April 20, 2026 - 6:00 PM - Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 279 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners April 20 , 2026 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , April 20 , 2026 at 6 00 pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman Patrick E Harris , Vice Chairman RS " Butch " Lawter , Jr , Ted G Godwin , April Stephens , Bill Stovall , Michelle Pace Davis and Mike Rose Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk Susie Reeves Chairman Patrick E Harris called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis opened the meeting with an invocation Commissioner Ted G Godwin led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Chairman Harris reminded everyone of the Board's six priorities including Public Safety , Infrastructure , County Employees , Financial Stewardship , Educational Funding , and Land Use and the Board's continuing efforts to keep these priorities in mind when working through the agenda 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented 2 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Mike Rose , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes - March 16 , 2026 6 00 pm and March 23 , 2026 6 00 pm Special Meeting B Department of Transportation - Additions to System The Board concurred with the NC DOT's request to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Wynd Crest Lane - Wynd Crest - Elevation Township Magnolia Run Way and Hydrangea Lane - Stony Fork - Elevation Township Spilona Way , Bristow Court , Olivia Crossing Court and Citizens Court - Chamblee - Elevation Township Star Valley Drive - Star Valley - Pleasant Grove Township Touchdown Way and Kickoff Circle - Harris Pointe - Pleasant Grove Township Lowery Lane and Bodacious Lane - Lowery Meadows - Elevation Township C Town of Benson - Appointment to Benson Planning Board Per the request of the Town of Benson , the Board made the following appointment to the Benson Planning Board representing the ETJ area of the Town Matt Bishop , 258 Creek Crossing Drive , Benson term expiring December 31 , 2027 D Veterans Services Advisory Board - Adjustment of Advisory Board Membership The Veterans Services Advisory Board is undergoing a governance transition because of the recently adopted district map changes Because several Board members serve in seats designated toPage280 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued represent specific districts , adjustments have become necessary to ensure accurate representation under the new district boundaries With the updated map lines , certain district alignments have changed To maintain full and appropriate representation , the Board approved the following minor adjustments • John T Blake , who currently serves in an At - Large position , is reassigned to represent District 4 based on his residence within the newly drawn boundaries • Jorge C Mejias - Diaz , who previously represented District 7 , is reassigned to an At - Large position As a result of these changes , a vacancy will be created for the District 7 seat These adjustments ensure the Advisory Board remains properly aligned with the new district structure and continues to provide balanced representation across all districts E Sheriff's Office - Approval of Jail Health Plan Per the request of Sheriff Steve Bizzell , the Board approved the Jail Health Plan , as required by the NC Department of Health & Human Services and prepared by IMS Correctional HealthCare , LLC with an effective date of May 1 , 2026 F Emergency Services - Request to Apply for Duke Energy Storm Preparedness Grant Per the request of Johnston County Emergency Services - Emergency Management Division , the Board granted permission to apply for the Duke Energy Storm Preparedness Grant The funding requested will be for the purchase of 250 Preparedness Kits at an approximate cost of 100 per kit to be distributed to the vulnerable population of Johnston County in preparation for severe weather and prolonged power outages Johnston County has threats and hazards that include but are not limited to weather related emergencies , hurricanes , tornadoes , severe weather , and flooding Providing the Preparedness Kits will highly benefit the underserved residents of Johnston County The kits would provide a valuable resource during extreme heat , weather emergencies and would help residents be better prepared should they need to seek shelter outside their home Each Preparedness Kit will include ? NOAA Weather Radios - To provide critical updates when cellular and internet fails ? Fans - For relief from extreme heat conditions ? Coolers - For storing life - saving medications ? Fire Water Resistant File Folders - To protect important documentation ? Thumb Drives - For digital backups of important documents and photos The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding 500,000 in grants to support local storm preparedness and emergency readiness initiatives across North Carolina Funding will help organizations bolster natural disaster readiness through community preparedness training , emergency planning , local response collaboration , and public education initiatives Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to 25,000 through April 30 , 2026 There is no match requirement imposed on grants funds provided under this program In partnership with the Johnston County Community & Senior Services and the Community Paramedic Program , Johnston County Emergency Management has identified resources which will assist individuals in significantly reducing the strain on residents , ensuring that they are organized and better prepared G Register of Deeds - Request to Record DD - 214 On Saturday , May 2 , 2026 , the Johnston County Veterans Services Office is hosting a " Veterans Resource Fair " at Johnston Community College This is a free event for the veterans of Johnston County to gain information regarding healthcare , jobs and other resources that are available to them Robert Boyette , Veterans Services Officer , has invited the Register of Deeds Office to participate in this fair by offering to record military discharge papers , also known as DD - 214 ' s Staff members are willing to attend and assist in this event and look forward to helping veterans by recording their discharge papers for safekeeping in the Register of Deeds Office According to the UNC School of Government , to record DD - 214 documents on a Saturday , approval is required by the Board of County Commissioners Per the request of the Register of Deeds Office , the Board approved for staff to offer this free service on Saturday , May 2 , 2026 to veterans Page281 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued H Budget Revisions , approved as follows Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51007414 Capital Outlay - Sheriff 2,68600 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 2,68600 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510032106 Controlled Substance Tax 2,68600 TOTAL NET REVENUE 2,68600 2A Staff Recognitions Public Information Office Chairman Patrick E Harris recognized Public Information Office Director Adam Carroll and asked for him to come forward and share details about recent awards Chairman Harris extended the Board's congratulations and appreciation to the Public Information Office team for their dedication and hard work Mr Carroll thanked the Board for recognizing his team today and stated Johnston County participates annually in the North Carolina City and County Communicators Conference He noted this conference includes an awards program where cities and counties submit projects to benchmark against each other and ensure they are advancing communication and outreach for citizens Mr Carroll announced the following awards that were received for Johnston County st 1 Place Award - Single Post Project " A Nine - Year Old's 911 Call Saves a Life " st 1 Place Award - Videography " Protecting Family Farms Through Farmland Preservation " st 1 Place Award - Public Service Announcement " How One Nine - Year Old Saved Her Dad A 911 Story " st 1 Place Award - Special Programming Project " Relief for Western NC Hurricane Helene Recovery " Mr Carroll stated he is extremely proud of his team and especially Communications Manager Ben Armstrong for his assistance with the videography He noted that Johnston County competes with the City of Raleigh , Mecklenburg County , and other larger areas which says a lot about the team and what they are doing to improve communications Chairman Harris stated one of the most important aspects of a County is keeping the public informed and he congratulated the Public Information Office on the job well done Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk to the Board Susie Reeves Chairman Patrick E Harris recognized Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk to the Board Susie Reeves on recently achieving the status of North Carolina Certified County Clerk Chairman Harris stated the County is fortunate to have Ms Reeves serving in her current capacity He further stated that the entire team in the Clerk to the Board's Office is professional and exceptional , and Ms Reeves is an invaluable member whose contributions are greatly appreciated by the Board of Commissioners Chairman Harris commented on the work and effort involved with supporting the Board of Commissioners , especially during group travel events , and stated the Commissioners sincerely appreciate the work and dedication by both Ms Reeves and Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington 3 Public Comments A Citizen Comments - Lauren Dasko Ms Lauren Dasko addressed the Board stating she represents a New York marketing firm and a Midwest energy company and she would like to speak on key issues including energy reliability , infrastructure resilience , and water access Ms Dasko stated North Carolina and other regions face challenges like aging infrastructure , population growth , severe weather , and rising energy demand , straining the electric grid and impacting services such as public safety and water distribution She stated they partner with local governments to provide alternative energy solutions , including solar systems and backup generators , reducing reliance on a single power source andPage282 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued enhancing grid resilience She stated this is vital for water infrastructure , treatment plants , pumping stations , and distribution facilities that need reliable power She stated integrating renewable systems and backup generation helps municipalities stabilize operations , cut long - term costs , and maintain critical services during outages or peak demand Ms Dasko stated expanding energy capacity enables new water facility development , such as planned projects in Johnston County by 2030 She stated their goal is simple - to build resilient , sustainable infrastructure for communities and future growth She stated if County departments are considering upgrades for energy resilience or grid support , she welcomes the opportunity to discuss solutions Ms Dasko stated she has previously spoken with Vice Chairman RS " Butch " Lawter , Jr and Commissioner Mike Rose and she is available to help and offer expertise 4 Proclamation - Public Service Recognition Week County Manager Rick Hester stated Johnston County Human Resources is requesting the Board to adopt a proclamation recognizing May 3 - 9 , 2026 as Public Service Recognition Week He stated for 41 years , Public Service Recognition Week has honored those in local , State , and Federal government Vice Chairman RS " Butch " Lawter , Jr read the following proclamation aloud and moved for its adoption Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK May 3 - 9 , 2026 WHEREAS , Public Service Recognition Week has been celebrated since 1985 , honoring those who serve our nation as federal , state , county , and local government employees ; and WHEREAS , the residents of Johnston County , North Carolina rely on the dedicated service of public employees on a daily basis to uphold the public good , remain accountable , and enhance the quality of life for residents , businesses , and visitors alike ; and WHEREAS , public employees positively impact nearly every aspect of peoples ' lives , by providing essential services , including health care , public safety , education , infrastructure , social services , natural resource conservation , promoting business and job growth , and beyond ; and WHEREAS , the quality and effectiveness of government services depend on the hard work and commitment of these public employees , whose contributions deserve recognition and appreciation ; and WHEREAS , it is appropriate to acknowledge and celebrate the commitment , professionalism , sacrifice , and dedication of those who choose to serve in public positions as their contributions have a profound impact on the well - being of individuals , families and communities NOW THEREFORE , we , the members of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners , commend and express our deepest gratitude to all public employees for their unwavering commitment and for the critical role they serve in our community We hereby unanimously proclaim the week of May 3 - 9 , 2026 shall be designated as Public Service Recognition Week th Adopted this the 20 day of April , 2026 5 Finance - Resolution Providing for the Issuance of 67,000,000 GO Public Improvement Bonds , Series 2026 The Chairman introduced the following resolution , a summary of which had been provided to each Commissioner , a copy of which was available with the Clerk to the Board and which was read by title RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF UP TO 67,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS , SERIES 2026APagePage pageNumber5283 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners the " Board " of the County of Johnston , North Carolina the " County " Section 1 The Board has determined and does hereby find , declare and represent a i That an order the " 2022 School Bond Order " authorizing not exceeding 177,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds the " 2022 School Bonds " was adopted by the Board for the County on July 18 , 2022 , which 2022 School Bond Order was approved by the vote of a majority of the qualified voters of said County who voted thereon at a special referendum duly called and held on November 8 , 2022 a ii That 30,000,000 of the 2022 School Bonds authorized to be issued by the 2022 School Bond Order have been issued , designated as " General Obligation School Bonds , Series 2023 , " that 100,000,000 of the 2022 School Bonds authorized to be issued by the 2022 School Bond Order have been issued , designated as " General Obligation School Bonds , Series 2025 , " that no notes have been issued in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of the sale of said 2022 School Bonds , and that it is necessary to issue at this time [ 35,000,000 ] of said 2022 School Bonds in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 of this resolution a iii That the maximum period of usefulness of the facilities to be financed with the proceeds of said 2022 School Bonds to be issued is estimated as a period of 40 years from [ June 10 , 2026 ] , the date of said School Bonds , as hereinafter provided , and that such period expires on [ June 10 , 2066 ] b i That an order the " 2024 School Bond Order " authorizing not exceeding 120,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds the " 2024 School Bonds " was adopted by the Board for the County on July 15 , 2024 , which 2024 School Bond Order was approved by the vote of a majority of the