Goldsboro continues to examine its new city budget.

Monday evening, the Goldsboro City Council met again and resumed dissecting the new financial plan.

Heading into Monday’s work session, the City Manager’s recommended 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Budget includes a three-cent property tax increase as well as a 15% increase in water and sewer rates.

While the property tax increase will likely stay in the new financial document, it appears the council is at a stalemate over the new water and sewer rates.

Council member Hiawatha Jones asked to use ARP funds to address critical needs while delaying the implantation of the water and sewer rate increase another year.

Meanwhile, Council member Gene Aycock noted the city needed the planned utility upgrades for business and industry to keep growing.

City Manager Tim Salmon says, while ARP funds are available, the city would be “kicking the can down the road” in delaying the water and sewer rate hikes.

With no clear majority, the city council is planning to do away with the proposed water and sewer rate increases and will instead attempt to use American Rescue Plan funds for needed infrastructure projects.

The council plans to give final approval to the new budget at a special meeting either this Friday or the following Friday, depending on council members’ availability.