Council authorizes staff to pursue CDBG‑CV and occupancy‑tax match to add lights at Brian Multisports Complex if no alternative found

Goldsboro City Council on May 18 authorized staff to pursue use of available CDBG‑CV funds, combined with occupancy‑tax/travel & tourism funds, to install lights at the Brian Multisports Complex if no other shovel‑ready, eligible projects are identified.

Council discussion centered on eligibility and timeliness: several council members said they were reluctant to use federal CV funds without confirming they were the best option, while others urged staff to move quickly because the federal program deadline for spending those funds is approaching. City staff said the lighting project had been identified as eligible based on the complex’s location in a low‑and‑moderate‑income (LMI) census tract and the site’s large open fields, which can be used for socially distanced activities. The travel‑and‑tourism board has already committed occupancy‑tax funds for two fields at the complex; the council’s action was framed as a way to leverage a larger number of fields with an economy‑of‑scale approach.

Vote and conditions: After questions about potential operating costs (additional electric bills) and tournament recruitment, the council voted 6–0 with one abstention to authorize staff to proceed with the funding request and to seek alternatives. The motion directed staff to pursue an extension if possible, explore other shovel‑ready eligible projects, and return to council with specific cost and revenue projections if staff recommended proceeding.

Why it matters: Additional field lighting would allow evening tournament play and could increase out‑of‑town bookings, generating lodging and economic activity; staff cautioned that anticipated tournament revenue is not guaranteed and operating costs will rise if lights are installed. Council members asked staff to provide estimated incremental electric costs and conservative revenue assumptions before final construction authorization.

Provenance: Council debate and vote occurred during the budget discussion and old business on May 18. Staff committed to provide projected light‑bill estimates and revenue scenarios to the council promptly.