qualified voters of said County who voted thereon at a special referendum duly called and held on November 5 , 2024 b ii That none of the 2024 School Bonds authorized to be issued by the 2024 School Bond Order have been issued , that no notes have been issued in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of the sale of said 2024 School Bonds , and that it is necessary to issue at this time [ 30,000,000 ] of said 2024 School Bonds in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 of this resolution b iii That the maximum period of usefulness of the facilities to be financed with the proceeds of said 2024 School Bonds to be issued is estimated as a period of 40 years from [ June 10 , 2026 ] , the date of said School Bonds , as hereinafter provided , and that such period expires on [ June 10 , 2066 ] c i That an order the " Community College Bond Order " authorizing not exceeding 30,000,000 General Obligation Community College Bonds the " Community College Bonds " was adopted by the Board for the County on July 15 , 2024 , which Community College Bond Order was approved by the vote of a majority of the qualified voters of said County who voted thereon at a special referendum duly called and held on November 5 , 2024 c ii That none of the Community College Bonds authorized to be issued by the Community College Bond Order have been issued , that no notes have been issued in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of the sale of said Community College Bonds , and that it is necessary to issue at this time [ 2,000,000 ] of said Community College Bonds in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 of this resolution c iii That the maximum period of usefulness of the facilities to be financed with the proceeds of said Community College Bonds to be issued is estimated as a period of 40 years from [ June 10 , 2026 ] , the date of said Community College Bonds , as hereinafter provided , and that such period expires on [ June 10 , 2066 ] Section 2 Pursuant to the 2022 School Bond Order , there shall be issued bonds of the County in the aggregate principal amount of [ 35,000,000 ] Pursuant to the 2024 School Bond Order , there shall be issued bonds of the County in the aggregate principal amount of [ 30,000,000 ] Pursuant to the Community College Bond Order , there shall be issued bonds of the County in the aggregate principal amount of [ 2,000,000 ] The Bonds issued pursuant to this Section 2 shall be designated " Public Improvement Bonds , Series 2026 " and dated their date of delivery the " Bonds " The Bonds shall be stated to mature subject to the right of prior redemption as hereinafter set forth annually , February 1 , [ ____________ ] [ 202_ through 204_ ] , inclusive ; provided , however , and notwithstanding the foregoing principal amortization schedule , the Chairman or Vice - Chairman of the Board , County Manager or Director of Finance , respectively , each acting on behalf of the County , may determine in connection with the sale of the Bonds that , in lieu of the serial maturities set forth above , that one or more maturities of the Bonds will be issued as term bonds with annual installments of principal , together with such other changes to the remaining serial maturities of the Bonds , all as specified by the Chairman or Vice - Chairman of the Board , County Manager or Director of Finance , respectively , either before or after the opening of bids The Bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined by the Local Government Commission of North Carolina at the time the Bonds are sold , which interest to the respective maturities thereof shall be payable on [ August 1 , 2026 ] or such other date as is designated by the County Manager or the Director of Finance in connection with the sale of the Bonds and semiannually thereafter on February 1 and August 1 of each year or other semiannual dates designated by the County Manager or the Director of Finance in connection with the sale of the Bonds until payment of such principal sum PagePage pageNumber6284 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued Section 3 Each Bond shall bear interest from the interest payment date next preceding the date on which it is authenticated unless it is a authenticated upon an interest payment date in which event it shall bear interest from such interest payment date or b authenticated prior to the first interest payment date in which event it shall bear interest from its date ; provided , however , that if at the time of authentication interest is in default , such Bond shall bear interest from the date to which interest has been paid The principal of and the interest and any redemption premium on the Bonds shall be payable in any coin or currency of the United States of America which is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts on the respective dates of payment thereof Section 4 The Bonds initially will be issued by means of a book - entry system with no physical distribution of bond certificates to be made except as hereinafter provided Initially one fully registered bond certificate for each stated maturity of the Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds of such stated maturity and registered in the name of the Securities Depository Nominee defined below , a nominee of the Securities Depository defined below , will be issued and required to be deposited with the Securities Depository and immobilized in its custody The book - entry system of the Securities Depository will evidence positions held in the Bonds by the Securities Depository's participants , with beneficial ownership of the Bonds in the principal amount of 5,000 or any whole multiple thereof being evidenced in the records of such participants Transfers of beneficial ownership will be effected on the records of the Securities Depository and its participants pursuant to rules and procedures established by the Securities Depository and its participants The County and the Bond Registrar will recognize the Securities Depository Nominee or the Securities Depository , as the case may be , while the registered owner of the Bonds , as the owner of the Bonds for all purposes , including payments of principal of and redemption premium , if any , and interest on the Bonds , notices and voting The principal of and any redemption premium on each Bond shall be payable to the Securities Depository Nominee or any other person appearing on the registration books of the County hereinafter provided for as the registered owner of such Bond or his registered assigns or legal representative at the office of the Bond Registrar mentioned hereinafter or such other place as the County may determine upon the presentation and surrender thereof as the same shall become due and payable Payment of the interest on each Bond shall be made by the Bond Registrar on each interest payment date to the registered owner of such Bond or the previous Bond or Bonds evidencing the same debt as that evidenced by such Bond at the close of business on the record date for such interest , which shall be the 15th day whether or not a business day of the calendar month next preceding such interest payment date , by check mailed to such person at his address as it appears on such registration books or , during the continuation of the book - entry system , by such other method of payment as the County may determine to be necessary or advisable with the concurrence of the Securities Depository Transfer of principal and interest and any redemption premium payments to participants of the Securities Depository will be the responsibility of the Securities Depository , and transfer of principal and interest and any redemption premium payments to beneficial owners of the Bonds by participants of the Securities Depository will be the responsibility of such participants and other nominees of