City of Kinston's proposed budget totals $117,888,927
The City of Kinston's proposed budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 has been unveiled by City Manager Rhonda Barwick. The recommended budget, totaling $117,888,927, does not impose any increases on property tax rates, utility rates, or the use of fund balance. The budget also includes salary adjustments and additional positions in key departments. The City of Kinston anticipates voting on the proposed budget on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
According to Barwick, the recommended budget addresses the need for cost-of-living adjustments and employee retention while staying competitive in the job market.
The recommended budget addresses the need for cost-of-living adjustments and employee retention while staying competitive in the job market. Barwick stated, "In order to remain competitive, we must provide cost-of-living increases to our employees on a more regular basis."
The proposed budget includes a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time employees, effective July 1, 2023. Barwick emphasized the importance of this adjustment to address Kinston's compensation challenges, saying, "Kinston's compensation for full-time employees continues to fall short in many areas."
While the number of full-time positions remains unchanged due to reorganizations, the budget incorporates additional positions in the Management Information Systems (MIS), Planning, and Police departments. Among these positions is a Victim Service Specialist in the Police Department, aimed at improving law enforcement's awareness of mental health needs within the community.
Furthermore, the City's recent Interlocal Agreements with Lenoir County for Building Inspections and Animal Control services are reflected in the proposed budget. The budget allocates resources for the reclassification of two building inspection positions to support the Planning Department's pursuit of housing rehabilitation programs and the improvement of deteriorating commercial properties.
As the City continues to provide group insurance and retirement benefits to its employees, the proposed budget accounts for increased costs in the coming fiscal year. The employer retirement rate has risen for both non-law enforcement officers (LEO) and LEO employees, requiring adjustments in the budget to ensure continued funding of the Health Self-Insurance Fund.
The city allocated $200,000 for road resurfacing, while $50,000 is earmarked for the completion of the next phase of the Hardee Road Rehabilitation project. Other allocations include $45,000 for paving a new section at Westview Cemetery, the second of 15 payments, $10,000 each, for the Kinston Community Center's slide rehabilitation project, and $328,319 for the SmartGrid Project, which reimburses the Electric Fund.
The proposed budget allocates resources for neighborhood beautification efforts, including $50,000 for demolition projects. Additionally, investments in safety equipment, such as turn-out gear and vehicle extrication equipment, are included for the Kinston Fire and Rescue department.
A copy of the recommended budget will be available for public inspection at the City Clerk's Office and posted on the City's website. The budget will be discussed during a public hearing scheduled for the June 6, 2023, City Council meeting.
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