing we work very hard on is making Smithfield business friendly,” he said. “I ‘m wearing this pin today that says ‘Can Do.’ I’m wearing my father’s pin. He worked for 40 years at First Citizens Bank, which was founded in Smithfield, and their slogan back during the 70s and 80s was ‘The Can Do Bank.’ I like to consider Smithfield as the ‘Can Do Town.’ “We try to make it as easy as possible for businesses to open. Obviously, there are rules and regulations that we have to follow and they’re there for a reason. But we do try to make it as friendly and easy as possible for businesses to come to Smithfield.” One such way is the addition of new lines that can better serve new business sites.

Legend Certified Site Boundary Industrial User

MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN West Smithfield Industrial Park Smithfield, NC Map Source: Google Earth 2018

Modulus, PLLC

. Engineering ꞏ Due Diligence ꞏ Design PO Box 935 Oak Ridge, North Carolina 27310 (919) 800-9093

Project No: M645 Boundaries are approximate. July 2018

www.Smithfield-NC.com | 21

Economic Growth

Johnston Health

“We are building an entire new electric circuit,” Town Manager Scott said. “From East Smithfield, way down off Brogden Road all the way over to Booker Dairy Road and Durwood Stephenson Parkway and north back to 301. We’re changing our voltage conversion, so we’re upgraded and ready for big business that needs that type of electricity to function. We’re doing all that while keeping our electric rates low.” Those low rates extend to residential customers as well. “One of the things I’m most proud of is getting our residential electric rates down,” Moore said. “That was a project we worked on for a long time. We heard from our citizens and from people moving in that our electrical rates were high. We have taken that issue completely off the table. We now have one of the lowest residential electric rates in the county.” Smithfield is the home of several of the county’s largest employers — like Johnston County Public Schools, Johnston Health and Johnston Community College — and all three play a role in making the community attractive from a business standpoint. In 2019, Johnston Health achieved the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award, a distinction that recognizes it as being among the top 15 percent of hospitals nationwide for patient experience. Johnston Health was one of just seven hospitals in the state to receive this award for a consecutive year. “Johnston Health and its dedicated employees do an incredible job meeting the needs of this community, now 22 | Town of Smithfield

more than ever,” Johnston Health CEO Tom Williams said. “I’m honored to lead a team of people who are dedicated to delivering excellent care for all patients, regardless of the situation.” Johnston Regional Airport is also growing. Early in 2019, the N.C. Board of Transportation approved $3.8 million in funding for the airport’s expansion plans. Those plans include a partnership with Blue Line Aviation, which is building a $13 million state-of-the-art aviation complex and headquarters on the existing airport site. “The new grant we received from NCDOT is an economic development-focused grant, and we will be using it to immediately put the infrastructure in place necessary to support Blue Line’s new aviation complex and fleet of new aircraft,” Phil Lanier, Johnston Regional Airport Manager, told the Wilson Times. “Work items for us include site work, expanding and paving additional areas for aircraft to park, expanding and paving our vehicle parking lot, leveling the building site and bringing in the necessary utilities.” The end result, in addition to having a top-notch flight school for personal and commercial use, will be a more modern, accessible airport for the county’s — and Smithfield’s — visitors. The town, like the airport, is also ready to welcome newcomers. With it’s combination of prime location, many dining and shopping options and modern amenities, Smithfield is a great place to land. All of which helps to make Smithfield a good place to be.

Analysis of Unassigned Fund Balance as a % of General Fund Expenditures

Economic Growth

Penn Compression $2,500,000 expansion creating 30 new jobs

Analysis of Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures before Transfers and Contributions

Classic Ford More than $1,700,000 expansion investment

Cash vs. Accumulated Depreciation (Funded Depreciation)

Johnston Community College $13,000,000 investment to create a Student Success Center and Auditorium renovation