such beneficial owners Such transfers of interest by the Securities Depository and by such participants and other nominees of such beneficial owners may be made to the owners of Bonds shown on their records on a date on or after said record date for such interest , pursuant to rules and procedures established by the Securities Depository and its participants The County and the Bond Registrar will not be responsible or liable for such transfers of payments or for maintaining , supervising or reviewing records maintained by the Securities Depository , its participants or persons acting through such participants In the event that a any Securities Depository determines not to continue to act as securities depository for the Bonds or b the Director of Finance of the County determines to discontinue the book - entry system with such Securities Depository , the County may identify another qualified Securities Depository to replace the predecessor Securities Depository and , in such event , the County will make arrangements with the predecessor Securities Depository and such other Securities Depository to effect such replacement and deliver replacement Bonds , registered in the name of such other depository or its nominee in exchange for the outstanding Bonds , and all references in this resolution to any predecessor Securities Depository or Securities Depository Nominee shall thereupon be deemed to mean such other depository or its nominee If the County does not identify another qualified Securities Depository to replace the predecessor Securities Depository , the County will deliver replacement Bonds in the form of fully registered certificates in the denomination of 5,000 or any whole multiple thereof " Certificated Bonds " in exchange for the outstanding Bonds , as required by the predecessor Securities Depository and others Upon the request of the Securities Depository , the County may also deliver one or more Certificated Bonds to any participant of the Securities Depository in exchange for Bonds credited to its account with the Securities Depository The County and the Bond Registrar shall be entitled to rely upon the instructions of the Securities Depository as to the appropriate parties entitled to receive Certificated Bonds For purposes of this resolution " Securities Depository " means The Depository Trust Company , Brooklyn , New York , or other recognized securities depository selected by the County , which maintains the book - entry system in respect of the Bonds authorized by this resolution , and shall include any substitute for or successor to the securities depository initially acting as Securities Depository For purposes of this resolution " SecuritiesPagePage pageNumber7285 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued Depository Nominee " means , as to any Securities Depository , such Securities Depository or the nominee , if any , of such Securities Depository in whose name the Bond certificates shall be registered on the registration books maintained by the Bond Registrar during the continuation with such Securities Depository of the book - entry system authorized by this resolution The Depository Trust Company , Jersey City , New Jersey , is hereby appointed as the initial Securities Depository , and Cede & Co , a nominee thereof , is hereby appointed as the initial Securities Depository Nominee for the Bonds Unless indicated otherwise , the provisions of this resolution that follow shall apply to all Bonds issued or issuable hereunder , whether initially or in replacement thereof Section 5 The Bonds shall be executed with the manual or facsimile signatures of the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board and the Clerk to the Board , and the seal or a facsimile of the seal of the County shall be impressed or imprinted , as the case may be , on the Bonds The certificate of the Local Government Commission of North Carolina shall be endorsed on all Bonds and shall bear the manual or facsimile signature of the Secretary of said Commission or on behalf of the Secretary by a Designated Assistant and the certificate of authentication of the Bond Registrar to be endorsed on all Bonds shall be executed as provided hereinafter In case any officer of the County or the Local Government Commission of North Carolina whose manual or facsimile signature shall appear on any Bonds shall cease to be such officer before the delivery of such Bonds , such manual or facsimile signature shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if such officer had remained in office until such delivery , and any Bond may bear the manual or facsimile signatures of such persons as at the actual time of the execution of such Bond shall be the proper officers to sign such Bond although at the date of such Bond , such persons may not have been such officers No Bond shall be valid or become obligatory for any purpose or be entitled to any benefit or security under this resolution until it shall have been authenticated by the execution by the Bond Registrar of the certificate of authentication endorsed thereon Section 6 The Bonds and the endorsements thereon shall be in substantially the following form [ Front Side of Printed Bonds ] No R - ____ _________________ United States of America State of North Carolina COUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds , Series 2026 MATURITY DATE INTEREST RATE CUSIP February 1 , 20__ ______________ ____________ The County of Johnston , North Carolina the " County " , is justly indebted and for value received hereby promises to pay to __________________________________________ or registered assigns or legal representative on the date specified above or earlier as hereinafter referred to , upon the presentation and surrender hereof , at the office of the Director of Finance of the County , currently at Johnston County Office Building , 207 E Johnston Street , Smithfield , North Carolina 27577 the " Bond Registrar " , the principal sum of ________________________ DOLLARS and to pay interest on such principal sum from the date hereof or from the February 1 or August 1 next preceding the date of authentication to which interest shall have been paid , unless such date of authentication is a February 1 or August 1 to which interest shall have been paid , in which case from such date , such interest to the maturity hereof being payable on [ August 1 , 2026 ] and semiannually thereafter on February 1 and August 1 in each year , at the rate per annum specified above , until payment of such principal sum The interest so payable on any such interest payment date will be paid to the person in whose name this Bond or the previous Bond or Bonds evidencing the same debt as that evidenced by this Bond is registered at the close of business on the record date for such interest , which shall be the 15th day whether or not a business day of the calendar month next preceding such interest payment date , by check mailed to such person at his address as it appears on the bond registration books of the County Both the principal of and the interest on this Bond shall be paid in any coin or currency of the United States of America that is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts on the respective dates of payment thereof For the prompt payment hereof , both principal and interest as the same shall become due , the faith and credit of the County are hereby irrevocably pledged [ Printed Bonds are to include the following paragraph ] ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS OF THIS BOND ARE SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE HEREOF AND SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS IF SET FORTH HERE [ Reverse Side of Printed Bonds ] This Bond is one of an issue of Bonds designated " General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds , Series 2026 " the " Bonds " and issued by the County for the purpose of providing funds , with any other funds necessary , for i the acquisition , construction and equipping of modifications , renovations , additions , improvements andPagePage pageNumber8286 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued extensions to existing school facilities and or one or more new buildings or other school facilities in Johnston County and ii the acquisition , construction , installation and equipping of modifications , renovations , additions , improvements and extensions to existing community college facilities and or one or more new buildings , plants or other community college facilities in Johnston County This Bond is issued under and pursuant to The Local Government Bond Act , as amended , Article 7 , as amended , of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , orders adopted by the Board of Commissioners the " Board " of the County which have taken effect as provided by law , and a resolution duly passed by said Board the " Resolution " The Bonds maturing prior to February 1 , 20__ are not subject to redemption prior to maturity The Bonds maturing on February 1 , 20__ and thereafter may be redeemed , at the option of the County , from any moneys that may be made available for such purpose , either in whole or in part on any date not earlier than February 1 , 20__ , at a redemption price equal to 100 of the principal amount of the Bonds to be redeemed , together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption , without premium If less than all of the Bonds of any one maturity shall be called for redemption , the particular Bonds or portions of Bonds of such maturity to be redeemed shall be selected by lot in such manner as the County in its discretion may determine ; provided , however , that the portion of any Bond to be redeemed shall be in the principal amount of 5,000 or some whole multiple thereof and that , in selecting Bonds for redemption , each Bond shall be considered as representing that number of Bonds which is obtained by dividing the principal amount of such Bond by 5,000 If less than all of the Bonds stated to mature on different dates shall be called for redemption , the particular Bonds or portions thereof to be redeemed shall be called in such maturities and amounts of those maturities as shall be determined by the County Not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days before the redemption date of any Bonds to be redeemed , whether such redemption be in whole or in part , the County shall cause a notice of such redemption to be filed with the Bond Registrar and to be mailed , postage prepaid , to the registered owner of each Bond to be redeemed in whole or in part at the address of said owner appearing upon the registration books of the County Failure to mail such notice or any defect therein as to any Bond or portion thereof shall not affect the validity of the redemption as to any Bond or portion thereof for which such notice was given as required hereby On the date fixed for redemption , notice of such call for redemption having been given as aforesaid and not revoked as hereinafter provided , the Bonds or portions thereof called for redemption shall be due and payable at the redemption price provided therefor , plus accrued interest to such date If moneys for payment of such redemption price and the accrued interest are held by the Bond Registrar as provided in the Resolution , interest on the Bonds or the portions thereof called for redemption shall cease to accrue , such Bonds or portions thereof shall cease to be entitled to any benefits or security under the Resolution or to be deemed outstanding , and the registered owners of such Bonds or portions thereof shall have no rights in respect thereof except to receive payment of the redemption price thereof , plus accrued interest to the date of redemption If a portion of this Bond shall be called for redemption , a new Bond or Bonds in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued to the registered owner hereof or the legal representative of said owner upon the surrender hereof The County shall have the right to revoke any call of Bonds for redemption if , on or prior to the third 3rd business day preceding any date fixed for redemption of Bonds , the County gives written notice to the Bond Registrar and the registered owner of each Bond theretofore called for redemption that the County has elected to revoke its call of such Bonds for redemption [ The following four paragraphs are to be included in the form of Bond so long as the Bonds are being issued pursuant to a book - entry system ] The Bonds initially are being issued by means of a book - entry system with no physical distribution of bond certificates to be made except as provided in the Resolution Initially one fully registered bond certificate for each stated maturity of the Bonds , in the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds of such stated maturity and registered in the name of the Securities Depository Nominee as defined in the Resolution , a nominee of the Securities Depository as defined in the Resolution , is being issued and required to be deposited with the Securities Depository and immobilized in its custody The book - entry system of the Securities Depository will evidence positions held in the Bonds by the Securities Depository's participants , with beneficial ownership of the Bonds in the principal amount of 5,000 or any whole multiple thereof being evidenced in the records of such participants Transfers of beneficial ownership will be effected on the records of the Securities Depository and its participants pursuant to rules and procedures established by the Securities Depository and its participants The County and the Bond Registrar will recognize the Securities Depository Nominee or the Securities Depository , as the case may be , while the registered owner of this Bond , as the owner of this Bond for all purposes , including payments of principal of , and redemption premium , if any , and interest on , this Bond , notices and voting Transfer of principal and interest and any redemption premium payments to participants of the Securities Depository will be the responsibility of the Securities Depository , and transfer of principal and interest and any redemption premium payments to beneficial owners of the Bonds by participants of the Securities Depository will be the responsibility of such participants and other nominees of such beneficial owners The County and the Bond Registrar will not be responsible or liable for such transfers of payments or for maintaining , supervising or reviewing records maintained by the Securities Depository , its participants or persons acting through such participants PagePage pageNumber9287 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued While the Securities Depository Nominee or the Securities Depository , as the case may be , is the owner of this Bond , notwithstanding the provisions hereinabove contained , payments of principal of , redemption premium , if any , and interest on this Bond shall be made to the Securities Depository Nominee or the Securities Depository , as the case may be , by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account of said holder as may be specified in the bond registration books maintained by the Bond Registrar or by such other method of payment as the County may determine to be necessary or advisable with the concurrence of the Securities Depository Further , so long as a book - entry system is used for determining beneficial ownership of Bonds , redemption notices shall be given to the Securities Depository Nominee by certified or registered mail or by such other method as the County may determine to be necessary or advisable with the concurrence of the Securities Depository In addition , so