Stonebridge Approves $200 Million Capital‑Improvement Bond for 2026‑2030

The Stonebridge City Council voted unanimously on last night to issue a $200 million municipal bond to fund a five‑year capital‑improvement program that will upgrade roads, water infrastructure, and community facilities, while also providing a modest debt‑reduction plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Under the proposal, the city will issue 5‑%, 20‑year municipal bonds that will finance:

1. Road & Bridge Rehabilitation – 23 miles of Main Street, Stonebridge Way, and the Riverbend corridor are slated for resurfacing, pothole repair, and the addition of bike lanes and pedestrian overlays.
2. Water‑Sewer Modernization – Replacement of 12 mi of aging mains, installation of smart‑metering technology, and expansion of the storm‑water retention basin in Stonepark.
3. Community Facilities Upgrade – Renovation of the Stonebridge Library’s STEM wing, refurbishment of the Riverbend Museum’s sculpture garden, and expansion of the pool’s accessibility features.
4. Economic Development Incentives – A tax‑credit program for businesses that relocate to the Riverbend industrial park, intended to spur job growth and diversify the local economy.

“The bond package is a strategic investment in our infrastructure that will keep Stonebridge competitive and safe for the next two decades,” said Cara Orange, the City's Financial Manager. “Because the bonds carry a 5% interest rate, we can keep the overall cost to taxpayers manageable, with the projected 0.5% increase in annual property tax revenues spread over the 20‑year repayment period.”

Mayor Elena R. Hartman welcomed the decision, adding, “This is a historic moment for Stonebridge. The bond gives us the breathing room to modernize while protecting our residents from sudden tax spikes. And the economic‑development component will help us attract new businesses without raising taxes.”

The city’s budget for FY 2026 will be adjusted to accommodate the $200 million debt service, which is expected to total $9.8 million annually. The council will also create a “Capital‑Improvement Oversight Committee” composed of city staff and independent experts to monitor project progress and ensure fiscal transparency.

Community feedback during the council meeting was largely positive, though some residents voiced concerns about potential traffic disruptions during road repairs. In response, the council agreed to implement a phased construction schedule and enhanced traffic management plans.

The bond issuance is slated to take place in late June, with an initial offering of $75 million followed by a second tranche in August. Both investors and residents are encouraged to request further details, including the official bond prospectus, by contacting the City of Stonebridge's Financial office at: 724-889-0009 ext. 102 or mgreen@stonebridge.com.

Stonebridge residents can attend the next City Council meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The City encourages all citizens to participate and voice their opinions on this critical investment in the city’s future.