Kinston council hears citizen tax concerns, adopts downtown master plan proposal
Property taxes and neighborhood conditions dominated Tuesday night’s Kinston City Council meeting, where residents voiced frustrations over rising costs before council members approved several measures, including a downtown master plan proposal and a new city investment policy.
Mayor Don Hardy called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Citizen comment opened with Christina Moore, who spoke about unsafe shelter conditions and the need for more stable housing options. Lavon Grady thanked Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Hardy for addressing a neighborhood safety issue but requested a formal apology from city staff for a delayed response. Gwendolyn Woods, Raine Tyndall, Quarla Blackwell, and Rosemary Jones all raised concerns about steep property tax increases following the county’s recent revaluation.
Tyndall cited state law G.S. 159-15, arguing that the city should reduce its tax rate to stay “revenue neutral.” Jones echoed the concern, calling the new rates “a radical financial discrepancy” for homeowners. Several residents said the increases, combined with higher utility costs, were unsustainable for working families and seniors.
Councilmembers Felicia Solomon and Chris Suggs later revisited the issue during council reports, requesting legal clarification on whether the statute allows a mid-year rate reduction. Solomon urged colleagues to consider an adjustment before Jan. 1, 2026, noting that “people need help, and they need help now.” Neuse News is working on a follow up story about the mid-year rate reduction.
Officer honored and crime down 18 percent
Police Chief Keith Goyette presented the city’s third-quarter crime statistics, reporting an overall 18.1 percent decrease in violent crime compared with last year. He recognized Detective Andy Wilson for receiving the statewide Excellence Award from the North Carolina Division of the International Association for Identification for his forensic work on a catalytic converter theft case.
Council actions
Council unanimously approved:
A special event permit for the Greene Lamp Fall Festival, scheduled Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Grainger Stadium.
A downtown master plan project, authorizing staff to seek consultant proposals in partnership with Lenoir County. Planning Director Elizabeth Blount said the plan will guide redevelopment, accessibility, and aesthetics for downtown. Suggs requested that housing feasibility and pedestrian connectivity to Mitchelltown and East Kinston be added to the scope.
A resolution authorizing foreclosure to recover demolition costs and unpaid taxes from the former Super 8 Motel site.
A city investment policy formalizing how public funds are managed under state law.
A cooperative agreement with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to replace fishing piers at the Nature Center ponds, with the city maintaining the structures.
City Manager Rhonda Barwick postponed the Emma Webb Park ribbon-cutting and All-America City celebration until additional work is completed.
Broader concerns
Suggs and Hardy closed the meeting by warning of ripple effects from the ongoing federal government shutdown and the state legislature’s redistricting efforts, which they said could reduce eastern North Carolina’s political influence. Hardy added that potential cuts to programs such as SNAP and Head Start would have “a trickle-down effect” on local families and services.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:25 p.m.
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