long as a book - entry system is used for determining beneficial ownership of Bonds , if less than all of the Bonds of any one maturity shall be called for redemption , the Securities Depository shall determine by lot the amount of interest of each direct participant of the Securities Depository in the Bonds within such maturity to be redeemed In certain events , the County may replace the Securities Depository at the time with another qualified securities depository In certain events , the County may discontinue the book - entry system and deliver replacement Bonds in the form of fully registered certificates in the denomination of 5,000 or any whole multiple thereof in exchange for the outstanding Bonds as provided in the Resolution At the office of the Bond Registrar , in the manner and subject to the conditions provided in the Resolution , Bonds may be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal amount of Bonds of the same maturity , of authorized denominations and bearing interest at the same rate The Bond Registrar shall keep at its office the books of the County for the registration of transfer of Bonds The transfer of this Bond may be registered only upon such books and as otherwise provided in the Resolution upon the surrender hereof to the Bond Registrar together with an assignment duly executed by the registered owner hereof or his attorney or legal representative in such form as shall be satisfactory to the Bond Registrar Upon any such registration of transfer , the Bond Registrar shall authenticate and deliver in exchange for this Bond a new Bond or Bonds , registered in the name of the transferee , of authorized denominations , in an aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed principal amount of this Bond , of the same maturity and bearing interest at the same rate The Bond Registrar shall not be required to exchange or register the transfer of any Bond during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of Bonds or any portion thereof and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing or of any Bond called for redemption in whole or in part pursuant to the Resolution It is hereby certified and recited that all acts , conditions and things required by the Constitution and laws of North Carolina to happen , exist and be performed precedent to and in the issuance of this Bond have happened , exist and have been performed in regular and due form and time as so required ; that provision has been made for the levy and collection of a direct annual tax upon all taxable property within the geographic boundaries of the County sufficient to pay the principal of and the interest on this Bond as the same shall become due ; and that the total indebtedness of the County , including this Bond , does not exceed any constitutional or statutory limitation thereon [ The following paragraphs through the Certificate of Authentication are to appear on the front side of printed Bonds ] This Bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose or be entitled to any benefit or security under the Resolution until this Bond shall have been authenticated by the execution by the Bond Registrar of the certificate of authentication endorsed hereon IN WITNESS WHEREOF , said County of Johnston , by resolution duly adopted by its Board , has caused this Bond to be executed with the manual or facsimile signatures of the [ Chairman Vice - Chairman ] and the Clerk to the Board and its seal to be impressed or imprinted hereon , all as of the ___ day of June , 2026 COUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA [ Manual or Facsimile Signature ] [ Chairman Vice - Chairman ] [ SEAL ] [ Manual or Facsimile Signature ] Clerk to the Board of Commissioners CERTIFICATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION The issuance of the within Bond has been approved under the provisions of The Local Government Bond Act of North Carolina [ Manual or Facsimile Signature ] Secretary , Local Government Commission [ By ] [ Designated Assistant ]Page0288 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION This Bond is one of the Bonds of the series designated herein and issued under the provisions of the within - mentioned Resolution COUNTY OF JOHNSTON , NORTH CAROLINA as Bond Registrar By ___________________________________ Director of Finance Date of Authentication June __ , 2026 ASSIGNMENT FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned registered owner thereof hereby sells , assigns and transfers unto __________________________________________________________ the within bond and all rights thereunder and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints _________________________________________________________________________ attorney to register the transfer of said bond on the books kept for registration thereof , with full power of substitution in the premises Dated _______________________ ___________________________________ Assignor's Signature Signature Guaranteed ____________________________ NOTICE The assignor's signature to this assignment must correspond with the name of the registered owner as it appears upon the face of the within bond in every particular , without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever [ End of Bond Form ] Certificated Bonds issuable hereunder shall be in substantially the form of the Bonds registered in the name of the Securities Depository Nominee with such changes as are necessary to reflect the provisions of this resolution that are applicable to Certificated Bonds Section 7 The various maturities of the Bonds will be subject to redemption prior to their respective maturity as set forth herein or as otherwise designated by the County Manager or Director of Finance at the time of sale of the Bonds All or any of the maturities of the Bonds , as so designated by the County Manager or Director of Finance , may be nonredeemable prior to their stated maturity If any of the Bonds are to be redeemable before their stated maturity , the provisions set forth in the remainder of this Section 7 shall apply ; but such provisions shall be inapplicable if none of the Bonds are subject to redemption prior to their stated maturity The Bonds maturing prior to February 1 , 20__ will not be subject to redemption prior to maturity The Bonds maturing on February 1 , 20__ and thereafter will be redeemable , at the option of the County , from any moneys that may be made available for such purpose , either in whole or in part on any date not earlier than February 1 , 20__ , at a redemption price equal to 100 of the principal amount of the Bonds to be redeemed , together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption , without premium If less than all of the Bonds of any one maturity shall be called for redemption then , subject to the sentence immediately following , the particular Bonds or portions of Bonds of such maturity to be redeemed shall be selected by lot in such manner as the County in its discretion may determine ; provided , however , that the portion of any Bond to be redeemed shall be in the principal amount of 5,000 or some whole multiple thereof and that , in selecting Bonds for redemption , each Bond shall be considered as representing that number of Bonds which is obtained by dividing the principal amount of such Bond by 5,000 So long as a book - entry system is used for determining beneficial ownership of Bonds , if less than all of the Bonds of any one maturity shall be called for redemption , the Securities Depository shall determine by lot the amount of interest of each direct participant of the Securities Depository in the Bonds within such maturity to be redeemed If less than all of the Bonds stated to mature on different dates shall be called for redemption , the particular Bonds or portions thereof to be redeemed shall be called in such