AULANDER – The Aulander Town Council will hold a special meeting Monday, Oct. 20, for its annual State of the Town Address, where town officials will discuss financial recovery, infrastructure progress, and goals for the year ahead. The event will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, and Town Administrator Bob Jones is expected to deliver remarks centered on transparency, accountability, and unity.

“This is about transparency, accountability, and unity,” Jones said in prepared remarks for Monday’s address. “It’s about looking honestly at where we are, recognizing what we’ve accomplished, and setting a clear direction for where we’re going.”

The State of the Town Address comes at a time when Aulander continues to rebound from years of financial instability. Over the past year, town leaders have taken steps to restore accountability in fiscal management, strengthen partnerships, and pursue long-term investments in infrastructure and community development.

And per this writer’s note — I like Aulander and all things Bertie County. I’m glad to be reportng on some good news.

Restoring Financial Stability

Aulander’s financial recovery has been one of the most significant focuses of the past year. Jones noted that the town has made “significant progress” in completing overdue audits and restoring accountability in its financial operations.

“We’ve implemented new procedures for budget tracking, expenditure control, and financial reporting to ensure taxpayer funds are handled responsibly,” he said.

The town is also working toward qualifying for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Viable Utility Program, which provides financial and technical assistance to strengthen local water and sewer systems.

Through a combination of grants and budget reforms, Aulander has been able to address both short-term operational needs and long-term infrastructure planning. Grant funds have been used to purchase essential equipment for the Public Works Department—including a bucket truck, mini excavator, chipper, asphalt roller, and mowers—helping staff respond more efficiently to maintenance needs.

Other grant-supported improvements have added seasonal banners and new Christmas lights along Main and Commerce Streets, brightening the downtown corridor and signaling a renewed civic spirit.

Investing in Infrastructure

Jones said the town’s infrastructure remains a top priority, particularly in water and sewer systems that have aged over time.

“We continued investment in our water and sewer systems, identifying critical repair needs and pursuing grant opportunities to modernize aging infrastructure,” he said.

Maintenance schedules have been improved, and discussions are underway to relocate the Public Works facility to a site near the town’s elevated water tank. Consolidating operations there would improve efficiency and centralize essential services.

Aulander is also exploring ways to make its infrastructure more resilient to environmental and financial pressures. With assistance from the Resilient Coastal Communities Program, the town plans to add three downtown parking areas and a new walking path at the town park next summer—projects aimed at both revitalization and quality of life improvements.

Public Safety and Community Renewal

Public safety and community engagement have also been key areas of focus. The town has strengthened its partnership with Bertie County and the Sheriff’s Office to enhance law enforcement presence and improve coverage throughout Aulander.

Jones emphasized the importance of enforcing town ordinances to promote “a safer and cleaner environment.”

Meanwhile, recreational and beautification projects have brought visible improvements to local spaces. The town has refurbished the tennis courts and added pickleball courts, and decorative pillars and railings now line the raised sidewalk on Main Street—changes Jones said reflect pride in the town’s appearance and heritage.

Community partnerships and local events have also been encouraged as part of efforts to build civic pride and unity. “We continue to support community events and partnerships that foster civic engagement and community pride,” Jones said.

“Creating Safer Crossings” Initiative

One of the town’s most forward-looking efforts is its application to the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Pedestrian Safety Projects Program for funding to launch a new initiative called Creating Safer Crossings for Aulander.

The proposal would install pedestrian countdown signals, high-visibility crosswalks, and ADA-accessible routes throughout the downtown area. These upgrades are designed to improve safety, reduce vehicle speeds, and make Aulander’s town center more walkable.

To further enhance traffic operations, the project would include a “rest-on-red” feature—an innovative system allowing intersections to operate as an all-way stop when no vehicles are present. This technology helps create “a calmer, more predictable environment for pedestrians,” Jones said.

Beyond safety, Jones emphasized that the improvements would have broader benefits for local businesses and residents. “By improving the safety and accessibility of downtown crossings, this project will strengthen connections between public parking areas, local businesses, and community destinations—supporting both pedestrian safety and downtown revitalization efforts,” he said.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the town’s progress, Jones said Aulander still faces significant challenges common to small rural communities, including aging infrastructure, limited staffing resources, and a small tax base.

“Aulander, like many small towns, faces challenges,” he said. “But these challenges do not define us. They are the reasons we must keep moving forward.”

Jones emphasized that careful planning, collaboration, and persistence will remain central to overcoming these issues. “Through careful planning, collaboration, and persistence, we will continue to make meaningful progress,” he said.

Goals for 2026

Looking ahead, Jones outlined an ambitious set of goals for the coming year aimed at strengthening Aulander’s operations and continuing its path toward stability and growth.

Among the 2026 objectives:

• Completing all outstanding financial audits and maintaining compliance with state regulations.
• Advancing the Public Works relocation project and exploring funding sources for infrastructure improvements.
• Developing a Capital Improvement Plan to guide investments in water, sewer, and community facilities.
• Expanding partnerships with Bertie County, state agencies, and community organizations.
• Applying for additional water and sewer infrastructure grants.
• Continuing efforts to revitalize the downtown area.
• Promoting transparency, public engagement, and accountability in every decision.

Jones said these priorities will help Aulander remain on a path of “steady, determined progress.”

“The State of Our Town is Strong”

In closing, Jones will deliver a message of resilience and optimism, crediting residents for their role in the town’s ongoing revival.

“The State of our Town is strong and one of determined progress,” he said. “We are stronger today because we’ve faced challenges head-on. We are wiser because we’ve learned from the past. And we are moving forward—together—toward a brighter future.”

Jones said Aulander’s greatest strength has always been its people. “Their pride, their commitment, and their belief in this community are what make our town special,” he said. “Together, we will continue to build a town that is safe, sustainable, and full of opportunities for future generations.”

A Moment of Reflection and Direction

Monday night’s address will mark more than just an annual update—it will serve as a checkpoint for a community determined to rebuild trust, stabilize finances, and modernize infrastructure without losing its small-town identity.

As Aulander continues its turnaround, Jones said the town’s focus remains clear: “To do what’s best for the people of Aulander.”

The special meeting is open to the public. Residents are encouraged to attend and hear firsthand about the progress, plans, and priorities shaping Aulander’s future.