As the new year prepared to dawn across Sampson County, filled with all its possible opportunities, the areas local mayors and town officials took time to talk to us about the things they see on the horizon for their small towns and municipalities, all filled with hope for a prosperous, safe impactful 2026.
Autryville
“We’ve got a lot of exciting things coming up,” said Autryville Town Clerk Lisa Jones. “We plan to finish up the Stonewater Improvement Plan this year. We’ve been working on it for a few years now.”
We have some new people moving into the neighborhood. The new neighborhoods that have been built in the past few years are finally being inhabited by people. We’re looking forward to welcoming them in and encouraging growth in the town and community.”
Clinton
“We want to continue the progress we’re making for the upcoming year,” said Mayor Lew Starling.
“As you can see around town, we have a good spurt of growth and I think that’s true for the whole county. Here, we want to continue positive growth and continue to make Clinton a place where people like to live … where young people who leave for college want to return to live. We want them to come back later down the line.”
Garland
“With the NCDMV Driver’s License Office officially open and the completion of the town’s new stage, our focus now turns to the next set of projects on the table,” newly sworn-in Mayor Ralph Smith Jr. noted.
” One major priority is the improvement of our ball fields and parks. These upgrades include new lighting and fencing, updated soccer fields, and paving the walking track. At Cain Park, we will also be installing new playground equipment and constructing new restroom facilities. These park projects are officially in motion and we are currently taking bids. In addition, we are excited to share that as of this week, a new housing development project is moving forward. This development will be accompanied by a major retail outlet. We also have a couple of restaurants that have committed to locating in town. I spoke with one of the owners this week, and they are simply waiting for the deed to be recorded before getting started.
“It’s an exciting time for our community, and we look forward to continued progress and growth in the year ahead.”
Harrells
“The Town of Harrells will continue to maintain safety and make Harrells a desirable place to live and raise families,” said Mayor Kim Johnson.
“We will continue to update our town with beautification and cleanup projects and refurbishing our town park.
And, we wish all of our residents in town and the surrounding areas a happy and prosperous New Year!”
Newton Grove
“The town of Newton Grove has many things going on that we are doing our best to move forward in the year 2026,” said Mayor Craig Warren.
” The state grant we received over a year ago is being used to revitalize the water and sewer monitoring system in Newton Grove, but grant money comes in slowly due to the processes involved.
“The Scata system that monitors our water system is nearly replaced and the Scata system on the sewer system is getting several electrical system upgrades that are much needed, and we are following the guidelines required in the grants to comply with state requirements. These are major infrastructure items that are vital to the town, and we are taking this opportunity to use grant funds to their fullest potential.
In addition, Warren said, “we have several other items needing attention but these are some we feel that take priority in early 2026 with others to follow as time and funds allow.”
Roseboro
The year “2026 promises to be an exciting year for the town of Roseboro,” Mayor Alice Butler stressed. “We will begin the year with the grand opening of our new fire station in January. In February, we plan to open the newly renovated downtown building, featuring retail space on the first floor and two studio apartments on the second floor. This important project was made possible through a Rural Transformation Grant.”
In March and April, Butler said, the town’s focus will be on completing sewer line and manhole rehabilitation and replacements.”Once finished, more than 38 percent of our sewer lines will be upgraded. Additionally, our water system improvement project begins on Jan. 5. Upon completion in April, the town will have 100 new water valves and over one mile of rehabilitated or replacement water lines. These valves are critical for isolating water breaks so the entire town does not lose water.
“Another major goal for 2026 is continued economic growth. With increased capacity at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Roseboro is now positioned to support additional industry as well as more small businesses. We have also seen many new homes built in town and look forward to welcoming even more new neighbors.
Butler said she and the town were also committed to continuing community events while finding new ways to promote them.
“BloomFest and our ‘alive in the Boro’ series offer fun, family-friendly activities for all ages. Additionally, we encourage more residents and visitors to enjoy the Roseboro Heritage Trail, a one-mile loop through downtown,. Walking the trail supports both physical and mental well-being and highlights the charm of our community.”
Salemburg
“We’ve got a lot going on here for the new year,” said Mayor Joe Warren. “We just put in a new public works building, we’re putting in a new well for the town sometime in February. We’re also working on getting grant money for a new park and things like that. We’re really starting to grow as a town. We’re still not a big town, but when I see new homes being built in the town, I’m a happy man.”
Turkey
Turkey’s town hall was closed and the mayor nor the town clerk could be reached for comment regarding the goals for 2026.