maturities and amounts of those maturities as shall be determined by the County Not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days before the redemption date of any Bonds to be redeemed , whether such redemption be in whole or in part , the County shall cause a notice of such redemption to be filed with the Bond Registrar and to be mailed , postage prepaid , to the registered owner of each Bond to be redeemed in whole or in part at the address of said owner appearing upon the registration books of the County ; provided , however , so long as a book - entry system is used for determining beneficial ownership of Bonds , such notice shall be givenPage1289 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued to the Securities Depository Nominee by certified or registered mail or by such other method as the County may determine to be necessary or advisable with the concurrence of the Securities Depository Failure to mail such notice or any defect therein as to any Bond or portion thereof shall not affect the validity of the redemption as to any Bond or portion thereof for which such notice was given as required hereby Each such notice shall set forth the date designated for redemption , the redemption price to be paid and the maturities of the Bonds to be redeemed In the event that Certificated Bonds are outstanding , each such notice to the registered owners thereof shall also set forth , if less than all of the Bonds of any maturity then outstanding shall be called for redemption , the distinctive numbers and letters , if any , of such Bonds to be redeemed and , in the case of any Bond to be redeemed in part only , the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed If any Bond is to be redeemed in part only , the notice of redemption shall state also that on or after the redemption date , upon surrender of such Bond , a new Bond or Bonds in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of such Bond will be issued The County shall have the right to revoke any call of Bonds for redemption if , on or prior to the third 3rd business day preceding any date fixed for redemption of Bonds , the County gives written notice to the Bond Registrar and the registered owner of each Bond theretofore called for redemption that the County has elected to revoke its call of such Bonds for redemption If any Bonds or portions thereof , are to be redeemed , the Bond Registrar shall open a separate account for the sole benefit of the bondholders whose Bonds are being redeemed , which account may be maintained by the Bond Registrar or by an agent On or before the date fixed for redemption , moneys shall be deposited with the Bond Registrar in its capacity as such for deposit in such account to pay the principal of and the redemption premium , if any , on the Bonds or portions thereof called for redemption as well as the interest accruing thereon to the redemption date thereof On the date fixed for redemption , notice of such call for redemption having been given in the manner and under the conditions hereinabove provided and not revoked as hereinabove provided , the Bonds or portions thereof so called for redemption shall be due and payable from the moneys required to be deposited in such account at the redemption price provided therefor , plus accrued interest to such date If moneys sufficient to pay the redemption price of the Bonds or portions thereof to be redeemed , plus accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption , are held by the Bond Registrar in such account in trust for the registered owners of Bonds or portions thereof to be redeemed , interest on the Bonds or portions thereof called for redemption shall cease to accrue , such Bonds or portions thereof shall cease to be entitled to any benefits or security under this resolution or to be deemed outstanding , and the registered owners of such Bonds or portions thereof shall have no rights in respect thereof except to receive payment of the redemption price thereof , plus accrued interest to the date of redemption If a portion of a Bond shall be selected for redemption , the registered owner thereof or his attorney or legal representative shall present and surrender such Bond to the Bond Registrar for payment of the principal amount thereof so called for redemption and the redemption premium , if any , on such principal amount , and the Bond Registrar shall authenticate and deliver to or upon the order of such registered owner or his legal representative , without charge therefor , for the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Bond so surrendered , a Bond or Bonds of the same maturity , of any denomination or denominations authorized by this resolution and bearing interest at the same rate Section 8 The provisions of this Section 8 relating to the exchange and transfer of Bonds are subject to the provisions for operation of the book - entry system provided in Section 4 of this resolution , including the immobilization of Bond certificates with a Securities Depository during the continuation of the book - entry system Bonds , upon surrender thereof at the office of the Bond Registrar together with an assignment duly executed by the registered owner or his attorney or legal representative in such form as shall be satisfactory to the Bond Registrar , may , at the option of the registered owner thereof , be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal amount of Bonds of the same maturity , of any denomination or denominations authorized by this resolution and bearing interest at the same rate The transfer of any Bond may be registered only upon the registration books of the County upon the surrender thereof to the Bond Registrar together with an assignment duly executed by the registered owner or his attorney or legal representative in such form as shall be satisfactory to the Bond Registrar Upon any such registration of transfer , the Bond Registrar shall authenticate and deliver in exchange for such Bond a new Bond or Bonds , registered in the name of the transferee , of any denomination or denominations authorized by this resolution , in an aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed principal amount of such Bond so surrendered , of the same maturity and bearing interest at the same rate In all cases in which Bonds shall be exchanged or the transfer of Bonds shall be registered hereunder , the Bond Registrar shall authenticate and deliver at the earliest practicable time Bonds in accordance with the provisions of this resolution All Bonds surrendered in any such exchange or registration of transfer shall forthwith be cancelled by the Bond Registrar The County or the Bond Registrar may make a charge for every such exchange or registration of transfer of Bonds sufficient to reimburse it for shipping charges , out - of - pocket costs and any tax , fee or other governmental charge required to be paid with respect to such exchange or registration of transfer , but no other charge shall be made by the County or the Bond Registrar for exchanging or registering thePage2290 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued transfer of Bonds under this resolution The Bond Registrar shall not be required to exchange or register the transfer of any Bond during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of Bonds or any portion thereof and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing or of any Bond called for redemption in whole or in part pursuant to Section 7 of this resolution As to any Bond , the person in whose name the same shall be registered shall be deemed and regarded as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes , and payment of or on account of the principal or redemption price of any such Bond and the interest on any such Bond shall be made only to or upon the order of the registered owner thereof or his legal representative All such payments shall be valid and effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability upon such Bond , including the redemption premium , if any , and interest thereon , to the extent of the sum or sums so paid The County shall appoint such registrars , transfer agents , depositaries or other agents as may be necessary for the registration , registration of transfer and exchange of Bonds within a reasonable time according to then current commercial standards and for the timely payment of principal , interest and any redemption premium with respect to the Bonds The County is to act as the initial registrar , transfer agent and paying agent for the Bonds collectively the " Bond Registrar " , subject to the right of the governing body of the County to appoint another Bond Registrar The Director of Finance or such other officer who shall from time to time perform the duties of finance officer within the meaning of North Carolina General Statutes , Section 159 - 24 , as it may be amended from time to time , or any successor statute , is hereby designated to act on behalf of the County in carrying out its responsibilities as Bond Registrar , subject to the right of the governing body of the County to designate another officer to act on its behalf , and as such shall keep at the office of the Director of Finance , currently at Johnston County Courthouse , 207 E Johnston Street , Smithfield , North Carolina 27577 , the books of the County for the registration , registration of transfer , exchange and payment of the Bonds Section 9 The actions of the County Manager and the Director of Finance of the County in applying to the Local Government Commission of North Carolina to advertise and sell the Bonds are hereby approved , ratified and confirmed The Local Government Commission of North Carolina is hereby requested to ask for sealed bids for the Bonds by publishing notices and printing and distributing a Preliminary Official Statement and an Official Statement , including any supplement thereto , relating to the sale of the Bonds The Preliminary Official Statement , proposed to be dated on or about [ May 8 , 2026 ] , substantially in the form presented at this meeting , and an Official Statement , proposed to be dated on or about [ May 19 , 2026 ] , in substantially the form of the Preliminary Official Statement presented at this meeting , with such changes as are necessary to reflect the maturities , redemption provisions , if any , interest rates and other pricing data of the Bonds , is hereby approved and the Chairman or Vice - Chairman of the Board , the County Manager and the Director of Finance , respectively , of the County are each hereby authorized to approve changes in such Preliminary Official Statement or Official Statement , to approve any supplement to such Preliminary Official Statement or Official Statement and to execute such Official Statement and any supplement to such Official Statement for and on behalf of the County Section 11 There may be printed on the reverse of each of any printed Bonds the legal opinion of Maynard Nexsen PC , bond counsel to the County , with respect to the validity of the Bonds and there may be printed immediately following such legal opinion a certificate bearing the manual or facsimile signature of the Chairman or Vice - Chairman of the Board of the County , said certificate to be in substantially the following form " I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the legal opinion on the bonds therein described which was manually signed by Maynard Nexsen PC , Charlotte , North Carolina , and was dated as of the date of delivery of and payment for said bonds [ Manual or Facsimile Signature ] Chairman Vice - Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Johnston County , North Carolina " Section 12 The County covenants that , to the extent permitted by the Constitution and laws of the State of North Carolina , it will do and perform all acts and things to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 , as amended the " Code " , and any related regulations and procedures in order to assure that interest paid on the Bonds will not be includable in the gross income of the owners thereof for purposes of federal income taxation , except to the extent that the County obtains an opinion of bond counsel to the effect that noncompliance would not result in interest on the Bonds being includable in the gross income of the owners of the Bonds for purposes of federal income taxation As necessary or appropriate in connection with the issuance of the Bonds , all officers , employees and agents of the County are authorized and directed to provide certifications of material facts and estimates as to the reasonable expectations of the County as of the date s the Bonds are delivered and on behalf of the County to sign agreements or acknowledge instructions regarding compliance with the requirements of the Code and any related regulations and procedures relating to the Bonds Page3291 April 20 , 2026 - 6 00 pm Continued Section 13 There are hereby created , as may be needed , appropriate funds and accounts of the County for the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds of the Bonds and appropriate debt service funds and accounts of the County for the receipt and disbursement of debt service payments on the Bonds Section 14 The County hereby undertakes , for the benefit of the beneficial owners of the Bonds to provide a by not later than seven months from the end of each fiscal year of the County , commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30 , 2026 , to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board MSRB , audited financial statements of the County for such fiscal year , if available , prepared in accordance with Section 159 - 34 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , as it may be amended from time to time , or any successor statute , or , if such audited financial statements of the County are not available by seven months from the end of such fiscal year , unaudited financial statements of the County for such fiscal year to be replaced subsequently by audited financial statements of the County to be delivered within 15 days after such audited financial statements become available for distribution ; b by not later than seven months from the end of each fiscal year of the County , commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30 , 2026 , to the MSRB , i the financial and statistical data as of a date not earlier than the end of the preceding fiscal year for the type of information included under heading " The County - Debt Information and - Tax Information " in the Official Statement relating to the Bonds excluding any information on overlapping or underlying units and ii the combined budget of the County for the current fiscal year , to the extent such items are not included in the financial statements referred to in a above ; c in a timely manner , not in excess of ten 10 Business Days after the occurrence of the event , notice to the MSRB of any of the following events with respect to the Bonds 1 principal and interest payment delinquencies ; 2 non - payment related defaults , if material ; 3 unscheduled draws on debt service reserves reflecting financial difficulties ; 4 unscheduled draws on any credit enhancements reflecting financial difficulties ; 5 substitution of any credit or liquidity providers , or their failure to perform ; 6 adverse tax opinions , the issuance by the Internal Revenue Service of proposed or final determinations of taxability , Notices of Proposed Issue IRS Form 5701 - TEB or other material notices or determinations with respect to the tax status of Bonds , or other material events affecting the tax status of the Bonds ; 7 modification to rights of the beneficial owners of the Bonds , if mater